173 F.R.D. 59 | W.D.N.Y. | 1997
DECISION and ORDER
In a March 28, 1996 indictment, defendant Fronk was charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, distribution and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and use of a communication facility to commit a drug felony in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). On May 23, 1996, defendant filed an omnibus motion for (1) pretrial discovery; (2) pre-trial disclosure of all Brady material; (3) disclosure of impeachment information; (4) search of personnel files of government agent witnesses; (5) identity of informants; (6) bill of particulars; (7) pretrial disclosure of evidence proffered under Rule 404(b) in the exclusion of any such evidence found to be inadmissible; (8) dismissal of the indictment on the basis that all counts are time barred by the statute of limitations; (9) renewal of the suppression motion; and (10) renewal of the prior motion for dismissal of indictment with prejudice. Subsequently, defendant moved to suppress evidence seized during execution of two search warrants. The motions were referred to Magistrate Judge Jonathan Feldman for hearings and a Report and Recommendation. Oral argument was heard and evidentiary hearings were conducted. On February 21, 1997, Magistrate Judge Feldman issued a Report and Recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1) in which he granted defendant’s motion to suppress his statements made to law enforcement on the evening of his arrest and denied defendant’s motion to suppress any evidence derived from inadmissible plea discussions, defendant’s motion to dismiss the indictment and defendant’s motion to suppress evidence seized during the execution of two search warrants. (Docket # 24) The motions relative to discovery were resolved, determined to be moot or decided from the bench.
On March 10, 1997, defendant filed an Objection to Magistrate Judge Feldman’s Report and Recommendation. (Docket # 25)
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), after the filing of a Report and Recommendation, any party may serve and file written objections to such proposed findings and recommendations. After such filing,
[a] judge of the court shall make a de novo determination of those portions of the report or specified proposed finding or recommendations to which objection is made. A judge of the court may accept, reject, or modify in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made by the magistrate.
I apply this standard of review to each of the matters to which the defendants have objected.
DEFENDANT’S OBJECTIONS
Defendant Fronk objects as follows:
(1) Defendant objects to the Magistrate’s Recommendation that Rule 11(e)(6) did not prevent the introduction of evidence derived from otherwise inadmissible plea negotiations;
(2) Defendant objects to the Magistrate’s Recommendation that the 1992 indictment should not be dismissed with prejudice;
(3) Defendant objects to the Magistrate’s Recommendation that all items seized during execution of two search warrants on September 4,1990 not be suppressed.
Each of these objections will be addressed below. Familiarity with both Magistrate Judge Feldman’s Report and the underlying record is presumed.
DISCUSSION
I. Suppression of Evidence Derived from Plea Discussions
Magistrate Judge Feldman found that statements made on September 4, 1990 by defendant to DEA agents were protected by Rule 11(e)(6) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. However, he denied defendant’s motion to suppress evidence derived from the inadmissible plea discussions because he concluded that the protective reach of Rule 11(e)(6) is limited to statements made by defendants. In making this determination, the Magistrate relied upon two cases from the Eighth and Eleventh Circuit which hold that the “fruits” of plea negotiation statements are not inadmissible under Rule 11(e)(6). United States v. Ware, 890 F.2d 1008, 1012 (8th Cir.1989); United States v. Cusack, 827 F.2d 696, 698 (11th Cir.1987).
Defendant argues that these cases are not controlling in the Second Circuit where this is an issue of first impression. Fronk points out that although the rule is silent with regard to derivative evidence, the purpose of Rule 11, to facilitate and encourage frank and candid plea discussions, would only be served by including derivative evidence within its scope. Defendant does not dispute that the express language of the statute only proscribes the use of a defendant’s statement and does not prohibit the use of derivative evidence. He argues, however, that the overall spirit of the statute would be better served by excluding all evidence obtained either directly or indirectly from plea negotiations. Defendant suggests that the Second Circuit would adopt this interpretation based on the following language found in the Second Circuit’s decision in United States v. Hinton, 703 F.2d 672 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 462 U.S. 1121, 103 S.Ct. 3091, 77 L.Ed.2d 1351 (1983):
As the trial judge aptly stated in the proceeding below:
Rule 11(e) was [not] intended to bar anything so ephemeral as the exploitation of weakness real or imagined concerning strategy, such as occurred here. Rule 11 ... [is] designed to [be] applied to statements that are to be used in evidence, or*62 evidence obtained through the me or exploitation of the statements. Nothing of that sort happened here.
Hinton, 703 F.2d at 679 (emphasis added). However, this excerpt is mere dicta in a decision which affirmed the trial court’s finding that Rule 11(e)(6)(D) does not bar the prosecution’s use of evidence derived from plea negotiations to add further charges to the indictment and it does not apply to statements made by defense counsel. The Second Circuit has not specifically reviewed the issue of whether Rule 11(e)(6) protects evidence derived from statements made during plea negotiations. I find-that Magistrate Judge Feldman properly determined that Rule 11 protection is limited to statements made by defendant and does not encompass evidence derived from the use of such statements.
