Opinion
10 Civ. 2563 (LAP) (JLC)02 Crim. 1237 (LAP)
08-31-2012
ANGELO CAPALBO, Petitioner, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Respondent.
ORDER ADOPTING REPORT &
RECOMMENDATION
LORETTA A, PRESKA, Chief United States District Judge:
In January 2010, pro se Petitioner Angelo Capalbo ("Petitioner" or "Capalbo") moved pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to vacate, set aside, or correct a sentence imposed after his July 12, 2005 conviction for a number of crimes: (1) conspiracy to commit extortion of John Perazzo ("Perazzo"), in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951; (2) extortion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951; (3) attempted extortion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951; (4) using a firearm in furtherance of extortion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); (5) obstruction of justice, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(2); and (6) conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 2314. Petitioner also moved for the appointment of counsel. For the reasons that follow, that motion is denied. I. BACKGROUND
On May 20, 2010, the Honorable Richard J. Holwell referred this motion to Magistrate Judge James L. Cott for a Report and Recommendation. Judge Cott issued that Report and Recommendation (the "R&R") on April 16, 2012. Thereafter, Petitioner filed with the Court a motion to supplement the record with information Petitioner alleged was intentionally withheld from him prior to Judge Cott's issuing his Report and Recommendation. [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 370.] As a result, Judge Cott issued a Supplemental Report and Recommendation (the "Supplemental R&R") on April 25, 2012, specifically addressing Petitioner's new submission.
Following the filing of the Supplemental Report and Recommendation, however, Petitioner filed with the Court a further motion to include additional information regarding the Government's submission to Judge Cott of an allegedly perjured affidavit by Marc Fernich ("Fernich"). [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 380.] Petitioner also made a motion for permission to file declarations of a Natale Capalbo and a Nicolina Gianzero in further support of that argument, [see 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 379], and did in fact submit the Natale Capalbo Declaration to the Court, attached. On May 31, 2012, this Court ordered the Government to address the issues raised in Petitioner's subsequent submissions as part of any response it might file to Petitioner's then-forthcoming objections to the Report and Recommendation. [See 10 Civ. 2563, dkt. no. 38; 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 381.]
Petitioner did file his formal objections to the Report and Recommendation on or about June 20, 2012. [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 382 ("Pet. Obj.").] The Government then filed its response, including a supplemental Fernich affidavit, on or about June 29, 2012. [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 385 ("Govt. Response").] Petitioner filed a formal reply on or about August 22, 2012. [See 10 Civ. 2563, dkt. no. 40; 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 387 ("Pet. Reply".]
In the meantime, however, Petitioner also sent to the Court various other documents. On July 16, 2012, the Court received Petitioner's letter describing supplemental authority in support of his request for an evidentiary hearing on his § 2255 motion, attached. On July 17, 2012, the Court received what Petitioner styled as a "certification" pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 902(11) of documents he previously attached to his § 2255 motion, attached. Finally, on or about August 28, 2012, the Court received Petitioner's letter requesting leave to submit further supplemental information with respect to the arguments raised in his § 2255 motion as to the effectiveness of his former counsel, George E. Fufidio, Jr. ("Fufidio"), attached. II. ANALYSIS
Having reviewed Judge Cott's exhaustive analysis as well as the total tonnage of paper filed since the Supplemental Report and Recommendation on April 25, 2012, the Court finds that analysis to be correct and appropriate upon de novo review, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b). Accordingly, the original Report and Recommendation as well as the Supplemental Report and Recommendation are adopted in their entirety, and the Court finds that Petitioner's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel are without
1. Petitioner's Proffer Session Claims
Specifically, the Court agrees that Petitioner's claims of ineffective assistance as to Fufidio's role in Petitioner's proffer sessions with the Government fail because Petitioner cannot establish that (a) he was unaware of the terms and consequences of participating in those sessions, and (b) that Fufidio's role in those sessions fell below an "objective standard of reasonableness," see Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 688 (1984). (See R&R, at 16-19.) Moreover, the Court adopts Judge Cott's view as stated in the Supplemental Report and Recommendation that Petitioner's submission of additional documentary evidence and the additional affidavit of paralegal William DiGilio ("DiGilio") does not alter the Court's conclusion that Fufidio's representation was not constitutionally deficient. (See Supp. R&R, at 2.)
