Poupart v. USA
Filing
20
ORDER denying 1 Motion to Correct Sentence under 28 U.S.C. 2255 for the reasons set forth in the Memorandum of Decision attached, and finding as moot 18 Ex Parte Motion in light of this decision. The Clerk's office is directed to provide Plaintiff with a copy of the Memorandum of Decision and to close this file. Signed by Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on 2/22/2018. (Hudson, C)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT
RICHARD POUPART,
Plaintiff,
v.
UNITED STATES,
Defendant.
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
CIVIL CASE NUMBER
3:15-cv-00538 (VLB)
FEBRUARY 22, 2018
MEMORANDUM OF DECISION DENYING PETITION FOR RELIEF UNDER 28 U.S.C.
§ 2255 [DKT. 1]
Petitioner Richard Poupart (“Poupart” or “Petitioner”) brings this pro se
petition for habeas relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, asserting six ineffective
assistance of counsel claims against his counsel who represented him through
preparation for trial, his guilty plea shortly before trial, and sentencing. [Dkt. 1.]
For the foregoing reasons, this Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence
is DENIED.
Background
On July 22, 2010, the Government filed a sealed complaint and affidavit in
support of an application for an arrest warrant for Mr. Poupart, detailing an
investigation into violations of 18 U.S.C. § 2252 concerning material involving the
sexual exploitation of minors. United States v. Poupart, 3:11-cr-00116
(“Poupart”), Dkt. 4. On August 6, 2010, Mr. Poupart appeared before Magistrate
Judge Margolis, and Judge Margolis ordered Mr. Poupart detained pending a
formal detention hearing on August 23. Id., Dkt. 7. The day of his initial
appearance, the Court appointed the Federal Public Defender’s Office to
represent Mr. Poupart. Id., Dkt. 13. Assistant Federal Defender Sarah Merriam
1
represented Mr. Poupart at his August 23, 2010 detention hearing, where the
Court ordered Mr. Poupart detained and denied his motion for bond. Id., Dkts. 20,
22. Assistant Federal Defender Merriam moved to withdraw her representation on
October 1, 2010, citing “substantial and irreconcilable differences” and stating
Mr. Poupart “has stated on several occasions that he does not trust [Attorney
Merriam] to provide sound legal advice, and that he has no confidence in the
Office of the Federal Defender to act in his best interest.” Id., Dkt. 31. Magistrate
Judge Margolis granted the motion to withdraw and ordered the appointment of
substitute counsel. Id., Dkt. 32. Attorney Jodi Gagne appeared as CJA counsel
on October 7, 2010. Id. at Dkt. 33.
On October 25, 2010, Mr. Poupart moved for a new attorney, stating he
wished to be represented by Attorney Norman Pattis because he believed
Attorney Pattis was more experienced with computer-related cases. Id. at Dkt. 34.
In the motion filed on Mr. Poupart’s behalf, Attorney Gagne stated she explained
to Mr. Poupart that she has practiced “criminal law for a number of years and is
fully capable to provide him with highly competent legal services.” Id. Attorney
Gagne also explained to Mr. Poupart that “the Court is not obligated to provide
him with counsel of his choice.” Id. Attorney Gagne also noted that while
Attorney Pattis expressed willingness to represent Mr. Poupart, he was no longer
a member of the CJA Panel. Id. Magistrate Judge Margolis denied the motion on
October 28, 2010. Id. at Dkt. 38. Mr. Poupart did not retain Mr. Pattis or choose to
represent himself and thus continued to be represented by Attorney Gagne.
2
On June 30, 2011, a grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging
Mr. Poupart with (1) knowingly transporting and shipping in interstate commerce,
by any means including by computer, a visual depiction, the production of which
involved the use of a minor engaging in explicit conduct and which visual
depiction was of such conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(A)(1); and (2)
knowingly possessing one or more matters, which contained any visual depiction
that had been mailed, shipped and transported in interstate commerce, which
was produced using materials that were shipped, mailed, or transported in
interstate commerce, by any means including by computer, the production of
which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and
which visual depiction was of such conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §
2252(a)(4)(B). Id., Dkt. 56. At the arraignment on July 19, 2011, Mr. Poupart
entered a plea of not guilty. Id., Dkt. 60.
On August 22, 2011, Attorney Gagne moved to appoint Attorney James
Filan as additional CJA counsel on behalf of Mr. Poupart, to second-chair the
trial. Id., Dkt. 68. The motion described the case as “exceedingly complex” and
“high stakes” given the “vast number of pictures found on Mr. Poupart’s
computer(s) that could be considered child pornography.” Id. After a status
conference, the Court denied the motion without prejudice on September 2, 2011,
stating Attorney Gagne could renew her motion if, upon further development of
the case, the criteria under CJA Guideline § 230.53.201(a) for appointment of
additional counsel in non-capital cases was met. Id., Dkt. 72.
3
Attorney Gagne filed several motions seeking to exclude evidence. The
first was a motion in limine to exclude a deposition transcript uncovered at Mr.
