United States of America v. 11880 East Harvard Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657

Filing 29

STIPULATION and ORDER for Temporary Hardship Release, signed by Judge Oliver W. Wanger on 7/15/2010. (Kusamura, W)

United States of America v. 11880 East Harvard Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657

Doc. 29

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BENJAMIN B. WAGNER United States Attorney DEANNA L. MARTINEZ Assistant United States Attorney United States Courthouse 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 4401 Fresno, California 93721 Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] Attorneys for Plaintiff

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) 11880 EAST HARVARD AVENUE, ) SANGER, CALIFORNIA, FRESNO ) COUNTY, APN 309-352-02, ) INCLUDING ALL APPURTENANCES ) AND IMPROVEMENTS THERETO, ) ) APPROXIMATELY $2,770.00 IN US. ) CURRENCY, and ) ) 2005 CHEVROLET TRUCK, ) VIN: 2GCEC19T051249989, ) LICENSE: 7U34478, ) ) Defendants. ) __________________________________ )

1:09-CV-01004-OWW-GSA STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED by and between Plaintiff United States of America, Claimant Renatta Carter-Ford ("Claimant"), through their attorney of record as follows: 1. This is a civil forfeiture action which affects the defendant a 2005 Chevrolet

Truck, VIN: 2GCEC19T051249989, License Number 7U34478, (hereafter "defendant vehicle") 2. A Verified Complaint for Forfeiture In Rem was filed on November 9, 2009,

seeking the forfeiture of the defendant vehicle, alleging said vehicle is subject to forfeiture to the United States of America pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(C), on the grounds that 1
STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

Dockets.Justia.com

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the defendant vehicle constitutes proceeds and/or property used to facilitate a conspiracy to commit or are traceable to a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(7) [Identity Theft], 18 U.S.C. § 1029 [Credit Card Fraud], 18 U.S.C. § 1341 [Mail Fraud], 18 U.S.C. § 1343 [Wire Fraud], 18 U.S.C. § 1349 [Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud], and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957 [Money Laundering]. 3. On November 10, 2009, in accordance with said Complaint, a Warrant For Arrest

of Articles In Rem for the defendant vehicle was issued and duly executed on December 15, 2009. 4. Public notice of the forfeiture action was published on the official internet

government forfeiture site www.forfeiture.gov for at least 30 consecutive days beginning November 19, 2009, as required by Rule G(4) of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions. The Declaration of Publication was filed with the Court on December 15, 2009. 5. In addition to the Public Notice of Arrest having been completed, actual notice

was served upon Renatta Carter-Ford and lien holder GMAC, Inc., dba GMAC Financial Services Inc., a corporation (hereafter GMAC). GMAC filed their Answer to the Complaint and Request For Expedited Settlement on January 14, 2010. On July 13, 2010, the government received verification that GMAC's lien on the defendant vehicle is $494.99. To date, no other parties have filed claims or answers in this matter, and the time for which any person or entity may file a claim and answer has expired. 6. The United States' allegations are set forth in its Verified Complaint For

Forfeiture In Rem filed November 9, 2009. 7. Claimant has provided verification that on June 11, 2010, she was involved in a

traffic accident in which her 1996 Toyota 4 Runner was totaled. The United States and Claimant have agreed to the return of defendant vehicle pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 983(f) pending completion of the pending forfeiture proceedings in accord with the following terms: /// /// 2
STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (a)

TERMS OF RELEASE Defendant vehicle shall be released pending final disposition in this matter

to Claimant upon execution of this agreement and entry of the Order for use by Claimant. (b) Upon release of the vehicle, pending final disposition of the forfeiture

proceedings involving defendant vehicle, Claimant agrees to maintain the vehicle so as to preserve it in at least the same condition as when the defendant vehicle was seized. Claimant agrees to make, at her expense, all repairs and undertake all maintenance necessary to assure compliance with this paragraph. This shall include, but is not limited to, all regularly scheduled maintenance and inspection items specified by the manufacturer and replacement of such items as fluids, oils, lubricants, water, tires, belts, hoses or other parts required to be replaced to maintain the vehicle in at least the same condition as when seized. Where the manufacturer's regularly scheduled maintenance schedule specifies replacement of moving parts, whether or not those parts have ceased normal functioning, claimant shall replace such parts in accordance with the recommended schedule. All replacements shall be with parts which meet or exceed manufacturer's specifications. If Claimant proposes to replace any factory installed part with any part which is not authorized or recommended by the manufacturer, claimant shall obtain the prior written approval of the United States Attorneys Office. (c) Claimant shall comply with all licensing and inspection requirements of

the State of California, including timely paying all personal property taxes and licensing fees. (d) Claimant agrees to maintain insurance coverage on defendant vehicle

acceptable to the United States to insure the vehicle against loss. This coverage shall include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible in the event of loss not to exceed $500. Prior to release of defendant vehicle, Claimant shall furnish written proof that the United States has been named as a loss payee on the insurance policy in the event of any partial or total loss involving the defendant vehicle. Proof of compliance with this provision shall be provided to the United States prior to release of the vehicle to Claimant. In addition, Claimant shall provide verification of continued automobile insurance coverage as agreed upon herein on the First of each and every month until further order of the Court. 3
STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

