Benford v. United States of America

Filing 17

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge R David Proctor on 11/22/2013. (AVC)

FILED
2013 Nov-22 PM 03:56
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION
ALPHONSO BRONTAY BENFORD,
Petitioner,
v.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Respondent.

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Case No.: 5:12-cv-8021-RDP
Criminal No.: 5:09-cr-441-RDP-RRA

MEMORANDUM OPINION
The court has before it Alphonso Brontay Benford's Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct
Sentence Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (Doc. #1), filed on May 24, 2012. Pursuant to the court's
orders of May 31, 2012 (Doc. #2) and June 22, 2012 (Doc. #4), the United States Government filed
an Opposition (Doc. #9) to Benford's Section 2255 Motion on August 28, 2013. In its response, the
Government seeks to have the Motion to Vacate (Doc. #1) dismissed in its entirety, without an
evidentiary hearing. (See Doc. #9 at 1).
Petitioner filed a Motion for Evidentiary Hearing, Production of Discovery, and Response
to Interrogatories (Doc. #5) on August 6, 2012. Petitioner responded to the Government's opposition
on September 10, 2012. (See Doc. #10).

The Petitioner filed an additional Response (Doc. #11)

on August 12, 2012 and a Supplement (Doc. #16) on September 9, 2013.1
Petitioner Benford's Motion to Vacate (Doc. #1) seeks relief on the following grounds: (1)
that the evidence seized from his residence was obtained without a valid search warrant; (2) that
convictions were obtained in violation of Due Process rights; (3) additional claims of ineffective
1
The Amendment/Supplement (Doc. #16) adds the following considerations to the original memorandum in support of the Petition: (1) that
appeal counsel was ineffective and (2) that the judgment of conviction and sentence violated due process because "the district court failed to elicit specific
objections from by trial counsel's Rule 32 objections in the PSI or to fully articulate my objections that were presented to the court at sentencing which
would have afforded a meaningful appeal/sentence." (Doc. #16 at 2-3). However, those claims for relief fail for the same reasons as do the original
claims. See discussion Sections II. and III., infra.

assistance of counsel; and (4) that the Guidelines were incorrectly calculated and that his Offense
Level should have been 31 instead of 32.
I.

Background
On October 29, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Alphonso

Benford, charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. §
922(g)(1). (See Doc. #1 in Case No.: 5:09cr441-RDP-RAA). The charges were based on Petitioner's
1997 state court conviction for discharging a firearm into an occupied building. (See id.). Count
One charged Petitioner with possession of a Taurus .40 caliber pistol recovered from his vehicle.
(See id.). Count Two charged him with possession of multiple firearms recovered from his
residence. (See id.).
Prior to trial, Petitioner's counsel filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence and Statements.2 (See
Doc. #28 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA). In that Motion, Petitioner's counsel asserted that the
search warrant contained intentional omissions which bore upon probable cause. (See id. at 9-10).
Specifically, the Motion to Suppress filed on behalf of Petitioner argued: (1) that the warrant
depended on the credibility of a confidential informant and that the warrant omitted any reference
to the informant having been inside or buying drugs at Petitioner's residence; and (2) there was no
reference to whether certain audio/video recordings of the informant purchasing drugs from the
defendant were audible and whether they corroborated the informant's information or the identity of
2
After obtaining the search warrant, officer's searched Petitioner's house. (See Doc. #74 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 135).
In the master bedroom, they found five firearms: two in a safe, one under the mattress, one in a night stand, and one on top of a shelf. (See Doc. #75
in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 106-107, 110-112, 116, 133, 136-138). They also found six boxes of ammunition. (See id. at 73). In the
back bedroom, they found a .22 revolver, along with two boxes of ammunition. (See id. at 99). In the living room, there was another pistol on top of
a china cabinet. (See id. at 47). The firearms were intermingled with Petitioner's personal items. For example, the firearm in the night stand was lying
on top of Petitioner's wallet and the safe containing two pistols also contained condoms and lubricant. (See id. at 111, 116, 133, 136). The officers also
discovered large sums of cash hidden in the garage and master bedroom of Petitioner's house. (See Doc. #74 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA
at 143).
In addition to a package with the "strong odor of cocaine," other evidence of drug related activity included a digital scale in the kitchen and
in the bedroom, a bag of marijuana and four MDMA pills. (See Doc. #75 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 48, 70).