Poupart’s home, in which the victim in a prior sexual assault case against Mr.
Poupart described the facts surrounding that sexual assault. Id., Dkt. 74.
Attorney Gagne also sought to exclude evidence of the fact that Mr. Poupart was
a photographer for an adult website which his sister operated. Id. Attorney
Gagne also moved to exclude any sexual “toys” uncovered in Mr. Poupart’s
home. Id. Finally, Attorney Gagne sought to exclude evidence of prior bad acts
or uncharged crimes committed by Mr. Poupart, including his prior sexual assault
convictions. Id., Dkt. 75. On October 31, 2011, after a two and a half hour
hearing, District Court Judge Arterton granted in part and denied in part the
motion to exclude evidence of Mr. Poupart’s prior misconduct, finding the
Government could offer evidence of Mr. Poupart’s 2009 Connecticut state
conviction involving sexual assault in the fourth degree. Id., Dkts. 92, 132. Judge
Arterton denied the other motions in limine. Id., Dkt. 92.
On November 3, 2011, Attorney Gagne moved to incur expenses to retain a
computer forensic investigator to help prepare the case for trial. Id., Dkt. 93. The
expert would help determine “how [the images which are the subject of the
indictment] got onto the computer, who put those images on the computer, when
those images were put on the computer, the process by which the government
obtained those images off the computer, the chain of custody of the computer
and its images, and, finally, testimony at trial as to all of the above.” Id. The
motion also explained that this would be the second computer expert retained in
4
this case, as Attorney Gagne “previously hired a computer expert, pre-indictment,
to consult on the case.” Id. Attorney Gagne explained that the prior expert was
“unable, for a number of reasons, to continue on this case now that trial is
imminent.” Id. Judge Arterton granted the motion and approved expenses up to
$7,500. Id., 94.
On December 22, 2011, Attorney Gagne again moved to appoint Attorney
James Filan to serve as co-counsel at trial. Id., Dkt. 103. The following day, the
Court granted the motion in light of the increased complexity and demands of the
case as the trial date approached. Id., Dkt. 104.
On January 18, 2012, Attorneys Gagne and Filan moved to incur expenses
to retain additional experts for trial, including a dermatologist to determine
whether identifying features in a photo on Mr. Poupart’s computer could belong
to his minor niece, a private investigator to obtain background information on
witnesses the Government identified who would testify against Mr. Poupart, and
to continue using the services of the previously retained computer forensic
expert. Id., Dkts. 112, 113, 115. All three motions were granted on February 9,
2012. Id., Dkts. 119, 120, 121.
On March 26, 2012, Attorneys Gagne and Filan moved in limine to exclude
evidence of Mr. Poupart’s criminal record for impeachment purposes, as well as
for the non-impeachment purposes for which that evidence was excluded in the
ruling on their prior motion in limine. Id., Dkt. 132. However, on May 25, 2012,
before Judge Arterton had an opportunity to rule on that motion, Mr. Poupart
entered into a plea agreement with the Government. Id., Dkt. 142. On May 25,
5
2012, at a change of plea hearing, Mr. Poupart pled guilty to count two of the
indictment. Id., Dkt. 145. On August 5, 2012, Attorney Filan moved to withdraw
his appearance, as Mr. Poupart’s guilty plea rendered a second attorney
unnecessary. Id., Dkt. 161. The motion was granted. Id., 162.
On August 7, 2012, Attorney Gagne moved to withdraw her appearance as
well, stating she and Mr. Poupart “do not see eye to eye on the direction in which
this case should be heading.” Id., Dkt. 163. Without violating the attorney-client
privilege, Attorney Gagne stated that she “refused to take an action requested by
Mr. Poupart,” and “Mr. Poupart expressed his desire for a different attorney.” Id.
The Court held a hearing on the motion to withdraw on August 21, 2012, and took
the motion under advisement. Id., Dkt. 166. The Court also ordered Mr. Poupart
to file a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, if so desired, by August 31, 2012. Id.
On August 27, 2012, Attorney Paul Thomas appeared as stand-by counsel to aid
Mr. Poupart in filing his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Id. at Dkt. 167.
On September 5, 2012, Mr. Poupart filed a motion to withdraw his guilty
plea, aided by Attorney Thomas. Id., Dkt. 172. In his motion, Mr. Poupart
asserted Attorneys Gagne and Filan intimidated him into accepting a plea
agreement and ineffectively assisted him. Id. The Court denied the motion to
withdraw guilty plea on October 18, 2012. Id., Dkt. 178. At a November 6, 2012
hearing on Attorney Gagne’s motion to withdraw counsel, the Court denied
Attorney Gagne’s motion and granted Attorney Thomas’s oral motion to
withdraw. Id., 181. On November 14, 2012, upon reconsideration, the Court
6
granted Attorney Gagne’s motion to withdraw and appointed Attorney C. Thomas
Furniss as substitute CJA counsel. Id., Dkt. 182.
