Free Response in Opposition - District Court of California - California


File Size: 60.2 kB
Pages: 15
Date: August 4, 2008
File Format: PDF
State: California
Category: District Court of California
Author: unknown
Word Count: 5,505 Words, 34,342 Characters
Page Size: Letter (8 1/2" x 11")
URL

https://www.findforms.com/pdf_files/casd/273870/13.pdf

Download Response in Opposition - District Court of California ( 60.2 kB)


Preview Response in Opposition - District Court of California
Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 1 of 15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

KAREN P. HEWITT United States Attorney CAROLINE P. HAN Assistant U.S. Attorney California State Bar No. 250301 United States Attorney's Office 880 Front Street, Room 6293 San Diego, California 92101-8893 Phone: (619) 557-5220 Fax: (619) 235-2757 E-mail: [email protected] Attorneys for Plaintiff United States of America UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) ) ) ERNESTO VALDES, JR., ) ) ) Defendant. ) ) ) ) )

Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG RESPONSE AND OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT'S MOTIONS: (1) TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS (2) TO COMPEL SPECIFIC DISCOVERY (3) FOR LEAVE TO FILE FURTHER MOTIONS

Date: August 11, 2008 Time: 2:00 p.m. Court: The Hon. Irma E. Gonzalez

COMES NOW the plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, by and through its counsel, 21 United States Attorney, Karen P. Hewitt, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline P. Han, and hereby 22 files its Response and Opposition to Defendant's Motions to Suppress Statements, Compel Specific 23 Discovery, and For Leave to File Further Motions. This Response and Opposition is based upon 24 the files and records of this case, together with the attached Statement of Facts and Memorandum 25 of Points and Authorities. 26 // 27 // 28 // Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 2 of 15

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 On June 5, 2008 at approximately 8:33 am, the defendant attempted to enter the United States at the Calexico West Port of Entry as the driver and sole visible occupant of a 2000 Toyota Tacoma truck bearing California license plate 8P69809. During primary inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspector Ramos observed that the defendant provided him with his U.S. Passport. Inspector Ramos observed that the defendant provided a negative customs declaration, and observed that the defendant told him that he was dropping off his mom in Mexicali because one of his relatives was sick. The defendant also stated that he was going to San Diego. Inspector Ramos then tapped the spare tire, and observed that it felt solid. In addition, Inspector Ramos observed that there was only one key on the key chain in the ignition. Thereafter, Inspector Ramos referred the defendant to secondary inspection. During secondary inspection, CBP Inspector Tarin observed that the defendant again gave a negative customs declaration. Inspector Tarin asked the defendant about the vehicle, where the defendant resided and the purpose of his travel. The defendant responded that he had owned the vehicle for two weeks that he resides in San Diego. The defendant also added that he had gone to Mexicali to drop off his mother because his grandmother had died. Inspector Tarin also observed that the spare tire tapped solid. In addition, a narcotics detector dog alerted to the defendant's vehicle. The defendant then patted down for weapons and taken into an office. Inspector Tarin eventually punctured the tire, and observed that there were 20 packages containing a substance appearing to be cocaine therein. The packages weighed approximately 23.76 kilograms or 52.27 pounds. Thereafter, the defendant was placed under arrest. The defendant was advised of his Miranda rights and invoked his right to remain silent.

2

Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 3 of 15

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

II DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS Defendant moves this Court for an order suppressing any statements because they were allegedly made as a result of an invalid waiver of his rights pursuant to Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). The United States is only aware of the defendant's statements that he made during primary and secondary inspection. As stated above, after the defendant was taken into custody, he was advised of his Miranda rights and he invoked his right to remain silent. Based on those facts, as explained further below, the United States believes that the Court should deny the defendant's motion because the statements during primary inspection were made voluntarily and a time when the defendant was not in custody. Moreover, the defendant has not set forth any factual basis that contradicts these facts. Because the defendant was not subject to custodial interrogation, the statements are therefore admissible. 1. Deny Motion Because Defendant Failed To Comply With The Local Rules This Court can and should deny Defendant's motion without a suppression hearing. Under Ninth Circuit and Southern District precedent, as well as Southern District Local Criminal Rule 47.1(g)(1)-(4), a defendant is entitled to an evidentiary hearing on a motion to suppress only when the defendant adduces specific facts sufficient to require the granting of the defendant's motion. See United States v. Batiste, 868 F.2d 1089, 1093 (9th Cir. 1989) ("[T]he defendant, in his motion to suppress, failed to dispute any material fact in the government's proffer. In these circumstances, the district court was not required to hold an evidentiary hearing."); United States v. Wardlow, 951 F.2d 1115 (9th Cir. 1991) (defendant forfeited right to evidentiary hearing on motion to suppress by not properly submitting declaration pursuant to similar local rule in Central District of California); United States v. Moran- Garcia, 783 F. Supp. 1266, 1274 (S.D. Cal. 1991) (stating that boilerplate motion containing indefinite and unsworn allegations was insufficient to require evidentiary hearing on defendant's motion to suppress statements); Crim. L.R. 47.1g(1) (stating that "[c]riminal motions requiring predicate factual finding shall be supported by declaration(s). . . . The Court need not grant an evidentiary hearing where either party fails to properly support its motion for opposition."). 3 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 4 of 15

