Free Response in Opposition - District Court of California - California


File Size: 66.1 kB
Pages: 16
Date: September 8, 2008
File Format: PDF
State: California
Category: District Court of California
Author: unknown
Word Count: 5,694 Words, 35,872 Characters
Page Size: Letter (8 1/2" x 11")
URL

https://www.findforms.com/pdf_files/casd/276337/12.pdf

Download Response in Opposition - District Court of California ( 66.1 kB)


Preview Response in Opposition - District Court of California
Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 1 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KAREN P. HEWITT United States Attorney DOUGLAS KEEHN Assistant U.S. Attorney California State Bar No. 233686 United States Attorney's Office 880 Front Street, Room 6293 San Diego, California 92101-8893 Phone: (619) 557-6549 Fax: (619) 235-2757 Attorneys for Plaintiff United States of America UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

9 SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) JUAN RUBEN PRIETO-APARICIO, ) ) Defendant. ) ) ) ) Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W RESPONSE IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT'S MOTIONS TO: (1) COMPEL DISCOVERY; (2) PRESERVE EVIDENCE; AND (3) GRANT LEAVE FOR FURTHER MOTIONS Date: Time: Court: September 15, 2008 2:00 p.m. The Hon. Thomas J. Whelan

COMES NOW the plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, by and through its counsel, United States Attorney, Karen P. Hewitt, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Keehn, and hereby files its Response in Opposition to Defendant's Motions to Compel Discovery, to Preserve Evidence, and For Leave to File Further Motions. This Response in Opposition is based upon the files and records of this case, together with the attached Statement of Facts, Memorandum of Points and Authorities. // // // // //

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 2 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

I STATEMENT OF FACTS A. Statement of the Case On August 6, 2008, an Indictment was returned in the Southern District of California charging Defendant Juan Ruben Prieto-Aparicio ("Defendant") with unlawful attempted re-entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b). On August 14, 2008, the Court arraigned Defendant on the Indictment and Defendant entered a "not guilty" plea. The Court scheduled a motion hearing date for September 15, 2008. B. Statement of Facts 1. Defendant's Arrest On June 26, 2008, United States Border Patrol Agent Arthur Zamora was performing line watch duties at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station area of responsibility along the international boundary between the United States and the Republic of Mexico. At approximately 1:00 a.m. a remove video surveillance operator advised Agent Zamora that three suspects had jumped the secondary barrier fence at "The Steel Yard," approximately three miles east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry and 50 yards north of the international boundary. Agent Zamora responded to the location and after a brief search found Defendant with two other suspects. Based upon the observations related by the remote surveillance operator, Defendant's proximity to the international boundary, and the fact that Defendant had been found in a location frequently used by aliens for illegal entry into the United States, Agent Zamora identified himself as a Border Patrol Agent and conducted an immigration interview. All three individuals, including Defendant, admitted to being citizens of the Republic of Mexico without documentary permission to enter and remain in the United States. All three suspects were taken into custody at approximately 1:20_a.m., and were transported to the Imperial beach Border Patrol Station for processing. A check of Defendant's biographic and biometric information confirmed Defendant's criminal and immigration history. 2. Defendant's Post-Arrest Statements At approximately 5:23 a.m. Border Patrol Agent Juan Gonzalez, in the presence of Border Patrol Agent Luke Dithrich, advised Defendant of his rights under Miranda. Defendant indicated 2 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 3 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