Attorney Furniss represented Mr. Poupart for his sentencing, which
included filing a sentencing memorandum and representing Mr. Poupart at the
sentencing proceeding. Id., Dkts. 187, 193. On February 7, 2013, Judge Arterton
sentenced Mr. Poupart to 240 months imprisonment and a life term of supervised
release. Id., Dkts. 193, 200.
On February 19, 2013, Mr. Poupart entered a notice of appeal of the final
judgment. Id., Dkt. 197. Mr. Poupart wrote a letter to Judge Arterton requesting
substitute counsel to represent him on his appeal, as Attorney Furniss “has made
it abundantly clear that he does not wish to handle my appeal.” Id., Dkt. 209. Mr.
Poupart asserted Attorney Furniss displayed “incompetence handling the
sentencing based on his refusal to handle my case the way I asked and lack of
discussion prior to filing the sentencing memorandum,” and as a result Mr.
Poupart had “no desire to have him handle my appeal.” Id. The Court denied the
motion in light of the Second Circuit’s appointment of Attorney Gerzog to
represent him on his appeal. Id., Dkt. 210.
On June 3, 2014, the Second Circuit affirmed the Judgment of the District
Court, finding (i) the District Court did not violate Mr. Poupart’s Sixth Amendment
rights by allowing him to file a pro se motion to withdraw his guilty plea without
first conducting a proceeding pursuant to Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806
(1975); and (ii) the sentence imposed was procedurally and substantively
7
reasonable, as the District Court explicitly considered the 18 U.S.C. 3553(a)
factors in determining his sentence. Id., Dkt. 215.
Thereafter, Mr. Poupart timely filed this habeas petition before the Court.
18 U.S.C. § 2255(f) (setting a one-year limitations period from the date the
judgment of conviction becomes final); [Dkt. 1 (Motion to Vacate filed April 10,
2015).]
Legal Standard
Section 2255 enables a prisoner in federal custody to petition a federal
court to vacate, set aside, or correct the sentence. 28 U.S.C. § 2255(a). Relief
under Section 2255 is generally available to rectify three irregularities, namely
“only for a constitutional error, a lack of jurisdiction in the sentencing court, or an
error of law or fact that constitutes a fundamental defect which inherently results
in complete miscarriage of justice.” Graziano v. United States, 83 F.3d 587, 590
(2d Cir. 1996) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Section 2255
provides that a district court should grant a hearing “[u]nless the motion and the
files and records of the case conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no
relief.” 28 U.S.C. § 2255(b).
Claims for ineffective assistance of counsel are analyzed under the two
part test established in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). To prevail,
a movant must both allege facts demonstrating that “counsel’s representation fell
below an objective standard of reasonableness” and that “there is a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the
proceeding would have been different.” Id. at 687–88, 694. As to the first
8
showing, a movant must demonstrate that counsel’s performance “amounted to
incompetence under ‘prevailing professional norms’” rather than demonstrating
that the performance “deviated from best practices or most common custom.”
Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 105 (2011) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690).
As to the second showing, a movant must demonstrate “a probability sufficient to
undermine confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694.
Analysis
Mr. Poupart brings six ineffective assistance of counsel claims arising out
of his counsel’s actions during trial preparation, his change of plea, and
sentencing, some of which were already addressed in Judge Arterton’s Order
Denying Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea. The Court addresses each claim in turn.
I.
Failure to Object to Discovery
Mr. Poupart first asserts his counsel was ineffective for failing to challenge
the admissibility of videotaped recordings of forensic interviews of two minor
victims because there was a break in the chain of custody of those recordings.
Because the recordings provided the basis for the search warrant of Mr.
Poupart’s residence, he also asserts his counsel should have challenged all
evidence seized pursuant to that warrant. The Government responds that the
recordings were not offered as evidence at trial. In addition, the Government
asserts Shelton Police Detective Trabka was present at the recorded interviews,
and his affidavit in support of the search warrant would have provided probable
cause for the warrant even without the recordings themselves. Taking into
consideration the totality of the circumstances, including that Detective Trabka
9
was present at the time the recordings were made and described the interviews in
his affidavit, the decision not to challenge this evidence falls within the range of
strategic decisions competent counsel would make and thus counsel’s decision
not to do so did not fall below the performance of competent counsel. Henry v.
Poole, 409 F.3d 48, 52 (2d Cir. 2005).
Plaintiff raised the same argument in his motion to withdraw his guilty plea.
Poupart, Dkt. 172. Judge Arterton held that:
Even if the Court assumes for the purposes of this motion that
defense counsel’s failure to move to suppress this evidence was
“outside the range of professionally competent assistance,”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690 (which the Court does not believe on the
basis of this record), and that the videotape was inadmissible,
Poupart could not establish that he was prejudiced by his attorney’s
refusal to challenge the admissibility of this evidence. Detective
Benjamin Trabka of the Shelton Police Department and Clinician
Monica Vidro of Yale both observed the victims’ interview at the Yale
Sex Abuse Clinic when it was conducted. Either of these two
individuals, in addition to Theresa Montelli, the clinician who
conducted the interviews, and the victims themselves, could have
provided first-hand testimony at trial regarding the interview.
