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  1. 01-03-22 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 61 MOTION for Reconsideration Motion for Reconsideration of December 6, 2021.txt +183 -0
  2. 01-24-22 - SUPPLEMENT by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 65 Response to motion.txt +160 -0
  3. 02-01-21 - NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL United States District Court For the District Of Columbia.txt +30 -0
  4. 02-02-22 - Consent MOTION to Continue and Exclude Time Under Speedy Trial Act by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +77 -0
  5. 02-03-21 - Indictment John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +1 -0
  6. 02-04-21 - Arrest Warrant John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +5 -0
  7. 02-04-21 - GOVERNMENT’S MEMORANDUM John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +493 -0
  8. 02-09-23 - NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Rebekah Lederer appearing for USA..txt +41 -0
  9. 02-10-22 - NOTICE Memorandum Regarding Status of Discovery by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +578 -0
  10. 02-15-21 - Initial Discovery Request John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +497 -0
  11. 02-15-21 - MEMORANDUM CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF Conditions Of Pretrial Release John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +1 -0
  12. 02-15-21 - Notice Of Filing Of Initial Discovery Request John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +34 -0
  13. 02-16-21 - APPEARANCE BOND John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +60 -0
  14. 02-16-21 - MEMORANDUM in Support of Pretrial Detention Exhibits for previously filed Memorandum Regarding Conditions of Pretrial Release by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +1 -0
  15. 02-16-21 - ORDER SETTING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt +76 -0
  16. 02-16-21 - UNITED STATES PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICE District Of Utah Monitoring Program JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +147 -0
  17. 02-21-23 - RESPONSE by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 84 MOTION to Change Venue Motion to Change Venue.txt +396 -0
  18. 03-23-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +83 -0
  19. 03-26-21 - UNITED STATES’ UNOPPOSED MOTION TO Exlude Time Under Speedy Trial Act JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +191 -0
  20. 03-26-21 - UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +31 -0
  21. 03-27-21 -TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING Before Robin M. Meriweather JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +3191 -0
  22. 04-03-22 - Supplemental MOTION to Dismiss Count re 62 Motion to Dismiss Count in the Supserseding Indictment by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt +75 -0
  23. 04-04-22 - NOTICE of Discovery by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +47 -0
  24. 04-05-22 - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +33 -0
  25. 04-06-22 - NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Joseph Hong Huynh appearing for USA.txt +36 -0
  26. 04-17-22 - Joint MOTION to Continue Status Conference, Joint MOTION to Exclude Time under the Speedy Trial Act by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +78 -0
  27. 05-05-23 - MOTION for 404(b) Evidence by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +234 -0
  28. 05-07-21 -MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER RELATED To Defendants Bank Account In Utah JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +1 -0
  29. 05-16-22 - Supplement re 47 Motion to Dismiss Count 8 of the Indictment by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt +182 -0
  30. 05-19-21 -SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +1 -0
  31. 05-20-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +69 -0
  32. 05-21-21 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 25 MOTION for Release of Funds Motion.txt +578 -0
  33. 06-02-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO DISCHARGE John Earle Sullivan.txt +1 -0
  34. 06-02-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION to Motion by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 25 MOTION for Release of Funds Motion.txt +33 -0
  35. 06-02-23 - Motions In Limine - USA Attorney Filing - John Sullivan Case.txt +420 -0
  36. 06-11-21 - NOTICE Of DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +50 -0
  37. 07-14-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +57 -0
  38. 08-01-22 - MEMORANDUM OPINION as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt +267 -0
  39. 08-01-22 - ORDER denying 61 Motion for Reconsideration as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +26 -0
  40. 08-03-21 - STATUS REPORT Status report concerning conditions of release by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +67 -0
  41. 08-18-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief.txt +75 -0
  42. 08-19-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion to Exclude.txt +59 -0
  43. 08-22-22 - Joint STATUS REPORT and Proposed Pretrial Deadlines by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +98 -0
  44. 09-23-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion to Exclude.txt +172 -0
  45. 09-24-21 - MOTION to Dismiss Count Eight of Superseding Indictment as Being Void for Vagueness by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +158 -0
  46. 10-06-22 - PRETRIAL ORDER as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan.txt +335 -0
  47. 10-07-21 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 46 MOTION to Suppress Motion to Suppress Custodial Statements.txt +278 -0
  48. 10-13-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +53 -0
  49. 10-20-21 - Joint MOTION to Continue October 28, 2021 Status Hearing for Sixty Days by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt +97 -0
  50. 10-26-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION to Motion by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 46 MOTION to Suppress Motion to Suppress.txt +1 -0
01-03-22 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 61 MOTION for Reconsideration Motion for Reconsideration of December 6, 2021.txt ADDED
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+ 1
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+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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+
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+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
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+ :
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+ :
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+ v. : No. 21- CR-78-EGS
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+ :
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+ :
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+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
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+ :
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+ Defendant. :
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+
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+ GOVERNMENT ’S MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION TO
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+ DEFENDANT’S “MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF DECEMBER 6, 2021
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+ DENIAL OF MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER AND SUPPLEMENT TO
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+ MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER”
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+
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+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney f or
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+ the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this memorandum in opposition to the defendant’s
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+ “Motion for Reconsideration of December 6, 2021 Denial of Motion to Release Seizure Order and
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+ Supplement to Motion to Release Seizure Order.” D.E. 61.1 The motion should be denied.
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+ The Court’s well -reasoned, 16- page ruling was thorough and correct .
