508 F.2d 719 | 3rd Cir. | 1975
Lead Opinion
OPINION OF THE COURT
This appeal requires us to examine the validity and interrelationship of sent
For the reasons set forth herein, we hold, inter alia, that Lancer was still within the valid four year, ten month, probationary term imposed under Indictment 22119 when the October 9, 1970 warrant issued.
I. Facts
On June 1, 1965, petitioner, Edward William Lancer, pleaded guilty in the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to Indictment 22119 charging him, in one count, with having received 364 money orders stolen from post offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. On July 28, 1965, the petitioner pleaded guilty to Indictment 22173, a two-count indict
Under Indictment 22119:
Ten (10) years, the first two months of which are to be served in a jail-type institution. The execution of the balance of the sentence is suspended and the defendant placed upon probation for a period of Four (4) Years and Ten (10) months, under the provisions of § 3651, Title 18, U.S.Code.
Under Indictment 22173:
[imposition of sentence is suspended on Count 1, and the defendant placed upon probation for a period of Five (5) years on said count, the probation period is to begin at the expiration of that imposed in Criminal No. 22119. On Count 2, the imposition of sentence is suspended.
On each of the other six indictments, the imposition of sentence was also suspended with no probation imposed.
The record reveals that Lancer’s probation under Indictment 22119 actually commenced in May 1966.
“ . . . NINE (9) YEARS and TEN (10) MONTHS, said sentence of imprisonment being imposed under the provisions of Title 18 U.S.Code § 4208(b) for a study as described in § 4208(c); the results of such study to be furnished to the Court within three months.....”
On completion of the study, Lancer was returned to court on August 3, 1967 for final sentence,
In January, 1968, Lancer was again charged with violation of probation (absconding).
The order authorizing Lancer’s arrest for his last violation of probation
Lancer’s pro se motion
II. Petitioner’s Theory
Essentially, Lancer’s theory, by which he seeks discharge of all restraints (in the form of sentences to be served and detainers), particularly, the October 1970 detainer, proceeds as follows:
1. His original sentence of ten years under Indictment 22119 was illegal and excessive, in that the maximum sentence which could have been imposed under 18 U.S.C. § 641 (in the absence of an allegation of value in excess of $100) was one year;
3. It is illegal to impose consecutive terms of probation in excess of five years;
4. The probationary term imposed by the district court as a result of the March 29, 1967 hearing was unauthorized by 18 U.S.C. § 4208.
Hence, Lancer claims that he was not legally on probation when the order of October 9, 1970 issued, charging a violation of probation, and all subsequent acts which depend upon that order must necessarily be void.
III. The 1965 Sentence (18 U.S.C. § 641)
Our analysis starts with an examination of Indictment 22119 charging petitioner with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. Section 641 provides for two levels of penalties depending on the value of the property converted. If the value of the stolen property is $100 or more, an offender, “shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.” However, if the value of the property is less than $100, an offender cannot be fined “more than $1,000
In United States v. Ciongoli, 358 F.2d 439 (3d Cir. 1966), we were called upon to consider a motion to dismiss an indictment brought under 18 U.S.C. § 641. The indictment in that case alleged a value in excess of $100 attributable to 51 stolen money orders. The argument was made that, inasmuch as the money orders were blank, their value had to be less than $100. Despite the government’s offer to prove value in excess of $100, the district court dismissed the indictment. We reversed, stating (at 358 F.2d 441);
“ . . . The essential wrong which the statute proscribes is the misappropriation of government property, knowing that it has been stolen. Thus, no particular value of the stolen property need be alleged or proved to sustain a conviction, though in such a case only the lesser punishment can be imposed . . . .” United States v. Marpes, 198 F.2d 186 (3d Cir. 1952) (emphasis added).
In United States v. Marpes, supra, the defendant had been charged under two indictments alleging violations of 18 U.S.C. § 659.
“ . . . The sentence of one year’s imprisonment imposed under Indictment No. 13295 was necessarily based upon a value of $100 or less, since the indictment did not allege value . . . .” 198 F.2d 189.
We agree with Lancer that, under Indictment 22119, his sentence could not exceed a prison term of more than one year. We hold, therefore, that it was error for the district court to impose a ten year sentence even though nine years and ten months of that sentence were suspended. The district court did not err, however, in following its ten year sentence with a probationary term of four years and ten months. As previously noted (note 18 supra), the probationary term need not be limited to the maximum prison sentence (in this case one year) prescribed by statute.
Lancer’s entire sentence of July 28, 1965, is not voided by our holding that the district court imposed an excessive prison term. The district court could validly have imposed a one year term and that period remains as Lancer’s sentence under Indictment 22119. United States v. Pridgeon, 153 U.S. 48, 14 S.Ct. 746, 38 L.Ed. 631 (1894). We leave to the district court, on remand, the task of correcting Lancer’s sentence in accordance with our holding.
IV. The 1967 Revocation of Probation (18 U.S.C. §§ 3653, 3651, 4208)
(A). § 3653
18 U.S.C. § 3653 (see note 3 supra) specifies the action which may be taken by the district court after the probationer has been arrested for violation of probation. Under the terms of the statute, the district court could revoke Lancer’s probation (as it did) and require him either to serve the sentence imposed or any lesser sentence.
In the present case, the July 28, 1965 sentence is the “sentence imposed” within the meaning of § 3653. We have already determined that the July 28, 1965 sentence was excessive when entered (see III supra), but not void. Hence, when Lancer’s probation was revoked under § 3653, the maximum time which he could have been required to serve was limited to the time remaining under a one year (and not a ten year) sentence. Lancer had served two months in jail and, as we construe the record, had apparently been credited with four months of pre-sentence custody by the district court. Accordingly, as of March 29, 1967, Lancer had served six months in jail and could have been required to serve no more than another six months. The district court apparently acted under the first alternative of § 3653 in requiring Lancer to “serve the sentence imposed”.
(B). § 4208
While Lancer does not challenge the manner in which the district court applied § 3653 in its order of March 29, 1967, he does assert that the district court could not impose probation under 18 U.S.C. § 4208 once his probation was revoked. To answer this argument, two preliminary questions must be considered.
(1) Are the study provisions of § 4208(b) and (c) available where the sentence of the probationer does not exceed one year?
(2) Are these provisions available for use in conjunction with the revocation of probation under § 3653?
In answering these questions, we initially look to the relevant legislative history. 18 U.S.C. § 4208 was enacted in 1958 to provide additional information, services, and sentencing procedures to enable the sentencing judge to impose equitable and flexible
§ 4208(a) provides the judge with alternative procedures in sentencing convicted offenders to imprisonment. Under this provision, one option open to the court is to fix the maximum term and leave parole eligibility at one-third of this maximum period. Alternatively, the parole eligibility date can be left to the Board of Parole, or it can be specified at less than one-third the maximum sentence imposed.