Similarly, because Detective Trabka was present during the
interviews, his affidavit in support of the search warrant for
Poupart’s home would have provided ample probable cause for the
warrant based on his observations alone, and any defect in the chain
of custody of the videotape would not have affected the validity of
the warrant. Thus, there is nothing to suggest that without the
videotape Poupart would have been in a stronger position at trial, or
that his attorneys’ failure to move to suppress the tape left him no
choice but to plead guilty. Therefore, Defendant cannot establish
prejudice under the second prong of the Strickland test on these
grounds.
Poupart, Dkt. 178 at 13-14. Mr. Poupart provides no additional evidence here
beyond what was available to Judge Arterton, and offers no basis for this Court
to diverge from Judge Arterton’s ruling. See Sanders v. United States, 373 U.S. 1,
9, 17 (1963) (finding that, “[a]mong the matters which may be considered, and
10
even given controlling weight,” by a court addressing a successive motion
alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, “are . . . a prior refusal to discharge on
a like application.”)
Further, review of the record confirms Judge Arterton’s findings. In the
warrant application, Officer Trabka included a sworn statement describing the
recorded victim interviews which he monitored. Poupart, Dkt. 173-1 at 10. The
affidavit also confirms that Yale Sex Abuse Clinician Monica Vidro monitored the
recorded victim interviews and that Clinician Theresa Montelli conducted the
interviews. Id. Mr. Poupart cannot establish any prejudice suffered by the failure
to challenge the videotape, as its contents could have been described by
witnesses at trial and were described in Officer Trabka’s affidavit in support of
the search warrant. Mr. Poupart’s first ineffective assistance of counsel claim is
DENIED.
II.
Failure to Engage a Forensic Expert
Mr. Poupart next asserts his counsel should have engaged a computer
forensic expert to testify regarding when the photos which underlie the
indictment were put on his computer. The Government points out that Mr.
Poupart’s counsel engaged two computer forensic experts, one before the
indictment and one to aid in trial preparations and testify at the anticipated trial.
Mr. Poupart has cited no evidence upon which the Court could conclude
that the computer forensic expert retained for trial could not have testified as to
the dates the photos were added to his computer. Even if the retained expert
could not have given Mr. Poupart’s desired testimony, Mr. Poupart has offered no
11
evidence that any other forensic expert could have done so. Courts routinely
hold that where “allegations with regard to alleged counsel’s errors in pre-trial
preparation and investigation and trial advocacy are ‘vague, conclusory, and
unsupported by citation to the record, any affidavit, or any other source,’”
ineffective assistance of counsel claims cannot be established. Vasquez v.
United States, Nos. 96 CIV. 2104 (PKL), 91 CR. 153(PKL), 1997 WL 148812, at *12
(S.D.N.Y. Mar. 28, 1997); see also Davison v. United States, No. 97 CR. 490 (LAP),
00 CIV. 3064 (LAP), 2001 WL 883122, at *8 (S.D.N.Y. Aug. 3, 2001). Absent any
facts upon which the Court could conclude that the retained experts could not
have offered the testimony Mr. Poupart contemplates, he has not asserted that
the failure to retain an additional computer forensic expert fell below an objective
standard of reasonableness or caused Mr. Poupart prejudice. Strickland, 466 U.S.
at 687–88, 694. Mr. Poupart’s second ineffective assistance of counsel claim is
DENIED.
III.
Failure to Explain Intent
Mr. Poupart next claims that his counsel failed to explain the intent element
of the crime to which he pled guilty: the knowing possession of child
pornography. The Government responds that Mr. Poupart was advised of the
elements of the offense in the plea agreement and at the change of plea hearing.
In addition, the Government notes that at his change of plea hearing, Mr. Poupart
affirmatively stated that he knowingly engaged in the offense conduct.
“A reading of the indictment to the defendant coupled with his admission
of the acts described in it is a sufficient factual basis for a guilty plea.” Fama v.
12
United States, 901 F.2d 1175, 1177 (2d Cir. 1990) (citing Montgomery v. United
States, 853 F.2d 83, 85 (2d Cir. 1988)). A defendant’s “statements made under
oath during his plea allocution belie his protestation . . . that his plea was
unknowing or involuntary.” Rosenfield v. United States, 972 F. Supp. 137, 142
(E.D.N.Y. 1997) (rejecting an assertion that defendant’s counsel ineffectively
assisted him by failing to explain the intent element of the offense where the
defendant swore that he bore the requisite intent during his plea allocution).
At the change of plea hearing, the Court noted that the elements of
possession of child pornography were set out in the plea agreement and asked
Assistant U.S. Attorney King to summarize them. Poupart, Dkt. 170 at 37.
