Opinion
Civil No. 10–1652 (DRD). Criminal No. 08–278 (DRD).
2013-09-30
Angel R. Romero SANTANA, Petitioner, v. UNITED STATES of America, Respondent.
Angel R. Romero–Santana, Washington, MS, pro se. Nelson J. Perez–Sosa, U.S. Attorney's Office, San Juan, PR, for Respondent.
Angel R. Romero–Santana, Washington, MS, pro se. Nelson J. Perez–Sosa, U.S. Attorney's Office, San Juan, PR, for Respondent.
OPINION AND ORDER ADOPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
DANIEL R. DOMINGUEZ, District Judge.
Pending before the Court is petitioner Angel R. Romero Santana's (“Romero Santana”) Motion To Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence By A Person In Federal Custody pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. See Docket No, 1. For the reasons set forth below, the petition is denied.
This matter was referred to United States Magistrate Judge Justo Arenas (“Magistrate Judge Arenas” or “Magistrate Judge”), who recommended, through a Report and Recommendation entered on February 9, 2012, that the petitioner's motion for post-conviction relief be denied. See Docket No. 7. As of this date, the Report and Recommendation issued by Magistrate Judge Arenas stands unopposed. For the reasons set forth below, the petitioner's motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 is denied without evidentiary hearing, as the written record of the case pellucidly demonstrates that he was duly forewarned as to the waiver of appeal. See Report and Recommendation of August 1, 2008, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 11, page 5, and Plea Agreement, Docket No. 14, ¶ 17 page 8.
The record shows that petitioner Romero Santana filed a second petition on March 18, 2013 Tinder Docket No. 8, which is also addressed in this Opinion and Order, infra.
Standard of Review
The District Court may refer dispositive motions to a United States Magistrate Judge for a Report and Recommendation. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) (1993); Rule 72(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (“Fed. R. Civ.P.”); Rule 72 of the Local Rules for the District of Puerto Rico (“Local Rules”). See Mathews v. Weber, 423 U.S. 261, 96 S.Ct. 549, 46 L.Ed.2d 483 (1976). As a general rule, an adversely affected party may contest the Magistrate Judge's report and recommendation by filing its objections within fourteen (14) days after being served a copy thereof. See Local Rule 72; Fed.R.Civ.P. 72(b). Moreover, 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), in its pertinent part, provides that:
Within fourteen days of being served with a copy, any party may. serve and file written objections to such proposed findings and recommendations as provided by rules of court. A judge of the court shall make a de novo determination of those portions of the report or specified proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made. A judge of the court may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made by the magistrate.
However, “[a]bsent objection by the plaintiffs, [a] district court ha[s] a right to assume that [a party] agree[s] to the magistrate's recommendation.” Templeman v. Chris Craft Corp., 770 F.2d 245, 247 (1st Cir.1985), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1021, 106 S.Ct. 571, 88 L.Ed.2d 556 (1985). Moreover, “[f]ailure to raise objections to the Report and Recommendation waives that party's right to review in the district court and those claims not preserved by such objection are precluded on appeal.” Davet v. Maccarone, 973 F.2d 22, 30–31 (1st Cir.1992). Thus, in order to accept the unopposed Report and Recommendation, the Court needs only satisfy itself by ascertaining that there is no “plain error” on the face of the record. See Douglass v. United Servs. Auto. Ass'n, 79 F.3d 1415, 1419 (5th Cir.1996)( en banc )(extending the deferential “plain error” standard of review to the unobjected legal conclusions of a magistrate judge); Nettles v. Wainwright, 677 F.2d 404, 410 (5th Cir.1982)( en banc )(appeal from district court's acceptance of unobjected findings of magistrate judge reviewed for “plain error”); Nogueras–Cartagena v. United States, 172 F.Supp.2d 296, 305 (D.P.R.2001) (“Court reviews [unopposed] Magistrate's Report and Recommendation to ascertain whether or not the Magistrate's recommendation was clearly erroneous”)(adopting the Advisory Committee note regarding Fed.R.Civ.P. 72(b)); Garcia v. I.N.S., 733 F.Supp. 1554, 1555 (M.D.Pa.1990)(“when no objections are filed, the district court need only review the record for plain error”).
In the instant case, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation on February 9, 2012, Docket No. 7. The Magistrate Judge granted the parties fourteen days to object the Report and Recommendation, from its receipt. The record shows that, as of this date, the Report and Recommendation stands unopposed. We therefor review the Magistrate's Report and Recommendation only under “clear erroneous” or “plain error” standard.
Factual and Procedural Background
Petitioner Romero Santana with two other codefendants “were charged in a two count information with aiding and abetting each other in knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, that is, a vessel in the contiguous zone of the United States, that is a hovering vessel, as defined in Title 46 of the United States Code, Section 70502(c)(1)(F)(iii).” Report and Recommendation, Docket No, 7, page 133.
The record further shows that Romero Santana and others were arrested aboard a vessel off the coast of Desecheo Island, which is an island within the territorial waters of Puerto Rico and within the contiguous zone of the United States. Report and Recommendation, Docket No. 7, page 134. The vessel was navigating north toward Puerto Rico without limits. Id. “The vessel was intercepted on April 16, 2008 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Units” (hereinafter “Customs”). Id. At the time of the arrest of Romero Santana and others, Customs found aboard the vessel, “six bales containing a total of 174 brick-shaped packages containing cocaine ... together with an AK–47 assault rifle.” Id. It appears that the vessel departed from the Dominican Republic. Id. “A complaint was filed on April 17, 2008 under Misc. No. 08–252(BJM).” Id. On May 1, 2008, a preliminary hearing was held by the Magistrate Judge McGiverin, and Romero Santana was ordered detained until trial. Id. page 134. Petitioner was indicted on July 31, 2008 on four counts consisting of two conspiracy counts and two substantive counts under Criminal No, 08–278(DRD). Id. Romero Santana waived the Indictment on July 31, 2008. Id., page 134.
