Cain v. USA - 2255
Filing
2
MEMORANDUM OPINION in criminal case 12cr19. Signed by Judge Ellen L. Hollander on 9/1/2017. (kw2s, Deputy Clerk)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
LENNY CAIN,
Petitioner,
Criminal No. ELH-12-019
(Related Civil No.: ELH-15-3320)
v.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Lenny Cain has filed a Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence, pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 2255 (ECF 393), as supplemented by two additional submissions, ECF 407 and ECF
408 (collectively, the “Petition”). The government filed a response in opposition to the Petition
(ECF 413, “Opposition”), along with numerous exhibits. ECF 413. Mr. Cain filed a reply. ECF
421.
Under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(b), a hearing is required “[u]nless the motion and the files and
the records of the case conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief . . . .” This is
such a case; no hearing is necessary. For the reasons that follow, I shall deny the Petition.
I.
Procedural Background
A.
This multi-defendant case began with an Indictment filed on January 11, 2012, charging
five defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone,
in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. ECF 1. However, Cain was not named as a defendant at that
time.1
1
2012.
The case was initially assigned to Judge Benson Legg. It was reassigned to me in June
Cain was named as a defendant on September 19, 2012, by way of a Superseding
Indictment charging Cain and seven others with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent
to distribute oxycodone, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. ECF 88; see also ECF 89. A Second
Superseding Indictment was filed on April 10, 2013, adding a second count against Mr. Cain, for
distribution and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. ECF 229. All seven of Mr.
Cain‟s codefendants pled guilty.
Mr. Cain proceeded to a jury trial that began on May 13, 2013. ECF 257. At trial, Mr.
Cain testified in his own behalf. On June 7, 2013, the jury convicted Cain of conspiracy to
distribute or possess with intent to distribute oxycodone (Count One) and distribution of
oxycodone (Count Two). ECF 295.
Sentencing was held on September 26, 2013.
ECF 346; ECF 369 (Sentencing
Transcript). According to the Presentence Report (ECF 322, “PSR”), Cain had a total offense
level of 38.
See ECF 322, ¶ 32.
The PSR included a two-level upward adjustment for
possession of a handgun (id., ¶ 25), which I rejected at the sentencing. It also awarded four
levels for a leadership role in the conspiracy. Id. ¶ 27. However, I awarded only a three-level
enhancement for a managerial role. ECF 369 at 79. Therefore, I found that Mr. Cain had a final
offense level of 35 and a criminal history category of VI, with an advisory sentencing guidelines
range of 292 to 365 months‟ imprisonment. ECF 351 at 1; ECF 322; ECF 345 (Amended
Presentence Report); ECF 369 at 79.
I sentenced Mr. Cain to concurrent terms of imprisonment of 160 months as to Count
One and Count Two. See ECF 350 (Judgment). That sentence was well below the bottom of the
advisory sentencing guidelines range.
2
Following the sentencing, Mr. Cain noted an appeal.
ECF 347.
Mr. Cain was
represented on appeal by the same lawyer who represented him at trial. On October 7, 2014, the
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction, in an unpublished
opinion. See ECF 383; see also United States v. Cain, 586 Fed. App‟x 104 (4th Cir. 2014) (per
curiam). The mandate issued on November 12, 2014. ECF 387. Thereafter, on March 23, 2015,
the Supreme Court denied Mr. Cain‟s petition for writ of certiorari. Cain v. United States, 135
S.Ct. 1571 (2015).
II.
Factual Summary2
Set forth below is a very abbreviated version of the evidence adduced at trial.
In 2010, Mr. Cain and several others conspired to create phony prescriptions for
oxycodone pills, a Schedule II controlled substance; to fill those prescriptions at Baltimore area
pharmacies; and to resell the pills for profit.
Joseph Church, a codefendant, testified at trial that he and Mr. Cain were “best friends”
(ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 43) as well as “partners” in the oxycodone enterprise. Id. at
52. Church stated that he “brought [Cain] into the operation” (id. at 43) and added: “I taught
him everything he knew.” Id. at 44. According to Church, both he and Cain sold the pills and
2
In the summary, I do not always provide a description of each ECF number referenced
herein. For the convenience of the reader, set forth below is a quick reference to the transcript
citations.
ECF 362: Transcript for 5/20/13
ECF 363: Transcript for 5/21/13
ECF 364: Transcript for 5/22/13
ECF 365: Transcript for 5/28/13
ECF 366: Transcript for 5/23/13
ECF 367: Transcript for 5/29/13
ECF 368: Transcript for 6/4/13
ECF 369: Transcript for 9/26/13
ECF 371: Transcript for 6/3/13
3
“split” the proceeds. Id. at 53; see id. at 43-46, 56. The sales of oxycodone generated $30,000 to
$40,000 per month. Id. at 56.
Church explained that, through a friend, he and Cain obtained “a fake ID” in the name of
Christopher Markley. ECF 364 at 45. In addition, Church recounted that, as the “head of the
operation” (id. at 46), he and Cain “recruited runners” to go into the pharmacies, because they
“didn‟t want to go in . . . .” Id. The runners included Eddie Moyer, Joseph Hopper, and Jason
Baldwin. See, e.g., ECF 364 at 47-48; ECF 362 at 184.
Several other members of the conspiracy also testified at the trial. For example, Wendy
Pinkard was recruited by Church, who was then her boyfriend. She worked at a doctor‟s office,
where she stole prescription forms and verified phony prescriptions upon calls from pharmacists
seeking to establish the legitimacy of the prescriptions. See, e.g., ECF 362, Transcript of
5/20/13, at 158-61.
Cain used some of the prescriptions that Pinkard obtained to acquire
oxycodone. Id. at 173-74; ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 57.
During the investigation, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of the
residence of Ms. Pinkard.
Agents recovered, inter alia, prescription pads, a gun, and
identification in the name of “Christopher Markley.” ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/2013, at 179181. Ms. Pinkard stated that she did not know a person by the name of Christopher Markley. Id.
at 180. Moreover, she claimed that Church and Cain were the ones who had the Markley
identification. Id. In addition, a notebook was recovered that detailed the pharmacies utilized
during the conspiracy. Id. at 182-84; ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 63-66. Some of the
handwriting was Pinkard‟s and some was that of Church. ECF 362 at 182-83.
At the relevant time, Nneka Ewell worked as a medical assistant at a medical clinic in
Baltimore. ECF 363, Transcript of 5/21/13, at 141. Cain recruited her to answer phones and to
4
verify phony prescriptions. Id. at 142-44, 165; ECF 364 at 49. Ewell testified that Cain came to
her office with Loni Holbeck, a patient at the clinic, to seek Ewell‟s assistance in obtaining
prescription pads. ECF 363 at 142-45, 165. Holbeck was one of the drug dealers to whom
Church and Cain sold oxycodone pills. ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 88, 95-96; ECF 364,
Transcript of 5/22/13, at 53-56.
Cain initially asked Ewell to steal prescriptions. ECF 363 at 144-45. When she refused,
Cain asked her to answer the phone and verify the prescriptions if the pharmacists called to
check. Id. at 145. Ewell agreed, and Cain provided her with a cell phone that he or Church
would call to alert her to expect a call from a pharmacy. Id. at 145-46; see ECF 364 at 51-52.
When Cain called, it generally was for a prescription for 30 mg oxycodone pills in the patient
name of “Christopher Markley.” ECF 363 at 146-47.
Another conspirator, Jason Baldwin, was involved in writing phony oxycodone
prescriptions in the name of Christopher Markley. ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 64-66, 76.