2. Petitioner's Decision Not to Testify at Trial
The Court also agrees that Petitioner's claims relating to trial counsel William Aronwald's role in Petitioner's decision whether to testify at trial fail primarily because Petitioner cannot show, notwithstanding the apparent conflict between the various accounts submitted on the motion, that "but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different," see Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. (See R&R, at 22026.) The Court of Appeals has made clear that where a defendant's omitted testimony would have opened the door to the introduction of impeachment evidence, a district court cannot grant a § 22 55 motion on that basis. See Rega v. United States, 263 F.3d 18, 26 (2d Cir. 2001). Here, the Court agrees that Capalbo's proposed testimony provides "no evidence of significance that is not wholly dependent on either his credibility or on the incredibility of the witnesses against him." Id. at 22. Accordingly, even assuming Aronwald inappropriately coerced Petitioner's choice not to testify (and the Court makes no such finding on this record), it is not a basis on which the Court may grant habeas relief. (See R&R, at 25-26.) Once again, the Court adopts Judge Cott's conclusion in the Supplemental Report and Recommendation that Petitioner's supplemental filings do not alter the Court's conclusion that he cannot satisfy the Strickland requirement of prejudice as to these allegations. (See Supp. R&R, at 3.)
3. Petitioner's "Bruton" Claims
The Court also adopts Judge Cott's findings with respect to the co-defendant statements offered at trial that Petitioner argues violated Bruton v. United States, 391 U.S. 123 (1968). The Court of Appeals has stated that there can be no Bruton violation where a co-defendant's statement is revised to substitute the defendant's name for a generic term such as "the guy" or the "other person." See United States v. Brown, 374 F. App'x 208, 210-11 (2d Cir. 2010); see also United States v. Jass, 569 F.3d 47, 56 (2d Cir. 2009) ("[A] redacted statement in which the names of co-defendants are replaced by neutral pronouns, with no indication to the jury that the original statement contained actual names, and where the statement standing alone does not otherwise connect co-defendants to the crimes, may be admitted without violating a co-defendant's Bruton rights.") (internal quotation marks omitted). As Judge Cott noted, the statements at issue here made no direct reference to Petitioner, instead substituting phrases such as "some others," "another party," "the last person that arrived," "another individual," and the "gentleman who arrived late." (See R&R, at 28.) Moreover, each statement was offered with a limiting instruction. (See id. at 28-29.) Accordingly, the Court agrees with Judge Cott's conclusion that any failure on Aronwald's part to object to the introduction of these statements states no claim for relief as the statements themselves were properly "Brutonized." (See id.) Petitioner's claims as they pertain to Fernich's supposed failure to raise this issue on appeal fail for the same reason.
The Court also agrees that to the extent the motion can be construed to challenge Judge Shirley Wohl Kram's decision to admit these statements with limiting instructions over counsel's objections, these claims are procedurally barred from review as they could have been, but were not, raised on direct appeal. See Bousley v. United States, 523 U.S. 614, 622 (1998).
4. Petitioner's Trial Performance Claims
The Court also agrees with Judge Cott's findings as to each of the allegations Petitioner makes regarding Aronwald's effectiveness at trial, namely that Aronwald failed to investigate and present certain trial witnesses, failed to secure admission of wiretap audiotapes into evidence, and failed to investigate co-defendant Michael Pizzuti's ("Pizzuti") role in the underlying criminal scheme. (See R&R, at 35-38.) In adopting these findings, the Court is mindful that each of Petitioner's claims relates to the sort of "strategic choices made after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options [that] are virtually unchallengeable" on as review. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690.
5. Petitioner's "Crawford" Objection Claims
The Court further agrees that Petitioner's claims regarding Aronwald's and Fernich's supposed failures to raise evidentiary objections under Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004), and Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S. 305 (2009), fail because, as Judge Cott explains, the evidence at issue was not offered at trial in order to establish the truth of the matters asserted. (See R&R, at 38-40.) Where that is the case, neither Crawford nor Melendez-Diaz is implicated. See United States v. Stewart, 433 F.3d 273, 291 (2d Cir. 2006) ("Crawford expressly confirmed that the categorical exclusion of out-of-court statements that were not subject to contemporaneous cross- examination does not extend to evidence offered for purposes other than to establish the truth of the matter asserted."). Accordingly, these "failures" even if established do not form the basis for habeas relief.
6. Petitioner's Speedy Trial Act Claims
As to Petitioner's claims regarding counsel's alleged failures to move to dismiss the indictment, the Court agrees with Judge Cott's determination that Petitioner has failed to make even a prima facie case for a violation of the Speedy Trial Act (assuming, arguendo, that such a claim is not already procedurally barred as it was not raised at trial or on appeal) and has failed to make anything but the most conclusory allegations regarding the Government's pre-indictment delay. (See R&R, at 41-42.)