Later that same date, that is, July 31, 2008, Berroa–Santana “entered a guilty plea to the information based upon a plea agreement signed by petitioner on the same day.” Id. The Court record shows that, petitioner Romero Santana pled guilty to two counts, to wit; (a) Count One charging the defendant Romero Santana with aiding and abetting others, known and unknown individuals, “did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams [a substantial amount less than 174 brick of cocaine] or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II, Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, that is a vessel in the contiguous zone of the United States, that is a hovering vessel, as defined in Title 46, United States Code, Section 70502(c)(1)(F)(iii).” Plea Agreement of July 21, 2008, Docket No. 14, Criminal No. 08–278(DRD). “The District Court of Puerto Rico was the first point where the defendant and his co-defendants, Angel R. Romero Santana and Gregorio Espinal Gutierrez, entered the United States after the commission of the offense.” “All in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Sections 70503(a)(1), 70504(b)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, § 2.” Id.; and, (b) Count Two which charges Berroa–Santana with aiding and abetting by others both known and unknown with knowingly possessing a firearm “AK–47 assault rifle, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a Court of the United States, to wit: possession with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II, Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.” Plea Agreement of July 31, 2008, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 14(DRD).
“The Indictment was dismissed on November 12, 2008.” Report and Recommendation, Docket. No. 9, page 4.
Petitioner Romero Santana pled guilty to the two Counts by way of information to waive his right to be charged with an indictment, after consulting with this counsel. See Report and Recommendation, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 54 at page 31. “Petitioner accepted the version of facts outlined by the prosecutor, including the possession of the cocaine and assault rifle,” as well as to having committed the offenses charged. See Report and Recommendation, Docket No. 7, page 140, citing Report and Recommendation, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 54 at pages 50–51.
Applicable Law and Discussion
Petitioner alleges ineffective assistance of counsel and reconsideration of his sentence on the following grounds: (a) “he would have gone to trial rather than to plead guilty to a firearms charge and waive his right to appeal;” (b) “he wishes for the court to re-sentence him to allow him to appeal;” (c) “he also asks that his status as a deportable alien be considered since he is subject to serve extra incarceration time.” See Report and Recommendation, Docket No. 7, pages 138–39. The Court notes that petitioner Romero Santana was sentenced to serve 60 months for Count One, 60 months for Count Two, consecutively, for a total of 120 months, and five years of supervised release as to both Counts One and Two, to be served concurrently. See Judgment, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 31.
Magistrate Judge Arenas recommended that petitioner's § 2255 be denied on several grounds, to wit: (a) counsel's performance was reasonable, as “this was a negotiated plea,” and petitioner has failed to establish that his legal representation the objective standard of reasonableness, Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 686–687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984), “even if petitioner had succeeded in showing deficiencies in his legal representation, he is unable to establish that said deficiencies resulted in a prejudice against him in the criminal proceedings,” and the record does not support the alleged errors by counsel, that is, that “petitioner instead of pleading guilty would have done something else, such as proceeded to trial, or stood fast for a more favorable plea offer, or entered a straight plea;” (b) “there were no errors of defense counsel that resulted in a violation of petitioner's right to adequate representation of counsel under the Sixth Amendment;” (c) the “motion under 2255 is time-barred and otherwise meritless.” See Report and Recommendation, Docket No. 7, pages 139 and 141–42.
Petitioner's Section 2255 request is time-barred as he never appealed his sentence. Subsequently, on My 14, 2010, almost two years after-having been sentenced, petitioner filed his first motion under Section 2255, however, the petition is time-barred pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(1). The record shows that petitioner Romero Santana did not appeal his sentence, hence, the one year term to file a motion under Section 2255 starts to run from the date the judgment is docketed. In the instant case, the Judgment was docketed on October 31, 2008, Criminal No. 08–278, Docket No. 31. Hence, the one year term expired on October 31, 2009. Petitioner filed the instant motion on July 14, 2010 is time-barred.
(f) “A 1–year period of limitation shall apply to a motion under this section. The limitation period shall run from the latest of—
(1) the date on which the judgment of conviction becomes final; ...”
The Second Petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2255
The record shows that, on March 18, 2013, petitioner Romero Santana filed a second Motion Under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(a)(f)(4) to Vacate the Sentence, (hereinafter “the second petition”), Docket No. 8. The Court notes that the second petition was filed almost three years after the original under Section 2255, which was filed on July 14, 2010. A review of the second petition shows that Romero Santana is now alleging different grounds to appeal his sentence. Petitioner alleges that the sentence imposed is illegal as he was arrested in the high seas, and under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (“MDLEA”), 46 U.S.C. §§ 70501 et seq., his arrest is illegal, as he was arrested within “10 Nautical Miles North–West of the Dominican Republic,” hence, the Court has no jurisdiction since the territorial waters of the Dominican Republic extends to 12 miles. See Docket No. 8, page 6. Moreover, petitioner restates that he never waived his right to appeal. See Docket No. 8, page 11. Petitioner further alleges that he never committed a crime(s) against the United States, and that the MDLEA is unconstitutional as it exceeds the authority of Congress to legislate. See Docket No. 8, pages 11–14.
