United States v. Mauldin

552 F. Supp. 535, 1982 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16315
CourtDistrict Court, W.D. Arkansas
DecidedSeptember 17, 1982
DocketNo. T-CR-82-40003-01
StatusPublished
Cited by1 cases

This text of 552 F. Supp. 535 (United States v. Mauldin) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, W.D. Arkansas primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
United States v. Mauldin, 552 F. Supp. 535, 1982 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16315 (W.D. Ark. 1982).

Opinion

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

GEORGE HOWARD, Jr., District Judge.

On June 24, 1982, after a trial by jury, defendant was convicted of five counts of mail fraud and aiding and abetting. Sentencing was scheduled for August 23, 1982, so that a presentence report could be prepared. Trial counsel filed a motion for a new trial on June 29,1982, alleging that the foreperson had slept through the jury instructions, there was a “distinct possibility” of discussion of the case by jurors with outside parties, the jury had only deliberated a short amount of time, and certain instructions were repetitive and cumulative. After the United States responded to that motion, the Court rejected those allegations and denied the motion for a new trial. Defendant was sentenced on August 23, 1982, to concurrent terms of four months imprisonment in a treatment-type facility with three years supervised probation upon his release on each count, a combined fine of $5,000 and payment of restitution. The payment of restitution, in an amount to be determined by the United States and defense counsel, was to be made by January 1, 1983, the fine was to be paid by October 23, 1982, and the defendant was to voluntarily report to custody by noon on September 27, 1982.

[536]*536On September 2, 1982, Darrell Brown, Esq. entered his appearance as defense counsel and filed a motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence, his affidavit in support of that motion, and a motion for a stay of execution of sentence pending appeal and resolution of the new trial motion. The motion for a new trial stated that “upon information and belief a certain juror was not qualified or otherwise competent to serve as a juror in this case.” Defendant also asked for an in camera hearing and for the Court to subpoena certain documents and witnesses. Brown’s affidavit stated that he could not make further inquiry into the matter without the Court’s assistance and that under separate cover he was submitting additional affidavits and names of agencies and other persons in possession of information to assist the Court in ruling on the motion.

By letter dated September 1,1982, Brown stated that because of the sensitive nature of the allegations he felt it would be best to submit affidavits directly to the Court without filing them. He also added that if an evidentiary hearing was granted, he would need to subpoena Robin Boe who did the actual evaluation of the juror in question, and the records from Llanview, Arkansas.1 Attached to the letters were two affidavits. Jamie Roe stated in her affidavit that she had been a Mental Health Worker at the General Hospital Mental Clinic in Llanview, Arkansas, and during the tenure of her employment from June of 1980 to April of 1982, Chris Doe was “evaluated for rehabilitation on mental disability.” Roe further stated that based “upon information and belief, I am of the opinion that [M_. Chris Doe] was mentally infirm during that time.” Terry Hoe stated in her affidavit that she had known Chris Doe for at least one and one-half years and during that time she had “worked with [Chris Doe] at the [Leeward] Workshop in [Llanview], Arkansas.” Hoe also stated that from “my personal observations, I believe that [Doe] is mentally infirm and incapable of making mature judgments.” Doe was a member of the jury panel that convicted defendant.

On September 7, 1982, the United States filed responses to defendant’s motion for a new trial and motion to stay. The United States responded that the newly discovered evidence was in the form of two affidavits from individuals who were not alleged to be trained or licensed psychologists or psychiatrists, stating their opinions that the juror in question was mentally infirm. It continued that those opinions were nothing more than speculation and did not warrant subjecting the juror to the humiliation of a hearing on those allegations.

Since Brown’s entry of appearance did not ask that he be substituted as counsel of record, the Court, through its staff, contacted trial counsel to ascertain his status in the case. The Court was advised that trial counsel did not have anything to do with the preparation or filing of the motions, had been told the day after sentencing that new counsel had been retained, and would immediately file the proper pleadings to have his name removed as counsel of record.

After considering the motion, response and applicable law, as contained in United States v. Allen, 588 F.2d 1100 (5th Cir.1979) and United States v. Dioguardi, 492 F.2d 70 (2nd Cir.1974), the Court found that a preliminary hearing was needed to afford defense counsel with an opportunity to make an offer of proof which would warrant the Court to make further inquiry such as an evidentiary hearing. By order dated September 8, 1982, and filed on September 9, 1982, the Court scheduled such a hearing in camera in Little Rock for September 10, 1982. Due to the shortness of time, counsel were orally informed of the hearing on September 8, 1982.

On September 10, 1982, Brown and Assistant United States Attorney Steve Snyder appeared for the in camera hearing. They stipulated to the matter being heard in the Eastern District of Arkansas and [537]*537defendant, through his attorney and with notice, waived any right to be present.

Defense counsel made the following proffer: Robin Boe, a counselor at General Hospital Mental Clinic, would testify that he had evaluated Doe; Lynn Poe, a Rehabilitation Counselor, has the file on Doe’s full evaluation; Kelly Foe, Director of the Rehabilitation Agency, would be the proper custodian of the pertinent records; Hoe was a close personal friend of Doe; and Roe, trained by the Department of Health and Human Services to be a Mental Health Worker without the need of a degree, had observed records that contained the evaluation that Doe had a personality disorder and needed intensive therapy. Upon inquiry by the Court, defense counsel admitted his investigation had revealed that no insanity or guardianship proceedings had been instituted regarding Doe.

In evaluating the proffered evidence and the request for a new trial, the Court has been guided by, and has relied on, the procedures and rules of law contained in United States v. Allen, supra; and United States v. Dioguardi, supra, as stated below. The Court first started with the presumption that a juror is competent and sane, especially where a challenge is made only after a verdict has been rendered. The Court next gave defense counsel an opportunity to make an offer of proof by objective evidence, such as proof of an adjudication of insanity or mental incompetence closely in advance of the time of jury service, to determine whether further inquiry should be made. “[Ajbsent such substantial if not wholly conclusive evidence of incompetency, courts have been unwilling to subject a juror to a hearing on his mental condition merely on the allegations and opinions of a losing party.” United States v. Dioguari, 492 F.2d at 80. Defense counsel made the offer of proof as related above, and the Court heard argument on that offer and on the necessity for further inquiry.

The Court finds that there is not any objective evidence in the form of the proffer to warrant an evidentiary hearing on thie juror’s competency.

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Related

United States v. Berry A. Mauldin
714 F.2d 854 (Eighth Circuit, 1983)

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Bluebook (online)
552 F. Supp. 535, 1982 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16315, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/united-states-v-mauldin-arwd-1982.