2

Petitioner. (See id. at 10). The Motion argued that absent such information, the affidavit lacked
probable cause on its face. (See id.). A hearing on the motion to suppress was held on February 4,
2010. (See Doc. #82 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA). At the hearing, the district court held that
there was sufficient probable cause for the search of Petitioner's residence. (See id. at 4). The court
relied on Franks v. Delaware 438 U.S. 154 (1978), and ruled that Petitioner had not made a
sufficient showing of falsity in the affidavit and that the stated omissions did not affect probable
cause. (See id. at 4-7).
At trial, Petitioner was convicted of the charges in both counts of the indictment. Prior to
the sentencing hearing, a Presentence Investigation Report ("PSR") was prepared and disclosed to
the parties. The PSR calculated a total offense level of 32. (PSR ¶ 30). This included a two-level
enhancement under U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1 for obstruction of justice and a four-level enhancement under
§ 2K2.1(b)(6) for use of a firearm in connection with another felony offense. (PSR ¶¶ 24, 27).
Petitioner objected to both enhancements. (See Doc. #59 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA). The
court heard testimony and argument from both sides before adopting the total offense level
recommended by the PSR. (See Doc. #79 at 27, 35, 39 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA).
Petitioner was sentenced to 174 months for violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 18 U.S.C. §
924(a)(2). (see Doc. #1 at 1).
Petitioner appealed his conviction and sentence arguing that: (1) the district court erred in
improperly admitting certain evidence in violation of Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b) and 403; (2)
the district court improperly admitted hearsay evidence thus violating rights under the Confrontation
Clause; (3) the jury's finding that Petitioner possessed the firearm found in his vehicle was not
supported by sufficient evidence; (4) the government's failure to provide a witness' testimony from
3

a previous trial violated Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) and the Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. §
3500; (5) the cumulative effect of these errors deprived Petitioner of a fair trial; and (6) the district
court erred in applying the two level sentencing enhancement for obstruction of justice. Contrary
to these arguments, Petitioner's conviction and sentence were affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit on
August 17, 2011. (See Doc. #89 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA).
II.

Discussion
A federal prisoner may file a motion to vacate his or her sentence "upon the ground that the

sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, or that the court
was without personal jurisdiction to impose such a sentence, or that the sentence was in excess of
the maximum authorized by law, or is otherwise subject to collateral attack." 28 U.S.C. § 2255, ¶
1. It is well settled that "to obtain collateral relief, a prisoner must clear a significantly higher hurdle
than would exist on direct appeal." United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 166 (1982). Here,
Petitioner seeks relief on the following grounds: (1) that the evidence seized from his residence was
obtained without a valid search warrant; (2) that convictions were obtained in violation of Due
Process rights; (3) additional claims of ineffective assistance of counsel; and (4) that the Guidelines
were incorrectly calculated and that his Offense Level should have been 31 instead of 32.
A.

Validity of the Search Warrant

In Ground One, Petitioner argues that his conviction should be vacated because "the
Government used and presented evidence to the grand jury and at my jury-trial officer Terry Lucas
had gained pursuant to an unconstitutional search and seizure on August 5, 2008 with an illegal and
invalid affidavit/warrant." (See Doc. #1 at 2-10). Petitioner states that the affiant for the search

4

warrant stated in county courts that he did not have probable cause to search Petitioner's residence,3
that the judge who signed the warrant did not "investigate" it first, that items were seized that were
not part of the warrant, that the informant for the warrant was not credible, and that the affidavit was
"bare bones," lacking sufficient times and dates, and contained "nothing more than conclusory
allegations." (See Doc. #1 at 3-10). Petitioner relies on United States v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984)
for the contention that the search warrant is not entitled to a presumption of good faith where it is
"so lacking in indicia of probable cause as to render official belief in its existence entirely
unreasonable." (Doc. #1 at 3) (citing Leon, 468 U.S. at 923).
The first defect of Petitioner's argument is that it is procedurally defaulted. Petitioner
appealed his conviction and sentence. (See discussion supra Section I). The claim regarding the
validity of the search warrant was not presented on direct appeal, although many other grounds were
introduced. Petitioner was represented by counsel on appeal, but Mr. Threatt did not handle the
appeal. (See Doc. #65 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA). Since Petitioner has not demonstrated
a showing of cause or actual prejudice to prevent the procedural default, this claim is procedurally
barred.
In addition, Plaintiff's claim fails on the merits. Before trial, the court held a hearing on a
Motion to Suppress, the basis for which was the argument that the affidavit lacked probable cause
on its face. (See discussion supra Section I). The court held that "the affidavit has probable cause"
and "there's probable cause for the search." (Doc. #82 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 4).
Defense counsel conceded this to be the case upon review of Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154