Still another technique (designed for flexibility in sentencing) was incorporated into the statute in the form of the study provisions found in § 4208(b) and (c). The House Committee Report described these sections in this fashion:
“Sub-Section (b) would make it possible for the court, when confronted with the necessity of making a sentence determination in a particularly difficult case, to commit the defendant (technically under the statutory maximum term) to the Attorney General for a complete study over a period of three to six months. At the completion of this period the court would be authorized to modify the sentence if the study’s findings and the judgment of the court indicate such action . . . . This provision would extend the court’s authority to modify a sentence to a period up to six months, thereby making feasible • detailed studies of selected defendants before a final sentence must be formulated.
After receiving from the Director of the Bureau of Prisons a summary of this study, the court in fixing the final penalty may affirm the original sen*728 tence or impose a modified sentence under any applicable provision of law . . Inasmuch as the origina[l] [sic] sentence of the court represents the maximum authorized by statute, any later modification by the court would constitute a reduction in sentence . . . . A number of judges have advised the Committee that this extension [up to six months] would be most helpful in enabling them to give more deliberate consideration to exceptional cases.
Sub-Section (c) . prescribes that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons make the prisoner studies needed for parole eligibility and release determinations by the Board of Parole . . . ,”31
In its order of March 29, 1967, the district court acted under § 4208(b) and (c) rather than under § 4208(a). When the statutory language of Sub-section (b) is contrasted with that of Sub-section (a) (see note 4 supra) it is significant that two limitations found in Sub-section (a) are missing from Sub-section (b). Subsection (a) is prefaced by the words “Upon entering a judgment of conviction . .” No such language appears in Sub-section (b).
Similarly, Sub-section (a) purports to be limited to cases in which “ . the defendant [is] sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year . .” Again, such language is conspicuously absent from Sub-section (b). These differences in statutory language, as well as the legislative history of § 4208, are relevant to our determination that the district court did not err in utilizing § 4208 in its March 29, 1967 order.
One Year Term
The fact that Sub-section (b) is silent with respect to the length of sentence required before a study can be ordered is consistent with our view that the purpose for the study provisions bears little relationship to the term for which the defendant can be sentenced. The purpose of Sub-section (b) was to assist the court in “making a sentence determination in a particularly difficult case.”
Interrelationship of §§ 3653 and 4208
It is argued that, after probation has been revoked, the district court is without authority to sentence pursuant to § 4208. This argument focusing on the first words of § 4208(a) (“Upon entering a judgment of conviction. . .”), characterizes this clause as a “time” limitation which restricts the use of § 4208
In the first instance, 18 U.S.C. § 4208(b), the section with which we are here concerned, makes no reference to and is not prefaced by, the arguably limiting language of Sub-section (a). The words “Upon entering a judgment of conviction . . . ” are not to be found in either § 4208(b) or (c).
Additionally, if we were to adopt the “time” characterization urged upon us, it would necessarily bring § 4208 into conflict with § 3653 — a result which we do not believe was ever intended. This inconsistency can best be shown by an illustration. An offender, placed on probation in 1972 with imposition of sentence suspended, violates probation in 1974. If § 4208 is not available for re-sentencing purposes in 1974, because 1974 is not the “time” when the (1972) “Judgment of Conviction” was entered, the “third alternative” of § 3653 (see note 26 supra) would be meaningless. Under § 3653, the court after revoking probation may (if imposition of sentence was suspended) “ . . . impose any sentence which might originally have been imposed.” If sentence could have originally been imposed under § 4208, as it unquestionably could, then § 4208 is available for use upon revocation of probation under § 3653’s third alternative, and the “time” limitation argument urged against its use, must fall. If available under one alternative under § 3653, we see no logic in concluding that § 4208 is not equally available under the other resentencing provisions of § 3653.
Substantiating our conclusion that the prefatory language of § 4208(a) (“Upon entering a judgment of conviction .”) imposes no time restriction or other limitation on the use of § 4208(b) and (c), is Fed.R.Crim.P. 35 which permits a reduction in sentence within 120 days after sentence is imposed. If we were to adopt the construction urged upon us that § 4208 can be utilized only “Upon entering a judgment of conviction .” then there could be no modification of a sentence, (originally imposed under another statute (e.g. § 3651)), to a sentence pursuant to § 4208.
Reimposition of Probation
Our answers to the two preliminary questions result in our approving the use of § 4208(b) and (c) in the March 29, 1967 order. The ultimate question then remains whether § 4208 authorizes the reimposition of probation after probation has once been revoked. There is little precedent to guide us in this area. We do have, however, the views expressed by Mr. Barkin, Legal Counsel to the Bureau of Prisons who has written:
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“It seems to me that the language of the statute makes it quite clear that once having revoked probation, the court must then impose a sentence. It may not revoke and thereupon reinstate the defendant to probation. The logic of this provision seems apparent. Since a court does not have to revoke even if the defendant violates the conditions of probation, but rather revoke only when it concludes the defendant should no longer remain at liberty in the community, it would be most incongruous if it immediately reinstated the defendant without anything new and material before it.
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Whether a probation violator, who has been committed under the provisions of § 4208(b), can thereafter be reinstated to probation in view of the provisions of § 3653, as far as I know, has never been decided by a competent court. Again, ‘shooting from the hip,’ I take the view that probation is available to the Court under these circumstances. The rationale behind the preclusion of reinstatement after revocation as set forth in § 3653, is not applicable to this situation because here the court has new, and possibly significant information before it when the case comes before it for final disposition. It would seem most incongruous if the court would be unable to reinstate a defendant to probation if the new facts available to it clearly indicate this to be the proper course to take. In addition, in applying § 4208(b) in the first place the court clearly indicated that it was uncertain and wanted more information before making its final determination.”34
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Mr. Barkin’s analysis accords with the one case we have found in which a sentencing judge revoked probation and then utilized § 4208 for the purpose of obtaining information to aid the court in determining the sentence to be imposed. Smith v. United States, 297 F.Supp. 131 (N.D.Mo.1968). We recognize that in the instant case probation followed the use of § 4208(b) and (c) while in Smith imprisonment followed the revocation of probation. Nevertheless, the procedure employed by the district court in Smith in order to obtain information helpful to sentencing is the very procedure utilized by the district court here. We cannot distinguish the actions taken by the Smith court from those taken by the district court judge in the instant case. Both courts were seeking information for assistance in sentencing; both courts looked to § 4208(b) and (c) for that assistance; and both courts utilized information furnished in formulating the final action which they took. We do not believe that the fact that the Smith court imposed imprisonment after completion of the § 4208 study while the district court here imposed probation should affect the availability of § 4208.
In Smith a term of five years was imposed. The district court in this case, after utilizing the information received, determined that a term of “no years” should be imposed. We find little logic in an interpretation which would require us to hold that § 4208 might be available
An argument has been made that an examination of § 3651 (which provides for the imposition of probation) and § 3653 (which provides for revocation of probation) reveals a distinction between the terms “probation” and “sentence”.
We recognize that in various statutory contexts a distinction is drawn between “probation” and “sentence”, despite the punitive features of probation.