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

Here, Defendant has not made any allegations that contradict the above statement of facts. In addition, he has failed to support his motion with a declaration, in clear violation of Criminal Local Rule 47.1(g). As such, no allegations exist that establish a Miranda violation, clearly making it unnecessary to hold an evidentiary hearing in this case. Cf. United States v. Howell, 231 F.3d 616, 620 (9th Cir. 2000) ("An evidentiary hearing on a motion to suppress need be held only when the moving papers allege facts with sufficient definiteness, clarity, and specificity to enable the trial court to conclude that contested issues of fact exist." (citation omitted). Defendant's motion to suppress statements should be denied. 2. Defendant Was Not In Custody When He Made Primary Inspection Statements When a person has been deprived of his or her freedom of action in a significant way, Government agents must administer Miranda warnings prior to questioning the person. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). Such a requirement thus has two components: (1) custody, and (2) interrogation. Id. at 477-78. Whether a person is in custody is measured by an objective standard. Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420, 442 (1984). A court must examine the totality of circumstances and determine "whether a reasonable innocent person in such circumstances would conclude that after brief questioning he or she would not be free to leave." United States v. Booth, 669 F.3d 1231, 1235 (9th Cir. 1981); see also United States v. Beraun-Perez, 812 F.2d 578, 580 (9th Cir. 1980). Factors relevant to this determination are "1) the language used to summon the individual; 2) the extent to which the defendant is confronted with evidence of guilt; 3) the physical surroundings of the interrogation; 4) the duration of the detention; and 5) the degree of pressure applied to detain the individual." Id. (citation omitted). The Supreme Court held that in the "general interest of effective crime prevention and detection...a police officer may in appropriate circumstances and in an appropriate manner approach a person for purposes of investigating possible criminal behavior even though there is no probable cause to make an arrest." Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 22 (1968). This authorized investigatory detention or stop falls short of custody when a Border Patrol agent does not have enough information to execute an arrest, and must investigate further through brief, routine questioning about citizenship and immigration status. See United States v. Brignoni-Ponce, 422 4 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 5 of 15

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

U.S. 873, 878-88 (1975); United States v. Galindo-Gallegos, 244 F.3d 728, 731-32 (9th Cir.), modified by 255 F.3d 1154 (9th Cir. 2001). The case of Florida v. Royer, 460 U.S. 491 (1983), is instructive. In Royer, two police detectives at the Miami International Airport were observing Royer and thought he fit a "drug courier profile." As Royer walked over to the airline boarding area, the two detectives approached him, identified themselves as police officers, and asked if Royer had a "moment" to speak with time. Royer said, "Yes." Id. at 493-494. Upon request, Royer produced his airline ticket and his driver's license. When asked why the ticket was in the name of "Holt," instead of the name "Royer," as on his license, Royer said a friend had made the reservation in the other name. Royer was noticeably more nervous during this conversation, whereupon the detectives told him they were narcotics investigators and that they suspected him of transporting narcotics. Id. at 494. The detectives then asked Royer to accompany them to a room 40 feet away, but kept his ticket and identification. Royer said nothing, but went with them. Id. In deciding the case, the Supreme Court noted: [L]aw enforcement officers do not violate the Fourth Amendment by merely approaching an individual on the street or in another public place, by asking him if he is willing to answer some questions, by putting questions to him if the person is willing to listen, or by offering in evidence in a criminal prosecution his voluntary answers to such questions. (Citations omitted). Nor would the fact that the officer identifies himself as a police officer, without more, convert the encounter into a seizure requiring some level of objective justification. United States v. Mendenhall, 446 U.S. 544, 555, 100 S. Ct. 1870, 1877, 64 L. Ed.2d 497 (1980) (opinion of Stewart, J.). The person approached, however, need not answer any question put to him; indeed, he may decline to listen to the questions at all and may go on his way. (Citation omitted). Id. at 497-98 (citations omitted). Finally, the Ninth Circuit decided this issue in Benitez-Mendez v. Immigration and Naturalization Service, 752 F.2d 1309, 1310 (9th Cir. 1984), in which a Border Patrol officer approached and questioned a worker in a field after a number of other workers had fled upon seeing the Border Patrol. The Ninth Circuit found that no seizure had taken place in regard to the initial questioning of the individual by the Border Patrol. The Court stated that "[f]rom the record, it does not appear that the Border Patrol officer's initial encounter with petitioner amounted to a seizure under the Anderson test. The officer approached the petitioner in an open 5 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 6 of 15