The record shows that the “petitioner and two others were arrested aboard a vessel off the coast of Desecheo Island, which vessel was navigating without lights traveling north toward Puerto Rico.” See Docket No. 7, page 134. Hence, the petitioner was indeed arrested in territorial waters of the United States. Further, contrary to petitioner's allegations, the MDLEA has been found constitutional by the courts in the jurisdiction of the First Circuit. United States v. Nueci–Peña, 711 F.3d 191 (1st Cir.2013) (constitutionality of the MDLEA); United States v. Angulo–Hernández, et al., 565 F.3d 2 (1st Cir.2009) (“MDLEA”); United States v. Vilches–Navarrete, 523 F.3d 1 (1st Cir.2008) (“MDLEA”).
“Desecheo is a small uninhabited island of the archipelago of Puerto Rico [United States] located in the northeast of the Mona Passage; 21 km from the west coast (Punta Higuero) of the main island of Puerto Rico and 50 km northeast of Mona Island.... Politically, the island is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish, and Wildlife Service.” http:// e. wikipedia. org/ wiki/ Desecheo_ Island. Desecheo Island is 14 miles off the coast of Rincón, Puerto Rico. http:// www. topuertorico. org/ citu/ desecheo. shtml. See Chhetry v. U.S. Department of Justice, 490 F.3d 196, 200 (2d Cir.2007) (the court is authorized to take judicial notice of “commonly known facts” published in the internet).
For the same reasons stated above, the Court finds that the second petition under § 2255 is also time-barred, as it was filed on March 18, 2013, and Romero Santana was sentenced on October 31, 2008. See Criminal No. 08–278(DRD), Docket entries No. 31 (Judgment), and 55 (Transcript of the October 31, 2008 Sentencing Hearing). Moreover, the petitioner is also barred from raising on a tardy appeal an argument that was not raised before the district court. See United States v. Zannino, 895 F.2d at 17. It is impermissible to accept a second petition under § 2255 after almost five years after his sentencing and judgment. There is nothing in the record, except the same rehash arguments raised in the first § 2255 petition that may warrant a different ruling.
Certificate of Appealability
For the reasons previously stated, the Court hereby denies Petitioner's request for relief pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. It is further ordered that no certificate of appealability should be issued in the event that Petitioner files a notice of appeal because there is no substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(2).
Conclusion
The Court fully agrees with the analysis and the recommendations made by Magistrate Judge Arenas, hence, the Court adopts in toto, the Report and Recommendation, Docket No. 7, as supplemented herein. The Court farther finds that there is no plain error, in the well supported analysis made by Magistrate Judge Arenas based on the record and the applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, petitioner's Motions to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Criminal Sentence Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255, Docket entries No. 1 and 8, are denied. Petitioner's claims are hereby dismissed with prejudice.
“The Court need not go further for it refuses to “write at length to no other end than to hear its own words resonate as to the instances alleged as errors by plaintiff.” Where as here, a [Magistrate] “has produced a first-rate work product, a reviewing tribunal should hesitate to wax longiloquence simply to hear its own words resonate.” See Lawton v. State Mut. Life Assu. Co. of Am., 101 F.3d 218, 220 (1st Cir.1996); Ayala v. Union de Tronquistas de Puerto Rico, Local 901, 74 F.3d 344, 345 (1st Cir.1996); In Re San Juan Dupont Plaza Hotel Fire Litig., 989 F.2d 36, 38 (1st Cir.1993).
The Report and Recommendation issued by the Hon. Magistrate Judge Justo Arenas shall be published as an addendum of the instant Opinion and Order.
Judgment will be entered accordingly.
This case is closed for all administrative and statistical purposes.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
MAGISTRATE JUDGE'S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
JUSTO ARENAS, United States Magistrate Judge.
On July 31, 2008, petitioner Angel. R. Romero Santana and two other defendants were charged in a two-count information with aiding and abetting each other in knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, that is, a vessel in the contiguous zone of the United States, that is, a hovering vessel, as defined in Title 46, United States Code, Section 70502(c)(i)(F)(iii). The District of Puerto Rico was the first point where the defendants entered the United States after the commission of the offense. All in violation of Title 46 United States Code Sections 70503(a)(1), 70504(B)(1) and Title 18, United States Code § 2. Count Two charged the three defendants with aiding and abetting each other in knowingly possessinga firearm, that is, an AK–47 assault rifle, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime for which for which they may be prosecuted in a Court of the United States, to wit: possession with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, In violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(a) and Title 18 United States Code Section 2. (Criminal 08–0278(DRD), Docket No. 4.) Petitioner entered a plea of guilty on the same day and was sentenced on October 31, 2008 to a total of 120 months imprisonment, the statutory minimum allowed by Jaw, (Criminal 08–0278(DRD), Docket No. 31.) No appeal was taken from the judgment which was entered on the docket November 3, 2008.
This matter is before the court on motion filed by petitioner Angel R. Romero Santana on July 14, 2010 to vacate, set aside or correct sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. (Docket No. 1.) The government filed a response in opposition to the motion on October 14, 2010. (Docket No. 3.) Petitioner filed a reply to the response on November 9, 2010. (Docket No. 4.) The matter was referred to me for report and recommendation on February 7, 2012. (Docket No. 6).