3
On the aspects of the Motion to Vacate that relate to Officer Lucas and his investigation, Petitioner argues that "an evidentiary hearing must
be held to investigate Officer Lucas and his investigation." (Doc. #1 at 10) (citing United States v. Aecardo, 749 F.2d 1477, 1481 (11th Cir. 1985).
He filed a separate Motion for Evidentiary Hearing, Production of Discovery, and Response to Interrogatories (Doc. #5) on August 6, 2012.

5

(1978). (See id. at 6-7). Facts developed at trial further cemented this ruling. An informant
purchased $8,000 worth of cocaine from Petitioner. (See Doc. #74 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDPRRA at 116, 121-125, 127). When Petitioner's truck was stopped, he had $7,600 on his person, in
cash, and four hydrocodone pills (in addition to the semi-automatic hand gun). (See Doc. #75 in
Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 132). As such, it is clear that there was probable cause for the
search. Ground One of the Motion to Vacate, on the validity of the search warrant, is due to be
denied.
B.

Violation of Due Process

In Ground Two of the Motion to Vacate, Petitioner argues that the Government failed to
establish that he knowingly had actual or constructive possession of a weapon in accordance with
United States v. Gunn, 369 F.3d 1229, 1235 (11th Cir. 2004). (See Doc. #1 at 11). He argues that
he had hastily switched vehicles with another individual on the day of his arrest and the gun was not
his and was not easily visible in the car. (See id.). Defense counsel, Petitioner argues, should have
questioned witnesses differently on this issue on cross examination. (See id.).
This is essentially a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel, which is explored further in
Section II.C.1. as related to the standard developed in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687,
689 (1984). While defense counsel may not have asked all of the questions in the manner in which
Petitioner would have preferred, the officers testifying about possession of the gun were in fact
cross-examined and asked about their personal observations related to the firearm and its location
in the vehicle. (See Doc. #74 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 159-160; see also Doc. #75 in
Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 240-241, 253-255). Therefore, Ground Two of the Motion to
Vacate does not provide Petitioner an avenue for relief.
6

C.

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Ground Three of the habeas motion asserts that Petitioner's counsel was ineffective because
he failed to effectively cross-examine government witnesses with information that Petitioner had
provided to him, failed to investigate the fact finding process of the Government (and suppress
evidence at the suppression hearing), and failed to correctly calculate and object to the PreSentence
Report.4 (See Doc. #1 at 12-13). Each component of Petitioner's ineffective assistance claim will
be considered in turn.
1.

Cross Examining Witnesses and General Investigation

Petitioner's argument for ineffective assistance of counsel begins with a claim that defense
counsel did not listen to his ideas for strategy and "create the scene" for the jury. "My substantial
rights were so violated when Mr. Threatt failed to effectively assist my defense to form a strategy,
investigate and listen to my statements about what happened . . . ". (Doc. #1 at 13).
To make a successful claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show both
that his counsel's performance was deficient and that the deficient performance prejudiced his
defense. A defendant's ineffective assistance claim fails if he cannot demonstrate both. See
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 689 (1984). The prongs need not be considered in any
particular order; therefore, the performance prong need not be considered if the prejudice prong
cannot be satisfied, and vice versa. See Dell v. United States, 710 F.3d 1267, 1274 (11th Cir. 2013).
Regarding the performance prong, “counsel is strongly presumed to have rendered adequate
assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment.”