In the alternative, defendant argues that even if Rule 11 does not protect the derivative evidence, Fronk was conferred with formal or informal derivative use immunity. I agree with the Magistrate’s Recommendation that the record does not support this position. Defendant does not dispute the Magistrate’s finding that there was no evidence that Fronk’s attorney discussed derivative use immunity with the government. Rather, defendant argues that the testimony of Fronk reveals that he subjectively believed that he had derivative use immunity based on communications from his lawyer. In support of this position, defendant directs the Court to page 214 of Fronk’s testimony which provides:
Q: What was your own personal belief as to what you said to the agents, prospectively? What was your own personal belief as to whether those statements could be used against you?
A: Well, I believed, according to (my attorney), he had a promise from A.U.S.A. that it would not be used against me and I, generally, remembered and knew even in my state then, that if you’re discussing matters with an assistant U.S. Attorney as part of a disposition and the disposition we wanted was no charges or something like that, that those matters are, it’s almost like having an immunity for what you’re talking about at that time. I mean, I had a general recollection that it would be safe. It would be safe, inadmissible conversation.
April 3,1992 Transcript, p. 214.
Fronk’s testimony does not comport with a finding of formal or informal derivative use immunity. At most, defendant’s testimony confirms that he believed that his statements would not be used against him.
I have carefully reviewed the' hearing transcripts and the submissions by the parties and conclude that Magistrate Judge Feldman applied the proper analysis and correctly determined that the discussions with agents the night of April 4,1997 constituted plea negotiations within the meaning of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(e)(6) but that Rule 11(e)(6) does not protect the use of derivative evidence. Moreover, Magistrate Judge Feld-man correctly determined that the record does not support a finding of formal or informal derivative use immunity.
II. Speedy Trial Objections
Defendant argues that Magistrate Judge Feldman should have reconsidered Judge Elfvin’s order dismissing the indictment without prejudice and dismissed the indictment with prejudice for violations of the Speedy Trial Act. 18 U.S.C. § 3162. I adopt Magistrate Judge Feldman’s recommendation that Fronk’s motion to dismiss the indictment with prejudice be denied. The determination of whether to dismiss an indictment with or without prejudice rests within the discretion of the district court based on “the seriousness of the offense, the facts and circumstances of the case which led to the dismissal and the impact of a reprosecution on the administration of [the Speedy Trial Act] and on the administration of justice.” 18 U.S.C. § 3162(a)(2); United States v. Wilson, 11 F.3d 346, 353 (2d Cir. 1993), cert. denied, 511 U.S. 1025, 114 S.Ct. 1415, 128 L.Ed.2d 86 (1994). Judge Elfvin considered these factors and determined that dismissal without prejudice was appropriate, anticipating that the government may choose to reindict defendant. Defendant now claims that reconsideration of Judge Elfvin’s decision is necessary because he has been prejudiced by the additional time
III. Evidence Seized In Execution of Search Warrant
Defendant objects to the Magistrate’s finding that the seizure of certain evidence, namely all items seized from his residence beyond the package which was the subject of the search warrant, was not beyond the scope of the search warrant. The Magistrate found that the warrant application contained probable cause to seize the items that included drug paraphernalia and records. He concluded that “a common sense reading of both the warrant and the application permitted the agents to legitimately seize not only drugs but also drug paraphernalia and records.” Report and Recommendation, p. 29. I agree. Although the warrant itself only reads “Quantity of Controlled Substance, Cocaine” to describe the items to be seized, the same DEA agent who submitted the affidavit in support of the warrant which sought permission to search for cocaine, currency, packaging materials, personal telephone books, envelopes, receipts, and other items evidencing violations of federal controlled substance offenses, participated in the execution of the warrant. Under these circumstances, incorporation and attachment of the affidavit is not required to incorporate the affidavit by reference into the warrant. United States v. Bianco, 998 F.2d 1112, 1116-1117 (2d Cir.1993), cert. denied, 511 U.S. 1069, 114 S.Ct. 1644, 128 L.Ed.2d 364 (1994).
CONCLUSION
I have carefully reviewed the balance of Magistrate Judge Feldman’s Report and Recommendation, and have found it to be in accord with both the record before me and the law.
WHEREFORE, for the reasons set forth above, the findings in Magistrate Judge Feldman’s February 21, 1997 Report and Recommendation are adopted in all respects.
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS SO ORDERED.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
By Order dated April 1, 1996, the Honorable Michael A. Telesca referred to the undersigned “all pre-trial matters that • a Magistrate Judge may hear and determine pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A)” as well as all matters “which a Magistrate Judge may hear and thereafter file a Report and Recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B).” (Docket #2). Thereafter, omnibus pre-trial motions were filed by the defendant and the government responded. Oral argument was heard by this Court and, where appropriate, eviden-tiary hearings were conducted. As set forth below, the following is my Report and Recommendation for all matters referred to me pursuant to § 636(b)(1)(B) (Docket # 8).
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO SUPPRESS STATEMENTS
Relevant Facts: At 7:30 p.m. on September 4, 1990 seven law enforcement agents
After the agents were finished searching, Fronk was taken into custody and transported in handcuffs to DEA headquarters for fingerprinting and processing. Upon arrival at the DEA office, Fronk again tried calling his lawyer. Blotnick was still not available and Fronk was placed into a holding cell. Sometime thereafter, Blotnick called the DEA office looking for his client. Agent Peterson told Blotnick that Fronk’s home had been searched and Fronk had been arrested. Blotnick informed Agent Peterson that he was immediately coming down to the DEA office to meet with his client.