he understood those rights and waiving those rights again admitted he was a citizen of the Republic of Mexico and that he had illegally entered the United States just prior to arrest. Defendant stated that he had intended to travel to and seek employment in Sacramento, California. C. Defendant's Criminal and Immigration History On June 27, 2007, Defendant was convicted in the State of California, Sacramento Superior Court, for a misdemeanor violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11377, Possession of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to thirty days in custody and three years probation. On December 3, 2007, Defendant was convicted in the United States District of Arizona for a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326, Illegal Re-entry into the United States, and was sentenced to four months in custody and three years probation. On July 30, 2007, an Immigration Judge ordered Defendant deported from the United States and on that date Defendant was removed through the San Ysidro, California, Port of Entry. On January 8, 2008, Defendant was again removed from the United States through Nogales, Arizona. II MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY The Government has provided Defendant with 26 pages of discovery, the complaint and statement of facts, reports from the apprehending agents, Defendant's prior conviction documents and a DVD. Further discovery subsequent to the Government's receipt of Defendant's A-File and counsel's viewing of that file last Friday, September 5, 2008, is immediately forthcoming. In spite of Defendant's concerns, the Government simply does not possess large volumes of discoverable material in this matter as a result of Defendant's comparatively acute criminal and immigration history. With respect to Defendant's discovery motions, the Constitution requires the Government to preserve evidence "that might be expected to play a significant role in the suspect's defense." California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 488 (1984). To require preservation by the Government, such evidence must (1) "possess an exculpatory value that was apparent before the evidence was destroyed," and (2) "be of such a nature that the defendant would be unable to obtain comparable 3 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 4 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

evidence by other reasonably available means." Id. at 489; see also Cooper v. Calderon, 255 F.3d 1104, 1113-14 (9th Cir. 2001). The Government will make every effort to preserve evidence it deems to be relevant and material to this case. Any failure to gather and preserve evidence, however, would not violate due process absent bad faith by the Government that results in actual prejudice to the Defendant. See Illinois v. Fisher, 540 U.S. 544 (2004) (per curiam); Arizona v. Youngblood, 488 U.S. 51, 57-58 (1988); United States v. Rivera-Relle, 322 F.3d 670 (9th Cir. 2003); Downs v. Hoyt, 232 F.3d 1031, 1037-38 (9th Cir. 2000). The Government will produce documentation regarding any removals and/or proceedings that the Government intends to introduce at trial. As noted, the Government recently received and defense counsel viewed Defendant's A-File. Additional discovery is thus forthcoming by agreement, resolving Defendant's preliminary concerns as raised in his Motion. However, the Government objects to providing the defendant with the entire A-file as Defendant has requested in his motion because the A-file contains attorney work product and other information that is not discoverable. Moreover, this information is equally available to Defendant through a Freedom of Information Act request. Even if Defendant could not ascertain the A-File through such a request, the A-File is not Rule 16 discoverable information. The A-File contains information that is not discoverable like internal government documents and witness statements. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 16(a)(2). Witness statements would not be subject to production until after the witness for the Government testifies and provided that a "motion" is made by Defendant. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 16(a)(2) and 26.2. Thus, the A-File associated with Defendant need not be disclosed. The

Government has produced and will continue to produce documents it intends to use in its case-inchief. Evidence is material under Brady only if there is a reasonable probability that had it been disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would have been different. See United States v. Antonakeas, 255 F.3d 714, 725 (9th Cir. 2001). However, Defendant has not shown how documents in the A-File are material. Finally, Defendant does not own the A-File. It is an agency record. See United States v. Loyola-Dominguez, 125 F.3d 1315 (9th Cir. 1997) (noting that A-File documents are admissible as public records). Defendant's additional concerns are addressed as follow. 4 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 5 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