Attorney King obliged:
The government would be required to prove four essential elements,
first, that the defendant knowingly possessed a visual depiction, that
is, an image or a data convertible to an image; that the visual
depiction had moved -- had been transported or mailed or shipped in
interstate or foreign commerce or had been produced using
materials that had been transported or shipped or mailed in
interstate commerce. So, the visual depiction either had to move
across state lines or international lines or the material in which the
visual depiction was stored had to move like that. Third, that the
production of the visual image involved the use of a minor engaged
in sexually explicit conduct and shows that minor engaged in that
conduct. And fourth, that the defendant knew that the picture
involved the use of a minor engaged in that sexually explicit conduct
and showed that minor in that conduct.
Id. at 37-38. The Court then asked Mr. Poupart to “tell me in your own words what
you understand you are charged with.” Id. at 38. Mr. Poupart replied,
“possession of child pornography.” Id. The Court then responded, “[a]nd the
government would have to prove that you knew that you possessed it.” Id. Mr.
Poupart replied, “Yes.” Id. The Court responded, “[a]nd it was a visual depiction,
13
it was a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, that you
knew that that’s what it depicted, and that the image or the materials travelled in
interstate commerce. That’s what gives it federal jurisdiction.” Id. at 38-39. Mr.
Poupart again replied, “Yes.” Id. at 39. The Court then asked Mr. Poupart to “tell
me then in your own words what it is that you did that shows that you are guilty
of this offense that you are offering to plead guilty to.” Id. at 39. Mr. Poupart
responded, “I know that I had images of child pornography on my computer, I
know that I put these images on my computer, I know these images were of a
minor engaged in sexual acts, and I know the images were made with materials
that were transported in interstate commerce.” Id. at 39.
Mr. Poupart has offered no evidence that his sworn statement that he
knowingly possessed child pornography, and that he put the photographs on his
computer, was untrue, or that he did not understand the elements of his offense
despite affirmation to the Court that he did understand them. Mr. Poupart’s
unsupported assertion is insufficient to establish that his counsel ineffectively
advised him as to the intent element of his crime, or that any such failure by his
counsel caused prejudice in light of Mr. Poupart’s dialogue with the Court at his
change of plea hearing. See Rosenfield, 972 F.2d at 144 (finding that even if
defense counsel failed to explain the intent element of the offense, defendant’s
dialogue with the court at his plea allocution remedied the error). Mr. Poupart’s
third ineffective assistance of counsel claim is DENIED.
14
IV.
Intimidation and Coercion
Mr. Poupart next asserts categorically that his counsel used threats and
coercion to induce him to plead guilty. The Government responds that Mr.
Poupart details no specific instance of coercion or other facts in support of his
conclusory claim. The Government also asserts that Mr. Poupart’s claim is belied
by his statement at his change of plea hearing that his guilty plea was not
coerced.
Mr. Poupart raised this argument in his motion to withdraw his guilty plea,
which Judge Arterton rejected. Again, Mr. Poupart has offered no additional
evidence which would require this Court to reach a result different from Judge
Arterton’s, and the Court has found no such evidence in its own review of the
record.
Mr. Poupart first announced that he was coerced into pleading guilty at the
August 21, 2012 hearing on the motion for Attorney Gagne to withdraw prior to
sentencing. Poupart, Dkt. 171 at 10-11. At that hearing, Mr. Poupart advised the
Court that he wished for Attorney Gagne to withdraw because she would not file
certain motions on his behalf. Attorney Gagne and stand-by counsel Attorney
Thomas both explained that they could not file the requested motions without
violating the rule of professional conduct which prohibits filing frivolous motions.
The Court asked Mr. Poupart what motions he wanted filed, and he referenced the
chain of custody argument regarding the videotaped interviews of minor victims
which was discussed previously in this memorandum of decision. Id. at 10-11.
The Court explained that the motion Mr. Poupart wanted to file would have related
15
to a trial, but that Mr. Poupart pled guilty. Id. at 11. The following exchange then
occurred:
The Defendant: I was forced to plead guilty. I have basically -- it was
a problem with Ms. Gagne. I told her I wanted to withdraw my plea
because I was forced under duress.
The Court: What do you mean you were forced under duress to
plead?
The Defendant: I was told various things which have come to my
attention which were not true, and the fact that I was told point-blank
that if I went to trial I was getting 25 years, which is wrong, I don’t
feel that I’ve had the adequate representation right along.
The Court: Now, you recognize that I, rather unusually, appointed
two attorneys for you because the stakes were high, because there
was some complexity having to do with -The Defendant: I had a conflict with Mr. Filan from day one. Me and
him never got along.
The Court: You may not have gotten along, but he’s certainly a
competent defense attorney. Well, I guess what I’m trying to
understand is, are you seeking to withdraw your guilty plea?
The Defendant: Yes, I am, your Honor.
The Court: All right, that’s a high standard to meet. You are going to
need to do it in your own motion. You are going to need to file that
motion no later -The Defendant: I don’t know the first thing about writing a motion,
your Honor.
The Court: Well, sir, I can’t be your attorney.
The Defendant: All I’ve ever asked for was an attorney that actually
worked for me and didn’t work for the prosecution.