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

field and asked him several questions to which he responded voluntarily. There is no evidence of the use of physical force, a display of a weapon, or the threatening presence of several officers." Id. at 1311. Detaining a person for routine border questioning is not custodial. United States v. Troise, 796 F.2d 310, 314 (9th Cir. 1986); see also United States v. Galindo-Gallegos, 244 F.3d 728, 731 (9th Cir.), modified by 255 F.3d 1154 (9th Cir. 2001) (Ninth Circuit upheld Judge Gonzalez's denial of a defendant's motion to suppress his field statements). In GalindoGallegos, Border Patrol agents apprehended the defendant and others running near the Mexican border. Once they had the 15 or 20 people seated, an agent asked them what country they were from and whether they had a legal right to be in the United States. Id. The defendant said that he was from Mexico and had no such right. Id. The Border Patrol agents did not advise the group of their Miranda rights prior to this questioning. Id. After the defendant admitted that he was an alien illegally in the United States, he and the others were handcuffed and put into one of the vehicles. Id. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's decision not to suppress the defendant's field statements. Id. This case is analogous to Royer, Benitez-Mendez, and Galindo-Gallegos. Here, a CBP officer stopped the defendant at the primary inspection area of the San Ysidro Port of Entry to make a basic and routine inquiry prior to the defendant's admittance into the United States. Any statements he made were made during a brief investigatory stop. See, e.g., United States v. Brignoni-Ponce, 422 U.S. 873, 878-89 (1975) (noting that it is well established that law enforcement may make a brief investigatory stop and ask questions about citizenship and immigration status); United States v. Woods, 720 F.2d 1022, 1029 (9th Cir. 1983) (holding that persons subjected to brief investigatory detentions are not entitled to Miranda warnings). Defendant answered the officer's questions voluntarily. The record is devoid of any suggestion that the officer physically restrained Defendant or restricted his liberty in any meaningful way. Further, the fact that officers were armed or displayed badges does not turn a consensual encounter into a custodial situation. See United States v. Drayton, 536 U.S. 194, 204-205 (2002). During this questioning, Defendant was not placed in handcuffs or searched. There is 6 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 7 of 15

1 2 3 4

simply nothing to suggest that Defendant was in custody during primary inspection and his statements are admissible at trial. For all of the foregoing reasons, the Court should deny Defendant's motion to suppress all statements. III

5 MOTION TO COMPEL SPECIFIC DISCOVERY AND PRESERVE EVIDENCE 6 To date, the Government has provided the defendant with all relevant discovery at this 7 time, and we will continue to comply with our discovery obligations. 8 With respect to the defendant's discovery motions, the Constitution requires the 9 Government to preserve evidence "that might be expected to play a significant role in the 10 suspect's defense." California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 488 (1984). To require preservation 11 by the Government, such evidence must (1) "possess an exculpatory value that was apparent 12 before the evidence was destroyed," and (2) "be of such a nature that the Defendant would be 13 unable to obtain comparable evidence by other reasonably available means." Id. at 489; see 14 also Cooper v. Calderon, 255 F.3d 1104, 1113-14 (9th Cir. 2001). 15 every effort to preserve evidence it deems to be relevant and material to this case. Any failure 16 to gather and preserve evidence, however, would not violate due process absent bad faith by 17 the Government that results in actual prejudice to the Defendant. See Illinois v. Fisher, 540 18 U.S. 544 (2004) (per curiam); Arizona v. Youngblood, 488 U.S. 51, 57-58 (1988); United 19 States v. Rivera-Relle, 322 F.3d 670 (9th Cir. 2003); Downs v. Hoyt, 232 F.3d 1031, 1037-38 20 (9th Cir. 2000). 21 22 (1) Defendant's Statements ­ The Government recognizes its obligation, under Rules 23 16(a)(1)(A) and 16(a)(1)(B), to provide to the defendant the substance of the defendant's oral 24 statements and defendant's written statements. (Unless otherwise noted, all references to 25 "Rules" refers to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.) The Government has produced all 26 of the defendant's statements that are known to the undersigned Assistant U.S. Attorney at this 27 date. If the Government discovers additional oral or written statements that require disclosure 28 7 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG The Government will make