(1) Defendant's Statements The Government recognizes its obligation under Rules 16(a)(1)(A) and 16(a)(1)(B) to provide to Defendant the substance of Defendant's oral statements and Defendant's written statements. The Government has produced all of the Defendant's statements that are known to the undersigned Assistant U.S. Attorney at this date. If the Government discovers additional oral or written statements that require disclosure under Rule 16(a)(1)(A) or Rule 16(a)(1)(B), such statements will be provided to Defendant. The Government has no objection to the preservation of the handwritten notes taken by any of the agents and officers. See United States v. Harris, 543 F.2d 1247, 1253 (9th Cir. 1976) (agents must preserve original notes of interviews of an accused or prospective government witnesses). However, the Government objects to providing Defendant with a copy of the rough notes at this time. Rule 16(a)(1)(A) does not require disclosure of the rough notes where the content of those notes have been accurately reflected in a type-written report. See United States v. Brown, 303 F.3d 582, 590 (5th Cir. 2002); United States v. Coe, 220 F.3d 573, 583 (7th Cir. 2000) (Rule 16(a)(1)(A) does not require disclosure of an agent's notes even where there are "minor discrepancies" between the notes and a report). The Government is not required to produce rough notes pursuant to the Jencks Act, because the notes do not constitute "statements" (as defined 18_U.S.C. § 3500(e)) unless the notes (1) comprise both a substantially verbatim narrative of a witness' assertion, and (2) have been approved or adopted by the witness. United States v. Spencer, 618 F.2d 605, 606-07 (9th Cir. 1980). The rough notes in this case do not constitute "statements" in accordance with the Jencks Act. See United States v. Ramirez, 954 F.2d 1035, 1038-39 (5th Cir. 1992) (rough notes were not statements under the Jencks Act where notes were scattered and all the information contained in the notes was available in other forms). The notes are not Brady material because the notes do not present any material exculpatory information, or any evidence favorable to Defendant that is material to guilt or punishment. Brown, 303 F.3d at 595-96 (rough notes were not Brady material because the notes were neither favorable to the defense nor material to defendant's guilt or punishment); United States v. Ramos, 27 F.3d 65, 71 (3d Cir. 1994) (mere speculation that agents' rough notes contained Brady evidence was 5 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 6 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

insufficient). If, during a future evidentiary hearing, certain rough notes become discoverable under Rule 16, the Jencks Act, or Brady, the notes in question will be provided to Defendant. (2) Arrest reports, notes, dispatch tapes, audio/video recordings The Government has provided Defendant with all known reports related to Defendant's arrest in this case that are available at this time. The Government will continue to comply with its obligation to provide to Defendant all reports subject to Rule 16. As previously noted, the Government has no objection to the preservation of the agents' handwritten notes, but objects to providing Defendant with a copy of the rough notes at this time because the notes are not subject to disclosure under Rule 16, the Jencks Act, or Brady. The Government is presently unaware nor in possession of dispatch tapes relating to the Defendant's arrest in this case. In addition, the Government has already discovered a copy of the Report of Investigation for Defendant's case. The Government is neither in possession of nor aware of the existence any video surveillance tapes in this matter. The location all permanent remote surveillance devices is not discoverable. Absent any showing of specific relevance and discoverable value, or that the information is exculpatory, the motion should be denied. (3) Brady Material The Government has and will continue to perform its duty under Brady to disclose material exculpatory information or evidence favorable to Defendant when such evidence is material to guilt or punishment. The Government recognizes that its obligation under Brady covers not only exculpatory evidence, but also evidence that could be used to impeach witnesses who testify on behalf of the Government. See Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150, 154 (1972); United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667, 676-77 (1985). This obligation also extends to evidence that was not requested by the defense. Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682; United States v. Agurs, 427 U.S. 97, 107-10 (1976). "Evidence is material, and must be disclosed (pursuant to Brady), `if there is a reasonable probability that, had the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would have been different.'" Carriger v. Stewart, 132 F.3d 463, 479 (9th Cir. 1997) (en banc). The final determination of materiality is based on the "suppressed evidence considered collectively, not item by item." Kyles v. Whitley, 514 U.S. 419, 436-37 (1995). 6 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 7 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Brady does not, however, mandate that the Government open all of its files for discovery. See United States v. Henke, 222 F.3d 633, 642-44 (9th Cir. 2000)(per curiam). Under Brady, the Government is not required to provide: (1) neutral, irrelevant, speculative, or inculpatory evidence (see United States v. Smith, 282 F.3d 758, 770 (9th Cir. 2002)); (2) evidence available to the defendant from other sources (see United States v. Bracy, 67 F.3d 1421, 1428-29 (9th Cir. 1995)); (3) evidence that the defendant already possesses (see United States v. Mikaelian, 168 F.3d 380, 389-90 (9th Cir. 1999), amended by 180 F.3d 1091 (9th Cir. 1999)); or (4) evidence that the undersigned Assistant U.S. Attorney could not reasonably be imputed to have knowledge or control over. (See United States v. Hanson, 262 F.3d 1217, 1234-35 (11th Cir. 2001)). Nor does Brady require the Government "to create exculpatory evidence that does not exist," United States v. Sukumolahan, 610 F.2d 685, 687 (9th Cir. 1980), but only requires that the Government "supply a defendant with exculpatory information of which it is aware." United States v. Flores, 540 F.2d 432, 438 (9th Cir. 1976). 1988) ("No [Brady] violation occurs if the evidence is disclosed to the defendant at a time when the disclosure remains in value."). Accordingly, Defendant's demand for this information is premature. (4) Information That May Result in a Lower Sentence Under the Guidelines The Government has provided and will continue to provide the defendants with all Brady material that may result in mitigation of Defendant's sentence. Nevertheless, the Government is not required to provide information bearing on Defendant's sentence until after Defendant's conviction or guilty plea and prior to his sentencing date. See United States v. Juvenile Male, 864 F.2d 641, 647 (9th Cir. 1988) (no Brady violation occurs "if the evidence is disclosed to the defendants at a time when the disclosure remains in value"). (5) Defendant's Prior Record The Government has already provided Defendant with a copy of any criminal record in accordance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16(a)(1)(D). // // // 7 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 8 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