The Court: Now, you’ve had three attorneys. Mr. Thomas has offered
to come in as your attorney. Do you want Mr. Thomas to represent
you?
The Defendant: I would like his help.
16
Judge Arterton then confirmed with Attorney Thomas that he could assist Mr.
Poupart with filing a motion to withdraw. Judge Arterton then explained to Mr
Poupart what his motion to withdraw his guilty plea would need to address:
So, where I have found at the hearing by your colloquy and our
proceedings then that it was a valid plea, meaning that you did it
voluntarily, knowingly, that there was a factual basis and that you
were competent, you’re going to have to overcome that finding by
setting out, not in conclusory terms, but setting out what the hearing
on your entry of a guilty plea failed to address and why that was
either something beyond your control or something that would show
it to be involuntary. I’ve got to warn you that you will need to work
hard on your motion. Okay? And I will need it to be filed by August
31st.
Mr. Poupart’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea, filed with Attorney
Thomas’ assistance, listed a number of grievances against Attorney Gagne and
Attorney Filan. Poupart, Dkt. 172. Some of those grievances did not bear upon
the voluntariness of his plea, including the failure to file certain evidentiary
motions on his behalf and delay in requesting certain discovery. Id. at 1-3.
Regarding his change of plea, Mr. Poupart asserted Attorney Filan engaged in
“on-going instances of intimidation,” and that his:
intimidating and often aggressive attitude towards the defendant had
an effect on the defendant’s ability to clearly evaluate all the factors
of the plea agreement. Also on May 25, 2012, Assistant U.S. Attorney
Anastasia King gave the defendant less than one hour to consider all
the factors in the plea agreement. The defendant believes the
strained attorney-client relationship hindered his ability to receive
effective counsel prior to, and during the decision making process
related to the plea agreement.
Id. at 1. Mr. Poupart also stated “Attorney Gagne did not fully and adequately
explain the appeal stipulation in the plea agreement,” and as a result, Mr. Poupart
“entered into the plea agreement under the impression that the right to appeal is
17
present in the agreement.” Id. at 4. Mr. Poupart asserts Attorney Gagne’s failure
to explain his right to appeal, along with Mr. Filan’s intimidation and the one hour
time limit for him to accept the plea agreement, “caused the defendant to enter
into an agreement without sound, clear, and effective counsel.” Id. at 4.
Judge Arterton denied the motion to withdraw guilty plea. As to his
argument that Attorney Filan had an “intimidating and often aggressive attitude,”
Judge Arterton noted that Mr. Poupart failed to present any evidence of threats or
coercion by Attorney Filan (or Attorney Gagne) which would contradict his sworn
statement that he was not coerced. Id. at 5. Judge Arterton noted that during his
plea colloquy, Mr. Poupart “confirmed that he had not been coerced into entering
his plea:
The Court: Other than the promises that are in this written
agreement, has anyone made any promises to you that have caused
you to plead guilty?
The Defendant: No.
The Court: Has anybody threatened you or intimidated you in any
way that has caused you to decide to plead guilty?
The Defendant: No.
Id. at 5 (citing Dkt. 170 (Plea Transcript) at 31). Likewise, Judge Arterton noted
that Mr. Poupart stated in his plea petition that “I have not been threatened or
forced in any way to plead guilty at this time or any other times.” Id. at 5 (citing
Dkt. 143 (Plea Petition) at ¶ 21). In addition, Mr. Poupart acknowledged in his plea
agreement that he entered into the agreement “without threats, force,
intimidation, or coercion of any kind.” Poupart, Dkt. 178 at 4 (citing Dkt. 142 (Plea
Agreement) at 7). Judge Arterton concluded that Mr. Poupart’s “bald statements
18
that simply contradict what he said at his plea allocution are not sufficient
grounds to withdraw [a] guilty plea.” Id. (citing United States v. Torres, 129 F.3d
710, 715 (2d Cir. 1997)).
Judge Arterton also addressed Mr. Poupart’s assertion, which was not
repeated in the motion currently pending before this Court, that he was only
given one hour to accept the plea agreement. Poupart, Dkt. 178 at 6. Judge
Arterton explained that the plea agreement was the same plea agreement Mr.
Poupart had considered and rejected two months earlier, and that at the time it
was first considered, Mr. Poupart’s attorneys spent several hours consulting with
him about it. Id. (citing Poupart, Dkt. 173-1 (Exhibits A-C to Opposition to Motion
to Withdraw Guilty Plea) (records of Attorney Gagne’s visit with Mr. Poupart to
discuss the plea agreement)). In addition, at his change of plea hearing, Mr.
Poupart affirmed that he had sufficient opportunities to discuss his case with his
counsel prior to pleading guilty. Id. at 6 (citing Dkt. 170 (Plea Transcript) at 8).
Judge Arterton found, in light of this evidence, that Mr. Poupart “failed to
establish that his guilty plea was involuntary due to any form of coercion or
intimidation by his attorneys or by the Government.” Id. at 6.