He also worked as a “runner,” entering pharmacies to fill phony prescriptions, including with
Cain. See, e.g., ECF 362 at 62-63, 80-89, 161; 184; see also ECF 364 at 44-45, 58-60, 62-63.
During a search of Baldwin‟s residence, law enforcement recovered a notebook in which
Baldwin had practiced signing the name of “Christopher Markley,” and the name of a doctor.
ECF 362 at 77-78.
Christopher Markley testified that at some point he lost his license (Govt. Exhibit 46),
and reported the loss to the MVA. ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 153. He claimed that he
did not know various conspirators.
Id. at 155.
Moreover, he denied that he used his
identification to obtain prescription pills of oxycodone. Id. at 154.
5
Codefendant Edward Moyer testified that he filled phony prescriptions of Oxycodone in
the name of his brother, Shawn Moyer, using his brother‟s ID. ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13,
at 47-48; ECF 363, Transcript of 5/21/13, at 197-203. He obtained the fraudulent prescriptions
from Mr. Cain. ECF 363 at 199, 201. Mr. Cain also supplied the identification of Shawn Moyer,
in whose name prescriptions were written. Id. at 199-200, 202. Edward Moyer gave the
oxycodone pills that he obtained to Mr. Cain, in exchange for money and pills. Id. at 200, 203204.
At trial, Shawn Moyer testified that he was incarcerated in October 2011. ECF 363,
Transcript of 5/21/13, at 87. Further, he was unable “to pass” prescriptions from November
2010 to January 2011. Id. at 85-86. He also stated that his wallet, with his identification, was
stolen at a bar about two weeks prior to his incarceration. ECF 363 at 86. The ID was returned
to his home, while he was incarcerated. Id. However, Shawn Moyer never saw it when he was
released. Id. And, he stated that his brother, Edward Moyer, had access to it. Id. He also
denied passing phony prescriptions. Id. at 87.
Church and Cain, along with Justin Serio, created fake prescriptions on a computer. ECF
362 at 164-65. They printed them on special prescription paper that had been obtained via the
internet. Id. at 61-62; ECF 364 at 50-51, 70-71. A phone number of a conspirator was put on the
prescription forms in the event a pharmacy called to verify the prescription. ECF 362 at 62.
Dustin Ray, who had been incarcerated with Cain and Church, testified about several of
the conversations he had with Cain. According to Ray, Cain disclosed that he and Church were
working together. ECF 363, Transcript of 5/21/13, at 178-79. Cain also told Ray that he had
gone into pharmacies himself on a few occasions. Id. at 178-80.
6
Law enforcement was alerted to the prescription fraud scheme involving oxycodone
when pharmacies contacted law enforcement to report suspicious prescriptions submitted in the
names of Markley and Shawn Moyer. One report was made on October 21, 2010, by the
Medicine Shoppe in the area of Brooklyn Park in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. ECF 364 at
159-160. As a result, Anne Arundel County Police Department Detective Bernard Adkins went
to the pharmacy and reviewed surveillance for the relevant dates of October 20 and October 21,
2010. Id. at 160-161, 164-167. The surveillance video captured Cain as he was dropping off the
prescription and then attempting to retrieve the filled prescription. Id.; see also id. 164-67.
Cain‟s fingerprint was found on the original prescription that had been provided to the Medicine
Shoppe on October 20, 2010. ECF 366, Transcript of 5/23/2013, at 35-37.
About a month later, on December 1, 2010, a Walgreen‟s pharmacy in Severna Park,
Maryland, contacted Detective Adkins about a suspected forged prescription for oxycodone in
the name of Shawn Moyer, dated November 26, 2010. ECF 364 at 167-169. Again, Detective
Adkins obtained a surveillance video.
It showed Edward Moyer entering the Walgreen‟s
pharmacy, followed by Cain. ECF 363 at 205-207.
Through the investigation of pharmacies in the area, law enforcement identified 18
Oxycodone prescriptions filled in the name of Christopher Markley and six in the name of
Shawn Moyer. Government Trial Exhibit 10 (J.A. 719A); see also ECF 365, Transcript of
5/28/13, at 76-76; ECF 413-5. The government also introduced evidence of two attempts by
Cain and/or Edward Moyer to pass phony prescriptions. ECF 364 at 158-60. In sum, the
government introduced 26 prescriptions, each for 180 Oxycodone pills, 30 milligrams each, for a
total of 140,400 milligrams of Oxycodone. ECF 365, Transcript of 5/28/13, at 117-18; see also
Government Exhibit 10.
7
Original prescriptions in the names of Christopher Markley and Shawn Moyer were also
obtained from the pharmacies. ECF 364 at 127-130, 159-160, 168, 177-182, 192-195, 214-216.
Cain‟s fingerprints were found on eleven original prescriptions in the name of Christopher
Markley and on three original prescriptions in the name of Shawn Moyer. ECF 366, Transcript
of 5/23/13, at 35, 37-39, 64-68, 79-90; ECF 365, Transcript of 5/28/13, at 68-70.
Additional facts are included in the Discussion.
III.
Standard of Review
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255(a), a prisoner in federal custody may “move the court
which imposed the sentence to vacate, set aside or correct the sentence,” but only on certain
grounds: “that the sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United
States, or that the court was without jurisdiction to impose such sentence, or that the sentence
was in excess of the maximum authorized by law, or is otherwise subject to collateral
attack. . . .” See also United States v. Newbold, 791 F.3d 455, 459 (4th Cir. 2015).
Collateral attack is not a substitute for direct appeal; failure to raise certain issues on
direct appeal may render them procedurally defaulted on post-conviction review. United States
v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 165 (1982); accord Bousely v. United States, 523 U.S. 614, 630 (1998).
As a general rule, a petitioner who fails to raise a claim on direct appeal is barred from raising
the claim on collateral review. Sanchez–Llamas v. Oregon, 548 U.S. 331, 350–51 (2006).
However, this bar generally does not apply to claims pertaining to ineffective assistance of
counsel. See, e.g., Massaro v. United States, 538 U.S. 500, 503–04 (2003).
Under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(b), the post-conviction court must hold a hearing “[u]nless the
motion and the files and records conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief. . . .”
See, e.g., United States v. Lemaster, 403 F.3d 216, 220-23 (4th Cir. 2005); United States v.
8
White, 366 F.3d 291, 302 (4th Cir. 2004). Courts have determined that a hearing is not necessary
where “the motion . . . fail[s] to allege sufficient facts or circumstances upon which the elements
of constitutionally deficient performance might properly be found [or] where the defendant has
failed to present any affidavits or other evidentiary support for the naked assertions contained in
his motion.” United States v. Taylor, 139 F.3d 924, 933 (D.C. Cir. 1998) (internal quotation
marks and citation omitted); accord United States v. McGill, 11 F.3d 223, 225–26 (1st Cir.
1993). On the other hand, a hearing is generally “required when a movant presents a colorable
Sixth Amendment claim showing disputed material facts and a credibility determination is
necessary to resolve this issue.” United States v. Robertson, 219 Fed. App‟x 286, 286 (4th Cir.
2007); see also United States v. Ray, 547 Fed. App‟x 343, 345 (4th Cir. 2013).
I am mindful that a self-represented litigant is generally “held to a „less stringent
standard[ ]‟ than is a lawyer, and the Court must liberally construe his claims, no matter how
„inartfully‟ pled.” Morrison v. United States, RDB-12-3607, 2014 WL 979201, at *2 (D. Md.
Mar. 12, 2014) (internal citations omitted); see Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007);
Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520 (1972) (stating that claims of self-represented litigants are
held “to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers”); Bala v.