Blotnick arrived at the DEA offices at around 10:00 p.m. After Blotnick arrived, and before he had a chance to meet with his client, Agent Peterson told Blotnick that DEA was seeking Fronk’s cooperation in their investigation. Peterson informed Blot-nick that the agents “were interested in interviewing Mr. Fronk and obtaining whatever information he would give us related to his source of supply [for drugs] and that we would like to know whether he [Fronk] would be interested in discussing these matters with us.” (SH at 12).
Blotnick spoke with Fronk for about twenty minutes. While Blotnick and Fronk were meeting, Agent Peterson called Assistant United States Attorney Susan Barbour (AUSA Barbour) to inform her of the situation. When Blotnick emerged from speaking to his client, he had a second conversation with Agent Peterson. According to Agent Peterson, Blotnick asked “what would be in it for his guy” if Fronk cooperated. Peterson testified that he told Blotnick that he “had spoken with Assistant United States Attorney Susan Barbour regarding the possibility of that [cooperation] occurring and that it was our position that if he [Fronk] was forthright and truthftd that we would be willing to recommend to the United States Attorneys office that he be released that evening and formal charges not be filed immediately to give everyone an opportunity to work this thing out in the future.” (SH at 13-14). Blotnick was not satisfied with the representations of the agent and asked if he could speak to the AUSA in charge of the prosecution. Peterson immediately called AUSA Barbour at her home, spoke to her briefly and handed the phone to Blotnick.
As to the substance of the conversation between AUSA Barbour and Blotnick, the testimony could not be more divergent. Blotnick testified that he asked Barbour for a promise that if Fronk cooperated he would not be prosecuted and the prosecutor refused. Blotnick testified he then asked Barbour for a promise that if Fronk cooperated he would be given a “favorable disposition”, but again AUSA Barbour declined to make this commitment. According to Blot-nick, AUSA Barbour stated that “before she could make any commitment as to what concessions the government would grant on his [Fronk’s] case, if any, they wanted to evaluate what he had to offer.” (SH at 283). Blotnick replied that if he was willing to go forward on those terms AUSA Barbour would have to agree “that anything we disclosed during these conversations would not be used against him in the event they decided not to offer him anything.” (SH at 284). Blotnick testified that Barbour “agreed”.
AUSA Barbour, who had recently joined the United States Attorneys Office after serving as a prosecutor in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, recalled the conversation differently. Barbour stated that Blotnick wanted to know what kind of disposition he could expect for his client. Barbour replied by telling Blotnick that it was “premature” to make any commitments as to the
After completing his conversation with AUSA Barbour, Blotnick handed the phone back to Agent Peterson. According to Agent Peterson, AUSA Barbour told him that if Frank gave truthful cooperation, no charges were to be filed “that night” and they “would see down the road” what the ultimate disposition would be. (SH at 60-61). Agent Peterson testified that AUSA Barbour never told him of her decision that any statements Frank made that evening could be used against Frank. (SH at 60). Agent Peterson, who has been a law enforcement officer for over 20 years, testified that in virtually every case he had been involved in where counsel was present during a post-arrest cooperation interview, defense counsel “wanted representations that statements that a defendant was going to make on the night of his arrest would not be used to incriminate him at a later time.” (SH at 51).
After Agent Peterson ended his conversation with AUSA Barbour, Blotnick was escorted back to the holding cell to see his client again. Blotnick told Fronk of his conversation with AUSA Barbour and the need to make a decision on whether to cooperate with the investigation. Blotnick testified that Fronk was initially against meeting with the agents and cooperating with them. Blot-nick told Fronk that “there was no down-side to our giving them the information, because in the event they decided to go forward with this prosecution they agreed not to use any information provided.” (SH at 287-288).
After Blotnick and Fronk had been conferring for a short period of time, Agent Peterson began pressuring them for a decision. Peterson testified he interrupted their meeting and told them “a decision had to be made quickly”, that they were “waiting for a decision”. (SH at 62 — 63).
Blotnick emerged from the meeting with Fronk and notified the agents that his client was willing to sit down with them and answer their questions. Frank was then interviewed by Agent Peterson, Detective Grisanti and Postal Inspector Molly McMinn. Blotnick was present for the entire interview, which, according to Agent Peterson lasted about an hour. (SH 74). Agent Peterson testified that Fronk was occasionally “hesitant” in providing the agents information and, as a result, Blotnick had to “encourage Mr. Fronk to answer my questions.” (SH at 67). Blot-nick testified that in encouraging his client to answer the agents’ questions he “repeatedly recited to him [Fronk] that none of this
At the conclusion of the interview, Agent Peterson gave Fronk a “Waiver of Speedy Arraignment” form. (Government exhibit 3). Blotniek looked at the form and approved his client signing it. Fronk signed the form and returned it to Agent Peterson. Fronk and Blotniek claim that the form they signed was a single page form which did nothing more than waive an arrested defendant’s right to a speedy arraignment. Peterson, Grisanti and McMinn testified that the form had an attached cover page that contained a waiver of Miranda rights. In any event, both government and defense counsel stipulated at the suppression hearing that nothing Fronk said after the waiver form was signed will be introduced at trial. After the form was signed, Blotniek and Fronk left the DEA offices.