Finally, Judge Arterton addressed Mr. Poupart’s argument, not repeated in
his current motion, that Attorney Gagne failed to “fully and adequately explain the
appeal stipulation in the plea agreement.” Id. at 14. Mr. Poupart explained in his
motion to withdraw his guilty plea that:
What was not made clear prior to the signing of the agreement was
whether the defendant has the right to appeal the amount of time
received, the charge itself, or both. The defendant at the time of
signing of the plea agreement was under the understanding from his
19
counsel that both time and the charge could be appealed. This
significant misunderstanding has played a major factor in whether or
not the defendant would have accepted this plea agreement.
Poupart, Dkt. 172 at 4.
Judge Arterton rejected this argument as well, noting that at his change of
plea hearing, the Court explained to Mr. Poupart that “[b]oth sides have reserved
all appellate rights, and subject to the terms of your plea agreement, you may be
able to appeal your conviction if you believe your guilty plea was somehow
unlawful or involuntary or there is some other fundamental defect in the
proceeding, including unconstitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel that
you didn’t waive by your guilty plea. And there’s a statutory right to appeal your
sentence if you think that sentence is contrary to law.” Poupart, Dkt. 178 at 16
(citing Poupart, Dkt. 170 at 36). When asked if he had any questions regarding
his right to appeal, Mr. Poupart said “No.” Id. at 16 (citing Poupart, Dkt. 170 at 3637). Even if Mr. Poupart’s counsel had not clearly explained his right to appeal,
he was informed of that right by the Court prior to entering into his guilty plea. Id.
The Court has found no basis in the record to come to conclusion different
from Judge Arterton’s well-reasoned decision. Mr Poupart’s statement that he
was coerced and intimidated into pleading guilty is not supported by any
evidence beyond conclusory allegations, and his “statements made under oath
during his plea allocution belie his protestation . . . that his plea was . . .
involuntary.” Rosenfield, 972 F. Supp. at 142 (denying an ineffective assistance
of counsel claim because the defendant’s sworn statements contradicted his
20
conclusory assertions). Mr. Poupart’s fourth ineffective assistance of counsel
claim must be DENIED.
V.
Failure to Advise of Consequences of Sentencing
Mr. Poupart also asserts his counsel “misrepresented sentencing factors”
and “misrepresented sentencing consequences both direct and indirect.” [Dkt. 11 at 11.] The Government responds that, as with his other arguments, Mr.
Poupart has failed to offer anything more than the aforementioned conclusory
statement in support of his claim.
Mr. Poupart has not described what consequences of sentencing his
counsel misrepresented. To the extent he is referencing his argument from his
motion to withdraw that Attorney Gagne failed to fully advise him of his right to
appeal, the Court finds no evidence in the record which warrants a conclusion
different from Judge Arterton’s. Even if Attorney Gagne had ineffectively advised
him of his appeal rights, no prejudice resulted under Strickland because the
Court advised him of those rights at his change of plea hearing. Poupart, Dkt.
178 at 16; see also Rosenfield, 972 F.2d at 144 (finding that even if counsel had
failed to adequately advise defendant of a right, the court remedied any
deficiency by advising the defendant of the right at his plea hearing).
To the extent Mr. Poupart is asserting his counsel failed to advise him of
the 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) factors, that argument also fails. At his change of plea
hearing, the Court directed Attorney King to summarize the plea agreement, and
in doing so she stated:
The plea agreement also contains a provision with regard to the
sentencing guidelines. The defendant understands that the Court is
21
required to consider the sentencing guidelines as well as other
factors that are enumerated under Title 18, United States Code
Section 3553(a) when it tailors an appropriate sentence in this case,
and that the Court is not bound by this agreement.
Poupart, Dkt 178 at 19. Mr. Poupart affirmed under oath that the plea agreement
“fully and accurately reflect[ed his] understanding of the agreement that [he]
entered into with the Government.” Id. at 30. Further, record evidence indicates
his counsel spent several hours discussing the plea agreement with him.
Poupart, Dkt. 173-1 (Exhibits A-C to Opposition to Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea)
(records of Attorney Gagne’s visit with Mr. Poupart to discuss the plea
agreement). Mr. Poupart asserted no confusion as to the sentencing factors at
his change of plea hearing and asserts no basis for confusion in his current
motion. [Dkt. 1-1 at 11.] His assertion that “counsel misrepresented sentencing
factors” is conclusory, and contradicts his sworn statements without supporting
evidence. Mr. Poupart’s fifth ineffective assistance of counsel claim must be
DENIED. See Vasquez, 1997 WL 148812 at *12 (allegations which are “vague,
conclusory, and unsupported by citation to the record, any affidavit, or any other
source” cannot establish an ineffective assistance of counsel claim).
VI.
Failure to Argue for a Lower Sentence
Finally, Mr. Poupart asserts that, at sentencing, his counsel should have
argued for the instant sentence to run concurrently with his one-year sentence
for two state misdemeanor charges involving sexual misconduct with a minor.