7. Petitioner's Sentencing-Related Claims
Nor can this Court sustain Petitioner's sentencing-related claims because he cannot, as Judge Cott notes, demonstrate that but for Fernich's supposed deficiencies, the result of the proceedings would have been different. See Puglisi v. United States, 586 F.3d 209, 215 (2d Cir. 2009). In his motion to include additional information regarding the Government's submission to Judge Cott of an allegedly perjured affidavit by Fernich, Petitioner asserts that Fernich failed to "establish" at sentencing that co-defendant Pizutti was "actually" cooperating witness Perazzo's "partner in [a] pyramid scheme and was stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of money including [Petitioner's] own." [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 380.] Despite what appears to be, at minimum, conflicting recollections as to whether Petitioner ever informed Fernich that Pizzuti was a supposed partner in the scheme or asked Fernich to raise that allegation at trial, the Government notes as part of Fernich's supplemental affidavit that (1) the jury had already rejected Capalbo's claim that he acted lawfully as a legitimate investor duped by Perazzo; (2) the issue of a Pizzuti and Perazzo partnership had no bearing on Capalbo's culpability or punishment; (3) even if relevant, that allegation was better raised as a merits defense at trial, not for the first time at sentencing; and (4) the disparity between Capalbo's and Pizzuti's sentences reflects the fact that Capalbo was convicted of more counts and received difference sentencing enhancements. (See Govt, Response, Ex. A ("Fernich Affidavit").) Indeed, Judge Cott previously found that Petitioner's sentencing claims as to Fernich failed in part for these precise reasons. (See R&R. at 42-44.) The Court therefore concludes that this collateral dispute as to Petitioner's discussions with Fernich in 2006 implicates no material fact relevant to the habeas claims.
For this reason, contrary to Petitioner's arguments in his Reply, the question of authenticity as to the letter Petitioner attached to his motion is not grounds for an evidentiary hearing on the matter. (See Pet. Reply at 3.) Because the Court has determined that this dispute is immaterial to the merits of the habeas petition, no hearing is required. See Sylvester v. United States, 369 F. App'x 216, 218 (2d Cir. 2010).
The Court further rejects Petitioner's claim that the Government's Response, together with the new Fernich Affidavit, were filed either ex parte or on different dates. (See Pet. Reply at 2-3.) While the Fernich Affidavit may have been executed on June 21, 2 012, it was filed publicly with the Court as an exhibit to the Government's Response on June 29, 2012. [See 02 Cr. 1237, dkt. no. 3 85.] Moreover, Petitioner concedes he received a copy of the Government Response and Fernich Affidavit by mail. (See Pet. Reply at 3.)
Finally, the Court agrees with Judge Cott's conclusion that Petitioner's claims regarding Fernich's alleged failures to raise sentencing issues on appeal fail, if for no other reason, because there was no "reasonable probability" that any of the claims Petitioner describes would have been successful on appeal. See, e.g., Mayo v.Henderson, 13 F.3d 528, 533 (2d Cir. 1994) ("[I]t is not sufficient for the habeas petitioner to show merely that counsel omitted a nonfrivolous argument, for counsel does not have a duty to advance every nonfrivolous argument that could be made.") (citing Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 754 (1983)).
8. Petitioner's Additional Objections and Filings; Need for Evidentiary Hearing
The Court has reviewed Petitioner's Objections to the Report and Recommendation as well as his Reply and his supplemental filings as described above. Except for those issues specifically addressed above, the Court finds the objections to be without merit and the supplemental filings merely cumulative of issues already decided. The Court agrees with Judge Cott that no evidentiary hearing is required. (See R&R at 53.) While it is true that a petitioner seeking a hearing on an ineffective assistance of counsel claim "need only establish that he has a plausible claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, not that he will necessarily succeed on that claim," Raysor v. United States, 647 F.3d 491, 494 (2d Cir. 2011) (internal quotation marks omitted), it is also true that he must establish that claim with "specific facts which he is in a position to establish by competent evidence," LoCascio v. United States, 395 F.3d 51, 57 (2d Cir. 2005). The Court of Appeals has made clear that even where facts are disputed in a habeas proceeding, courts may decline evidentiary hearings where resolution of the issues is possible on the basis of the written submissions. See Sylvester, 369 F. App'x at 218. Moreover, in pleading for habeas relief on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel, the onus remains on Petitioner to plead both the relevant facts and the required "prejudice" under the Strickland standard. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694.