Sometime thereafter AUSA Barbour called Blotniek to request that Fronk appear at her offices for another meeting. The second meeting occurred on October 3, 1990. According to Ms. Barbour, the purpose of the second meeting “was to follow through with any cooperation that the defendant might be giving.” (ESH at 371).
The parties were never able to agree on a mutually acceptable disposition of the matter •and Fronk was' eventually indicted for narcotics related offenses. In this prosecution, the government has notified Fronk that it intends on offering into evidence the substance of what he told law enforcement agents during their meeting on September 4, 1990. The defendant moves to suppress the statements he made on the night of his arrest as any evidence derived as any “fruits” of those statements.
DISCUSSION
The gist of Frank’s motion to suppress is that any and all statements he made to law enforcement during the meeting on September 4, 1990 were made “in the course of plea discussions” and hence are inadmissible pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(e)(6) and Federal Rule of Evidence 410(3). Both counsel have submitted extensive post-hearing briefs. These briefs refer the court to numerous cases addressing the issue now confronting this Court; that is, under what circumstances are discussions between an accused and law enforcement plea negotiations? I have reviewed and considered the cases cited by counsel as well as many others uncovered in my own research. The common denominator among all of these cases is that the determination as to whether a conversation between a defendant and law enforcement is an inadmissible plea discussion or an inculpatory confession is a decision driven by the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the interchange at issue. United States v. Serna, 799 F.2d 842, 849 (2d Cir.1986), (“Whether a party is engaged in plea negotiations is a factual question that must be determined on a case-by-case basis.”), cert. denied, Cinnante v. United States, 481 U.S. 1013, 107 S.Ct. 1887, 95 L.Ed.2d 494 (1987). Indeed, the varying results of the cases pay homage to the conclusion that such determinations are not amena
As fact driven as these determinations necessarily are, many courts have utilized a two tiered approach in analyzing whether a particular set of facts constitutes plea discussions. This framework, first adopted by the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Robertson, 582 F.2d 1356 (5th Cir.1978), measures the admissibility issue pursuant the following framework:
The trial court must apply a two-tiered analysis and determine, first, whether the accused exhibited an actual subjective expectation to negotiate a plea at the time of the discussion, and, second, whether the accused’s expectation was reasonable given the totality of the objective circumstances.
Id. at 1366. See also United States v. Penta, 898 F.2d 815, 817-818 (1st Cir.1990)(utilizing Robertson framework); United States v. Leon Guerrero, 847 F.2d 1363, 1367 (9th Cir.1988) (same) United States v. Melina, 868 F.Supp. 1178, 1181 (D.Minn.1994) (same) United States v. Mannino, 551 F.Supp. 13, 18 (S.D.N.Y.1982) (same) I believe the Robertson two-tiered analysis to be the appropriate vehicle for analyzing Frank’s suppression claims.
1. The Subjective Component: Given the facts presented, I have little difficulty finding that Frank subjectively believed that his conversations with law enforcement on the night of his arrest were discussions in furtherance of the plea bargaining process and thus inadmissible. Even assuming arguendo that AUSA Barbour did, in fact, inform defense counsel Blotnick that the defendant’s “cooperation” would be used against him, there is no evidence that Blotnick repeated any such warning to Frank. Indeed, Blotnick testified that he told Frank the opposite — that there was no “downside” to Frank’s full cooperation because the government needed the information to determine what ultimate disposition was going to be offered and hence would not use what Frank said against him. (SH 287-288).
The government decided to forego its opportunity to have this Court make its own determination as to Frank’s credibility and instead agreed to stipulate into evidence the transcript of Frank’s previous testimony before Judge Elfvin. (SH 352-353)
2. The Objective Component: Pursuant to the Robertson analysis, I must also consider whether Frank’s subjective beliefs were “reasonable given the totality of the objective circumstances”. United States v. Robertson, 582 F.2d at 1366. The government contends that the events of September 4, 1990 were nothing more than an “offer to cooperate” by Fronk and “an offer to cooperate by a defendant does not equate to a plea discussion.” Government’s Memorandum in Opposition at page 25.
The government’s claim that at issue here is nothing more than an “offer to cooperate” is not only a cramped view of the facts developed at the suppression hearing, but also represents an overly restrictive view of the practical realities and pressures of plea negotiations. Regardless of how one labels the discussions between the government and the defendant on September 4, 1990, one fact is clear. Fronk did not come to the DEA offices with the intention of making an “offer to cooperate” in the government’s investigation. To the contrary, he refused to make any statements to law enforcement, inculpatory or otherwise, without the benefit of counsel. When counsel did arrive, he did not “offer” the cooperation of his client. Indeed, before Blotnick even had a chance to meet with Fronk, Agent Peterson told Blotnick that although Magistrate Maxwell was standing by for Fronk to appear, the government wanted Fronk to agree to an interview so they could identify Frank’s source of supply of drugs. (SH at 12). The record is clear that the agents thereafter pressured Blotnick and Frank into making a quick cooperation decision by interrupting their attempts to discuss the issue with admonitions to hurry up and by telling them that cooperation had to be that evening “or the deal was off’. (SH 62-65). Further, before agreeing to anything, Fronk sought the participation and advice of his attorney in the negotiations. Compare United States v. Levy, 578 F.2d 896, 900-901 (2d Cir.1978) (no plea discussions where uncounseled defendant, without any request from the agents and without any expectation that a reduced punishment would come to pass, “spontaneously” offered to cooperate and makes admissions).