Having considered the arguments of the parties and for the reasons set forth below, I recommend that the petitioner's motion to vacate sentence be DENIED.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Petitioner and two others were arrested aboard a vessel off the coast of Desecheo Island, which vessel was navigating without lights traveling north toward Puerto Rico. The vessel was intercepted on April 16, 2008 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Units. Six bales containing a total of 174 brick-shaped packages containing cocaine were found aboard the vessel, together with an AK–47 assault rifle and ammunition for the weapon. The vessel apparently originated in the Dominican Republic. (Criminal 08–0278(DRD), Docket No, 14.) A complaint was filed on April 17, 2008 (08–0252m–BJM, Docket No. 1). The U.S. magistrate judge found probable cause after a preliminary hearing held on May 1, 2008. (08–0252m–BJM, Docket No. 1). Petitioner was ordered detained pending trial. Petitioner was then indicted by a grand jury of this court in a four-count indictment charging two conspiracy counts and two substantive counts. (Criminal 08–0180(DRD), Docket No. 25). Petitioner waived indictment on July 31, 2008. (Criminal 08–0278(DRD), Docket No, 1.) Petitioner entered a guilty plea to the information based upon a plea agreement signed by petitioner on the same day. (Criminal 08–0278 (DRD), Docket No, 14.) The indictment was dismissed on November 12, 2008. (Criminal 08–0180(DRD), Docket No. 56.)
On March 15, 2011, petitioner filed a motion to vacate, set aside or correct sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255. (Docket No, 1.) Before addressing the substance of his motion, petitioner notes that the reason that he was unable to file the petition before within the statute (of limitations) was that he had no knowledge about the law and he is a non-English speaker, which prevented him from reading any law books and learning principles of law. Id. at 2. He received a 7th grade education in the Dominican Republic, his native land. (Docket No. 1–2.) He notes that he was transferred from the local federal detention facility to FCI Yazzo in-Mississippi where he faced people with a different language, English, He was later transferred to Adams CCC, also in Mississippi, where he learned of his right to file this petition from his co-defendants whom he encountered there. He notes that he entered a plea of guilty before the Honorable Daniel R. Dominguez, United States District Judge, in July, 2008 (although he entered a guilty plea to the Information before Honorable Marcos Lopez, United States Magistrate Judge in that month.) Petitioner claims that he suffered ineffective assistance of counsel since his attorney failed to advise him that at the guilty plea that he was admitting to the possession of a firearm for which the court could impose a 60–month consecutive sentence with the other count. He stresses that this is clearly a violation of his right to adequate representation of counsel. He also argues that his waiver of appeal was not knowingly and voluntarily made and that he was not made aware of the consequences of waiving appeal. Petitioner says he had no idea of the elements of the offense to which he was pleading guilty and that counsel informed him that the only offense he was pleading guilty to was for cocaine. The only instruction of counsel was for him to sign the plea agreement. Petitioner stresses that he was prejudiced due to the actions of his attorney. He says that he would have rejected the plea agreement and the waiver clause if he would have known about them. He specifically asks for an out-of-time appeal. Petitioner argues that his sentence was unreasonable under the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(6), citing United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005) and Kimbrough v. United States, 552 U.S. 85, 128 S.Ct. 558, 169 L.Ed.2d 481 (2007). He notes that United States citizens who commit the same offense and who are equally culpable, and who receive the identical guideline base offense level for the same offense will not serve the same amount of time because United States citizens are eligible to serve their terms of imprisonment in minimum security facilities, and they are eligible to serve less than 10% of their term of imprisonment in a halfway house or other community custody programs, including home confinement. He concludes that other defendants equally culpable will serve less time that he because he is a deportable alien. He argues that 70 months was unreasonable (Docket 1–1 at 10), although he was sentenced to 60 month sentences. As a Dominican national, after finishing his sentence, petitioner faces deportation proceedings which take months of extra incarceration at an Immigration detention facility. Id. at 11.
On October 14, 2010, the government filed a response in opposition to the petitioner's motion arguing basically that it should be summarily denied because it is untimely. The government does not address the merits of the petition. (See Docket No. 3.) It notes that judgment was entered on November 3, 2008 and that no appeal was filed. Therefore the conviction became final on November 17, 2008. See Akins v. United States, 204 F.3d 1086, 1089 n. 1 (11th Cir.2000). The petition was signed on July 7, 2010, thus arguably making it seven months and 23 days late. The government responds to the lack of English language argument and notes that is unavailing since ignorance of the law, or misreading the law or misunderstanding is no excuse. (Docket No. 3 at 3, n. 1.)
Petitioner filed a reply to the response on November 9, 2010. (Docket No. 4). Conceding that the petition must be filed within a year of the final judgment of conviction, petitioner notes that the period may be equitably tolled on grounds apart from the specific statute, and that toiling is allowed in only extraordinary circumstances. See Lattimore v. Dubois, 311 F.3d 46 (1st Cir.2002); Trenkler v. United States, 268 F.3d 16, 25 (1st Cir.2001); Delaney v. Matesanz, 264 F.3d 7, 15 (1st Cir.2001). Petitioner repeats the reasons for equitable tolling being his lack of knowledge of the English language and learning of his rights from his co-defendants at Adams CCC in Mississippi. Indeed, petitioner makes an extensive retort to the government's argument about his lack of knowledge of the law and of the English language.