4

Each of these arguments for ineffective assistance of counsel can be boiled down to an argument that there was insufficient evidence to
find Petitioner guilty of Count One. However, this issue was raised on direct appeal. (See discussion Section I., supra). On this basis alone, the Motion
to Vacate, as it argues ineffective assistance of counsel, is due to be denied. See United States v. Rowan, 663 F.2d 1034, 1035 (11th Cir. 1981) ("[O]nce
a matter has been decided adversely to a defendant on direct appeal, it cannot be re-litigated in a collateral attack filed under Section 2255.").

7

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690. The prisoner must “establish that counsel performed outside the wide
range of reasonable professional assistance and made errors so serious that he failed to function as
the kind of counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.” Butcher v. United States, 368 F.3d 1290,
1293 (11th Cir. 2004). To show prejudice, a defendant must establish “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. “The prejudice prong requires a petitioner to demonstrate that seriously
deficient performance of his attorney prejudiced the defense.” Butcher, 368 F.3d at 1293. A strong
presumption exists that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional
assistance. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 2065.
That Petitioner did not like his counsel's strategy, or agree with his methods at trial, does not
make a showing of deficient performance under Strickland. In other words, a lawyer's "strategic
decisions made after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options are
virtually unchallengeable." And the "strong reluctance to second guess strategic decisions is even
greater where those decisions were made by experienced criminal defense counsel" such as Mr.
Threatt. See Rhode v. Hall, 582 F.3d 1273, 1282 (11th Cir. 2009). Mr. Threatt cross-examined all
witnesses and asked at least one law enforcement officer about the location of the firearm. The
answer he received obviously is not one that Petitioner agrees with. Petitioner himself testified about
the location of the firearm, and that testimony differed from the testimony of the officer. But
emphatically the role of the jury to determine which of the witnesses to believe. See United States
v. Kendrick, 682 F.3d 974, 985 (11th Cir. 2012). Petitioner's argument that asking the questions to
the officers a different way might have yielded different answers is not a showing of deficient
performance under Strickland. (See Doc. #1 at 13) ("Defense counsel Glennon Threatt failed to form
8

a defense strategy and investigate the Government's fact finding process, by not questioning the
testimony of the Government's witness, Officer Lucas and Officer McDaniels, reasonably about
Count 1, the weapon found in the truck on cross examination. . . . Mr. Threatt failed to create the
scene to the jury and cross-examine the Officer's testimony as Benford had stated to him.")
(emphasis added).
Moreover, Petitioner has not demonstrated that he was prejudiced by any stated deficiency
of defense counsel. Petitioner himself took the stand during trial and testified that the firearm was
not his. Through his own testimony, he had the opportunity to "create the scene." The jury was then
free to weigh the evidence and consider defendant's testimony in light of the Government's witnesses'
testimony. See United States v. Kendrick, 682 F.3d 974, 985 (11th Cir. 2012). For these reasons,
defense counsel was not ineffective in representing Benford.
2.

Suppression Hearing

Petitioner also argues that but for defense counsel's deficiency in forming a strategy and
investigating the Government's facts, the evidence used at trial from the search warrant would have
been suppressed. (See Doc. #1 at 14-15). "Mr. Threatt failed to investigate Officer Lucas's
affidavit/warrant, the same information that I provided to the Judge at sentencing. . . . Had Mr.
Threatt properly investigated the affidavit/warrant as I articulated in Ground One of this motion, he
would have been able to suppress Count Two because Officer Lucas is dishonest and reckless in his
affidavit underlying his warrant." (Id. at 14).
This argument restates issues already analyzed by the court in Sections II.A. and C.1., supra.
For the same reasons stated therein, it is not sufficient to support the Motion to Vacate.

9

3.