“ • • . After receiving such reports and recommendations, the court may in its discretion: (1) Place the prisoner on probation as authorized by section 3651 of this title37 or (2) affirm the sentence of imprisonment originally imposed, or reduce the sentence of imprisonment, and commit the offender under any applicable provision of law. The term of the sentence shall run from date of original commitment under this section.” (emphasis supplied).
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Thus while we recognize that under existing law, probation may not be regarded as a “sentence” for all purposes
We hold, therefore, that the provisions of § 4208(b) and (c) may be utilized in conjunction with revocation of probation proceedings under § 3653. If so employed, the district court after it has received the § 4208(c) study, may again impose probation, even though it had previously revoked probation. Accordingly, the district court here did not err in employing § 4208(b) and (c) in its March 29, 1967 order, and exercising its discretion in reimposing probation at the conclusion of the study. It did err, however, in imposing a greater probationary term than is permissible. The permissible term of probation that could have been imposed at that time was restricted to a maximum of five years less- the number of months theretofore served on probation by Lancer under Indictment 22119.
Lancer also challenges the consecutive terms of probation imposed on July 28, 1965. He claims first, that his original four year, ten months probationary term under Indictment 22119 had expired by October 9, 1970 (the date the order was entered authorizing the warrant for his last violation of probation). Second, he claims that § 3651 authorizes no more than five years probation and that, therefore, the second five year probationary term imposed under Indictment 22173 was void and incapable of supporting the warrant ordered on October 9, 1970, and resulting detainer. We find no merit in either argument.
(A). Probation Served Under Indictment 22119
Lancer’s contention that his probation time under Indictment 22119 had been fully served by October 9, 1970 results from a mechanical computation of the gross time interval between the date of sentence (July 28, 1965) and the date of the order authorizing a warrant for his arrest (October 9, 1970). This gross interval (using 30-day months) totals five (5) years, two (2) months and eleven (11) days. It fails, however, to take into account time spent in custody, which we have calculated at approximately six (6) months and five (5) days.
Subtracting only “jail-time” served (six (6) months and five (5) days) from the gross time interval of five (5) years, two (2) months and eleven (11) days reveals that Lancer could not have served more than four (4) years, eight (8) months and seven (7) days on probation under this Indictment.
The above calculation has deliberately excluded: other periods of incarceration spent under unrelated charges (see I supra ), time when Lancer was in violation of probation, or time spent during custody transfers following such violations. We have made this initial calculation by taking into consideration only the most evident deductions from the time Lancer claims to have spent on probation; that is, jail time served under this very Indictment. When other required deductions are made by the district court on remand, it will become apparent that Lancer still has a substantial period of time to serve on probation under Indictment 22119. Even calculating on the basis of the incomplete record before us, it is apparent that Lancer falls far short of having completed his probationary term under this Indictment.
Lancer was sentenced on July 28, 1965. He served two (2) months in jail; was released on September 28,1965; and was then taken to Ohio to face unrelated charges. On May 2, 1966 he began his four (4) year, ten (10) months probationary term in this district. A petition dated November 7, 1966 reveals that at least by that date Lancer was in violation of probation. (Up to this time, Lancer had spent six (6) months and five (5) days on probation). From November
On August 3, 1967 Lancer was to have resumed probationary status. The probation report, however, reveals that unrelated detainers had been placed against him which required the Philadelphia police to take him into custody. After having posted bail with respect to these detainers, he again absconded, and on January 10, 1968 was accordingly charged with probation violation. From that date until June 10, 1968, Lancer was in probation violation (or custody travel as a result of probation violation). Hence, we cannot credit any additional probationary time served from August 3, 1967 to June 10, 1968. The probation record
From February 4, 1969 until February 20, 1970 (one (1) year and sixteen (16) days) he was again under probationary supervision under Indictment 22119 in this district. Adding this one (1) year, sixteen (16) days to his prior allowable probationary service (May 2, 1966 to November 7, 1966) of six (6) months, five (5) days, reveals that Lancer has served no more than one (1) year, six (6) months and twenty-one (21) days of his prescribed four (4) year, ten (10) months term.
(B). Probationary Terms Exceeding Five Years
Having determined from our review of the record that Lancer has yet to complete service of his probationary term under Indictment 22119, we nonetheless are obliged to consider his contention that the probationary term of five (5) years imposed under Indictment 22173 is void
Fox involved a single information containing two counts. Imposition of sentence was suspended, and Fox was placed on probation for five years on each count, the periods to run consecutively. Subsequent probation violations brought into question the validity of the consecutive probationary terms exceeding five years. On appeal, the court voided the excessive portion of the probationary term, holding that no more than five years total probation could be imposed under one indictment with multiple counts. Both five year probationary terms were deemed to run concurrently rather than consecutively. Pisano, on similar facts, reached the same result when the Government conceded that Fox controlled. Hence, both
We need not decide whether we would follow Fox in a multiple count context (necessarily restricted by Fed.R.Crim.P. 8(a)).
The only arguable identity between these two indictments is suggested by the statement of petitioner’s trial counsel (before the district court) that these two indictments, and the other six indictments, stem from and are part of one integral and continuous transaction. There is no evidence in the record to support such a statement or finding. What evidence there is leads to the opposite conclusion.
Fed.R.Crim.P. 20
Our interpretation of 18 U.S.C. § 3651 (as authorizing probation in excess of five (5) years when imposed under more than one indictment) is bolstered by an analysis of the practical differences between our situation and that found in Fox. In the Fox context, one judge, in
We do not perceive the same problems, in dealing with separate counts of one indictment, as we perceive when dealing with separate indictments. There is good reason, therefore, for us to regard as inapposite Fox, supra, Pisano, supra, and United States v. Buchanan, 340 F.Supp. 1285 (E.D.N.C.1972).
We conclude that a valid probationary term of almost ten (10) years (four (4) years, ten (10) months on Indictment 22119; five (5) years on Indictment 22173) was imposed by the district court on July 28, 1965, under the two indictments.
VI. Conclusion
Although we agree with the district court that the ultimate relief (vacation of sentences) sought by Lancer cannot be granted, we are nevertheless obliged to vacate the district court order of August 2, 1973 and remand to that court for such additional proceedings as are consistent with this opinion.
By this disposition, we do not indicate in any respect that the district court in its discretion may not (after appropriate proceedings) enter an order similar to the one which we have vacated. At the least, the district court will be obliged to:
(1) correct the sentence imposed under Indictment 22119 (and any subsequent order entered on the basis of the erroneous sentence); as well as,
*737 (2) determine the remaining term, if any, of probation to be served by Lancer under Indictment 22119.
One further observation is appropriate. We have deliberately limited ourselves to a consideration of only those issues presented within the framework of Lancer’s challenge to his sentences under Indictments 22119 and 22173. However, we cannot ignore that part of Lancer’s petition which seeks a discharge of all restraints under Indictments 22172, 22153, 22163, 22164, 22160 and 22228. Nor can we ignore the fact that the sentences imposed under those Indictments, as well as under Count 2 of Indictment 22173, are void as a matter of law. Ex parte United States, 242 U.S. 27, 37 S.Ct. 72, 61 L.Ed. 129 (1916); see note 48 supra. The fact that we have not treated with these matters need not restrain the district court from considering their disposition along with the other matters to be dealt with on remand. Indeed, although we impose no such requirement, it would be appropriate for the district court to re-evaluate all the apparent deficiencies brought to light by Lancer’s petition, with a view to structuring integrated and consistent sentences.