The Court has reviewed, for example, the Natale Capalbo Declaration Petitioner submitted on or about June 27, 2012, as well as his July 17, 2 012 "certification" pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 902(11) of documents he previously attached to his § 2255 motion, attached. Both of these submissions go to Petitioner's arguments regarding Fernich's effectiveness at sentencing. The Court concludes that neither submission raises new facts that alter Judge Cott's conclusions in the Report and Recommendation. While Judge Cott did observe that certain of Petitioner's submissions lacked facial credibility on account of being undated, unsigned, unsworn, and not made under penalty of perjury, (see, e.g., R&R at 17 n.8), these deficiencies were not a basis for decision.
On this petition, the Court has adopted Judge Cott's findings as stated throughout the Report and Recommendation that, viewing the extensive and exhaustive record in the light most favorable to him, Petitioner cannot establish that he suffered prejudice under Strickland as a result of the alleged ineffective assistance of counsel on any of his 23 grounds for relief. (See, e.g., R&R at 55.) Where that is the case, and notwithstanding clearly disputed of issues fact, courts in this district have declined to hold evidentiary hearings and denied petitions for habeas relief. See, e.g., Perez v. United States, No. 09 Civ. 20, 2012 WL 1067549, at *5 (D. Conn. Mar. 30, 2012) (no hearing necessary where petitioner could not establish prejudice, even where counsel's failure to afford right to testify was error, because of "potentially very damaging cross-examination") (citation omitted); Colotti v. United States, No. 11 Civ. 1402, 2011 WL 6778475, at *7-8 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 21, 2011) (no hearing necessary where petitioner could not show prejudice resulting from counsel's alleged failure to advise him of right to testify). Moreover, where "it plainly appears from the motion, any attached exhibits, and the record of prior proceedings that the moving party is not entitled to relief, the judge must dismiss the motion." 28 U.S.C § 2255 Rule 4(b) .
The Court has reviewed the supplemental authority Petitioner submitted on this point on or about July 16, 2012, attached, and finds the cases referenced therein inapposite, in addition to being non-binding authority from federal district courts outside this Circuit. Unlike those cases, Judge Cott has specifically noted here the extensive record available for review. (See, e.g., R&R at 9 & n.5 (describing the record and Petitioner's opportunities to supplement the record) .)
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Petioner's motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to vacate, set aside, or correct his sentence and for the appointment of counsel [10 Civ. 2563, dkt. no. 1] is denied. As the Court has already accepted and reviewed the Natale Capalbo Declaration referred to in Petitioner's criminal motion [02 Cr. 1237, dkt, no. 379], that motion is denied as moot. To the extent Petitioner has requested leave to file additional materials related to Fufidio's representation, such leave is denied in light of Petitioner's ample opportunities to supplement this record. The Clerk of the Court is directed to terminate the civil case. The Court declines to issue a certificate of appealability as there has been no "substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right." See 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c) (2); United States v. Perez, 129 F.3d 255, 260 (2d Cir. 1997).
SO ORDERED.
_________________
LORETTA A. PRESKA
Chief U.S. District Judge
Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska
500 Pearl Street
New York, N.Y. 10007
RE: United States v. Capalbo
10 Civ. 2563
02 Cr. 1237
Dear Judge Preska;
Attached is a properly executed declaration by Natale Capalbo. Said declaration evidences that Mr. Fernich never interviewed him and if he was contacted by Mr. Fernich he would have gladly appeared to testify.
This is being submitted to directly address the finding by Magistrate Judge Cott that it was unlikely that the investment contracts could be authenticated.
I respectfully request leave to submit said" declartion. I was not noticed of this allegation until release of Judge Cott's opinion.
I thank Your Honor in advance for the Court's kind attention to this matter.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________
Angelo Capalbo
cc: United States Magistrate Judge Cott
AUSA John Reh
Natale Capalbo
9 Wilshire Drive
White Plains, NY 10605
United States Of America
v.