II. LIMITATIONS
The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act instituted a limitations period of one year from the date on which a prisoner's conviction became final within which to seek federal habeas relief. See Pratt v. United States, 129 F.3d 54, 58 (1st Cir.1997). The current petition was clearly filed over a year from the date petitioner's sentence became final and unappealable. However, the inquiry does not necessarily stop there.
President Clinton signed into law the. Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (“AEDPA”), which instituted a time limitation period for the filing of motions to vacate or reduce criminal federal sentences. In its pertinent part, section 2255 reads:
A 1–year period of limitation shall apply to a motion under this section. The limitation period shall run from the latest of
(1) the date on which the judgment of conviction becomes final;
(2) the date on which the impediment to making a motion created by governmental action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States is removed, if the movant was prevented from making a motion by such government action;
(3) the date on which the right asserted was initially recognized by the Supreme Court, if that right has been newly recognized by the Supreme Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review; or
(4) the date on which the facts supporting the claim or claims presented could have been discovered through the exercise of due diligence.
28 U.S.C. § 2255, ¶ 6.
The terse argument of the United States, that the petition is time-barred, is correct. The petition does not describe any circumstances that fall within any of the exceptions which would equitably toll the limitations period of the statute. See e.g. Ramos–Martinez v. United States, 638 F.3d 315, 321–24 (1st Cir.2011). To carry the burden of establishing the basis for equitable tolling, the petitioner must show “ ‘ “(1) that he has been pursuing his rights diligently, and (2) that some extraordinary circumstance stood in his way” and prevented timely filing.’ ” Id. at 323, quoting Holland v. Florida, 560 U.S. 631, 130 S.Ct. 2549, 2562, 177 L.Ed.2d 130 (2010), which in turn quotes Pace v. DiGuglielmo, 544 U.S. 408, 418, 125 S.Ct. 1807, 161 L.Ed.2d 669 (2005). There are no extraordinary circumstances present which support a favorable invocation of entitlement to equitable relief. There is no showing of reasonable or due diligence on the part of the petitioner in seeking relief, other than to wait to find himself with his co-defendants to be told for the first time by them of the availability of federal habeas relief. See Barreto–Barreto v. United States, 551 F.3d 95, 101 (1st Cir.2008); Cordle v. Guarino, 428 F.3d 46, 48–49 (1st Cir.2005); Akins v. United States, 204 F.3d at 1089–90. I am not ignoring the fact that petitioner does not read or write English but it taxes credulity to believe that there were no bilingual inmates, nor correctional personnel nor inmate law clerks, or jailhouse lawyers, which could assist petitionerin timely exercising his rights. Having difficulty with the English language is not an extraordinary circumstance to justify tolling the time requirement in § 2255. Pava v. United States, 2011 WL 1337510 at *4 (M.D.Fla. 4/7/2011), citing United States v. Montano, 398 F.3d 1276, 1280, n. 5 (11th Cir.2005); see Cobas v. Burgess, 306 F.3d 441, 444 (6th Cir.2002). Petitioner's argument is simple and undeveloped notwithstanding a fellow inmate apparently writing his briefs. Ultimately, ignorance of the law does not entitle petitioner to equitable relief. See Lattimore v. Dubois, 311 F.3d at 55;Aponte–Cruz v. United States, 2009 WL 1457703 (D.P.R. 5/21/2009), citing Marsh v. Soares, 223 F.3d 1217, 1220 (10th Cir.2000). Petitioner's pleading was signed on July 7, 2010. One is forced to conclude that petitioner's claim is time-barred. See Trenkler v. United States, 268 F.3d at 24–27. Nevertheless, I discuss the merits of the petition with the clear admonition that petitioner's allegations related to the merits are pellucidly contradicted by the record, and particularly his statements given under oath. This contrast between what is argued here, and attested to, and what was said to the judicial officers is a factor which weighs heavily against equitable tolling of the limitations period.
III. ANALYSIS
Under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, a federal prisoner may move for post conviction relief if:
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....