The order of the district court will be vacated and the cause remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Chief Judge Seitz joins in all of this opinion except Paragraph IV entitled The 1967 Revocation of Probation. Solely as to that issue, he concurs in Judge Forman’s dissent.
. The action was initiated by a motion to vacate sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 which alleged that the sentence and the probation imposed was illegal and excessive. In the original motion papers filed by Petitioner, (at that time, pro se) the ultimate relief sought was: “discharging petitioner of any and all periods of probation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania!]] . . withdrawing the warrant for Violation of Probation, issued by the Court on October 13, 1970; [sic October 9, 1970] and discharging Petitioner from any/all further prosecutions on Indictment Nos. 22119, 22172, 22173, 22153, 22163, 22164, 22160, 222[3]8 . .
The order entered by the court directing the issuance of a warrant for violation of probation is dated October 9, 1970. The arrest warrant issued to the United States Marshal pursuant to the October 9th order is dated October 13, 1970. As a result of this warrant a detainer was placed against Lancer’s release from Leavenworth Penitentiary on April 26, 1972.
. At the time Lancer was sentenced in 1965, 18 U.S.C. § 3651 provided in relevant part:
§ 3651. Suspension of sentence and probation
Upon entering a judgment of conviction of any offense not punishable by death or life imprisonment, any court having jurisdiction to try offenses against the United States when satisfied that the ends of justice and the best interest of the public as well as the defendant will be served thereby, may suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and place the defendant on probation for such period and upon such terms and conditions as the court deems best.
Upon entering a judgment of conviction of any offense not punishable by death or life imprisonment, if the maximum punishment provided for such offense is more than six months, any court having jurisdiction to try offenses against the United States, when satisfied that the ends of justice and the best interest of the public as well as the defendant will be served thereby, may impose a sentence in excess of six months and provide that the defendant be confined in a jail-type institution or a treatment institution for a period not exceeding six months and that the execution of the remainder of the sentence be suspended and the defendant placed on probation, for such period and upon such terms and conditions as the court deems best.
Probation may be granted whether the offense is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both. If an offense is punishable by both fine and imprisonment, the court may impose a fine and place the defendant on probation as to imprisonment. Probation may be limited to one or more counts or indictments, but, in the absence of express limitation, shall extend to the entire sentence and judgment.
The court may revoke or modify any condition of probation, or may change the period of probation.
The period of probation, together with' any extension thereof, shall not exceed five ■ years.
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The amendments to § 3651 in 1970 and 1972 have no relevance to the issues here discussed.
. 18 U.S.C. § 3653 provides in relevant part:
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As speedily as possible after arrest [of a probationer] the probationer shall be taken before the court for the district having jurisdiction over him. Thereupon the court may revoke the probation and require him to serve the sentence imposed, or any lesser sentence, and, if imposition of sentence was suspended, may impose any sentence which might originally have been imposed.
. 18 U.S.C. § 4208 provides in relevant part:
§ 4208. Fixing eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing
(a) Upon entering a judgment of conviction, the court having jurisdiction to impose sentence, when in its opinion the ends of justice and best interests of the public require that the defendant be sentenced1 to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, may (1) designate in the sentence of imprisonment imposed a minimum term at the expiration of which the prisoner shall become eligible for parole, which term may be less than, but shall not be more than one-third of the maximum sentence imposed by the court, or (2) the court may fix the maximum sentence of imprisonment to be served in which event the court may specify that the prisoner may become eligible for parole at such time as the board of parole may determine.
(b) If the court desires more detailed information as a basis for determining the sentence to be imposed, the court may commit the defendant to the custody of the Attorney General, which commitment shall be deemed to be for the maximum sentence of imprisonment prescribed by law, for a study as described in subsection (c) hereof. The results of such study, together with any recommendations which the Director of the Bureau of Prisons believes would be*722 helpful in determining the disposition of the case, shall be furnished to the court within three months unless the court grants time, not to exceed an additional three months, for further study. After receiving such reports and recommendations, the court may in its discretion: (1) Place the prisoner on probation as authorized by section 3651 of this title, or (2) affirm the sentence of imprisonment originally imposed, or reduce the sentence of imprisonment, and commit the offender under any applicable provision of law. The term of the sentence shall run from date of original commitment under this section.
(c) Upon commitment of a prisoner sentenced to imprisonment under the provisions of subsection (a), the Director, under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, shall cause a complete study to be made of the prisoner and shall furnish to the board of parole a summary report together with any recommendations which in his opinion would be helpful in determining the suitability of the prisoner for parole. This report may include but shall not be limited to data regarding the prisoner’s previous delinquency or criminal experience, pertinent circumstances of his social background, his capabilities, his mental and physical health, and such other factors as may be considered pertinent. .
It shall be the duty of the various probation officers and government bureaus and agencies to furnish the board of parole information concerning the prisoner, and, whenever not incompatible with the public interest, their views and recommendations with respect to the parole disposition of his case.
(d) * * *
. 18 U.S.C. § 641 provides in relevant part:
§ 641. Public money, property or records
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Whoever receives, conceals, or retains [any money or thing of value of the United States] with intent to convert it to his use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen, purloined or converted—
Shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; but if the value of such property does not exceed the sum of $100, he shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. ******
. This disposition has required a more detailed analysis of the factual record than what might have otherwise been necessary.
. The states involved were: Alabama, West Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, Virginia and Illinois. Fed.R.Crim.P. 20 permits transfer of indictments from other districts for purposes of taking pleas and imposing sentences in the receiving district (here, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania).
. From what can be ascertained from the fragmented record, having served his term of imprisonment under Indictment 22119, Lancer was then taken to Ohio to face unrelated charges in that area. It was not until May 2, 1966, that he reported to the probation office to commence his probation under this Indictment.
. The arrest warrant, which issued as a result of the probation violation, was executed in Colorado on January 31, 1967. The record reveals various custody transfers, ultimately resulting in Lancer’s “delivery” to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on March 9, 1967.
. The procedure utilized by the district court in requiring Lancer to serve the “sentence [originally] imposed” conformed to the statutory procedure of 18 U.S.C. § 3653, even though, as we point out in a later portion of this opinion, the court was mistaken as to the length of the sentence. (See p. 726, infra).
. The record is unclear with respect to the order, if any, entered on August 3, 1967. A motion made by the United States Attorney (filed March 27, 1968) to “Amend Sentence,” recites among other things:
** * * *
4. On August 3, 1967, a sentencing was held. On that occasion, the Court placed the defendant on probation for a period of 9 years and 10 months, with a chance for the removal of probation at the end of 5 years.