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(e)

Claimant will not transfer title to this vehicle under any circumstances

without the authorization of the court. Claimant will not encumber the vehicle in any manner, nor grant any interest in this vehicle to any party. Claimant agrees to entry of a lien in favor of the United States against defendant vehicle and shall execute all documents necessary to permit recording of the lien prior to release of defendant vehicle. Claimant shall not allow or permit any other encumbrances to be placed upon defendant vehicle. (f) Claimant shall permit a representative of the United States Marshal to

conduct monthly inspections of defendant vehicle. (g) Claimant agrees not to make any alterations to defendant vehicle,

including removal or replacement of components, other than as required by this agreement, without the express written approval of a representative of the United States Attorneys Office. (h) Claimant agrees to report any accident involving defendant vehicle to the

United States Attorneys Office within three days of the occurrence. Claimant shall provide a copy of any accident report filed concerning the defendant vehicle, including a copy of any police report. (I) Claimant agrees that she will not permit the use of defendant vehicle for

any purpose which violates any local or county ordinance, or state or federal statute. (j) Unless expressly agreed to in writing by the United States Attorneys

Office, no individual other than Claimant may operate defendant vehicle. (k) Claimant agrees to report any moving violation received by Claimant or

any other operator, whether or not authorized pursuant to this agreement to the United States Attorneys Office. (l) Claimant shall not subject defendant vehicle to any unusual wear and tear

which would diminish the value of the vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, hauling of any materials, cargo or passengers at weights which exceed manufacturer's specifications and excessive mileage. (m) In the event that the United States obtains forfeiture of defendant vehicle,

any decrease in the value of defendant vehicle due to unusual wear and tear as described herein, 4
STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

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from the date of release to the date of forfeiture shall be paid by Claimant. The value of defendant vehicle at the present time is agreed to be $14,500.00. The $2,770.00 seized in this case and currently in the possession of the United States Marshal shall serve as a bond and in the event the United States does not obtain forfeiture of the $2,770.00, any amounts owed by Claimant under this agreement may be collected from this currency. (n) Claimant agrees to make all payments on all existing liens in a timely

manner during the pendency of the forfeiture. Claimant shall provide documented proof of each such payment to the United States Attorneys Office. (o) Claimant shall not remove the defendant vehicle from the State of

California without the express written consent of the United States Attorneys Office. (p) Claimant expressly agrees that violation of any provision of this

Stipulation shall constitute a material breach of this agreement and agrees that upon the occurrence of a violation, the United States Attorneys Office may, in its discretion, seize defendant vehicle and maintain custody throughout the pendency of the forfeiture proceeding. (q) The parties agree that, by entry of this Stipulation to release property,

claimant has not substantially prevailed in this litigation. (r) Claimant hereby agrees to release and to hold the United States, and any

agents, servants, and employees of the United States (or any state or local law enforcement agency) acting in their individual or official capacities, harmless from any claim, whether presently or hereinafter known, made by herself arising from and on account of the seizure, custody, and release of defendant vehicle. The United States shall have no liability for damages or injury caused by use of the defendant vehicle while in the possession of Claimant. (s) this matter. (t) The parties agree that there was reasonable cause for the seizure of the The parties will each bear their own costs and their own attorney's fees in

defendant vehicle pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2465. (u) All persons signing this Stipulation have read and understand each and

every provision herein. This Stipulation is entered into freely and voluntarily. By signing this 5
STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON

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Stipulation the parties merely intend to provide for the release of the vehicle pending completion of the forfeiture proceedings. Each person signing this Stipulation is fully authorized to do so, whether on his or her own behalf or as representative for or on behalf of any other party or claimant herein. Dated: July 14, 2010 BENJAMIN B. WAGNER United States Attorney /s/ Deanna L. Martinez DEANNA L. MARTINEZ Assistant United States Attorney Dated: 7/13/10 /s/ Renatta Carter-Ford RENATTA CARTER-FORD Claimant /s/ John F. Garland JOHN F. GARLAND Attorney for Claimant Renatta Carter Ford (original signatures retained by attorney)

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ORDER Good cause having been shown and based on this stipulation, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the defendant vehicle be placed in the temporary custody of Claimant Renatta Carter-Ford.IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: July 15, 2010 emm0d6 /s/ Oliver W. Wanger UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

STIPULATION FOR TEMPORARY HARDSHIP RELEASE AND ORDER THEREON