Angelo Capalbo
DECLARATION
I, Natale Capalbo, de hereby state as follows:
1. I am the son of Angelo Capalbo. 2. I invested a total of $3,000 with John Perazzo. The funds where withdrawn from my personal savings account at Hudson Valley bank on Scarsdale Rd. in Yonkers N.Y. This was the total sum I invested with Mr. John Perazzo. 3. I have reviewed the attached document that is identified as App. 237 — 238 This is the contract I received from John Perazzo that represented my $3,000 investment. 4. I was never contacted by Mr. Fernich for the interview related to my investment with John Perazzo. 5. If requested, I would have gladly appeared-in the court to authenticate said document and to testify as to my total amount of the investment with John Perazzo.
I hereby certify the foregoing is true and correct in accordance with 28 U.S.C. zl746
______________
Natale Capalbo
tscfinancial corp.
11 MARTINE AVENUE
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10606
PHONE : 914 681-0138
FAX : 914 997-1230
Angelo & Nicolina Capalbo
5 Rosewood Road
White Plains, New York 10605
Funds Received for
Natale J. Capalbo
Dear Mr. Capalbo,
This letter will confirm the receipt of your $3,000. US$ (Three Thousand US$) by TSCFinancial Corp. for Natale. Date of Birth August 3rd, 1981 Social Security No. 043-844-355. Maturity of this instrument will be on October 3rd, 2008.
At the end of the first year value in the amount of $15,000. US$. (Fifteen Thousand US$). At the end of the first year an amount of $3,000. US$ will be added to the total amount, making the new amount at the end of the first year $18,000. US$. (Eighteen Thousand us$).
Each and every year an amount of $18,000. US$ will be added to the total amount at the end of the 1st year for Natale. Maturity in 8 ¾ years or May 3rd, 2008 will equal an amount of $167,000. US$ (One Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand US$).
If Natale decides to remove all at this time then your total amount is the $167,000 US$. If he attempts to remove at any time prior to maturity, Angelo & Nicolina must both approve in writing to TSCFinancial Corp. (TSCF) and the amount will be pro-rated per the withdrawal date.
If Natale decides to keep all or part of her funds with TSCF after the maturity date for a period of 5 years or more then her funds will increase by 50% at the maturity date of August 3rd, 2008. Looking forward to a very prosperous relationship. NOTES; 1) As stated within, any and all withdrawals from Virginia's account prior to maturity must be approved by both Angelo and Nicolina and either one if one has passed on.
2) In the event of the passing of BOTH Angelo and Nicolina prior to the maturity of this instrument and an Administrator is assigned, TSCFinancial Corp. reserves the right to make absolutely sure that any withdrawals from Virginia's account by the Administrator is for the sole benefit of Natale.
3) If there is disagreement between the Administrator and TSCFinancial Corp., it is hereby agreed that the matter will be turned over to arbitration and their decision will be final.
Yours very truly, JP
Pres./CEO
TSCFinancial Corp.
JEP/as Agreed: ______________
Angelo Capalbo
_____________
Nicolina Capalbo
Honorable Loretta A. Preska
Chief Judge
United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York
500 Pearl Street
New York, N.Y. 10007
Re: United States v. Capalbo
Civ. No. 10-2563
Cr. No. 02-1237
Dear Judge Preska:
Magistrate Judge Cott, recommended dismissal of my §2255 motion without an evidentiary hearing, on my denial of the right to testify claim.
In doing so, he appeared to concede, I would have a right to a hearing on the ineffective prong, however, I could not prove prejudice. As evidenced by my objections, I respectfully but strenuously disagree with Judge Cott's opinion.
Although not binding on Your Honor, I have found two cases that hold for the proposition, if a defendant in the §2255 context, is able to establish he has a right to a hearing on the ineffective prong, he would then have the same right as to the prejudice prong. See United States v. Mangiardi, 173 F.Supp.2d 292, (M.D.Pa. 2001) (deferring ruling on claim of ineffective assistance of counsel related to counsel's alleged interference with defendant's right to testify until after evidentiary hearing); United States v. Rodriguez, 153 F.Supp.2d 590 (E.D.Pa. 2001)(habeas petitioner's ineffective assistance claim that counsel refused to let him testify deferred until after evidentiary hearing where record devoid of facts surrounding petitioner's decision not to testify and allegations, if proven, could entitle petitioner to relief).
A review of these cases, appears to carve out an exception, in this specific area to the general proposition that the Court can dismiss a §2255 without a hearing if the Petitioner apparently may have difficulty in establishing both prongs.
This procedure would make sense, in light of the importance of the right and the need to have the attorney take the stand and explain his actions and consider the cross-examination of the Attorney's explanation and/or position of prejudice from the defense viewpoint.
