In Re: Aaron Darryl Thomas, Petitioner, 52 F.3d 322 (4th Cir. 1995)

Aaron Thomas petitions this Court for a writ of mandamus seeking the recusal of a district judge who has presided over Thomas' criminal case. Additionally, Thomas asks this Court to vacate the district court's order denying his motion to withdraw his guilty plea and to direct a new hearing. Finally, Thomas asks this Court to direct that his attorney be removed prior to the hearing and that he be allowed to proceed pro se if he chooses.

By order dated January 30, 1995, the district court disqualified itself from further involvement in Thomas' case. That part of the mandamus petition relating to recusal is therefore moot. Because mandamus may not be used as a substitute for appeal, In re: United Steelworkers, 595 F.2d 958, 960 (4th Cir. 1979), we deny the petition insofar as it challenges the guilty plea withdrawal and the remaining, related matters.

While we grant leave to proceed in forma pauperis, we deny the petition. As our review of the materials before us reveals that it would not significantly aid the decisional process, we dispense with oral argument.

PETITION DENIED