There is, of course, nothing improper about the government seeking the cooperation of an arrestee. Such overtures further legitimate law enforcement interests. Absent improper police conduct, the fruits of those cooperation efforts are properly admitted against a defendant. Where, however, the government’s efforts to secure the cooperation of an arrestee progress to the point where both the government and the defendant are negotiating through counsel and those negotiations involve the potential resolution or withdrawal of criminal charges in exchange for the defendant’s cooperation, the provisions of Rule 11(e)(6)(D) must properly be considered.
Once government counsel and defense counsel agree that cooperation of a defendant potentially would be advantageous to both the interests of law enforcement and the defendant, the plea negotiation process that results is often routine, if not predictable. Defense counsel ordinarily demands to know “what’s in it for the client” should he or she agree to cooperate. Government counsel, typically unwilling to “buy a pig in a poke”, seeks a full proffer of what the defendant knows before committing to a specific plea or other disposition. Sometimes this drama plays out over weeks and months, with counsel exchanging letters confirming discussions or executing proffer agreements before the debriefing session occurs. Often, however, the luxury of reasoned reflection is not available and cooperation decisions must be made quickly, under enormous pressure and without the benefit of written agreements or letters of mutual understanding. In these circumstances, both government counsel and defense counsel rely on each others’ good faith to uphold the “deal”. Regardless of whether these discussions occur over weeks and months or are so truncated by circumstances that they last only a few minutes, they are a necessary part of plea discussions.
The discussions between AUSA Barbour and defense attorney Blotnick on the evening of Frank’s arrest were, in my view, consistent with the preliminary plea negotiations which logically presage either side committing to a particular and specific plea bargain. Faced with agents anxious to obtain his client’s cooperation and knowing that the agents lacked authority to negotiate, Blotnick asked to speak to the prosecutor who was “in charge of the case”. (SH at 281). AUSA Barbour testified that she told Blotnick that if Fronk would “come clean” (SH 195), show some “good faith” (SH 209) and cooperate, she would “assess it and then later on make a determination as to what [she] was going to give him or offer him”. (SH at 196-197; 221-222). After Fronk disclosed self-incriminating information, AUSA Barbour arranged a further meeting with Fronk, Blotnick and the agents, this time at her offices. According to AUSA Barbour, this second meeting was controlled by the same verbal agreement she had with Blotnick on the night of Frank’s arrest— that she was going “to assess his cooperation to make a determination later on what plea would be available”. (ESH at 374-375). Such discussions and negotiations should be within the ambit of Rule 11(e)(6).
In their brief, the government’s espouses the position that because “the defendant never agreed or offered to plead to anything” that evening, the discussions between Fronk and the agents could have never qualified as plea discussions within the meaning of Rule 11(e)(6)(D). (Government’s Response at page 24). Under this rigid view, only those negotiations that specifically mention a defendant’s willingness to plead guilty to a particular criminal offense meet the requirements of Rule 11(e)(6). This view is inconsistent with both the practical realities of plea negotiations and Second Circuit precedent. In United States v. Sema, 799 F.2d 842 (2d Cir.1986), the Court considered whether discussions preliminary to an actual offer to plead were inadmissible plea negotiations. In Sema, the defendant and his retained counsel met with an AUSA “to discuss the possibility of Serna’s cooperation”. Id. at 848. (emphasis supplied) To “determine Ser-na’s sincerity in cooperating”, a DEA agent interviewed him in the presence of his attorney. Based on the government’s belief that Serna had been “less than forthcoming” in his proffer, plea negotiations fell through. Id. Despite the lack of a specific plea offer, the Second Circuit had “little difficulty in concluding that Serna had entered into plea negotiations with the Government”. Id. The Court held: “In light of the initial meeting with the AUSA, this preliminary [de-brief-ing] discussion must be considered part of the overall plea bargaining process. A requirement that such negotiations be more formal would contravene Rule 11(e)(6).” Id. at 849. See United States v. Washington, 614 F.Supp. 144, 149-151 (E.D.Pa.1985) (meeting between defendant, his counsel and AUSA wherein defendant attempted to convince government not to prosecute him or to prosecute him for a lesser offense were discussions within ambit of Rule 11(e)(6); “all statements at a meeting where the possibility of a plea is mentioned should be considered to have been made in the course of plea discussions”). See also United States v. Boltz, 663 F.Supp. 956 (D.Alaska.1987) (the phrase “plea discussions” in Rule 11(e)(6) includes offers of immunity, dismissal of all charges or no prosecution as well as offers to pleas of lesser or related offenses). Simply stated, I am not persuaded by the government’s claim that a specific offer to plea to a criminal offense is the sine qua non of plea discussions as contemplated by Rule 11(e)(6) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
There are other facts that support a finding that the September 4th discussions between Fronk and the agents were undertaken as part of plea discussions. Agent Peterson, who telephonically spoke to AUSA Barbour at least twice after the arrest of Fronk, testified that the parties were “contemplating the possibility of a plea in this case with his [Frank’s] cooperation” and that a decision as to what was going to be offered was going to be made after the agents and AUSA Barbour evaluated Frank’s cooperation. (SH 55-56). Moreover, the circumstances surrounding
In sum, I find that Fronk’s expectation that he was engaged in plea discussions “was reasonable given the totality of the objective circumstances” evident on September 4, 1990. United States v. Robertson, 582 F.2d at 1366. Accordingly, the proffer Fronk made to law enforcement agents pursuant to the advice of his counsel on the night of his arrest is inadmissible.