Commonwealth of Va. Dep’t of Conservation & Recreation, 532 F. App‟x 332, 334 (4th Cir.
2013) (per curiam) (same). Nevertheless, I am satisfied that no hearing is necessary to resolve
Cain‟s claims.
IV.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Mr. Cain was represented at trial and on appeal by a seasoned attorney, Gary Ticknor,
Esquire. In his Petition, Mr. Cain asserts numerous claims of ineffective assistance of counsel,
9
both at trial and on appeal. See, e.g., ECF 393-2; 393-5; 393-8; ECF 398; ECF 408. Before
addressing these claims, I pause to review the principles that guide my analysis.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees a criminal defendant the effective assistance of
counsel. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 686 (1984); see also Buck v. Davis, ____ U.S.
____, 137 S. Ct. 759, 775 (2017). Ineffective assistance of counsel is a well recognized basis for
relief under § 2255. See generally Missouri v. Frye, 566 U.S. 133 (2012); Lafler v. Cooper, 566
U.S. 156 (2012); Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. 356 (2010).
To mount a successful challenge under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 based on a Sixth Amendment
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a petitioner must satisfy the two-pronged test set forth
in Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687–88. See United States v. Powell, 850 F.3d 145, 149 (4th Cir.
2017). First, the petitioner must show that counsel‟s performance was deficient. Second, the
petitioner must show that he was prejudiced by the deficient performance. Id. at 687; see Buck,
137 S. Ct. at 775; Chaidez v. United States, ___ U.S. ____, 133 S. Ct. 1103, 1107–8 (2013); Roe
v. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. 470, 477 (2000); Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (1985); Powell, 850
F.3d at 149; United States v. Rangel, 781 F.3d 736, 742 (4th Cir. 2015); Richardson v. Branker,
668 F.3d 128, 139 (4th Cir. 2012); United States v. Higgs, 663 F.3d 726, 735 (4th Cir. 2011);
see, e.g., United States v. Baker, 719 F.3d 313, 318 (4th Cir. 2013).
The first prong is known as the “performance prong,” which relates to professional
competence. The petitioner must demonstrate that his attorney's performance fell “below an
objective standard of reasonableness,” as measured by “prevailing professional norms.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688; see Powell, 850 F.3d at 149. The central question is whether “an
attorney‟s representation amounted to incompetence under „prevailing professional norms,‟ not
whether it deviated from best practices or most common custom.” Harrington v. Richter, 562
10
U.S. 86, 88 (2011) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690). The burden is on the petitioner to
establish “„that counsel made errors so serious that his “counsel” was not functioning as the
“counsel” guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.‟” Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. at 88 (quoting
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687).
As the Supreme Court recently reiterated, the “first prong sets a high bar.” Buck, 137 S.
Ct. at 775; see also Powell, 850 F.3d at 149. “The lawyer has discharged his constitutional
responsibility so long as his decisions fall within the „wide range of professionally competent
assistance.‟” Buck, 137 S.Ct. at 775 (citation omitted). Consequently, the performance prong is
“„difficult‟” to establish. Lawrence v. Branker, 517 F.3d 700, 709 (4th Cir. 2008) (quoting
James v. Harrison, 389 F.3d 450, 457 (4th Cir. 2004)).
To satisfy the high bar, the petitioner must show that “counsel made errors so serious that
counsel was not functioning as the „counsel‟ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth
Amendment.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. “Keenly aware of the difficulties inherent in
evaluating counsel‟s performance, the Supreme Court has admonished that courts „must indulge
a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable
professional assistance.‟” Lawrence, 517 F.3d at 708 (quoting Strickland, 446 U.S. at 689); see
Harrington, 562 U.S. at 104; Lee v. Clarke, 781 F.3d 114, 122 (4th Cir. 2015). Indeed, “the
Strickland standard must be applied with scrupulous care,” Harrington, 562 U.S. at 105, and “the
standard of judging counsel's representation is a most deferential one.” Id.
Second, the petitioner must show that his attorney's deficient performance “prejudiced
[his] defense.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. To satisfy the “prejudice prong,” a petitioner must
show that “there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the
result of the proceeding would have been different.” Id. at 694; see also Buck, 137 S. Ct. at 776;
11
Lafler, 566 U.S. at 163. “A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome” of the proceedings. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687.
The Padilla Court said, 559 U.S. at 371: “Surmounting Strickland’s high bar is never an
easy task.” This is because a petitioner is not entitled to post-conviction relief based on prejudice
where the record establishes that it is “not reasonably likely that [the alleged error] would have
made any difference in light of all the other evidence of guilt.” Berghuis v. Thompkins, 560 U.S.
370, 390 (2010).
A court “need not determine whether counsel‟s performance was deficient before
examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.” Id. at
697. Nor must a court address both components if one is dispositive. Jones v. Clarke, 783 F.3d
987, 991 (4th Cir. 2015). This is because failure to satisfy either prong is fatal to a petitioner's
claim. As a result, “there is no reason for a court...to address both components of the inquiry if
the defendant makes an insufficient showing on one.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697.
V.
Discussion
A. Conflict of Interest
Mr. Cain contends that his attorney was ineffective for failing to raise at trial the alleged
conflict of interest on the part of Catherine Flynn, Esquire. She represented Joseph Church, a
codefendant who testified at trial for the government, and an attorney in her office briefly
represented Mr. Cain in regard to related State charges. See ECF 393-2; ECF 407; see also ECF
406 (Cain Affidavit). Cain asserts, inter alia, a violation of his due process rights under the Fifth
Amendment to the Constitution, based on the simultaneous, overlapping representation of Cain
and Church by Ms. Flynn and a member of her law firm.
12
As the government points out (ECF 413 at 10), Mr. Cain is plainly incorrect in
contending that his lawyer failed to raise the issue at trial. The record reflects that on the second
day of trial, May 20, 2013, the Court was alerted to an “impending motion in limine” concerning
the testimony of Mr. Church, who was represented by Ms. Flynn from the inception of the case.
ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 209-10.
In particular, Mr. Cain‟s defense attorney advised the Court that Mr. Cain was initially
charged in State court and, at the outset, he was represented by a lawyer named Flynn Owens,
who was not affiliated with Ms. Flynn. Id. at 210. However, Cain subsequently hired Margaret
Mead, Esquire, a partner of Ms. Flynn. Id. Thereafter, Mr. Cain was represented by Rodney
Gray, another lawyer in Ms. Flynn‟s office. Id.; see also ECF 363 at 241.3 In response to this
information, I stated, ECF 362 at 210: “I find it appalling that this would be out there and I have
not known about it.” But, as Mr. Ticknor explained, the information was not known to him. Id.
And, he claimed that although Mr. Cain knew the lawyer who had previously represented him,
he did not disclose it because he did not appreciate the significance of it. Id. at 226.
When the prosecution was made aware of this information, government counsel
conferred with Ms. Flynn and proffered that she had “absolutely no recollection of ever meeting
Mr. Cain.” Id. at 212. Nor was there any indication in any of the firm‟s records that Ms. Flynn
ever interacted with Mr. Cain. Id. Nevertheless, defense counsel sought to disqualify Mr.
Church as a witness, on the basis of Ms. Flynn‟s conflict, alleging a violation of the Sixth
Amendment. Id. at 213-14.
The Court said, inter alia: id.: “This is complete and shocking information after we‟re
two days into this trial. This is the first anyone has raised it with me. But if there were a
3
Mr. Gray was initially misidentified as Rodney Lang. ECF 362 at 210.