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 8 of 15

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

under Rule 16(a)(1)(A) or Rule 16(a)(1)(B), such statements will be promptly provided to Defendant. (2) Arrest Reports, Notes, and Dispatch Tapes ­ The Government has provided the defendant with all known reports related to the defendant's arrest in this case. The Government is not aware of the existence of any dispatch tapes relevant to this case. The Government will continue to comply with its obligation to provide to the defendant all reports subject to Rule 16. The Government has no objection to the preservation of the agents' handwritten notes. See United States v. Harris, 543 F.2d 1247, 1253 (9th Cir. 1976) (agents must preserve their original notes of interviews of an accused or prospective government witnesses). However, the Government objects to providing the defendant with a copy of the rough notes at this time. The Government is not required to produce the 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 notes are not Brady material because, as discussed further, the notes do not present any material exculpatory information or any evidence favorable to the defendant that is material to guilt or punishment. If, during a future evidentiary hearing, certain rough notes become particularly relevant, the notes in question will be made available to the defendant. (3) Brady Material ­ The Government has and will continue to perform its duty under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) to disclose material exculpatory information or evidence favorable to the 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 United States. 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 8 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 9 of 15

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

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). 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 United States 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). Brady does not require the United States "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 the defendant with exculpatory information of which it is aware." United States v. Flores, 540 F.2d 432, 438 (9th Cir. 1976). (4) Information That May Result in a Lower Sentence Under the Guidelines ­ The Government has provided and will continue to provide the defendant with all Brady material that may result in mitigation of the defendant's sentence. Nevertheless, the Government is not required to provide information bearing on the defendant' sentences until after the defendant' convictions or guilty pleas and prior to their sentencing dates. 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 the defendant at a time when the disclosure remains in value"). (5) Defendant's Prior Record ­ The Government has provided the defendant with a copy of his known prior criminal record and, consequently, has fulfilled its duty of discovery under Rule 16(a)(1)(D). See United States v. Audelo-Sanchez, 923 F.2d 129 (9th Cir. 1990). To the extent that the Government determines that there are any additional documents

9

Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 10 of 15

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

reflecting the defendant's prior criminal record, the Government will provide those to the defendant. (6) 404(b) Evidence ­ The Government will disclose in advance of trial the general nature of any "other bad acts" evidence that the United States intends to introduce at trial pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 404(b). Evidence should not be treated as "other bad acts" evidence under Fed. R. Evid. 404(b) when the evidence concerning the other bad acts and the evidence concerning the crime charged are "inextricably intertwined." See United States v. Soliman, 812 F.2d 277, 279 (9th Cir. 1987). (7) Evidence Seized ­ The Government has complied and will continue to comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(E) in allowing the defendant an opportunity, upon reasonable notice, to examine, inspect, and copy all evidence seized that is within its possession, custody, or control, and that is either material to the preparation of the defendant's defense, or is intended for use by the Government as evidence during its case-in-chief at trial, or was obtained from or belongs to the defendant. (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 tangible objects that are within its possession, custody, or control, and that is either material to the preparation of the defendant's defenses, or is intended for use by the Government as evidence during its case-in-chief at trial, or was obtained from or belongs to the 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). The defendant has further requested color copies of all photographs related to the case. Should the defense wish to see color copies, the Government will gladly set up a time for the defense to review the Government's color photographs. In addition, the Government will provide the defendant with color copies it intends to use at trial before trial. (9) Evidence of Bias or Motive to Lie ­ 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. 10 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 11 of 15