(6) Proposed 404(b) (and 609) Evidence Should the Government seek to introduce any "similar act" evidence pursuant to Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b) or 609(b), the Government will provide Defendant with notice of its proposed use of such evidence and information about such bad act at or before the time the Government's trial memorandum is filed. The Government reserves the right to introduce as prior act evidence any conviction, arrest or prior act that is disclosed to the defense in discovery. (7) Evidence Seized The Government has complied and will continue to comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(c) in allowing Defendant an opportunity, upon reasonable notice, to examine, copy and inspect physical evidence which is within the possession, custody or control of the Government, and which is material to the preparation of Defendant's defense or are intended for use by the Government as evidence in chief at trial, or were obtained from or belong to Defendant, including photographs. The Government, however, need not produce rebuttal evidence in advance of trial. United States v. Givens, 767 F.2d 574, 584 (9th Cir. 1984), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 953 (1985). (8) Tangible Objects The Government has complied and will continue to comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(E) in allowing Defendant an opportunity, upon reasonable notice, to examine, inspect, and copy any tangible objects seized that are within its possession, custody, or control, and that are either material to the preparation of Defendant's defense, or are intended for use by the Government as evidence during its case-in-chief at trial, or were obtained from or belong to Defendant. The Government need not, however, produce rebuttal evidence in advance of trial. United States v. Givens, 767 F.2d 574, 584 (9th Cir. 1984). (9) Evidence of Bias or Motive To Lie The Government is unaware of any evidence indicating that a prospective witness is biased or prejudiced against Defendant. The Government is also unaware of any evidence that prospective witnesses have a motive to falsify or distort testimony. // // 8 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 9 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

(10) Impeachment Evidence The Government recognizes its obligation under Brady and Giglio to provide evidence that could be used to impeach Government witnesses including material information regarding demonstrable bias or motive to lie. (11) Evidence of Criminal Investigation of Any Government Witness Defendants are not entitled to any evidence that a prospective witness is under criminal investigation by federal, state, or local authorities. "[T]he criminal records of such [Government] witnesses are not discoverable." United States v. Taylor, 542 F.2d 1023, 1026 (8th Cir. 1976); United States v. Riley, 657 F.2d 1377, 1389 (8th Cir. 1981) (holding that since criminal records of prosecution witnesses are not discoverable under Rule 16, rap sheets are not either); cf. United States v. Rinn, 586 F.2d 113, 118-19 (9th Cir. 1978) (noting in dicta that "[i]t has been said that the Government has no discovery obligation under Fed. R. Crim. P. 16(a)(1)(c) to supply a defendant with the criminal records of the Government's intended witnesses.") (citing Taylor, 542 F.2d at 1026). The Government will, however, provide the conviction record, if any, which could be used to impeach witnesses the Government intends to call in its case-in-chief. When disclosing such information, disclosure need only extend to witnesses the Government intends to call in its case-in chief. United States v. Gering, 716 F.2d 615, 621 (9th Cir. 1983); United States v. Angelini, 607 F.2d 1305, 1309 (9th Cir. 1979). (12) Evidence Affecting Perception, Recollection, Ability to Communicate, or TruthTelling The Government is unaware of any evidence indicating that a prospective witness has a problem with perception, recollection, communication, or truth-telling. The Government recognizes its obligation under Brady and Giglio to provide material evidence that could be used to impeach Government witnesses including material information related to perception, recollection or ability to communicate. The Government objects to providing any evidence that a witness has ever used narcotics or other controlled substances, or has ever been an alcoholic