In reverting to the original sentence under Criminal Number 22119, the defendant is to have been placed on probation for a period of 4 years and 10 months. The probationary period under Number 22173 should not have been affected by either the probation violation or the resentence under 22119. Therefore, this probation sentence of 5 years on the separate indictment*724 would still commence at the conclusion of the 4 years and 10 months under Criminal Number 22119.
It is requested then that the order of the Court be so amended.”
. Lancer was arrested on May 9, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee and was returned to 'Philadelphia on May 20, 1968.
. The petition charging probation violation recites, among other things, that Lancer was released from an Iowa prison on February 4, 1969, after having served a one-year term for an unrelated offense. Probationary supervision under this Indictment was resumed on that date and continued until February 20, 1970 when he again absconded from supervision.
. Much of Lancer’s prison history can be found in his motion papers. He recites that he was sentenced on February 14, 1972 (after a plea of guilty) by the district court (Northern District of Florida) to a prison term of five (5) years for violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2312 (transportation of stolen vehicles). He was thereafter incarcerated in Leavenworth, where the warrant of October 1970 lead to the filing of the April 1972 detainer. Thereafter, he was transferred to the penitentiary at Atlanta, Georgia, where he is presently in residence. The record indicates that as of April 26, 1972, Lancer’s earliest release date was noted as June 12, 1975.
. Counsel was appointed after leave to proceed in in forma pauperis was granted.
. Indictments numbered: 22119, 22172, 22173, 22153, 22163, 22164, 22160, 22228.
. The district court’s opinion is found at 361 F.Supp. 129 (E.D.Pa.1973).
. Lancer’s motion before the district court does not refer to the permissible length of probation where the maximum prison term that can be imposed is limited to one year. His brief on appeal, however, acknowledges that the district court was authorized to impose a five year probationary term despite being limited to the statutory maximum of one year imprisonment. (See p. 733, infra ). See Driver v. United States, 232 F.2d 418, 421 — 422 (4th Cir. 1956); Mitchem v. United States, 193 F.2d 55, 57 (5th Cir. 1951); Hollandsworth v. United States, 34 F.2d 423, 426 — 427 (4th Cir. 1929) (probationary term not limited to the statutory maximum sentence).
. On July 28, 1965, the district court imposed four years ten months probation under Indictment 22119, and five years probation under Count 1 of Indictment 22173, for a total of nine years and ten months probation. (See I, supra).
. No fine was imposed upon Lancer; hence, statutory references to fines are not relevant to our discussion and disposition of the present case.
. See I, p. 722, supra.
. The government’s failure to offer proof of value at the time the guilty pleas were taken makes it unnecessary for us to decide whether the failure to state a value in the indictment can be cured by proof of value at trial or at the time a guilty plea is entered. Cf. United States v. Ciongoli, 358 F.2d 439, 441-442 (3d Cir. 1966).
. The penalty provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 659 (theft from interstate carriers) parallels the penalty provisions of § 641, in that it also provides two levels of penalties depending upon the value of the property taken.
. See Churder v. United States, 387 F.2d 825 (8th Cir. 1968); Jalbert v. United States, 375 F.2d 125 (5th Cir. 1967).
. In Ruiz v. United States, 365 F.2d 500 (3d Cir. 1966), we indicated that when a sentence is imposed at variance with the statutory requirements, “ . The correction is to be made not by discharge of the prisoner but by an appropriate amendment of the invalid sentence by the court which imposed it.
. § 3653 provides a third alternative if imposition of sentence was originally suspended. Then the district court, upon revocation of probation, could fix any sentence which could have been imposed at the initial sentencing. This third alternative was not available to the district court in the present case, since the court did not suspend sentence on Indictment 22119.
. Although the term it required Lancer to serve was excessive, the district court nevertheless complied with the terms of the statute by requiring Lancer to serve the nine year, ten month sentence originally imposed. (We cannot tell whether or not the four months
. No issue is raised and we need not consider whether the three months served by Lancer under § 4208(b) constitute a “lesser sentence” under § 3653.
. Testimony of the various witnesses at the Committee Hearings stressed in almost every instance the desirability of additional flexibility with respect to sentencing. See Hearings on H.J.Res. 424, 425 & H.R. 8923 before a Subcomm. of the House Comm, on the Judiciary, 85th Cong., 2nd Sess. ser. 14, at 22 (Testimony of Hon. John Biggs) at 34 (Testimony of Hon. Bolitha J. Laws) (1958).
. See 1958 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 85th Cong., 2d Sess. pp. 3891-3906, 104 Cong.Rec. 13,392 (1958) (remarks of Congressman Celler).
. H.R.Rep. No. 1946, 85th Cong., 2d Sess. 9-10 (1958).
. H.R.Rep. No. 1946, 85th Cong., 2d Sess. 9 (1958).
. As a matter of interest, we note that Rule 35 has been construed by the Bureau of Prisons to permit sentences imposed under one statute to be amended and made pursuant to § 4208 even after 120 days has expired, on the theory that the change of sentence to § 4208(a)(2) affects only the parole eligibility date and not the sentence itself. Letter from Eugene N. Barkin, Esq., Legal Counsel, Bureau of Prisons to Judge Hunter, United States District Court, Kansas City, Missouri, March 17, 1967. Mr. Barkin set forth the Bureau’s position as follows:
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Russ Millin had indicated to me that you were concerned with amending a judgment to include the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 4208(a)(2). Some people feel that this would be a reduction in sentence and therefore could not be accomplished after the period allowable for reduction under Rule 35 of F.R.Cr.P. has elapsed. We have taken the position that since this amendment does not change the term of sentence, it is not a reduction. At best, it only opens the door to a possibility of an earlier parole eligibility date. Perhaps a more difficult obstacle to overcome is the language of the statute itself which states that this provision may be used “Upon entering a judgment of conviction . . . ”. At any rate, a number of courts have amended their judgment in this manner subsequent to the period allowable under Rule 35 and this Bureau has always accepted this amendment at face value.
* * * * * *
As recently as May 3, 1972, the Bureau of Prisons has reaffirmed its position with respect to post-120 day modifications under § 4208. Letter from Julia S. Willson, Attorney in the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to Allan A. Casperson (at Lewisburg, Pa.) May 3, 1972.
We do not have before us for decision, the question of whether modification to a § 4208 sentence may be permitted after 120 days. We note the Bureau of Prison’s practice and Mr. Barkin’s letter, only to reinforce our view that § 4208’s use is' not rigidly limited to the time of initial sentencing; even where Subsection (a) is involved. Here, as we have noted, we are concerned with Sub-section (b), which does not include the term “Upon entering a judgment of conviction . . .”.
. Barkin, Sentencing the Adult Offender, Fed. Probation Q. June 1962, at 13-14.
. The argument rests on a comparison of the language of § 3651 (“ . may suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and place the defendant on probation . .”) with that of § 3653 (“ . . may revoke the probation and require him to serve the sentence imposed . .”). (emphasis supplied).