3. Waiver: Having found that the discussions between Frank and the government were within scope of Rule 11(e)(6), I now turn to the issue of whether Blotnick waived the protections of the Rule during his telephone conversation with AUSA Barbour on the evening of Fronk’s arrest.
The issue of whether a defendant could waive the protections of Rule 11(e)(6) was recently addressed by the United States Supreme Court in United States v. Mezzanatto, 513 U.S. 196, 115 S.Ct. 797, 130 L.Ed.2d 697 (1995). In Mezzanatto, the Court held that “absent some affirmative indication that the agreement was entered into unknowingly or involuntarily, an agreement to waive the exclusionary provisions of the plea-statement Rules is valid and enforceable.” Id. at 210, 115 S.Ct. at 806.
In the instant case, the evidence as to waiver was clearly in conflict. Blotnick testified that AUSA Barbour specifically represented to him that Fronk’s proffer that evening would not be used against him. (SH 283-284). AUSA Barbour testified that she told Blotnick that Fronk would “certainly be held liable for the statements he made that night”. (SH at 163). There are few things more disturbing to this Court than two respected members of the bar testifying so differently as to the substance of a crucial conversation. Blotnick and Barbour’s sworn testimony of their phone conversation are not just discrepant, they are irreconcilable.
The fact remains, however, that unless the government meets its burden, waiver can not be established. Here, not only does the testimony between Blotnick and Barbour differ as to whether a waiver was agreed upon, but, as set forth earlier in this Report and Recommendation, there are other objective facts that support Fronk’s position that he did not intend to waive the protections of Rule 11(e)(6). For these reasons, and based on the record before me, I am not persuaded that the government has proven that Fronk knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to the inadmissibility of plea negotiation statements. Accordingly, it is my Report and Recommendation that the statements Fronk made to law enforcement agents on the evening of his arrest be suppressed pursuant to Rule 11(e)(6) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
4. Derivative Use: The defendant also seeks to suppress any and all evidence derived from inadmissible plea discussions under the theory that such evidence would be suppressible as “fruit of the poisonous tree”. It is my Report and Recommendation that the “derivative use” aspect of Fronk’s suppression motion be denied. See United States v. Ware, 890 F.2d 1008, 1012 (8th Cir.1989) (defendant’s disclosure of a potential witness during plea negotiations not within ambit of Rule 11(e)(6)); United States v. Cusack, 827 F.2d 696, 697-698 (11th Cir.1987) (Rule 11(e)(6) does not prevent government from introducing evidence derived from otherwise inadmissable plea negotiations).
B. MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDICTMENT
1. Statute of Limitations: Fronk moves to dismiss the current indictment on the ground that all counts are barred by the five year statute of limitations period found in 18 U.S.C. § 3282. The first three counts of the current indictment are identical to the first three counts of Indictment Number 91-CR-70-E, (hereinafter the “1992 Indictment”) which indictment was returned by the federal grand jury on July 30, 1992. On November 15, 1995, Judge Elfvin dismissed the 1992 Indictment without prejudice for violations of the Speedy Trial Act. Approximately four months later, on March 28, 1996, the instant indictment (96-CR-6020-T) was returned. The new indictment contains one additional count (Count 4) which charges Fronk with using a communication device to commit a drug felony in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b).
Frank’s argument as to Count 4 of the new indictment is more problematic. Count 4 is brand new and was not alleged as part of the 1992 Indictment. Nevertheless, where the conduct alleged in the new indictment does not materially broaden or substantially amend the conduct alleged in the dismissed indictment, new charges based on those “old” facts are given the benefit of § 3288. United States v. Italiano, 894 F.2d 1280 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 896, 111 S.Ct. 246, 112 L.Ed.2d 205 (1990). “If the allegations and charges are substantially the same in the old and new indictments, the assumption is that the defendant has been placed on notice of the charges against him. That is, he knows that he will be called to account for certain activities and should prepare a defense.” United States v. Schmick, 904 F.2d 936, 940 (5th Cir.1990), quoting United States v. Italiano, 894 F.2d at 1283, cert. denied, sub nom., Brewer v. United States, 498 U.S. 1067, 111 S.Ct. 782, 112 L.Ed.2d 845 (1991),. The fact that the new and old indictment do not charge identical crimes is not dispositive. The similarity of the indictments is not measured by simply comparing the statutory violations alleged, “but also by the factual allegations that the government relies on to show a violation of the statute.” United States v. Italiano, 894 F.2d at 1282.