The procedure is more enhanced in my case than the Court faced in Mangiardi or Rodriguez. Although Attorney and myself have different recollections as to Aronwald's actions of coercion, Aronwald will testify that Attorney Fufidio- engaged in woefully deficient performance in directing me to engage in multiple proffer sessions without investigating the case and considering my need and right to testify.
If a hearing is held, we all will have the added benefit of hearing Attorney Aronwald's position on Attorney Fufidio's actions, how it affected Aronwald's strategy and the prejudice the defense suffered.
As always, Your Honor's kind attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
________________
Angelo Capalbo
Reg. No. 55941-054
FCI. Fort Dix
P.O. Box 2000
Fort Dix,/New Jersey 08640
cc: AUSA John Reh
U.S.M.J. Cott
ANGELO CAPALBO, Petitioner,
v.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Respondent.
10CIV 2563
02Cr. 1237
PETITIONER ANGELO CAPALBO'S
MOTION TO ACCEPT 902(11) CERTIFICATION
Petitioner Angelo Capalbo, pro se, respectfully requests this Honorable Court accept Petitioner Angelo Capalbo's 902(11) certification. Petitioner avers the following in support of this request;
1. Pending before this Honorable Court is Petitioner's 28 U.S.C. §2255 motion.
2. In a recent report and recommendation issued by the magistrate judge, the judge criticized Capalbo for not filing an affirmation in support of documents that established that Petitioner's 228 month sentence was constitutionally infirm.
3. Whether said finding, is erroneous, or not, since Petitioner's liberty is at stake, in the abundance of caution, Petitioner is filing a 902(11) declaration to support the authenticity of documents, that establishes Petitioner was sentenced based on an erroneous guideline calculation.
4. The proponent of a business record may choose to present the foundation by a certification that complies with Fed.R.Evid. 902(11). See Fed.R.Evid. 902(11).
5. The term "custodian or other qualified witness" in Fed. R.Evid. 803(6) and 902(11) (qualified person) is generally given a broad interpretation. The witness need only have enough familiarity with the record keeping system of the business in question to explain how the record came into question came into existence in the ordinary course of business. See United States v. Lauerson, 348 F.3d 329 (2nd Cir. 2003).
6. The records in question are critical. They establish that Attorney Fernich rendered ineffective assistance of counsel, and prejudice ensued. As Capablo was sentenced by the Court based on an incorrect guideline calculation, he suffers irreperable harm.
For the foregoing reasons, Petitioner Angelo Capalbo, pro se, respectfully requests, this Honorable Couert, accept the attached 902(11) declaration.
Respectfully submitted,
________________
Angelo Capalbo
Reg. No. 55941-054
FCI Fort Dix
P.O. Box 2000
Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640
DECLARATION
I, Angelo Capalbo, hereby states as follows;
1. I have reviewed the documents identified in Pet. App, 17-18; 237 - 250.
2. Said documents were;
a. made at or near the time of the occurrence of the matters set forth by, or from information transmitted by a person with knowledge of these matters.
b. kept in the course of the regularly conducted activity.
c. were made by the regularly conducted activity as a regular practice.
I hereby certify the foregoing is true and correct in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §1746.
____________
Angelo Capalbo
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that I placed a true and correct copy of Petitioner Angelo Capalbo's Motion to Accept 902(11) Certification, in the institutional depository at FCI Fort Dix on the 30th day of April, 2012, addressed to counsel listed below;
John M. Reh
United States Attorney's Office
One St. Andrews Plaza
New York, N.Y. 1007
_____________
Angelo Capalbo
The Honorable Loretta A. Preska
United States District Court
Southern District of New York
United States Courthouse
United States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York 10007
RE: Angelo Capalbo v. United States
10 Civ. 2563 (LAP), 02 Cr. 1237
(LAP)
Dear Chief Judge Preska:
I write to Your Honor regarding the above referenced case.
I am currently indigent and I cannot afford counsel.
However. I have been able to secure the services of an expert in attorney ethics. I have been informed that within the next (30) days a report can be completed in support of my claims related to ineffective assistance of counsel involving Attorney Fufidio.
As I am sure Your Honor understands this is a very important matter to me. As I am indigent I could not find an attorney who would undertake this substantial task on a pro bono basis until now.
The Government will not be prejudiced if this request is granted.
I thank Your Honor in advance for the Court's kind attention to my request.
Respectfully yours,
_____________
Angelo Capalbo
cc: John M. Reh, AUSA