United States v. Boscarino
4:10-cr-01942
D. Ariz.Jan 27, 2012Background
- The United States seeks an interlocutory sale of property forfeitable under 21 U.S.C. § 853(e)(1) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2(b)(7) pending final forfeiture.
- Boscarino responds; the government notes storage/depreciation concerns, arguing urgency to preserve value.
- Vehicles in question are a 2008 Jaguar XK8-V8 Convertible, a 2009 Cadillac Escalade, and a 2009 Toyota Avalon, currently held by U.S. Marshals.
- The government cites ongoing storage costs and depreciation; Boscarino emphasizes limited time to trial and potential valuation stability.
- The court finds the costs are not currently disproportionate to the vehicles’ values given an upcoming trial date and similar case distinctions, and DENIES the motion without prejudice.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether interlocutory sale is appropriate | Boscarino | Boscarino | Denied without prejudice |
| Whether storage costs are excessive relative to value | Government | Boscarino | Not excessive or disproportionate at this time |
| Whether case law supports interlocutory sale under these facts | Government | Boscarino | Court distinguished applying cases; not warranted here |
Key Cases Cited
- United States v. One Parcel of Real Property Described as Lot 41, Berryhill Farm Estates, 128 F.3d 1386 (10th Cir. 1997) (property subject to deterioration supports interlocutory sale)
- United States v. Gianelli, 594 F.Supp.2d 148 (D. Mass. 2009) (to preserve equity when mortgage/taxes are in default)
- United States v. Pelullo, 178 F.3d 196 (3rd Cir. 1999) (interplay with automatic bankruptcy stay)
- United States v. King, 2010 WL 4739791 (S.D.N.Y. 2010) (expenses of keeping property disproportionate to value)
- United States v. Maye, 2011 WL 2533020 (W.D.N.Y. 2011) (negligible depreciation relative to current value with imminent trial)