. See Korematsu v. United States, 319 U.S. 432, 63 S.Ct. 1124, 87 L.Ed. 1497 (1942) (“ . .a probation order is ‘an authorized mode of mild and ambulatory punishment . . . ”)
. As in § 4208(a), § 3651 commences with the prefatory language “ . Upon entering a judgment of conviction . (see note 2 supra). As we noted in our discussion of § 4208(b) (see p. 728 supra ) if this language is to be construed as a mandatory “time” limitation, it would prevent the imposition of probation after a § 4208(b) study. It would also prevent a modification or reduction of sentence to provide for probation in a proceeding brought under Fed.R.Crim.P. 35. In both § 4208(b) and Rule 35, imposition of probation under § 3651 is authorized at a period of time after the judgment of conviction. We decline to interpret the interrelationship of these sentencing statutes in a manner which would restrict their use and which would necessarily lead to inconsistent and, we believe, unintended results. One section of a statute should not be read so as to " . bring it into unreconcilable conflict with other provisions of the Act.” See Roberts v. United States, 320 U.S. 264, 267, 64 S.Ct. 113, 115, 88 L.Ed. 41 (1943). Moreover, such a construction would frustrate the Congressional purpose of “flexibility” in sen-fencing which pervaded the debates leading to the enactment of § 4208. See p. 727 and note 29 supra.
. We note that both the American Bar Association Standards and the proposed new Fed
* * * * * *
“(b) In this report the term ‘probation’ means a sentence not involving confinement which imposes conditions and retains authority in the sentencing court to modify the conditions of the sentence or to resen-tence the offender if he violates the conditions. Such a sentence should not involve or require suspension of the imposition or the execution of any other sentence.”
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The Final Report of the National Commission on Reform of Federal Criminal Laws, cited in Hearings Before the Subcomm. on Criminal Laws and Procedures of the Senate Comm, on the Judiciary, 92nd Cong., 1st Sess. 430 (1971) provides in § 3101:
“(1) ... A person who has been convicted of a federal offense may be sentenced to probation or unconditional discharge as provided in this Chapter.”
* * * * *
The comment following § 3101, while recognizing that “probation” is not regarded under present law as a “sentence”, states:
“ . . . Subsection (1) determines that probation is a sentence, an affirmative correctional device . . ..”
. “Sentencing should not be a game in which a wrong move by the judge means immunity for the prisoner.” King v. United States, 69 App.D.C. 10, 98 F.2d 291 (1938).
. As recited earlier, (see I supra) the final corrected order placing Lancer on probation (after his study was completed) was not entered until April 9, 1968. This completed the final sentencing of August 3, 1967. We note that although the district court in its April 9, 1968 order “placed [Lancer] on probation for a period of four (4) years and ten (10) months”, the provisions of § 3651 would preclude probation under Indictment 22119 in excess of a total of five years. (See our discussion supra under V). We leave to the district court for its determination on remand the remaining time which Lancer could have been required to serve on probation when the April 9, 1968 order was entered. As will appear in a later part of this opinion involving our computation of the time spent by Lancer on probation (calculated from July 28, 1965), neither our conclusion nor disposition would be affected by any correction of the April order.
. Petitioner served two (2) months in jail, as provided in his sentence under Indictment 22119 (from July 28, 1965 to September 28, 1965). He was again in custody for a study from March 29, 1967 to August 3, 1967 (four (4) months and five (5) days). Therefore, the total jail time served after July 28, 1965 under Indictment 22119, was six (6) months and five (5) days. This calculation does not include the four (4) months pre-sentence custody which the district court apparently credited to Lancer.
. Time spent in jail has not been counted as time spent on probation. In the absence of express direction by the sentencing court concerning the time when probation is to commence (and its relation to intervening jail time, parole, etc.), probation would be tolled during such periods and would resume upon release from confinement. United States v. Gelb, D.C., 175 F.Supp. 267, aff’d, 269 F.2d 675 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 361 U.S. 822, 80 S.Ct. 66, 4 L.Ed.2d 66 (1959) (intervening federal confinement); United States v. Gerson, 302 F.2d 430 (6th Cir. 1962) (intervening state confinement).
. See Petition for Probation Violation dated September 28, 1970. This Petition resulted in the court’s order of October 9, 1970.
. The calculations noted above do not include all of the information contained in the various reports filed by the probation authorities. These facts may very well reduce even further the time Lancer has served on probation. ' We have not gone into any greater detail here, as we regard the accurate computation of “time spent and remaining” to be the function of the district court on an appropriate record. We wish to make clear that the district court is not bound by our calculations if the facts developed on remand are other than appear here.
. This claim arises by virtue of that portion of § 3651 which provides:
“The period of probation, together with any extension thereof, shall not exceed five years.”
Under our analysis, Lancer has not as yet commenced serving his probationary term of five (5) years under Indictment 22173. Despite this he may properly contest the validity of that “sentence” in this proceeding. See Peyton v. Rowe,. 391 U.S. 54, 88 S.Ct. 1549, 20 L.Ed.2d 426 (1968).
. Fed.R.Crim.P. 8(a) provides:
(a) Joinder of Offenses. Two or more offenses may be charged in the same indictment or information in a separate count for each offense if the offenses charged, whether felonies or misdemeanors or both, are of the same or similar character or are based on the same act or transaction or on two or more acts or transactions connected together or constituting parts of a common scheme or plan.
* * * * * *
. Fed.R.Crim.P. 20(a) provides:
(a) Indictment or Information Pending. A defendant arrested or held in a district other than that in which the indictment or information is pending against him may state in writing that he wishes to plead guilty or nolo contendere, to waive trial in the district in which the indictment or information is pending and to consent to disposition of the case in the district in which he was arrested or is held, subject to the approval of the United States attorney for each district. Upon receipt of the defendant’s statement and of the written approval of the United States attorneys, the clerk of the court in which the indictment or information is pending shall transmit the papers in the proceeding or certified copies thereof to the clerk of the court for the district in which the defendant is held and the prosecution shall continue in that district.
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. The imposition of sentence under Count 2 of Indictment 22173 was suspended without probation. Similarly, the district court suspended imposition of sentence as to the remaining six indictments, and made no provision for probation. A suspension of imposition of sentence without placing the defendant on probation is a nullity. Ex Parte United States, 242 U.S. 27, 37 S.Ct. 72, 61 L.Ed. 129 (1916); Collins v. United States, 148 F.2d 338 (9th Cir. 1945). In light of the manner in which we dispose of this appeal, it is unnecessary for us to deal with the effect of these “sentences” at this time. Cf. Miller v. Ader-hold, 288 U.S. 206, 53 S.Ct. 325, 77 L.Ed. 702 (1933).
. We recognize that Lancer was sentenced under eight (8) indictments by one judge. This situation came about only as a result of Fed.R.Crim.P. 20 proceedings (see n. 47 supra) and in no respect affects our analysis. Had Lancer not consented to the Rule 20 proceedings and had he not pleaded guilty, the problems we envisage here could very well have surfaced in at least seven different jurisdictions if a “five year maximum rule” applied.