13
violation of [the defendant‟s] Sixth Amendment rights because of a conflict of interest on Ms.
Flynn‟s part, . . . the remedy is typically to disqualify the lawyer.” Id. at 214.
The Court continued to discuss the matter with counsel the next day, May 21, 2013. See
ECF 363, Transcript of 5/21/13, at 228-254. Mr. Ticknor vigorously argued the issue, insisting
that the appropriate remedy required the Court to bar the testimony of Mr. Church. Id. at 234.
Based on the information presented to the Court, Ms. Flynn was called to appear, by
telephone, on May 21, 2013. See ECF 363 at 240-253. She confirmed that Mr. Gray is her
partner, and that Mr. Cain came to the law firm‟s office on August 29, September 22, October 3,
and October 24 of 2011. ECF 363 at 234. But, Ms. Flynn claimed that she never met Mr. Cain.
Moreover, the firm‟s file for Mr. Cain contained an interview sheet (id. at 245), but it did not
contain a Statement of Probable Cause, and so Ms. Flynn was unaware of the allegations. Id. at
234. She also stated that Cain paid the firm a legal fee of $1,000. ECF 363 at 246.
Although Ms. Flynn initially indicated that the office file had no discovery (ECF 363 at
245), she later corrected that assertion, stating that it contained discovery that she never saw.
ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 2-3. Further, she related that the State charges against Mr.
Cain were dismissed on October 25, 2011, without the need for Mr. Cain to appear in court. Id.
at 243.
Ms. Flynn maintained that she never looked at the firm‟s file for Mr. Cain until the issue
arose at Mr. Cain‟s trial. Id. at 247. Notably, Ms. Flynn was unaware that Mr. Cain had been
represented on the State matter by a colleague at her law firm. ECF 363 at 251. Also of import,
she indicated that she never disclosed to the government any information about Mr. Cain based
on the firm‟s representation of him. Id. Indeed, she explained that she only learned of the firm‟s
14
earlier representation of Mr. Cain when she was contacted by the government during Mr. Cain‟s
federal trial. Id. at 247.
As noted, the original Indictment (ECF 1) was filed on January 11, 2012. When Mr.
Church was indicted federally, Ms. Flynn began her representation of him. But, Mr. Cain was
not a defendant in the federal case at that time. ECF 363 at 247-248. In particular, Mr. Cain was
not named as a defendant until the Superseding Indictment was filed some nine months later, on
September 19, 2012. See ECF 88. And, by that point, Mr. Church had already entered a guilty
plea. See ECF 72; ECF 73.
In response to the conflict issue, the Court reviewed, inter alia, United States v. Taft, 221
Fed. App‟x 277 (4th Cir. 2007) (per curiam) and United States v. Pizzonia, 415 F. Supp. 2d 168
(E.D.N.Y. 2006) (Weinstein, J.). See ECF 362 at 211; ECF 363 at 232.
In Taft, 221 Fed. App‟x 277, the defendant moved to bar the government from calling as
a witness an individual who had purchased drugs from the defendant.
The witness was
represented by the same lawyer “who at one time had represented” the defendant. Id. at 279.
The attorney represented the witness “in an unrelated criminal proceeding and had undertaken
that representation three weeks before withdrawing” as defendant‟s attorney. Id. at 278. The
Fourth Circuit recognized that “overlapping representation” of two clients can violate the Fifth
Amendment‟s guarantee of due process “where it compromises the fundamental fairness of a
defendant‟s trial.” Id. at 279. Moreover, it can compromise a defendant‟s Sixth Amendment
right to the effective assistance of counsel “when it creates an actual conflict of interest.” Id.
But, the Court also said: “The mere fact of overlapping representation is insufficient to create a
Sixth Amendment violation.” Id.
15
And, the Taft Court found no Fifth Amendment due process violation. It reasoned that
there was no proffer of evidence to show that the overlapping representation “had any impact on
Appellant‟s trial, much less one that undermined its fundamental fairness.” Id.
Unlike in Taft, the representation here was by different lawyers, albeit from the same law
firm. But, to the extent of any overlapping representation here, it was quite brief. Moreover,
Church‟s lawyer was completely unaware of the prior representation of Cain by a colleague in
her office, which was in regard to a State case that was dismissed, without the need for Cain to
even appear in court. Notably, Cain had not been named as a defendant in the federal case until
about nine months after Mr. Church was indicted. By that point, Church had already entered a
guilty plea. And, when Cain was named as a federal defendant in the Superseding Indictment, he
obtained another attorney, with no connection to Ms. Flynn or her office.
Of paramount significance, there is no indication whatsoever that any of the information
introduced through Church was obtained as a result of the brief representation of Mr. Cain by a
lawyer in Ms. Flynn‟s office.
representation.
Indeed, none of the lawyers knew of the overlapping
It was Mr. Cain who belatedly brought the information to his attorney‟s
attention, and only after the federal trial began.
Relying on Taft, I concluded that the mere fact of overlapping representation was
insufficient to establish a violation of the Sixth Amendment. Id. at 253. Moreover, I determined
that the defendant‟s Sixth Amendment right was not compromised; he was not deprived of
effective assistance of counsel. I noted that, when Ms. Flynn was retained by Mr. Church, Mr.
Cain had not yet been indicted. Id. at 254-255. And, within days of Cain‟s federal indictment
(ECF 88), Mr. Ticknor was appointed to represent him. See ECF 104 (appointment of Mr.
Ticknor on 9/25/12).
16
I am equally satisfied that there was no Fifth Amendment due process violation under the
facts presented here. As to Ms. Flynn, I said, ECF 363 at 253:
[S]he‟s made very clear that she had absolutely no idea of anything that Mr. Cain
said. She never disclosed anything to the government. She personally didn‟t
represent Mr. Cain. I realize the significance of the fact that her partner did. But
in reality, her review of the file reveals that it was a state district court case that
was dismissed. And she doesn‟t, even now as we speak, have any basis to
conclude that it‟s even the same or related case, much less have any knowledge
about anything that Mr. Cain ever revealed by way of attorney/client confidential
communications.[4]
Because Ms. Flynn was unaware of the representation of Mr. Cain by another member of
the firm, that prior representation could not have “had any impact on her work or the proceeding
itself.” ECF 413 at 13.
And, Cain‟s own trial lawyer clearly did not suffer from a conflict of interest. See Cuyler
v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 348 (1980); Woodfolk v. Maynard, 857 F.3d 531, 553 (4th Cir. 2017);
United States v. Dehlinger, 740 F.3d 315, 322 (4th Cir. 2014); Mickens v. Taylor, 240 F.3d 348,
355 (4th Cir. 2001) (en banc), aff’d, 535 U.S. 162 (2002). “To establish ineffective assistance of
counsel on conflict of interest grounds, a petitioner must establish that (1) his attorney labored
under „an actual conflict of interest” that (2) “adversely affected his lawyer‟s performance.‟”
Mickens, 240 F.3d at 355 (quoting Cuyler, 446 U.S. at 348). “If the defendant satisfies this
showing, prejudice is presumed . . . .”
Woodfolk, 857 F.3d at 553; see United States v.
Nicholson, 611 F.3d 191, 205 (4th Cir. 2010).
The foregoing makes clear that, contrary to Mr. Cain‟s assertion, Mr. Ticknor raised and
pursued the conflict issue and the Court seriously considered it. Under the circumstances here,
there was no violation of Cain‟s Fifth or Sixth Amendment rights. And, as the government puts
4
I invited defense counsel to present the Court with authority to suggest that my ruling
was erroneous, in which case I would revisit my ruling. Id. at 255. That did not occur.