9

Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 10 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

because such information is not discoverable under Rule 16, Brady, Giglio, Henthorn, or any other Constitutional or statutory disclosure provision. (13) Witness Addresses The Government has already provided Defendant with the reports containing the names of the agents involved in the apprehension and interviews of Defendant. A defendant in a noncapital case, however, has no right to discover the identity of prospective Government witnesses prior to trial. See Weatherford v. Bursey, 429 U.S. 545, 559 (1977); United States v. Dishner, 974 F.2d 1502, 1522 (9th Cir 1992) (citing United States v. Steel, 759 F.2d 706, 709 (9th Cir. 1985)); United States v. Hicks, 103 F.23d 837, 841 (9th Cir. 1996). Nevertheless, in its trial memorandum, the Government will provide Defendant with a list of all witnesses whom it intends to call in its case-in chief, although delivery of such a witness list is not required. See United States v. Discher, 960 F.2d 870 (9th Cir. 1992); United States v. Mills, 810 F.2d 907, 910 (9th Cir. 1987). The Government objects to any request that the Government provide a list of every witness to the crimes charged who will not be called as a Government witness. "There is no statutory basis for granting such broad requests," and a request for the names and addresses of witnesses who will not be called at trial "far exceed[s] the parameters of Rule 16(a)(1)(c)." United States v. HsinYung, 97 F. Supp.2d 24, 36 (D. D.C. 2000) (quoting United States v. Boffa, 513 F. Supp. 444, 502 (D. Del. 1980)). The Government is not required to produce all possible information and evidence regarding any speculative defense claimed by Defendant. Wood v. Bartholomew, 516 U.S. 1, 6-8 (1995) (per curiam) (holding that inadmissible materials that are not likely to lead to the discovery of admissible exculpatory evidence are not subject to disclosure under Brady). Defendant has also requested the names and last known addresses of every possible witness to the crime alleged and of any overt acts committed in furtherance of the crime alleged. Again, absent a showing that the information is actually discoverable under Rule 16 or is exculpatory, Defendant is not entitled to the information and his motion should be denied. // // // 10 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 11 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

(14) Names of Witnesses Favorable to the Defendant The Government willl comply with its obligations under Brady and its progeny. At the present time, the Government is not aware of any witnesses who have made an arguably favorable statement concerning Defendant. (15) Statements Relevant to the Defense Again, the Government will comply with all of its discovery obligations. However, "the prosecution does not have a constitutional duty to disclose every bit of information that might affect the jury's decision; it need only disclose information favorable to the defense that meets the appropriate standard of materiality." Gardner, 611 F.2d at 774-775 (citation omitted). Specifically, Defendant has requested copies of the grand jury transcripts. As with many of Defendant's requests, Defendant has failed to demonstrate that the information is actually discoverable under Rule 16, or that it is exculpatory. For these reasons, the motion should be denied. (16) Jencks Act Material The Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3500, requires that, after a Government witness has testified on direct examination, the Government must give the Defendant any "statement" (as defined by the Jencks Act) in the Government's possession that was made by the witness relating to the subject matter to which the witness testified. 18 U.S.C. § 3500(b). A "statement" under the Jencks Act is (1) a written statement made by the witness and signed or otherwise adopted or approved by him, (2) a substantially verbatim, contemporaneously recorded transcription of the witness's oral statement, or (3) a statement by the witness before a grand jury. 18 U.S.C. § 3500(e). If notes are read back to a witness to see whether or not the government agent correctly understood what the witness was saying, that act constitutes "adoption by the witness" for purposes of the Jencks Act. United States v. Boshell, 952 F.2d 1101, 1105 (9th Cir. 1991) (citing Goldberg v. United States, 425 U.S. 94, 98 (1976)). While the Government is only required to produce all Jencks Act material after the witness testifies, the Government plans to provide most (if not all) Jencks Act material well in advance of trial to avoid any needless delays. // // 11 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 12 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