28 U.S.C. § 2255(a); Hill v. United States, 368 U.S. 424, 426–27 n. 3, 82 S.Ct. 468, 7 L.Ed.2d 417 (1962); David v. United States, 134 F.3d 470, 474 (1st Cir.1998). The burden is on the petitioner to show his or her entitlement to relief under section 2255, David v. United States, 134 F.3d at 474, including his or her entitlement to an evidentiary hearing. Cody v. United States, 249 F.3d 47, 54 (1st Cir.2001) (quoting United States v. McGill, 11 F.3d 223, 225 (1st Cir.1993)). Petitioner has sought an evidentiary hearing. It has been held that an evidentiary hearing is not necessary if the 2255 motion is inadequate on its face or if, even though facially adequate, “is conclusively refuted as to the alleged facts by the files and records of the case.” United States v. McGill, 11 F.3d at 226 (quoting Moran v. Hogan, 494 F.2d 1220, 1222 (1st Cir.1974)). “In other words, a ‘§ 2255 motion may be denied without a hearing as to those allegations which, if accepted as true, entitle the movant to no relief, or which need not be accepted as true because they state conclusions instead of facts, contradict the record, or are “inherently incredible.” ’ ” United States v. McGill, 11 F.3d at 226 (quoting Shraiar v. United States, 736 F.2d 817, 818 (1st Cir.1984)),
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to ... the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.” U.S. Const. amend. 6. To establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a petitioner “must show that counsel's performance was deficient,” and that the deficiency' prejudiced the petitioner. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984). “This inquiry involves a two-part test.” Rosado v. Allen, 482 F.Supp.2d 94, 101 (D.Mass.2007). “First, a defendant must show that, ‘in light of all the circumstances, the identified acts or omissions were outside the wide range of professionally competent assistance.’” Id. (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 690, 104 S.Ct. 2052.) “This evaluation of counsel's performance ‘demands a fairly tolerant approach.’ ” Rosado v. Allen, 482 F.Supp.2d at 101 (quoting Scarpa v. Dubois, 38 F.3d 1, 8 (1st Cir.1994)). “The court must apply the performance standard ‘not in hindsight, but based on what the lawyer knew, or should have known, at the time his tactical choices were made and implemented.’ ” Rosado v. Allen, 482 F.Supp.2d at 101 (quoting United States v. Natanel, 938 F.2d 302, 309 (1st Cir.1991)). The test includes a “strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” Smullen v. United States, 94 F.3d 20, 23 (1st Cir.1996) (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052). “Second, a defendant must establish that prejudice resulted ‘in consequence of counsel's blunders,’ which entails ‘a showing of a “reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.” ’ ” Rosado v. Allen, 482 F.Supp.2d at 101 (quoting Scarpa v. Dubois, 38 F.3d at 8) (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052);see Mattei–Albizu v. United States, 699 F.Supp.2d 404, 407 (D.P.R.2010). However, “[a]n error by counsel, even if professionally unreasonable, does not warrant setting aside the judgment of a criminal proceeding if the error had no effect on the judgment.” Argencourt v. United States, 78 F.3d 14, 16 (1st Cir.1996) (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S.Ct. 2052). Thus, “[c]ounsel's actions are to be judged ‘in light of the whole record, including the facts of the case, the trial transcript, the exhibits, and the applicable substantive law.’ ” Rosado v. Allen, 482 F.Supp.2d at 101 (quoting Scarpa v. Dubois, 38 F.3d at 15). The defendant bears the burden of proof for both elements of the test. Cirilo–Muñoz v. United States, 404 F.3d 527, 530 (1st Cir.2005), cert. denied,525 U.S. 942, 119 S.Ct. 363, 142 L.Ed.2d 300 (1998), (citing Scarpa v. Dubois, 38 F.3d at 8–9).
In Hill v. Lockhart the Supreme Court applied Strickland's two-part test to ineffective assistance of counsel claims in the guilty plea context. Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 58, 106 S.Ct. 366, 88 L.Ed.2d 203 (1985) (“We hold, therefore, that the two-part Strickland v. Washington test applies to challenges to guilty pleas based on ineffective assistance of counsel.”). As the Hill Court explained, “[i]n the context of guilty pleas, the first half of the Strickland v. Washington test is nothing more than a restatement of the standard of attorney competence already set forth in [other cases]. The second, or ‘prejudice,’ requirement, on the other-hand, focuses on whether counsel's constitutionally ineffective performance affected the outcome of the plea process.” Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. at 58–59, 106 S.Ct. 366. Accordingly, petitioner would have to show that there is “a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, he would not have pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial.” Id. at 59, 106 S.Ct. 366.
Petitioner primarily contends that he would have gone to trial rather than to plead guilty to a firearms charge and waive his right to appeal. This was a negotiated plea agreement. Clearly he argues that he knew nothing of it except for the cocaine. He received the statutory minimum sentence of 60 months in both counts and the court was not allowed by law to sentence him to less than 120 months. The plea agreement was exactly what was negotiated and while petitioner was put on notice that the court was not bound by the plea agreement and the recommendation of the prosecution, he received the most favorable sentence under the circumstances. Each page of the plea agreement is initialed by petitioner. Indeed it is clear that the prosecutor did not deviate from the agreed-to recommendation. Petitioner at sentencing was well aware of the evidence petitioner was facing, as reflected in his signature at the end of the statement of facts in the plea agreement.
There is no credible evidence to support the petitioner's claim that his attorney's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, nor does the record support that but for the alleged errors by the attorney, petitioner instead of pleading guilty would have done something else, such as proceeded to trial, or stood fast for a more favorable plea offer, or entered a straight plea. Indeed, petitioner does not announce that he wishes to withdraw his guilty plea but rather wishes for the court to re-sentence him to allow him to appeal. Generically, he asks for all relief he is entitled to. (Docket No. 9 at 13.) He also asks that his status as a deportable alien be considered since he is subject to serve extra incarceration time. (Docket No. 1–1 at 11.) Petitioner's arguments only contradict the fact that during the Rule 11 procedures the petitioner agreed with the government's version of the facts. I explain.