17
it, “because Mr. Cain could not establish that he was entitled to any relief based on Ms. Flynn‟s
representations [of Mr. Church], he cannot establish prejudice in this case.” ECF 413 at 13.
B. Questioning of Witnesses by the Court
Cain complains that his attorney was ineffective for failing to object to the Court‟s
alleged excessive questioning of witnesses at trial, including Mr. Cain, who testified in his own
behalf. Cain asserts, inter alia, that the Court asked 200 questions of witnesses, “taking over the
trial . . . .” ECF 393-3 at 2.
Mr. Ticknor, who served both as trial and appellate counsel, did not object at trial, but he
did raise the issue on appeal. The Fourth Circuit considered the matter under the plain error
standard and concluded that Cain did not establish plain error. ECF 383 at 8.
“[F]ederal judges need not sit silently during the presentation of evidence at trial.”
United States v. Lefsih, ____ F.3d ____, 2017 WL 3469214 at *5 (4th Cir. Aug. 14, 2017); see
also Fed. R. Evid. 611(a). Indeed, judges are not automatons who are required “to sit back and
observe trials as nonchalant spectators, as judicial participation is frequently necessary to ensure
that uncertainty sown during testimony does not culminate in jury room confusion.” United
States v. Smith, 452 F.3d 323, 332 (4th Cir. 2006); see also United States v. Parodi, 703 F.3d
768, 775 (4th Cir. 1983).
To be sure, there are limits on the broad discretion afforded to a trial judge with respect to
judicial intervention. Lefish, 2017 WL 3469214, at *5. As the Lefish Court noted, the “limits are
breached when judicial intrusion gives rise to an „appearance of bias or partiality‟. . . .” Id.
(citation omitted). This occurs when, through its questions, the court „interjects a „negative
impression‟ of the defendant [or] conveys „skepticism‟ of the defendant or his evidence . . . .”
18
Id.
In that circumstance, the court “has crossed the line from active trial management to
„unfairly lending the court‟s credibility‟ to the government‟s case.” Id. (citation omitted).
Upon a review of the transcript, I am readily satisfied that the questions posed by the
Court were neither objectionable nor prejudicial; they did not cross the line.5 To the contrary,
the questions served largely to clarify ambiguities and to avoid confusion. See Smith, 452 F.3d
at 333 (concluding that judicial attempts to clarify confusing testimony were “hardly
inappropriate”).
For example, Cain cites, inter alia, the testimony of David Cline, a witness called by the
defense, to illustrate his claim of bias. Cline “run[s] an independent pharmacy” in Maryland.
ECF 367, Transcript of 5/29/13, at 99. On two occasions, the Court sought to clarify procedures
as to the way that prescriptions are filled at that pharmacy. Id. at 100-102. On the first occasion,
defense counsel was questioning the witness about the requirements to complete a prescription.
Id. at 99-100. The Court sought to elucidate the witness‟s distinction between the requirements
for a new patient versus a returning patient. Id. at 100. If anything, the clarification was helpful
to the defense, because it demonstrated that the rigorous requirements for a new patient made it
less likely for the defendant to have been able to obtain Oxycodone fraudulently.
Another example of the Court‟s effort to clarify took place during the testimony of
Detective Bernard Adkins. ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 168-69. Detective Adkins was
questioned about the submission of a prescription for fingerprint analysis. Id. at 168. Referring
to the prescription, Adkins stated: “It matches the photocopies I made when I received it.” Id.
The Court then inquired: “You said you got copies. So if you submitted it for fingerprints, I
assume, rather, that you got the original. Did I misunderstand something?” Id. at 168-69. The
5
See ECF 413 at 17-19 for a summary of citations to judicial questions challenged by
Mr. Cain.
19
witness then explained: “The original here matches the photocopies I have in my case file.” Id.
at 169. The Court responded: “I see. Okay.” It is difficult to discern any prejudice to Cain
from the Court‟s attempt to clarify.
On another occasion, the Court admonished Christopher Markley, an important
government witness, to answer defense counsel‟s questions. ECF 364 at 156-57. The Court also
told the witness: “[Y]ou don‟t get to ask any questions.” Id.at 157.
It is also noteworthy that many questions were posed and addressed at the bench, outside
the presence of the jury. See, e.g., ECF 363 at 89-90; see also, ECF 413 at 17 n.4. The
discussions at the bench were obviously not prejudicial, because they were not heard by the jury.
In sum, there is not the slightest indication of favoritism on the part of the Court.
Moreover, Mr. Cain has not identified a single question that was actually objectionable, nor has
he shown any prejudice. Rather, the Court complied with the requirements of Fed. R. Crim. P.
611(a), which provides: “The Court should exercise reasonable control over the mode and order
of examining witnesses and presenting evidence so as to: (1) make those procedures effective
for determining the truth; (2) avoid wasting time; and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or
undue embarrassment.”
C. The Testimony of Joseph Church
As noted, Mr. Church was represented by Catherine Flynn, Esquire. Prior to Church‟s
testimony, he was reluctant to testify, notwithstanding his obligations under his plea agreement.
The Court conferred with counsel for the government, counsel for the defense, and counsel for
Mr. Church, and all of the attorneys agreed that it would be appropriate for the Court to review
with Mr. Church the terms of his plea agreement. ECF 364, Transcript of 5/22/13, at 3-4.
20
Thereafter, the Court reviewed with Mr. Church the terms and conditions of his plea
agreement. See ECF 73; ECF 74. The colloquy was similar in several respects to the routine
advisement that takes place when a defendant enters a guilty plea. The Court also explained the
potential consequences upon a finding of breach of the plea agreement. Id. at 4-22. In addition,
the Court reviewed the process that occurs when a witness declines to testify. Id. at 36-37.
Ms. Flynn engaged in additional colloquy, on the record, with Mr. Church. Id. at 21-25.
Church expressed concerns about the safety of his family. See, e.g., id. at 28-30.
The Court invited all counsel to identify any concern with the Court‟s outline of the
process. Id. at 37-38. Mr. Ticknor indicated that, if Mr. Church were to refuse to testify, the
defendant did not “want the jury told in any way, shape, or form . . . the basis of [Mr. Church‟s]
refusal to testify . . . .” Id. at 38. The Court responded, id. at 38: “I‟m not going to say the basis.
I will just say that he‟s ordered to testify.” Id. at 38. At the request of the defense, I also
instructed Mr. Church not to tell the jury that his refusal to testify was the result of fear. Id. at
38. On the contrary, I told him to “simply say that you do not want to testify.” Id. at 39.
Ultimately, however, after Mr. Church conferred privately with his lawyer, he decided to testify.
Id. at 39-40.
Mr. Cain complains that Mr. Ticknor failed to object to the process followed by the
Court. However, Mr. Ticknor raised an objection as to the prospect of any explanation for Mr.
Church‟s refusal to testify, and the Court agreed with that objection, as outlined above. Notably,
Mr. Cain has not identified any error in the process followed by the Court. Nor do I discern any
prejudice from what transpired.
21
D. Admission of Prescriptions
Mr. Cain maintains that his attorney was ineffective because he failed to object to the
admission of the original prescriptions recovered from the various pharmacies, on which Mr.
Cain‟s fingerprints were found. ECF 393-96 at 2-3. As the government correctly observes,
defense counsel “objected to the prescriptions over and over again, both before and during the
trial.” ECF 413 at 23 (citing ECF 242; ECF 255; ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 2-3, 66-75,
98-102, 189-209).
There is not merit to this contention. Mr. Ticknor lodged numerous challenges, before
and during trial, based on authentication and hearsay.