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 ­ As previously discussed, the Government recognizes its obligation under Brady and Giglio to provide material evidence that could be used to impeach Government witnesses. (11) Evidence of Criminal Investigation of Any Government Witness ­ As noted above, the Government objects to providing any evidence that a prospective witness is under criminal investigation, but will provide the conviction record, if any, which could be used to impeach all witnesses the Government intends to call in its case-in-chief. (12) Evidence Affecting Perception, Recollection, Ability to Communicate, 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, ability to communicate, or truth telling. The Government strenuously objects to providing any evidence that a witness has ever used narcotics or other controlled substance, or has ever been an alcoholic 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 the defendant with the reports containing the names, work addresses, and telephone numbers of the special agents involved in this case. In its trial memorandum, the Government will provide the 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 strenuously objects to providing the home addresses to the defendant. In non-capital cases, the Government is not even required to disclose the names of its witnesses prior to trial. 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); see also United States v. Bejasa, 904 F.2d 137 (2d Cir. 1990) (holding that United States did not improperly deny the defendants access to government witnesses whose telephone numbers and addresses the government refused to provide because the defendant knew the identities of the government 11 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 12 of 15

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

witnesses and presumably knew their telephone numbers or could have contacted them through the exercise of due diligence). (14) Name of Witnesses Favorable to the Defendant ­ The Government is not aware of the names of any witnesses favorable to the defendant's case. If the Government discovers any witnesses favorable to the defendant, the names of such witnesses will be promptly provided. (15) Statements Relevant to the Defense ­ The United States will provide the defendant with all discoverable material, or information to which he is entitled to as Brady or Giglio information. (16) Jencks Act Material ­ Rule 26.2 incorporates the Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. §3500, into the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Jencks Act 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). For purposes of the Jencks Act, a "statement" is (1) a written statement made by the witness and signed or otherwise adopted or approved by her, (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)). (17) Giglio Information and 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).

12

Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 13 of 15

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

As stated above, the Government will provide any Giglio information in connection with this case no later than two weeks prior to trial. (18) Agreements Between the Government and Witnesses ­ As noted above, Government will provide any information, should there be any, no later than two weeks prior to trial. (19) Informants and Cooperating Witnesses ­ At this time, the Government is unaware of a confidential source or informant involved in this case. The Government must generally disclose the identity of informants where (1) the informant is a material witness, or (2) the informant's testimony is crucial to the defense. Roviaro v. United States, 353 U.S. 53, 59 (1957). If there is a confidential informant involved in this case, the Court may, in some circumstances, be required to conduct an in-chambers inspection to determine whether disclosure of the informant's identity is required under Roviaro. See United States v. RamirezRangel, 103 F.3d 1501, 1508 (9th Cir. 1997). Should the Government become aware of an information or confidential source being involved in this case, we will make it known to the defendant. (20) Bias by Informants or Cooperating Witnesses ­ As discussed above, the Government is unaware of any informants or cooperating witnesses in this case. (21) 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. (22) Expert Witnesses ­ The Government will comply with Rule 16(a)(1)(G) and provide the defendant with a written summary of any expert testimony that the United States 13 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 14 of 15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

intends to use during its case-in-chief at trial under Rules 702, 703, or 705 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. (23) Residual Request ­ The Government has already complied with the defendant's residual request for prompt compliance with the defendant's discovery requests. 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

11 CONCLUSION 12 For the foregoing reasons, the Government requests that the Court deny the defendant's 13 motions, except where unopposed, and grant the Government's motion for reciprocal discovery. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 14 Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG DATED: August 4, 2008 Respectfully submitted, KAREN P. HEWITT United States Attorney /s/ Caroline P. Han CAROLINE P. HAN Assistant United States Attorney Attorneys for Plaintiff United States of America

Case 3:08-cr-02204-IEG

Document 13

Filed 08/04/2008

Page 15 of 15

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 v.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG ) Plaintiff, ) ) CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ) ) ) Defendant. ) ) )

ERNESTO VALDES, JR.,

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED THAT: I, Caroline P. Han, 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 AND OPPOSITION TO THE DEFENDANT'S MOTIONS TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS, COMPEL SPECIFIC DISCOVERY, AND FOR LEAVE TO FILE 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: Michelle Betancourt Attorney for the 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 August 4, 2008. /s/ Caroline

P. Han

CAROLINE P. HAN

15

Criminal Case No. 08CR2204-IEG