Guideline Calculations

Although Mr. Threatt did object to the Presentence Report, Petitioner argues that he failed
to thoroughly state the grounds for those objections as related to the evidence that the Petitioner
would have liked to have seen come out at trial. (See Doc. #1 at 15). Specifically, Petitioner argues
that the offense conduct used in the PSR was incorrect and should have been suppressed. "Had Mr.
Threatt properly assisted Benford at sentencing Benford's sentence in the middle of the guidelines
would have been different from what Benford has, therefore the miscalculation and sentence is in
violation of due process." (Doc. #1 at 15).
To the extent this argument restates the Petitioner's arguments regarding the court's
suppression ruling, it holds no water. (See discussion Section II.A. and Section II.C.2, supra). To
the extent the argument restates the efficacy of defense counsel in questioning witnesses at trial and
engaging in trial strategy, it also holds no water. (See discussion Section II.C.1, supra). With regard
to the calculation itself, it was correct regardless of defense counsel's "failure to state that the
calculation was higher than what was allowed by U.S.S.G. 2K2.1 (b)." (Doc. #1 at 15). While
U.S.S.G. § 2K2.1(b) indicates that the cumulative application of offense characteristics set forth in
§ 2K2.1(b)(1) through (b)(4) should not exceed 29, that was not the baseline used in Petitioner's case.
Petitioner's base offense level was 20 because he had previously been convicted of a crime of
violence. (PSR, ¶20). Because Petitioner's offense involved a total of eight firearms, four levels
were added. (PSR, ¶ 21). Two additional levels were added because one of the firearms was stolen.
(PSR, ¶ 23). Thus, the cumulative effect of the Base Offense Level and the Offense Characteristics
at §2K2.1(b)(1) through (b)(4) was 26. Ultimately, four more levels were added for Petitioner's
possession of firearms in connection with another felony. (PSR, ¶24). However, this was not an
10

offense characteristic contained in §2K2.1(b)(1) through (b)(4), so the Level 29 cap was not an issue.
The final two levels were added based on the finding that Petitioner obstructed justice. (PSR, ¶ 27).
All of this resulted in a correct Total Offense Level of 32.
Since there was no mistake made in calculating the Total Offense Level, there was no
prejudice to Petitioner and no unreasonable performance on the part of defense counsel.

See

Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-690. On this ground, the Motion to Vacate is due to be denied.
D.

The Sentencing Guidelines Calculation

Ground Four of the Motion to Vacate argues that the court "based its judgment of conviction
and sentence according to incorrect Sentencing Guidelines which has violated Benford's [right to]
due process." (Doc. #1 at 15). Specifically, on June 17, 2010, the court sentenced Benford in the
middle of the guidelines range at base level 32, criminal history III, for a total of 174 months, with
counts 1 and 2 running consecutively. (see Doc. #1 at 15). Benford argues that the "calculation
should be zero, but since Benford was found guilty by a jury the offense level should be 31 instead
of 32." (Doc. #1 at 16). This claim made in Count Four is purely factual and is not based on any
ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
As explained supra, after conviction at trial and prior to sentencing, a Presentence
Investigation Report ("PSR") was prepared and disclosed to the parties. The PSR calculated a total
offense level of 32. (PSR, ¶ 30). This included a two-level enhancement under U.S.S.G. §3C1.1
for obstruction of justice and a four-level enhancement under § 2K2.1(b)(6) for use of a firearm in
connection with a felony offense. (PSR, ¶¶ 24, 27). Petitioner objected to both enhancements. (See
Doc. #59 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 2-3). After hearing testimony and argument from
both sides, the court adopted the total offense level recommended by the PSR and held that the two
11

challenged enhancements were applicable. (See Doc. #79 in Case No. 5:09cr441-RDP-RRA at 27,
35, 39). With respect to the obstruction of justice enhancement, the court found that Petitioner
perjured himself, particularly with respect to his explanations for the locations of the charged
firearms and his access to them. (See id. at 27). With respect to the use of a firearm enhancement,
the court found that in light of the MDMA in the master bedroom, which also had five charged
firearms, and nearly $300,000 found in the home, there was a preponderance of evidence that
Petitioner used the firearms in connection with a felony offense. (See id. at 35). Petitioner was
sentenced to 120 months for Count One and 54 months for Count Two, with the sentences to run
concurrently. (See id. at 54, 57).
Petitioner's factual claim for incorrect base offense level is not one which he raised on direct
appeal. (See discussion Section I., supra). And claims not raised on direct appeal are procedurally
defaulted absent a showing of cause and actual prejudice. See United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152,
166 (1982); see also Parks v. United States, 832 F.2d 1244 (11th Cir. 1987) (claims of alleged errors
in sentencing could not be raised for the first time in a collateral attack). On this ground alone,
Ground Four of the Motion to Vacate is due to be denied because it is procedurally defaulted.
Further, as explained supra, Petitioner's claim fails on the merits —there was no error in calculating
the Total Offense Level. Therefore, Ground Four of the Motion to Vacate is due to be denied.
III.