Those objections were overruled.
Thereafter, defense counsel raised the issue on appeal, and added a claim based on the
Confrontation Clause. ECF 383 at 6. Again, the defendant met with no success. Id. at 7.
The Fourth Circuit said, id.: “We conclude that the district court did not abuse its
discretion or plainly err in admitting the prescriptions.”
The Court explained that “the
prescriptions were not hearsay” but “even if they were, they were admissible as co-conspirator
statements” under Fed. R. Evid. 801(c) and 801(d)(2)(E). Moreover, the Fourth Circuit stated
that “the court did not abuse its discretion in finding [that the prescriptions] were properly
authenticated.” Id. And, the Furth Circuit said, id.: “Finally, the Court did not plainly err in
admitting [the prescriptions] in violation of the Confrontation Clause because they were not
testimonial statements.” (Citing United States v. Keita, 742 F.3d 184, 189-90 (4th Cir. 2014)).
E. Fingerprint Evidence
Mr. Cain argues that his lawyer should have sought a Daubert hearing to challenge the
admissibility of the expert fingerprint examiner testimony. ECF 393-97 at 2. See Daubert v.
Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993). According to Mr. Cain, fingerprint
22
analysis is not always reliable. In addition, he has submitted his own affidavit, claiming that he
asked his defense attorney to seek a Daubert hearing and also to retain a fingerprint expert. ECF
406 (Cain Affidavit) at 1.
In particular, Mr. Cain complains that only his fingerprints were identified on the
prescriptions by the fingerprint examiner, and he seems to suggest that fingerprints of others
would have been identified by another fingerprint examiner. ECF 407 (Supplement) at 4. He
overlooks that the other defendants did not go to trial, and thus the examiners had no interest in
identifying fingerprints of those who already acknowledged their guilt. Rather, the examiners
compared latent fingerprints only to the fingerprints of the person whose name was submitted,
and that was just Mr. Cain. See, e.g., ECF 366, Transcript, 5/23/13, at 30.
The government correctly points out that it never suggested that Mr. Cain was the only
person who ever handled the prescriptions at issue. ECF 413 at 25. Logically, at trial, it focused
on Mr. Cain, and sought to prove that he handled the prescriptions, because he was the person on
trial. Id. Even if others had handled the prescriptions, this would not have exonerated Mr. Cain.
Therefore, he could not have been prejudiced by the fact that the fingerprint examiners only
identified defendant‟s fingerprints.
In addition, Cain complains that his lawyer failed to obtain a handwriting expert to
establish that Baldwin “did not write the prescriptions like he testified that he did.” ECF 393-7
at 2; see also ECF 406 (Cain Aff.) at 1. He asserts that the handwriting on the prescriptions is
not the same. ECF 393-7 at 2.
At trial, Baldwin identified particular oxycodone prescriptions that he wrote. See ECF
362 at 63-76 (reviewing government exhibits). However, Mr. Baldwin did not testify that he
wrote all of the fake prescriptions for the conspiracy. See ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 63.
23
Baldwin was also a “runner,” meaning that he took prescriptions to pharmacies to be filled. Mr.
Ticknor objected to prescriptions that contained notations from individuals at the various
pharmacies. Id. at 67-68; 73.
I agree with the government that a handwriting expert who might have testified that Mr.
Baldwin did not write all of the prescriptions would have been useless, because there was no
claim that Mr. Baldwin ever wrote all of the prescriptions in issue.
In the Affidavit submitted by Mr. Ticknor (ECF 413-9), he recounts that he “consulted
with a fingerprint expert on Mr. Cain‟s behalf to determine whether there was potentially-helpful
testimony that could have undermined the government‟s fingerprint expert.” Id. ¶ 4. Upon
receipt of “an oral report from that expert,” he determined that such testimony “would not have
undermined the government‟s fingerprint expert testimony or been beneficial to Mr. Cain‟s
case.” Id. And, he “communicated this decision to Mr. Cain.” Id. Counsel‟s decision was one
of strategy; Mr. Ticknor decided, instead, “to raise questions about the fingerprint evidence
through cross-examination . . . .” Id. These factual averments are not contested.
Moreover, there was no basis to exclude the testimony of the three fingerprint experts
who examined evidence that contained Mr. Cain‟s fingerprints. They had extensive training and
years of experience in conducting latent fingerprint comparisons. See, e.g., ECF 366, Transcript
of 5/23/13, at 17-18, 65-55.
Fingerprint experts have routinely been permitted to testify in this district. The Fourth
Circuit has said: “While the principles underlying fingerprint identification have not attained the
status of scientific law, they nonetheless bear the imprimatur of a strong general acceptance, not
only in the expert community, but in the courts as well.” United States v. Crisp, 324 F.3d 261,
268 (4th Cir. 2003) (citing cases). Indeed, the Fourth Circuit has recognized that “virtually every
24
circuit and district court, both before and after Daubert, have a longstanding tradition of allowing
fingerprint examiners to state their opinion and conclusions, subject to rigorous cross
examination. Many courts have even refused to hold an evidentiary hearing for such an inquiry,
finding such testimony scientifically reliable.” United States v. Rogers, 26 F. App‟x 171, 173
(4th Cir. 2001) (citing cases). As Judge Blake has said, “Before and after Crisp, it appears that
ever federal circuit to consider the issue has found expert fingerprint identification testimony
admissible, albeit based on somewhat differing conclusions as to the various Daubert factors.”
United States v. Rose, 672 F. Supp. 2d 723, 725 (D. Md. 2009).
I also agree with the government that Mr. Cain was not prejudiced by the evidence. Mr.
Cain took the stand at trial and, on cross-examination, he acknowledged “touching” the
prescriptions. ECF 367, Transcript of 5/29/13, at 239. But, he claimed that the “only possible
way [his] fingerprints would be on the scripts is flipping through, seeing what [was] in there.”
Id. at 240. And, he added: “My fingerprint could be on there.” Id. at 241.
Finally, the evidence of defendant‟s guilt was overwhelming.
See ECF 383 at 10
(concluding that evidence was sufficient to support Cain‟s conviction). Apart from the testimony
of numerous witnesses who detailed defendant‟s role in the conspiracy, the jury saw video
evidence of Mr. Cain at various pharmacies where illegal prescriptions were filled. Moreover, as
the Fourth Circuit observed on appeal, “„the fingerprint evidence was not the only incriminating
evidence of [Cain‟s] guilt; rather, there was an abundance of evidence‟ . . . .” Id. (quoting United
States v. Burgos, 94 F.3d 849, 874-75 (4th Cir. 1996) (en banc) (alteration added here).
25
F. Shawn Moyer
Mr. Cain maintains that his defense attorney was ineffective because he failed to present
additional witnesses to establish that a prosecution witness, Shawn Moyer, appeared before the
grand jury, contrary to the witness‟s representation. ECF 393-7 at 2.
As recounted earlier, Shawn Moyer is the brother of codefendant Edward Moyer. Shawn
Moyer claimed that he lost his identification prior to his incarceration, which was during the
relevant time period. ECF 363, Transcript of 5/21/13, at 86-87. The evidence showed that many
phony prescriptions for oxycodone were submitted in his name by various conspirators.
Defense counsel sought to impeach Shawn Moyer by reference to his grand jury
testimony. ECF 363 at 87-89. However, when Shawn Moyer refused to acknowledge his
appearance before the grand jury, the parties entered a stipulation that Mr. Moyer had, in fact,
testified before the grand jury, notwithstanding his trial testimony to the contrary. Id. at 95-102.