[Dkt. 1-1 at 12.] Mr. Poupart asserts a concurrent sentence would have been
appropriate under U.S.S.G. 5G1.3. The Government responds that U.S.S.G. is
inapplicable in this case.
22
Sentencing Guideline Section 5G1.3 applies where the defendant is
“subject to an undischarged term of imprisonment or anticipated state term of
imprisonment.” U.S.S.G § 5G1.3(a)-(d) . Mr. Poupart falls into neither category;
he had already fully discharged his term of imprisonment on the two state
misdemeanor charges when he was sentenced in this case. Poupart, Dkt. 177
(Presentence Investigation Report) at ¶ 50. Nor does Mr. Poupart assert he faced
any anticipated state term of imprisonment which should have run concurrently
with this sentence under Section 5G1.3.
In addition, although Mr. Poupart does not raise the argument here, the
Court notes that Mr. Poupart’s state misdemeanor convictions are not relevant
conduct under U.S.S.G. 5K2.23. Section 5K2.23 allows a downward departure in
light of a discharged terms of imprisonment, but only if the discharged term of
imprisonment resulted from another offense that is relevant to the instant offense
of conviction. Conduct is relevant if it “occurred during the commission of the
offense of conviction, in preparation for that offense, or in the course of
attempting to avoid detection or responsibility for that offense; . . . [was] part of
the same course of conduct or common scheme or plan as the offense of
conviction;” or involves “harm that resulted from the acts and omissions
specified in [the two subsections just described], [or] harm that was the object of
such acts and omissions.” U.S.S.G. 1B1.3(a)(1) - (a)(3).
Mr. Poupart’s Connecticut state misdemeanor offenses were sexual
assaults which occurred in 2006 and 2007. Poupart, Dkt. 177 at ¶ 50. The offense
at issue here is possession of child pornography. Id. at ¶¶ 15-22. The only
23
similarity between the two offenses is that two of the over 100 images and videos
of child pornography found on Mr. Poupart’s computer are photos of one of the
minor victims of the 2006 and 2007 sexual assaults. Id. at ¶¶ 15-22. Those images
were made in 2003 and 2004, at least three years prior to the sexual assaults. Id.
at ¶¶ 15-22. That similarity does not render the sexual assaults relevant to the
instant possession of child pornography offense under U.S.S.G. 1B1.3(a)(1) (a)(3). A comparison with cases in which the Second Circuit has found relevant
conduct confirms that the conduct at issue here is insufficient under Section
1B1.3.
In United States v. Broxmeyer, 699 F.3d 265, 282-83 (2d Cir. 2012), the
defendant attempted to induce a minor victim to take sexually explicit photos of
herself and send them to him, resulting in the minor victim sending a sexually
suggestive photo of herself in her underwear. Defendant then continued to
“cajole and badger” the minor victim for an explicit photo of herself, resulting in
the minor victim sending a sexually explicit image of herself to the defendant. Id.
The Second Circuit found the initial attempt was relevant to the eventual
successful inducement because the successful inducement was the object of the
initial attempt. Id. There is no evidence here that the sexual assaults in 2006 and
2007 were the end-goal of a course of conduct beginning with the explicit images
taken in 2003 and 2004, or that the two distinct crimes were otherwise part of the
same course of conduct.
In addition, in United States v. Ahders, 622 F.3d 115, 120 (2d Cir. 2010), the
Second Circuit found the uncharged molestation of two minors relevant to the
24
defendant’s conviction for child pornography production because it occurred
during the period that the defendant was producing pornographic images. Unlike
Ahders, the images of the minor victim from 2003 and 2004 were not made
contemporaneously with the 2006 and 2007 sexual assaults.
Mr. Poupart has not shown why his counsel was ineffective for failing to
raise a non-meritorious argument at sentencing. His final argument for
ineffective assistance of counsel must also be DENIED.
Conclusion
There is no need for this Court to conduct a hearing on this habeas
petition. Although courts generally “look with disfavor on summary rejection of a
habeas petition,” United States v. Aiello, 900 F.2d 528, 534 (2d Cir.1990)
(quotation omitted), the text of § 2255 provides that the Court need not conduct a
hearing where “the motion and the files and records of the case conclusively
show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief.” 28 U.S.C. § 2255(b) (2014); see
also Aiello, 900 F.2d at 534 (finding no reversible error in the failure to conduct a
hearing where the petition omitted “meritorious allegations that can be
established by competent evidence”). Mr. Poupart is not entitled to relief on his
claims. Therefore, this Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 is DENIED. The Court denies a certificate of appealability
because jurists of reason would not find this procedural ruling debatable. See
Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 478 (2000). The Court CERTIFIES under 28 U.S.C.
§ 1915(a)(3) that any appeal would not be taken in good faith.
25
IT IS SO ORDERED.
_______/s/________________
Hon. Vanessa L. Bryant
United States District Judge
Dated at Hartford, Connecticut: February 22, 2018
26
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?