At the plea hearing on July 31, 2008 before United States Magistrate Judge Marcos Lopez, petitioner and both other defendants were placed under solemn oath, that is, that they swore to tell the truth. (Docket No. 54 at 3.) The magistrate judge explained to the three that if they did not understand a question, he would rephrase the question. Petitioner understood that. (Docket No. 54 at 4.) Of the three defendants, petitioner was designated to answer first. The importance of answering questions truthfully was stressed to petitioner by the judge. Petitioner was asked if he was aware of the charges in the information and if he had discussed the charges with his attorney. When petitioner said he was able to understand a little, the judge asked him, “Sir, were you able to understand when you discussed the indictment—information with your attorney what is it that you are going to be accused of in those two charges?” Petitioner answered “Yes.” (Docket No. 54 at 8–9.) Petitioner noted that he was there “to plead guilty”. (Docket No. 54 at 9.) He also noted that his attorney had provided effective legal representation and that he had discussed pleading guilty with his attorney. The magistrate judge conducted the traditional plea colloquy with petitioner. The forms petitioner signed were read in the Spanish language to him and an interpreter translated the proceedings simultaneously. Petitioner acknowledged that he understood that by pleading guilty, he would be found guilty and no longer presumed innocence as to both counts of the information. (Docket No. 54 at 26.) Petitioner also understood that as a non U.S. citizen there were administrative consequences to his guilty plea, such as deportation. (Docket No. 54 at 27.) Petitioner understood that even if a maximum penalty were imposed, the plea could not be withdrawn. (Docket No. 54 at 28.) The magistrate judge was meticulous with petitioner in relation to the plea agreement, making reference to the initials on the pages of the plea agreement, which initials petitioner acknowledged as his own, as well as his signature. (Docket No. 54 at 30.) Petitioner acknowledged that the plea agreement was explained to him by his attorney in the Spanish language. (Docket No. 54 at 31.) The assistant Federal Public Defender in court noted that the plea agreement was translated for the defendant in her presence. (Docket No. 54 at 31–32.) Petitioner also acknowledged having a reasonable opportunity to discuss all of the terms and conditions of the plea agreement with his attorney prior to the hearing and that he understood the explanations. (Docket No, 54 at 32.) The prosecutor announced that the plea was a package deal but the magistrate judge informed the three defendants that if they felt they were innocent, they should not be pleading guilty simply because the other two are pleading guilty. The three understood that. (Docket No. 54 at 36.) Petitioner answered “Yes” to the following question: “Sir, are you pleading guilty—are you pleading guilty voluntarily because you honestly believe that you are guilty of the two offenses charged in the information?” (Docket No, 54 at 37.)
Docket No. 54 relates to the transcript of the change of plea hearing held on July 31, 2008 before the Honorable Marcos Lopez. (Crim. No. 08–278(DRD)).
Again, the judge meticulously read each count separately and asked petitioner as to both if this is one of the charges he was pleading guilty to. The magistrate judge then asked, “Do you understand that the Court must impose the penalty as to count two consecutively to the penalty on count one?” Petitioner and the other two defendants answered “Yes”. (Docket No. 54 at 42.) Petitioner understood the explanation of the Sentencing Guidelines and understood that the Court could not sentence below the statutory minimum, (Docket No. 54 at 45.)
The magistrate judge explained the waiver of appeal clause and petition and the others acknowledged understanding the consequences of the waiver of appeal clause. (Docket No. 54 at 47.) Petitioner accepted the version of facts outlined by the prosecutor, including the possession of the cocaine and assault rifle. (Docket No. 54 at 48–49.) Petitioner then admitted committing the offenses charged. (Docket No. 54 at 50.) Petitioner pleaded guilty as to both counts one and two. (Docket No. 54 at 51.)
At sentencing before the Honorable Daniel R. Dominguez, petitioner was asked if the presentence report was thoroughly discussed with him by his attorney to favor him with a reduction in the quantity of drugs? He replied, “Yes.” (Docket No. 55 at 3.) Petitioner was carefully explained by the judge “... are you aware, that if the Court accepts your plea, and sentences you to what you have agreed, that that will trigger a waiver of appeal, and you may not even appeal the sentence in this case?” Petitioner answered, “Yes.” (Docket No, 55 at 6.) The petitioner clearly understood that he was being sentenced to the bare statutory minimums. (Docket No, 55 at 7.) Again, petitioner understood that his sentence must be consecutive. (Docket No. 55 at 9.)
Docket No. 55 relates to the transcript of the sentencing hearing held on October 31, 2008 before the Honorable Daniel R. Dominguez. (Crim. No. 08–278(DRD)).
Having related the proceedings before the district court, I note that “[w]hen a criminal defendant has solemnly admitted in open court that he is in fact guilty of the offense with which he is charged, he may not thereafter raise independent claims relating to the deprivation of constitutional rights that occurred prior to the entry of the guilty plea,” Lefkowitz v. Newsome, 420 U.S. 283, 288, 95 S.Ct. 886, 43 L.Ed.2d 196 (1975) (quoting Tollett v. Henderson, 411 U.S. 258, 267, 93 S.Ct. 1602, 36 L.Ed.2d 235 (1973)); see Nieves–Ramos v. United States, 430 F.Supp.2d 38, 43 (D.P.R.2006); Caraballo Terán v. United States, 975 F.Supp. 129, 134 (D.P.R.1997).
Petitioner overlooks the fact that his attorney negotiated a favorable plea agreement with the government, and if one considers what sentence he might have received after trial or after a straight plea, particularly in a case involving a an assault rifle (which carries a maximum sentence of life Imprisonment), and a huge amount of cocaine, substantially reduced for purposes of accountability, petitioner could have faced a much longer sentence.