Mr. Cain did not agree with the stipulation. Rather, he sought the admission of the grand
jury testimony of Shawn Moyer. ECF 363 at 102.
To be sure, a criminal defense attorney must “follow his client‟s wishes” but “only with
regard to the fundamental issues that must be personally decided by the client.” United States v.
Chapman, 593 F.3d 365, 368 (4th Cir. 2010). These include matters such as the decisions
whether to plead guilty, testify, waive a jury, and note an appeal. Id. But, it is also “wellestablished that at a criminal trial defense counsel has the authority to manage most aspects of
the defense without first obtaining the consent of the defendant.” Id. at 367. Indeed, defense
counsel may make decisions, without the client‟s consent, that “„primarily involve trial strategy
and tactics, such as what evidence should be introduced, what stipulations should be made, what
objections should be raised, and what pre-trial motions should be filed.‟” Id. at 368 (quoting
26
Sexton v. French, 163 F.3d 874, 885 (4th Cir. 1998)); see also Florida v. Nixon, 543 U.S. 175,
187 (2004).
As the government points out, as a result of the stipulation, “the defense had a stronger
argument” about the lack of credibility of Shawn Moyer than it would otherwise have had, i.e.,
“he lied to the jury about being in the grand jury, as opposed to simply that he may have gotten
an inconsequential date wrong either at trial or in the grand jury.” ECF 413 at 28. Accordingly,
I agree with the government that Mr. Cain was not prejudiced by the failure of Mr. Ticknor to
call additional witnesses to establish a point to which the government stipulated.
G. Multiple Conspiracy Instruction
Mr. Cain argues that he was entitled to a multiple conspiracy instruction. See, e.g., ECF
407 at 7, 10; ECF 408 at 1-2; ECF 421 at 11.
The Fourth Circuit said in United States v. Kennedy, 32 F.3d 876, 884 (4th Cir. 1994):
“A multiple conspiracy instruction is not required unless the proof at trial demonstrates that
appellants were involved only in „separate conspiracies unrelated to the overall conspiracy
charged in the indictment.‟” (Emphasis in Kennedy; citation omitted); accord United States v.
Squillacote, 221 F.3d 542, 574 (4th Cir. 2000). Moreover, “[a] court need only instruct on
multiple conspiracies if such an instruction is supported by the facts.” United States v. Mills, 995
F.2d 480, 485 (4th Cir. 1993).
Notably, “„a single overall conspiracy can be distinguished from multiple independent
conspiracies based on the overlap in actions, methods, and goals.‟” United States v. Bartko, 728
F.3d 327, 344-45 (4th Cir. 2013) (citation omitted). And, a single conspiracy may exist even if
the coconspirators “were not always aware of the others‟ activities.” Squillacote, 221 F.3d at
574.
27
In this case, the evidence established a single conspiracy, using different people, at
different times, in different roles, for the common goal of obtaining oxycodone illegally in order
to distribute it.
Cain joined the conspiracy when he was released from incarceration.
Transcript of 5/22/13, at 43-44.
ECF 364,
It was clear that Mr. Cain was a full participant in the
conspiracy during the period when he was involved.
See, e.g., id. at 53 (testimony of
Church). Indeed, Mr. Cain was involved in all aspects of the conspiracy, from obtaining
prescriptions, filling them, and selling the pills. Although Mr. Church testified about some of his
dealings before Mr. Cain joined the conspiracy, he made clear when and how Mr. Cain was
involved, along with others who joined and withdrew over time. Id. at 64-67. The evidence
established a single, on-going oxycodone distribution organization. Cain was not entitled to a
multiple conspiracy instruction. As the government put it, ECF 413 at 29: “The fact that Mr.
Cain likely had multiple people providing him with fake prescriptions does not establish multiple
conspiracies.”
H. Informant Instruction
Mr. Cain contends that Mr. Ticknor was ineffective for failing to request an “informant
instruction.” ECF 393-8 at 2. This argument is devoid of merit.
In United States v. Luck, 611 F.3d 183, 186-87 (4th Cir. 2010) (quoting United States v.
Brooks, 928 F.2d 1403, 1409 (4th Cir. 1991)), the Court summarized an appropriate example of
the “informant instruction,” as follows:
The testimony of an informer who provides evidence against a defendant
for pay, or for immunity from punishment, or for personal advantage or
vindication, must be examined and weighed by the jury with greater care than the
testimony of an ordinary witness. The jury must determine whether the
informer‟s testimony has been affected by interest or by prejudice against a
defendant.
28
I gave a more expansive, comprehensive instruction to the jury concerning evaluation of
the testimony of an informant or coconspirator. In particular, I instructed as follows, ECF 371,
Transcript of 6/3/13, at 18-21:
As you know, there has been testimony from Government witnesses who
pled guilty to charges arising out of the same facts as this case, or who testified
that they were actually involved in planning and carrying out the crimes charged
in the Second Superseding Indictment; that is, that they were accomplices and coconspirators. The Government argues, as it is permitted to do, that it must take the
witnesses as it finds them, and it contends that only people who themselves take
part in criminal activity have the knowledge required to show criminal behavior
by others. Indeed, certain criminal conduct would never be detected without the
use of accomplice and cooperator testimony.
For those very reasons, the law allows the use of so-called accomplice
testimony. Indeed, it is the law in federal courts that the testimony of accomplices
may be enough in and of itself for conviction if the jury finds that the testimony
establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
As you heard, there was evidence that the Government agreed in certain
plea agreements to bring a witness‟ cooperation to the attention of the sentencing
court in exchange for the witness‟ agreement to plead guilty and to testify
truthfully, completely, and fully at trial. The Government is permitted to enter
into these kinds of plea agreements and to make these kinds of promises, and the
Government is entitled to call as witnesses people to whom these promises are
given. You, in turn, may accept the testimony of such a witness. You are
instructed that you may convict the Defendant on the basis of this testimony alone
if it convinces you of the Defendant‟s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, this kind of testimony is of such nature that it must be
scrutinized with care and viewed with particular caution when you decide how
much of that testimony to believe.
I have already given you some general considerations on credibility, and I
am not going to repeat them all here. Nor will I repeat all of the arguments made
on both sides. Let me just say a few things that you may want to consider during
your deliberations on the subject of accomplices and on the subject of witnesses
who testified pursuant to plea agreements.
You should ask yourselves whether this witness would benefit more by
lying or by telling the truth. Was his testimony or her testimony made up in any
way because he believed or hoped or she believed or hoped to receive favorable
treatment by testifying falsely, or did the witness believe that his interests would
29
be best served by testifying truthfully? If you believe the witness was motivated
by hopes of personal gain, was the motivation one which would cause him to lie,
or was it one which would cause him to tell the truth? Did this motivation color
the testimony?
In sum, you should look at all of the evidence in deciding what credence
and what weight, if any, you will give to the testimony of any witness. Whether or
not you approve of the use of a cooperating witness is not to enter into your
deliberations in any way. If you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the
Defendant committed the offenses charged in the Indictment, the fact that the
Government made use of a cooperating witness is irrelevant to your
determination.
In considering the testimony of an accomplice cooperator, you are
instructed that you are to draw no conclusion or inferences of any kind about the
guilt of the Defendant from the mere fact that a Government witness pled guilty to
the same or similar charges. That witness‟ decision to plead guilty was a personal
decision about his or her own guilt. It may not be used by you in any way as
evidence against or unfavorable to the Defendant.
In view of the Court‟s instruction, there was no need for Mr. Ticknor to request an
informant instruction. See Moore v. United States, ELH-04-0190, 2012 WL 1198422, at *15-16
(D. Md. Apr. 10, 2012).