I agree with the government that although the new indictment adds an additional charge (using the mail to commit a drug felony), the conduct upon which both the new and old indictments are. based is identical. Count 4 of the new indictment concerns the delivery of two express mail packages to the defendant, both of which allegedly contained narcotics. These deliveries were clearly at issue in the 1992 indictment, discovery was provided with respect to both of them and there can be no doubt that Frank was on notice as to the specific conduct for which he needed to prepare his defense. It is my Report and Recommendation that Frank’s motion to dismiss one or more counts of the current indictment on the ground that such charges were filed outside the statute of limitations period be denied.
2. Speedy Trial: As stated earlier, the 1992 indictment against Frank was dismissed without prejudice by Judge Elfvin for violations of the Speedy Trial Act. See 18 U.S.C. § 3162. In the instant motion, Frank renews his request to dismiss the 1992 indictment with prejudice, thus barring the current prosecution.
It is my Report and Recommendation that Frank’s motion to dismiss the 1992 indictment with prejudice be denied. This motion was heard by Judge Elfvin, and, after consideration of the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3162(a)(1), he determined that dismissal without prejudice was appropriate. The government agrees that Judge Elfvin’s decision to dismiss the 1992 indictment without prejudice has been preserved for appeal should Frank be convicted of the current charges. There is no legitimate reason for this Court to recommend reversing Judge Elfvin’s prior decision and, accordingly, I decline to do so.
C. MOTION TO SUPPRESS FRUITS OF SEARCH WARRANTS
Frank moves to suppress various items of evidence seized when law enforcement officials executed two search warrants issued by Magistrate Judge Maxwell on September 4, 1990. The first warrant sought permission to search an Express Mail package addressed to Frank’s residence. The warrant was supported by the affidavit of Postal In
The Express Mail package was searched and approximately one ounce of cocaine was found wrapped in duct tape inside. Based on this first search, the agents sought a second search warrant from Judge Maxwell. This warrant sought to make a controlled delivery of the package to Fronk’s residence and then search the home. The warrant application was supported by the affidavit of DEA Agent Peterson and sought permission to search for cocaine, currency, packaging materials, personal telephone books, envelopes, receipts and other items evidencing violations of federal controlled substance offenses. Judge Maxwell approved the application and signed the warrant. However, the portion of the warrant which is intended to describe the items to be seized contained only the typewritten phrase: “QUANTITY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, COCAINE”. Judge Maxwell signed the warrant as presented. Fronk moves to suppress any and all items seized from his residence aside from the package which contained the cocaine. Fronk argues that because the warrant itself only authorizes the agents to seize controlled substances, other items seized by the agents executing the warrant were seized in contravention of the warrant and must be sup-, pressed.
Having reviewed the warrant application, I have little difficulty in finding that it contains probable cause to seize the items that were in fact seized. Warrants to search for drug paraphernalia and records based on controlled deliveries of drugs have been upheld in numerous cases. See United States v. Rey, 923 F.2d 1217, 1220-1221 (6th Cir.1991) (collecting cases). The issue here is not one of probable cause, but rather whether the description of the items to be seized in the warrant application can supplement the description in the warrant itself.
Under the facts presented here, I am convinced that a common sense reading of both the warrant and the application permitted the agents to legitimately seize not only drugs but also drug paraphernalia and records. Agent Peterson’s affidavit was submitted to and signed by Judge Maxwell. Although the warrant does not specifically incorporate by reference Agent Peterson’s supporting affidavit, see United States v. Towne, 997 F.2d 537 (9th Cir.1993), Agent Peterson did participate in the execution of the warrant and was well aware of the scope of the intended search. See United States v. Bianco, 998 F.2d 1112, 1116-1117 (2d Cir.1993) (formal requirements of incorporation and attachment not required where the involved parties were aware of the scope of and limitations on the search), cert. denied, 511 U.S. 1069, 114 S.Ct. 1644, 128 L.Ed.2d 364, (1994). Moreover, even if the non-contraband items seized were outside the authority of the warrant, the agents executing the search were permitted to seize incriminating evidence (i.e. scales, drug cutting agents, etc.) found while executing a warrant to search for narcotics. See Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 110 S.Ct. 2301, 110 L.Ed.2d 112 (1990). Finally, nothing in the record indicates that the agents executing the search of Fronk’s residence lacked a good faith belief that the warrant permitted them to seize all of the items listed in the application and affidavit that had been signed by Judge Maxwell. Massachusetts v. Sheppard, 468 U.S. 981, 104 S.Ct. 3424, 82 L.Ed.2d 737 (1984). For these reasons, it is my Report and Recommendation that Fronk’s motion to suppress evidence seized from the two search warrants signed by Judge Maxwell be denied.
It is my Report and Recommendation that (1) Fronk’s motion to suppress statements he made to law enforcement on the evening of his arrest be granted; (2) Fronk’s motion to suppress any evidence derived from inadmissible plea discussions be denied; (3) Fronk’s motions to dismiss the indictment on speedy trial and statute of limitations grounds be denied and (4) Fronk’s motion to suppress evidence seized during the execution of two search warrants on September 4, 1990 be denied.