It is well settled that a court “will not permit a defendant to turn his back on his own representations to the court merely because it would suit his convenience to do so.” United States v. Parrilla–Tirado, 22 F.3d 368, 373 (1st Cir.1994) (quoting United States v, Pellerito, 878 F.2d 1535, 1539 (1st Cir.1989)), “[I]t is the policy of the law to hold litigants to their assurances at a plea colloquy.” Torres–Quiles v. United States, 379 F.Supp.2d 241, 248–49 (D.P.R.2005) (citing United States v. Marrero–Rivera, 124 F.3d 342, 349 (1st Cir.1997)). Thus, the petitioner “should not be heard to controvert his Rule 11 statements ... unless he [has] offer[ed] a valid reason why he should be permitted to depart from the apparent truth of his earlier statement[s],” United States v. Butt, 731 F.2d 75, 80 (1st Cir.1984). “[T]he presumption of truthfulness of the Rule 11 statements will not be overcome unless the allegations in the § 2255 motion are sufficient to state a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel and include credible, valid reasons why a departure from those earlier contradictory statements is now justified.” United States v. Butt, 731 F.2d at 80 (citing Crawford v. United States, 519 F.2d 347, 350 (4th Cir.1975)). The Supreme Court has noted that in the context of a challenged representation, “strategic choices made after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options are virtually unchallengeable....” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 690, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Because of the wide range of tactical decisions that a criminal defense attorney may be presented with in any given trial, judicial scrutiny of the attorney's performance must be “highly deferential” and indulge a strong presumption that the challenged action “might be considered sound trial strategy.” Id. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Indeed, “[a] fair assessment of attorney performance requires that every effort be made to eliminate the distorting effect of hindsight....” Id.
In relation to a motion to vacate sentence, ordinarily the court would have to “take petitioner's factual allegations ‘as true,’ ” however it will not have to do so when like in this case “ ‘they are contradicted by the record ... and to the extent that they are merely conclusions rather than statements of fact.’ ” Otero–Rivera v. United States, 494 F.2d 900, 902 (1st Cir.1974) (quoting Domenica v. United States, 292 F.2d 483, 484 (1st Cir.1961)).
Finally, the court also took into account the fact that the petitioner had accepted responsibility for his criminal conduct in a timely manner, therefore granting him a three-level reduction. Docket No. 55 at 10. The government also acknowledged facts beneficial to petitioner when it could have been less munificent. All three defendants received the same sentence. Indeed, all three, not surprisingly, have filed similar although not identical motions to vacate sentence. It is clear then that the petitioner was adequately represented by his counsel and that his allegations are meritless.
III. CONCLUSION
“Under Strickland v. Washington, ... counsel is not incompetent merely because he may not be perfect. In real life, there is room not only for differences in judgment but even for mistakes, which are almost inevitable in a trial setting, so long as their quality or quantity do not mark out counsel as incompetent.” Arroyo v. United States, 195 F.3d 54, 55 (1st Cir.1999), Petitioner has not satisfied the first prong of Strickland. The arguably inadequate and poor performance of his attorney did not contribute to the ultimate outcome of the criminal case. There were no errors of defense counsel that resulted in a violation of petitioner's right to adequate representation of counsel under the Sixth Amendment. There is present a veiled Equal Protection argument in relation to petitioner's treatment as a deportable alien vis-a-vis an American citizen. It is a settled rule that “issues adverted to in a perfunctory manner, unaccompanied by some effort at developed argumentation, are deemed waived.” Nikijuluw v. Gonzales, 427 F.3d 115, 120 n. 3 (1st Cir.2005); United States v. Zannino, 895 F.2d 1, 17 (1st Cir.1990).
In view of the above, I find that petitioner has failed to establish that his counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 686–87, 104 S.Ct. 2052;United States v. Downs–Moses, 329 F.3d 253, 265 (1st Cir.2003). Furthermore, even if petitioner had succeeded in showing deficiencies in his legal representation, he is unable to establish that said deficiencies resulted in a prejudice against him in the criminal proceedings. See Owens v. United States, 483 F.3d 48, 63 (1st Cir.2007) (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 687–88, 104 S.Ct. 2052), It is impossible to find that any claimed error has produced “ ‘a fundamental defect which inherently results in a complete miscarriage of justice’ or ‘an omission inconsistent with the rudimentary demands of fair procedure.’ ” Knight v. United States, 37 F.3d 769, 772 (1st Cir.1994) (quoting Hill v. United States, 368 U.S. at 428, 82 S.Ct. 468).
It is difficult to find that the assistant Federal Public Defender did not adequately represent the petitioner based on the petitioner's allegations. This was a hard fought negotiation.
III. CONCLUSION
I find that petitioner's motion under 2255 is time-barred and otherwise meritless. In view of the above, I recommend that petitioner's motion to vacate, set aside, or correct sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 be DENIED without evidentiary hearing.
Under the provisions of Rule 72(d), Local Rules, District of Puerto Rico, any party who objects to this report and recommendation must file a written objection thereto with the Clerk of this Court within fourteen (14) days of the party's receipt of this report and recommendation. The written objections must specifically identify the portion of the recommendation, or report to which objection is made and the basis for such objections. Failure to comply with this rule precludes further appellate review. See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140, 155, 106 S.Ct. 466, 88 L.Ed.2d 435 (1985); Davet v. Maccarone, 973 F.2d 22, 30–31 (1st Cir.1992); Paterson–Leitch Co. v. Mass. Mun. Wholesale Elec. Co., 840 F.2d 985 (1st Cir.1988); Borden v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 836 F.2d 4, 6 (1st Cir.1987); Scott v. Schweiker, 702 F.2d 13, 14 (1st Cir.1983); United States v. Vega, 678 F.2d 376, 378–79 (1st Cir.1982); Park Motor Mart, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 616 F.2d 603 (1st Cir.1980).