. We recognize that a solution to this problem has been proposed by making multiple periods of probation, whether imposed at the same time or at different times, run concurrently. The Final Report of the National Commission on Reform of Federal Criminal Laws, cited in Hearings Before the Subcomm. on Criminal Laws and Procedures of the Senate Comm, on the Judiciary, 92nd Cong. 1st Sess. § 3104, at 434-35. The comment to this section recites:
“This Section does not have a counterpart in Title 18. The provision for the concurrent running of multiple periods of probation is based on the same premise as is the limitation of the maximum period to five years — either probation will work within a relatively short period of time or it will not work at all. In providing that probation runs concurrently with a prison or a parole term for another offense, the Section differs from existing law . . .”
This proposal has yet to be enacted and, in our view, does not represent the existing state of the law. By our holding we express no view or opinion as to the advisability (as distinct from the legality) of imposing a term of probation in excess of five years on multiple indictments which determination is a matter for the district court’s discretion.
. One factor, affecting any corrective action which the district court may decide to take, is the length of time which has elapsed since Lancer’s void sentences were imposed. See Pollard v. United States, 352 U.S. 354 at 361-362, 77 S.Ct. 481, 1 L.Ed.2d 393 (1957). Other factors to be considered on resentencing are the various periods of custody and the events intervening between the date of original sentencing and the present.
Dissenting Opinion
join, dissenting:
Although I am in substantial agreement with the majority opinion, I cannot agree with that portion of the opinion approving consecutive terms of probation which exceed the five year limit imposed in 18 U.S.C. § 3651. Accordingly, I must dissent from Section V(B) of Judge Garth’s opinion.
18 U.S.C. § 3651 provides in relevant part:
Probation may be limited to one or more counts or indictments, but, in the absence of express limitation, shall extend to the entire sentence and judgment.
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The period of probation, together with any extension thereof, shall not exceed five years. (Emphasis added.)
Since the plural form, indictments, is used, the statute seems to contemplate situations where a district judge sentences a defendant on several indictments at the same time.
The clear import of the second paragraph is that only one five-year period of probation may be given. The five-year probationary term must extend to the entire sentence so that even if several indictments are consolidated, the limitation is applicable.
The majority discounts the applicability of Fox and Pisano correctly noting that those cases dealt not with separate indictments transferred under Rule 20, F.R.Cr.P., but with separate counts of the same indictment. The simple words of § 3651 do not support this distinction, however. § 3651 provides that “[probation may be limited to one or more counts or indictments.” (Emphasis added.) No basis for distinction between separate counts of the same indictment and entirely separate indictments is implied in § 3651. Accordingly, Judge Garth’s conclusion that the Fox-Pisano construction of § 3651 is inapplicable in the “separate indictments” context is, in my view, unwarranted.
Without a shred of support, the majority next concludes that if there had been no Rule 20 transfer “[w]e do not believe that 18 U.S.C. § 3651 would have precluded the Alabama District Court from imposing a five year probationary term, to follow a five year probationary term imposed on petitioner by the District Court in Pennsylvania”.
There are several problems with this argument. First, although petitioner Lancer requested the transfer, Rule 20 provides that the United States Attorney from each district involved must approve the transfer. Clearly, a Rule 20 transfer is not an independent procedure by which a defendant can frustrate a government plan to impose stringent penalties.
Second, the majority advances no support for its conclusion that § 3651 would have permitted an Alabama district court not only to suspend sentence but also to suspend commencement of probation for five years. If § 3651 authorizes this, it is far less evident to me than the majority suggests.
Third, I do not think the majority’s position is supportable on a policy basis.
I find nothing to indicate that this was the intent of Congress. To the contrary, the language and purpose
As such, I believe the district court erred in imposing consecutive probationary terms in excess of five years. I would therefore void the excessive portion of the probationary term.
. I cannot accept the apparent view of the sentencing court in this case 1) that consecu-five probationary periods, exceeding five years in total duration, may be imposed for each offense comprising the court’s “entire sentence and judgment” and 2) that for this purpose, “offense” should be equated with “indictment.”
The word “offense” is used in § 3651 only for the purpose of defining the types of offenses for which the court can grant probation (i. e., “any offense not punishable by death or life imprisonment” 18 U.S.C. § 3651). Used in this sense, “offense” cannot
More importantly, however, the mere fact that § 3651 defines the type of “offense” for which probation may be granted, does not permit the inference that consecutive probationary terms, exceeding five years in total duration, may be imposed for each offense, especially when such inference would be inconsistent with the language of § 3651 quoted in the text. Cf. Roberts v. United States, 320 U.S. 264, 64 S.Ct. 113, 88 L.Ed. 41 (1943) (provisions of the probation statute must be read together in a consistent fashion).
. Majority Opinion at pp. 735-736, supra.
. . Majority Opinion at p. 736, supra. Although the majority opinion addresses policy issues identical to those raised here, it feels bound by current law to reach a result other than that dictated by sound policy considerations. No support for the majority’s reading of the law is advanced, however. Since the issue is clearly one of first impression, I think the statute should be read to reach a sensible result which is consistent with the purpose of probation cited here in the text and infra, n. 5.
. This has been held not to offend double jeopardy. E. g„ United States v. Fultz, 482 F.2d 1 (8th Cir., 1973) and cases cited therein.
. For a discussion of the history of the Probation Act see United States v. Murray, 275 U.S. 347, 357, 48 S.Ct. 146, 72 L.Ed. 309 (1928); Frad v. Kelly, 302 U.S. 312, 58 S.Ct. 188, 82 L.Ed. 282 (1937); Roberts v. United States, 320 U.S. 264, 272, 64 S.Ct. 113, 88 L.Ed. 41 (1943).
These cases imply that the purpose of probation is to prevent unhardened offenders from being contaminated by contact with criminal elements encountered in prison. Probation is not intended to give a judge supervisory powers over the defendant for an indefinite period of time. Judges are ill-equipped to deal with the day to day management of too many offenders. The intent of probation is rather to give the judge a time period in which to assess the likelihood that this defendant can be rehabilitated without prison. This purpose is thwarted, in my view, by consecutive probationary terms.
. Korematsu v. United States, 319 U.S. at 435, 63 S.Ct. at 1126, citing Zerbst v. Kidwell, 304 U.S. 359, 363, 58 S.Ct. 872, 82 L.Ed. 1399 (1938).
Dissenting Opinion
(dissenting):
I concur with Judge Hunter’s view that 18 U.S.C. § 3651
I agree that when Lancer’s probation under Indictment 22119 was revoked he could have been imprisoned, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 3653, for a term not exceeding the unserved portion of his valid one-year sentence. Instead of requiring Lancer to serve the sentence originally imposed, however, the District Judge chose to commit him to the custody of the Attorney General for a three to six month study, citing 18 U.S.C. § 4208(b) as authority. Four months later, when the study was completed, the District Judge suspended execution of the remainder of the one-year sentence
I must take issue with the majority’s determination that the District Judge had the power to commit Lancer to a diagnostic study under Section 4208(b) after revoking his probation. Section 4208(b) is not an independent provision. It must be read with 4208(a). Standing alone, Subsection (b) lacks the essential directives for its implementation. Only when read in conjunction with the introductory sentence in Subsection (a)— “Upon entering a judgment of conviction, the court . . . when in its opinion the ends of justice . . .require that the defendant be sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year . . .[emphasis supplied]— do Subsections (b), (c) and (d) become intelligently operable. Notwithstanding the majority’s contention to the contrary, it is critical that Section 4208(b) be read on Subsection (a), so that both are available only where the authorized maximum period of imprisonment exceeds one year.