(17) Giglio Information As stated previously, the Government will comply with its obligations pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), the Jencks Act, United States v. Henthorn, 931 F.2d 29 (9th Cir. 1991), and Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150 (1972). (18) Reports of Scientific Tests or Examinations The Government is not aware of any scientific tests or examinations at this time but, if any scientific tests or examinations were conducted or are conducted in the future, the Government will provide Defendant with any reports of any such tests or examinations in accordance with Rule 16(a)(1)(F). (19) Henthorn Material The Government will comply with United States v. Henthorn, 931 F.2d 29 (9th Cir. 1991) and request that all federal agencies involved in the criminal investigation and prosecution review the personnel files of the federal law enforcement inspectors, officers, and special agents whom the Government intends to call at trial and disclose information favorable to the defense that meets the appropriate standard of materiality. United States v. Booth, 309 F.3d 566, 574 (9th Cir. 2002)(citing United States v. Jennings, 960 F.2d 1488, 1489 (9th Cir. 1992). If the undersigned Assistant U.S. Attorney is uncertain whether certain incriminating information in the personnel files is "material," the information will be submitted to the Court for an in camera inspection and review. (20) Informants and Cooperating Witnesses If the Government determines that there is a confidential informant who has information that is "relevant and helpful to the defense of an accused, or is essential to a fair determination of a cause," the Government will either disclose the identity of the informant or submit the informant's identity to the Court for an in-chambers inspection. See Roviaro v. United States, 353 U.S. 53, 60- 61 (1957); United States v. Ramirez-Rangel, 103 F.3d 1501, 1505 (9th Cir. 1997). (21) Expert Witnesses The Government will comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(G) and provide Defendant with a written summary of any expert testimony that the Government intends to use under Rules 702, 703, or 705 12 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 13 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

of the Federal Rules of Evidence during its case-in-chief at trial. This summary shall include expert witnesses' qualifications, expert witnesses' opinions, and the bases and reasons for those opinions. (22) Personnel Records of Government Officers Involved in the Arrest The Government objects to Defendant's requests that the Government reveal all citizen complaints, and internal affair inquiries into the inspectors, officers, and special agents who were involved in this case, regardless of whether the complaints or inquiries are baseless or material and regardless of whether the Government intends to call inspectors, officers, and special agents to testify. As previously noted, the Government will comply with Henthorn and disclose to Defendant all material incriminating information regarding the testifying Government inspectors, officers, and special agents. (23) Training of Relevant Law Enforcement Officers The Government objects to providing Defendant with a copy of all policies, training instructions, and manuals issued by all law enforcement agencies involved in this case. The requested policies, training instructions, and manuals are irrelevant and do not fall within the scope of Rule 16, or any other statutory or Constitutional disclosure provision. Even if one or more of the inspectors, officers, or special agents violated his or her own administrative regulations, guidelines, or procedures, such violations would not result in the exclusion of evidence if Defendant's Constitutional and statutory rights were not violated in this case. United States v. Caceres, 440 U.S. 741, 744 (1979); United States v. Hinton, 222 F.3d 664 (9th Cir. 2000). (24) Names and Contact Information for All Agents in the Field at the Time of Arrest Again, the Government has already provided Defendant with the reports containing the names of the agents involved in the apprehension and interviews of Defendant. In his Motion Defendant additionally requests the name and contact information of every "agent to the crime or crimes charged... who will not be called as a Government witness." Defendant's Motions to Compel Discovery, 9 (emphasis original). Insofar as "agent to the crime" refers to co-defendants, Defendant is the sole defendant charged in this matter and that request is moot.

