Diaz v. USA - 2255

Filing 2

MEMORANDUM. Signed by Chief Judge Catherine C. Blake on 5/18/2017. (krs, Deputy Clerk)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
NAVEE DIAZ
v.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

:
:
: CIVIL NO. CCB-16-1156
: Criminal No. CCB-14-0247
:
...o0o...
MEMORANDUM

Federal prison inmate Navee Diaz has filed a motion to vacate the sentence of 76 months
imposed by Judge William D. Quarles, Jr., on August 25, 2015 pursuant to an agreed plea under
Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(c)(1)(C). 1 She alleges ineffective assistance of trial counsel. The
government’s thorough response, however, demonstrates that none of her claims have merit.
In summary, Diaz was represented by experienced trial counsel who reviewed the
discovery and then negotiated a below-guidelines plea for his client, who faced overwhelming
evidence had she gone to trial. As evident from the record, Judge Quarles conducted a thorough
Rule 11 colloquy that demonstrated Diaz’s satisfaction with counsel, her understanding of the
rights she was giving up, and her acknowledgment of facts sufficient to prove her guilt on both
charges to which she pled guilty (bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft). At
sentencing, counsel advocated effectively for the agreed-upon disposition. Finally, Diaz is not
retroactively entitled to a minor role adjustment.
Accordingly, Diaz’s petition will be denied and a certificate of appealibility under 28
U.S.C. § 2253(c) will not be issued. A separate Order follows.
May 18, 2017
Date

1

Judge Quarles has since retired.

/S/
Catherine C. Blake
United States District Judge