The various subsections of Section 4208 were intended to form an interrelated package of flexible sentencing tools for the district judge who imposes the original sentence entered upon conviction. Subsection (a) permits the sentencing judge, at his discretion, “to share with the executive branch the responsibility for determining how long a prisoner should actually serve.”
Examination of the legislative history of Section 4208(b) discloses that the subsection was intended only for the use of the district judge who imposes the original sentence entered upon conviction. The Senate Report notes that
*741 [Subsection (b)] would permit the court, in particularly complex cases, to commit the defendant to the Attorney General for a 3- to 6-month study. After the court had received a summary of the Attorney General’s findings, it could impose final sentence under any applicable statute. In effect this provision extends to a maximum period of 6 months in selected cases the court’s power to modify the sentence, now restricted to 60 days under rule 35, Rules of Criminal Procedure10
Thus, Congress did not intend the study provisions of Sections 4208(b) and (c) to be used by district judges at any later stage of a criminal proceeding. Rule 35, as it existed at the time of the Senate Report, dealt only with a time limit within which the district judge was required to finalize the original sentence.
The notion that the various subsections of Section 4208 were intended to form a coordinated package of tools for use in the original sentencing process is further supported by a letter appended to the Senate Report. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts noted that:
The Judicial Conference feels that the sentencing judge before imposing final sentence, should be able to receive if he deems advisable a more complete study of the defendant than is available in the presentence investigation report. This observation and diagnosis would be extremely helpful to the court in making disposition in certain types of cases; particularly where a difficult medical, psychiatric, sex, or rehabilitative problem may be involved. Facilities for such observation and study are in existence but authority is lacking for the court to change a sentence after 2 months. This may not afford time to complete such a study. The proposed amendment would make the opportunity more certain.12
The majority’s determination that Subsection (b) may be used to diagnose those whose sentence is one year or less hinges on its argument that “[cjomplicat-ed factors, which a study by the Bureau of Prisons is designed to sort out, are just as likely to be present when the offense committed carries a maximum sentence of less than one year.” This argument ignores the point that the one-year limitation is unrelated to the presence or absence of “complicated factors.” Such factors are just as likely to be found in cases where a study is made under Subsection (a), yet the majority acknowledges that Subsection (a) is .governed by the one-year maximum sentence limitation. The clear reason for the limitation, as admitted by the Government in its supplemental brief in this case, is that “[v]ery little purpose would be served by causing a defendant whose maximum term is one year or less to undergo a six month diagnostic study.”
Since Lancer’s sentence could not have been for more than one year, he could not have been properly committed under Section 4208. Therefore, I cannot accept the majority’s three-step analysis whereby it concludes that, by using Section
Despite the resistance of the majority to do so, it is imperative that there be a resolution of the question: Is probation a “sentence” which may be imposed under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3653 following probation revocation? An examination of Sections 3651 (imposition of probation) and 3653 (revocation of probation) reveals that Congress has clearly distinguished between the terms “probation” and “sentence.” Section 3651 permits the district court to “suspend the . execution of [the imposed] sentence and place the defendant on probation . . Section 3653 gives the district court the power to “revoke the probation and require [the defendant] to serve the sentence [originally] imposed [but suspended under Section 3651], or any lesser sentence . ..” [Emphasis supplied.] In the face of this clear legislative distinction it must be concluded that the district court’s power to “sentence” under Section 3653 following probation revocation does not encompass the power to suspend sentence again and reimpose probation.
Finally, as to the disposition of the six indictments, 22153, 22160, 22163, 22164, 22172 and 22228, I agree with the majority that suspending imposition of sentence without placing the defendant on probation is a nullity. Ex parte United States, 242 U.S. 27, 37 S.Ct. 72, 61 L.Ed. 129 (1916). Instead of the majority’s-mere suggestion that the District Judge dispose of these indictments, I would require that he do so. I would grant the motion to vacate sentence on all eight indictments and remand for disposition consistent with the views of Judge Hunter and those expressed herein.
. See note 2 of the majority opinion.
. See note 3 of majority opinion.
. See note 4 of the majority opinion.
. See pp. 726-730 of the majority opinion.
. The District Judge believed that the sentence he was suspending was of nine years and ten months duration. Consonant with the majority’s treatment, what the District Judge purported to do has been translated into what he was permitted to do. See the discussion of Lancer’s maximum sentence in Part III of the majority opinion.
. The four year and ten month probation term imposed under Indictment 22119 was to be followed by a consecutive five year probation term under Indictment 22173. See reference to the District Judge’s order dated April 9, 1968 at pp. 723, 724 of the majority opinion.
. Senate Report No. 2013 reprinted in 1958 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 85th Cong., 2d Sess., at p. 3892.
. Statutory criteria for a federal prisoner’s parole eligibility are delineated in 18 U.S.C. § 4202.
. In the ordinary case rule 32(c), Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, provides that:
(1) The probation service of the court shall make a presentence investigation and report to the court before the imposition of sentence or the granting of probation unless the court otherwise directs.
(2) The report of the presentence investigation shall contain any prior criminal record of the defendant and such information about his characteristics, his financial condition and the circumstances affecting his behavior as may be helpful in imposing sentence or in granting probation or in the correctional treatment of the defendant, and such other information as may be required by the Court. .
. 1958 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 85th Cong., 2d Sess. p. 3892. A similar statement appears in the House Conference Report. See Id. at pp. 3905-3906.
. As it existed in 1958, Rule 35, Fed.R. Crim.P., provided:
The court may correct an illegal sentence at any time. The court may reduce a sentence within 60 days after the sentence is imposed, or within 60 days after receipt by the court of a mandate issued upon affirmance of the judgment or dismissal of the appeal, or within 60 days after receipt of an order of the Supreme Court denying an application for a writ of certiorari.
. 1958 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 85th Cong., 2d Sess. p. 3898.
. Mr. Eugene N. Barkin, Legal Counsel to the Bureau of Prisons, in a statement quoted by the majority at p. 730 of its opinion, seems to agree with this point:
It seems to me that the language of [Section 3653] makes it quite clear that once having revoked probation, the court must then impose a sentence. It may not revoke and thereupon reinstate the defendant to probation.
Barkin, Sentencing the Adult Offender, Fed. Probation Q., June 1962, at 13-14.
Mr. Barkin goes on to argue that probation may be reimposed following probation revocation through the use of Section 4208(b). He does not inform us, however, whether he would adopt the majority’s theory that Section 4208(b) is available where the term of imprisonment may not exceed one year.