13

Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 14 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

The Government also objects to a request including a list of agency-affiliated nonwitnesses to the crime charged who will consequently not be called as witnesses. "There is no statutory basis for granting such broad requests," and a request for the names and addresses of witnesses who will not be called at trial "far exceed[s] the parameters of Rule 16(a)(1)(c)." United States v. Hsin-Yung, 97 F. Supp.2d 24, 36 (D. D.C. 2000) (quoting United States v. Boffa, 513 F. Supp. 444, 502 (D. Del. 1980)). The Government is not required to produce all possible information and evidence regarding any speculative defense claimed by Defendant. Wood v. Bartholomew, 516 U.S. 1, 6-8 (1995) (per curiam) (holding that inadmissible materials that are not likely to lead to the discovery of admissible exculpatory evidence are not subject to disclosure under Brady). Again, absent a showing that the information is actually discoverable under Rule 16 or is exculpatory, Defendant is not entitled to the information and his motion should be denied. (25) Agreements Between the Government and Witnesses

An agreement that the Government makes with a witness for testimony in exchange for money or in exchange for favorable treatment in the criminal justice system is generally subject to disclosure as impeachment evidence under Brady and Giglio. See United States v. Kojayan, 8 F.3d 1315, 1322-23 (9th Cir. 1993); Benn v. Lambert, 238 F.3d 1040, 1054-60 (9th Cir. 2002). As stated above, the Government will provide any Giglio information in connection with this case no later than two weeks prior to trial. (26) Residual Request The Government will comply with all of its discovery obligations, but objects to the broad and unspecified nature of Defendant's residual discovery request. III REQUEST FOR PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE After issuance of a an order from the Court, the Government will preserve all evidence to which Defendant is entitled to pursuant to the relevant discovery rules. However, the United States objects to Defendant's blanket request to preserve all physical evidence. The United States has complied and will continue to comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(c) in allowing Defendant an opportunity, upon reasonable notice, to examine, copy and inspect physical evidence which is 14 Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 15 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

within his possession, custody or control of the United States, and which is material to the preparation of Defendant's defense or are intended for use by the United States as evidence in chief at trial, or were obtained from or belong to Defendant, including photographs. The United States has made the evidence available to Defendant and Defendant's investigators and will comply with any request for inspection. IV MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE ADDITIONAL MOTIONS The Government does not object to the granting of leave to file further motions as long as the further motions are based on newly discovered evidence or discovery provided by the Government subsequent to the instant motion at issue. V CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, the Government respectfully requests that the Court deny Defendant's motions, except where unopposed, and grant the Government's motions for reciprocal discovery and to compel a fingerprint exemplar. DATED: September 8, 2008 Respectfully submitted, KAREN P. HEWITT United States Attorney /s/ Douglas Keehn DOUGLAS KEEHN Assistant United States Attorney Attorneys for Plaintiff United States of America

15

Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W

Case 3:08-cr-02583-W

Document 12

Filed 09/08/2008

Page 16 of 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W ) Plaintiff, ) ) CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE v. ) ) JUAN RUBEN PRIETO-APARICIO, ) ) Defendant. ) ) IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED THAT: I, Douglas Keehn, am a citizen of the United States and am at least eighteen years of age. My business address is 880 Front Street, Room 6293, San Diego, California 92101-8893. I am not a party to the above-entitled action. I have caused service of RESPONSE IN OPPOSITION TO THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY, PRESERVE EVIDENCE AND GRANT LEAVE TO FILE FURTHER MOTIONS on the following parties by electronically filing the foregoing with the Clerk of the District Court using its ECF System, which electronically notifies them. KRIS J. KRAUS Federal Defenders of San Diego 225 Broadway Suite 900 San Diego, CA 92101-5008 (619)234-8467 Email: [email protected] Attorney for Defendant I hereby certify that I have caused to be mailed the foregoing, by the United States Postal Service, to the following non-ECF participants on this case: None the last known address, at which place there is delivery service of mail from the United States Postal Service. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on September 8, 2008 /s/ Douglas Keehn DOUGLAS KEEHN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

16

Criminal Case No. 08CR2583-W