. The seven were DEA Agents Mark Peterson, Richard Inscor and Fred Larson, Postal Inspectors Molly McMinn and Ronald Snyder, and Buffalo Police Detectives Robert Grisanti and Patrick Judge. (SH at 5-6).
. Suppression Hearing (SH) Transcript at page 12.
. James Fronk is an attorney and former Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York.
. Peterson conceded that part of the reason he was hurrying Blotnick and Fronk for a decision was for personal reasons in that he had travel plans the next day. (SH 63).
. Transcript of suppression hearing before the Hon. John T. Elfvin (ESH) at page 371. By stipulation, the parties have submitted to this Court relevant portions of the suppression hearing held before Judge Elfvin for purposes of resolving the instant suppression motions.
. Compare United States v. Ross, 493 F.2d 771 (5th Cir.1974) (discussions were plea negotiations); United States v. Melina, 868 F.Supp. 1178 (D.Minn.1994) (discussions were plea negotiations); United States v. Swidan, 689 F.Supp. 726 (E.D.Mich.1988) (discussions were plea negotiations); United States v. Boltz, 663 F.Supp. 956 (D.Alaska 1987) (discussions were plea negotiations); United States v. Washington, 614 F.Supp. 144 (E.D.Pa.1985), (discussions were plea negotiations), aff'd, 791 F.2d 923 (3rd Cir.), table, cert. denied, 479 U.S. 841, 107 S.Ct. 150, 93 L.Ed.2d 90 (1986), with United States v. Morgan, 91 F.3d 1193 (8th Cir.1996) (discussions were not plea negotiations) cert. denied, sub nom. Walker LaBrunerie v. United States, -U.S. -, 117 S.Ct. 965, 136 L.Ed.2d 850 (1997); United States v. Penta, 898 F.2d 815 (1st Cir.1990) (discussions were not plea negotiations); United States v. Cusack, 827 F.2d 696 (11th Cir.1987) (discussions were not plea negotiations); United States v. Lau, 711 F.Supp. 40 (D.Me.1989) (discussions were not plea negotiations).
. In accepting the stipulation, I made clear to counsel that by agreeing to proceed without the live testimony of the defendant, the Court would have to rely on the cold transcript and would not be able to make it’s own determination as to Mr. Fronk’s credibility. (SH at 353).
. Given the testimony at the suppression hearing that Magistrate Maxwell insisted that Fronk be afforded an initial appearance no matter what the hour, the "benefit" to Fronk of being released that evening seemed illusory. Agent Peterson testified that he believed that Fronk was going to be released by Magistrate Maxwell after the initial appearance. (SH at 50). Postal Inspector Molly McMinn testified that Magistrate Maxwell was making himself available that evening "[s]o that Mr. Fronk would not have to spend the night in jail”. (SH at 119). Mr. Blotnick testified that based on his knowledge of Magistrate Maxwell he was “extremely confident” that Fronk would be released that evening. (SH at 283). Only AUSA Barbour insisted that despite Magistrate Maxwell’s specific instructions to her that Fronk’s arrest not be a "subterfuge” for holding him in jail overnight (SH 180), she nevertheless had "no sense” of what kind of bail the Magistrate was going to set. AUSA Barbour testified that "it never occurred to her" that Magistrate Maxwell would release Fronk on his own recognizance and that she “could not have predicted what the Magistrate was going to do” with respect to Fronk’s bail. AUSA Barbour stated that she had not even thought about what kind of bail she was going to ask for upon Fronk's initial appearance before the Magistrate. (SH 176-184).
. The Supreme Court’s opinion in Mezzanatto reflects a significant split in the Court as to whether a defendant could ever waive the full protections of Rule 11(e)(6). Justice Thomas wrote the opinion for the Court in which he opined that defendants could waive the full protections of the rule. Justice Souter, joined by Justice Stevens dissented, finding that Congress intended to make the protections afforded plea discussions non-waivable. It is significant that Justice Ginsburg, joined by Justice O'Connor and Justice Breyer wrote a concurring opinion specifically limiting their holding to the particular waiver at issue in Mezzanatto; a waiver allowing the government to use plea discussion statements to impeach the defendant if he testified at trial. "It may be, however, that a waiver to use such statements in the case-in-chief would more severely undermine a defendant's incentive to negotiate, and thereby inhibit plea bargaining.” United States v. Mezzanatto, 513 U.S. at 211, 115 S.Ct. at 806. (Ginsburg, J., concurring) (emphasis supplied). Thus, it certainly is not clear whether a majority of the Supreme Court would uphold the type of waiver at issue here, one that is not limited to impeachment purposes.
. I reject Frank’s argument that he was granted some type of "informal" derivative use immunity by the government on the night of his arrest. The record does not support such an argument. Blotnick never testified that he was negotiating • derivative use immunity for his client. Indeed, my review of Blotnick’s testimony reveals that he never even mentioned the term "immunity”. Blotnick was trying to work out a negotiated disposition for his client and agreed that his client would make a proffer in furtherance of those discussions. Fronk was never conferred with formal or informal derivative use immunity and his statements to law enforcement were sheltered only by the protections afforded plea discussions pursuant to Rule 11(e)(6) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
. See e.g. United States v. Petoquin, 810 F.2d 911, 912-913 (9th Cir.1987).