I. Detective Glenn Hester
Mr. Cain alleges that his lawyer was ineffective for failing to object to the testimony of
Detective Glenn Hester, on the ground that Hester improperly testified as both an expert and fact
witness. ECF 393-8 at 3. This claim is unfounded.
Detective Hester worked for the Baltimore Police Department for 27 years, and for about
seven years he was detailed to the Drug Enforcement Administration‟s Tactical Diversion Squad.
ECF 362, Transcript of 5/20/13, at 19. The government offered him as an expert in narcotics
trafficking. Id. at 25. Defense counsel conducted a voir dire as to Hester‟s qualifications. Id.
25-28.
30
A review of the record reveals that the government never called Hester as a fact witness,
nor did it pose any fact questions to him pertaining to the case. Rather, it was defense counsel
who, on cross-examination, inquired of Detective Hester as to certain facts. But, those questions
constituted an effort to undermine the detective‟s credibility. See, e.g., ECF 362 at 48-49.
Because Hester did not testify for the government in a dual capacity, as both a fact and
expert witness, the principles of United States v. Garcia, 752 F.3d 382 (4th Cir. 2014), were not
breached.
J. The Appeal
Cain contends that Mr. Ticknor failed in his role as appellate counsel because he did not
raise several appellate issues that Mr. Cain had requested. See ECF 393-8 at 4; ECF 407 at 10.
One of those issues concerned Ms. Flynn‟s representation of Mr. Church. Another concerned the
grand jury testimony of Shawn Moyer.
Mr. Ticknor has submitted an Affidavit (ECF 413-9) in which he acknowledges that Cain
wanted him to raise on appeal the issues concerning Ms. Flynn‟s representation of Joseph
Church and the issue of Shawn Moyer‟s grand jury testimony. Id. ¶ 5. However, Mr. Ticknor
explains why he did not do so. He states that he “did not believe that there was a basis to appeal”
these issues (id., ¶¶ 7, 8) and he made a tactical decision not to raise all 27 issues that Mr. Cain
had requested. Id. ¶¶ 5, 9.
The two-pronged test articulated in Strickland applies to claims of ineffective assistance
of appellate counsel. See Smith v. Robbins, 528 U.S. 259, 285 (2000) (stating that “the proper
standard for evaluating [the] claim that appellate counsel was ineffective . . . is that enunciated in
Strickland v. Washington . . . .); Smith v. Murray, 477 U.S. 527, 535-536 (1986). “In applying
this test to claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on appeal . . . reviewing courts must accord
31
appellate counsel the „presumption that he decided which issues were most likely to afford relief
on appeal.‟” Bell v. Jarvis, 236 F.3d 149, 164 (4th Cir. 2000) (quoting Pruett v. Thompson, 996
F.2d 1560, 1568 (4th Cir. 1993)).
Notably, “[c]ounsel is not obligated to assert all nonfrivolous issues on appeal, as „[t]here
can hardly be any question about the importance of having the appellate advocate examine the
record with a view to selecting the most promising issues for review.‟” Bell, 236 F.3d at 164
(quoting Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 752 (1983)); see also Smith v. South Carolina, 882 F.2d
895, 899 (4th Cir. 1989)). Indeed, there is “strategic value” to “limiting an appeal to several
strong arguments rather than diffusing the appellate force over too broad a range of issues.”
State v. Gross, 134 Md. App. 528, 563, 760 A.2d 725, 743 (2000) (Moylan, J.). The Supreme
Court recognized as much in Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 751-52 (1983), when it said:
“Experienced advocates since time beyond memory have emphasized the importance of
winnowing out weaker arguments on appeal and focusing on one central issue if possible, or at
most on a few key issues.” Indeed, “[t]his process of „winnowing out weaker arguments on
appeal and focusing on‟ those more likely to prevail, far from being evidence of incompetence, is
the hallmark of effective appellate advocacy.” Smith v. Murray, 477 U.S. 527, 536 (1986)
(quoting Barnes, 463 U.S. at 751-752); see also Smith, 882 F.2d at 899 (counsel‟s failure to raise
a weak constitutional claim may constitute an acceptable strategic decision designed “to avoid
diverting the appellate court‟s attention from what [counsel] felt were stronger claims”).
In his role as appellate counsel, Mr. Ticknor had the responsibility to “select the most
promising issues to pursue on the appeal . . . .” Gross, 134 Md. App. at 561, 760 A.2d at 743.
Notably, “the right to effective assistance of appellate counsel does not require an attorney to
advance every conceivable argument on appeal which the trial record supports.” Gray v. Greer,
32
800 F.2d 644, 647 (7th Cir. 1986). The Seventh Circuit explained in Gray, 800 F.2d at 646:
“Significant issues which could have been raised should then be compared to those which were
raised. Generally, only when ignored issues are clearly stronger than those presented, will the
presumption of effective assistance of counsel be overcome.” Accord Bell, 236 F.3d at 164.
In selecting a handful of issues, appellate counsel followed the path outlined above. He
focused on the issues that “„were most likely to afford relief on appeal.‟” Bell, 236 F.3d at 164
(citation omitted).
In my view, the claims as to Ms. Flynn and Shawn Moyer would not have been
successful on appeal. Therefore, there is no basis to find ineffective assistance of appellate
counsel for failing to raise appellate issues that would not have succeeded had they been raised.
K. Forfeiture
Cain contends that Mr. Ticknor was ineffective for failing to challenge on appeal the
forfeiture order entered by the Court, in the sum of $51,840. ECF 407 at 8-9; see also ECF 331;
ECF 344; ECF 350 at 6.
In United States v. Fabian, 798 F. Supp. 2d 647, 684 (D. Md. 2011), Judge Blake
observed that 28 U.S.C. § 2255 entitles a prisoner only “to attack the custodial component of a
sentence.”
She acknowledged that the Fourth Circuit has not addressed the question, but
observed that almost every Court of Appeals to have considered the matter “has concluded that
restitution orders cannot be attacked through a § 2255 petition, including those filed when the
defendant is incarcerated. Id. (citing cases). She also observed, id. at 685, that “most courts
have concluded that § 2255 is not the proper vehicle for collaterally challenging noncustodial
punishments,” and that the same reasoning applies to forfeiture orders. Thus, she concluded that
Fabian‟s “challenge to the order of forfeiture fails.” Id.
33
That logic governs here. The challenge to the forfeiture in this proceeding is misplaced.
VI. Conclusion
Upon a careful review of the extensive submissions of the parties, I am satisfied that the
Petition is without merit.
Unless a Certificate of Appealabilty (“COA”) is issued, a petitioner may not appeal the
court's decision in a § 2255 proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(1); Fed. R. App. P. 22(b). A COA
may issue only if the petitioner “has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional
right.” 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(2); see Buck, 137 S. Ct. at 773. The petitioner “must demonstrate
that reasonable jurists would find the district court's assessment of the constitutional claims
debatable or wrong,” Tennard v. Dretke, 542 U.S. 274. 282 (2004) (citation and internal
quotation marks omitted), or that “the issues presented are adequate to deserve encouragement to
proceed further,” Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 327 (2003).
Petitioner has not made a substantial showing of the denial of his constitutional rights.
Therefore, this court will not issue a COA.6
An Order follows, consistent with this Memorandum Opinion.
Date: September 1, 2017
/s/
Ellen Lipton Hollander
United States District Judge
6
The district court‟s denial of a COA does not preclude a petitioner from seeking
permission from the appellate court for a COA
34
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