The Motion for Evidentiary Hearing, Production of Discovery, and Response to
Interrogatories
A.

Evidentiary Hearing

On August 6, 2013, Petitioner filed a Motion "to request an Evidentiary Hearing, Production
of Discovery, and a response to the included interrogatories to examine the Government's fact-

12

finding process, to look into the good faith of law enforcement's investigation and to prove my
innocence of the charges against me to avoid a miscarriage of justice." (Doc. #5 at 1). In the motion,
Petitioner continues to argue that defense counsel was ineffective in investigating "the facts and
probable cause of the Government and State of Alabama's charges against me" and that the search
warrant can be voided if the affidavit supporting the warrant was deliberately false or based on a
reckless disregard for the truth. (See Doc. #5 at 2-3). Petitioner argues that these issues have not
been properly investigated and that an evidentiary hearing is necessary. (See Doc. #5 at 1-4).
Because the claims in Grounds One, Two, and Four are procedurally defaulted, Petitioner is
not entitled to an evidentiary hearing on any of those claims. See Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S.
465, 474 (2007) ("Of course, if the record refutes the applicant's factual allegations or otherwise
precludes habeas relief, a district court is not required to hold an evidentiary hearing."). As for his
claim(s) for ineffective assistance of counsel, "[i]n deciding whether to grant an evidentiary hearing,
a federal court must consider whether such a hearing could enable an applicant to prove the petition's
factual allegations, which, if true, would entitle the applicant to federal habeas relief." Schriro, 550
U.S. at 474. But conclusory allegations do not support § 2255 relief or entitle a petitioner to an
evidentiary hearing. See Lynn v. United States, 365 F.3d 1225, 1238 (11th Cir. 2004). Moreover,
a petitioner is not entitled to a hearing where the claims are refuted by the record or based on
unsupported generalizations. See Guerra v. United States, 588 F.2d 519 (5th Cir. 1979).
Unfortunately for Petitioner, all of his claims regarding ineffective assistance of counsel are
based on unsupported generalizations. Claims that a different result would have been reached at trial
if defense counsel had only asked different questions or engaged in a different trial strategy are

13

purely speculative. Claims that the search warrant lacked probable cause are clearly refuted by the
record. For these reasons, the Motion for Evidentiary Hearing is due to be denied.
B.

Production of Discovery and Interrogatories

Petitioner seeks to have the Government respond to interrogatories and provide him with
other discovery. (See Doc. #5 at 4-6). However, a "habeas petitioner, unlike the usual civil litigant
in federal court, is not entitled to discovery as a matter of course." Bracy v. Gramley, 520 U.S. 899,
904 (1997). Rather, the court has discretion to authorize discovery for "good cause" shown. See
Rule 6(a), Rules Governing § 255 Cases. That is, discovery should be permitted if there are "specific
allegations before the court [that] show reason to believe that the petitioner may, if the facts are fully
developed, be able to demonstrate that he is . . . entitled to relief." Bracy, 520 U.S. at 9008-909
(citing Harris v. Nelson, 394 U.S. 286, 300 (1969)). However, "good cause for discovery cannot
arise from mere speculation." Arthur v. Allen, 459 F.3d 1310 (11th Cir. 2006). Therefore, the
motion for discovery and answers to interrogatories is due to be denied for the same reasons as it was
in Section III.A., supra.
IV.

Conclusion
For all of the foregoing reasons, Benford's Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence

(Doc. #1) is due to be denied.5 The Motion for Evidentiary Hearing, Production of Discovery, and
Response to Interrogatories (Doc. #5) is due to be denied.
A separate order will be entered dismissing this case in its entirety.

5

In the criminal case–5:09-cr-441-RDP-RRA–Petitioner has filed a number of motions. Those motions seek relief that is either due to be
denied or which overlaps with the relief Petitioner seeks in his habeas petition. With one exception, there simply is no need for the court to address the
motions. That one exception is Plaintiff's motion to recuse the undersigned. (Doc. #91). In that particular motion, Petitioner simply has not advanced
any colorable basis for recusal or disqualification. See 28 U.S.C. § 455.

14

DONE and ORDERED this

22nd

day of November, 2013.

___________________________________
R. DAVID PROCTOR
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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