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+ Motions to reconsider “apply only to ‘extraordinary situations’ and ‘should be only
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+ sparingly used.’” United States v. Pollard, 290 F. Supp. 2d 153, 157 (D.D.C . 2003). Such
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+ extraordinary contexts include, for instance, “ whether the Court ‘patently’ misunderstood the
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+ parties, made a decision beyond the adversarial issues presented, made an error in failing to
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+ consider controlling decisions or data, or whether a controlling or significant change in the law has
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+
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+ 1 Due to the holiday , the undersigned previously obtained defense couns el’s consent to respond to defendant ’s
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+ motion, filed on December 17, 2021, on Monday, January 3, 2022, rather than Friday , December 31, 2021, and
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+ notified Chambers in advance . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 1 of 92
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+ occurred.” Isse v. Am. Univ., 544 F.Supp.2d 25, 29 (D.D.C. 2008). “‘ [W]hile the law of the case
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+ doctrine does not necessarily apply to interlocutory orders, district courts generally consider the
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+ doctrine ’s underlying rationale when deciding whether to reconsider an earlier decision’”; thus,
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+ motions for reconsideration are “‘subj ect to the caveat that, where litigants have once battled for
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+ the Court's decision, they should neither be required, nor without good reason permitted, to battle
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+ for it again.’” United States v. Sunia, 643 F. Supp. 2d 51, 61 (D.D.C. 2009). The defendant’ s
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+ motion – which attempts to supplement his claim of financial need, and makes no claim of a change
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+ in law or clear error – falls well short of the demanding standard that reconsideration merits .
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+ The defendant ’s motion for reconsideration seeks to revive h is request “that the Court issue
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+ an order ‘discharging the seizure of his bank account in Utah and to prevent any further seizures
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+ of other bank accounts belonging to defendant’” and hold a “‘post -deprivation, pretrial hearing’ to
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+ challenge the sufficiency of the government’s evidence supporting the seizure of assets.” D.E.
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+ 60, at 1- 2 (quoting Deft’s Motion). Specifically, the motion attempts to fill in certain illustrative
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+ gaps highlighted by the Court in discussing the defendant’s deficient threshold showing of
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+ financial need. But as discussed at greater length below, even if the defendant’s newest factual
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+ claims were to be credited, they are non- responsive to much of the Court’s reasoning undergirding
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+ the denial: T he defendant’s threshold showing remains, at best, incomplete . Even if the
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+ defendant were found to have made a threshold showing, this Court ’s denial of his motion
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+ unambiguously relied on reasons in the alternative to that deficient threshold showing. And the
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+ motion offers no su pplement whatsoever to his conclusory challenge to traceability – the ultimate
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+ issue on which the defendant claims a pretrial hearing is required to contest – a matter on which
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+ this Court ’s opinion already observed that his argument “carries little weight. ” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 2 of 93
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+ First, it remains questionable whether the defendant has carried his burden of “clearly
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+ establish[ing]” a need for seized assets to satisfy rent or other “ household necessities .” Cf. United
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+ States v. E -Gold , Ltd., 521 F.3d 411, 417, 421 (D.C. Cir. 2008) ; United States v. Unimex , Inc., 991
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+ F.2d 546, 551 (9th Cir. 1993) (“To determine whether a hearing is required, the court must decide
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+ whether the moving papers filed, including affidavits, are sufficiently definite, specific, detailed, and nonconjectura l”). There remain factual gaps and issues raised by the defendant’s shifting,
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+ conjectural , and otherwise vague representations .
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+ 2 As an initial matter, upon his January 14,
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+ 2021 arrest and ensuing Pretrial Services interview, the defendant put his monthly expenses at
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+ “$2,000- $2,250.” The defendant’s reply to his motion for release of funds then placed his
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+ monthly household needs at $4,800. The defendant’s reconsideration motion now again increases his monthly household needs to $6,018.44 ($72,221 per year) – over three times what he
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+ reported upon arrest .
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+ The government also notes that the defendant reported to Pretrial Services upon his January
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+ 14, 2021 arrest that he had $51,000 of funds in his bank accounts. The defendant earned at least
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+ $90,875 in proceeds from his January 6 footage, all of which was deposited into his bank account
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+ after his Pretrial Services interview . The government in late April 2021 seized only $62,813.76
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+ from a single ba nk account of the defendant, raising reasonable questions about where and how
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+ the defendant apparently handled or expended the remaining approximately $80,000 in that time.
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+ In any event, t his Court ’s 16-page opinion observed that “Mr. Sullivan has submitt ed a
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+
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+ 2Certain questions are raised by the defendant’s latest representations . For instance, he attributes
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+ his credit score falling to 559 since June 2020 to the April 2021 seizure. I n fact, his report shows
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+ that on April 23, 2021, days before the seizure warrants were served , his credit score already
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+ dipped to 566. He also char acterizes the entirety of his credit card statement balances from one
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+ month, December 2021 , as “credit card debt” without explanation or unpacking. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 3 of 94
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+ declaration to the Court that merely provides a ‘summary’ of his ‘monthly household needs’
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+ totaling $4,800 a month, as well as a ‘ partial listing of sources of … income’” without “any
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+ information regarding … the value of any assets he may have.” D.E. 60 at 11. As noted, t he
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+ defendant has now proffered another such “summary” listing needs totaling $6,018.44. It is not
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+ self-evident that various line items encompassed in his summaries – e.g., $250 in monthly
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+ “subscriptions” ; a “minimum credit card payments” expense on top of his enumerated household
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+ expenses ; or $250 in “entertainment,” $100 in “shopping,” $150 in “savings,” or $300 in “self
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+ care” as in his original listing – comprise bona fide “household necessities.” It is al so unclear
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+ why t he defendant ’s summary has now, without explanation, dropped two “sources of income” he
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+ previously noted (“Google ad sense deposits” and “401 K Deposits” ). N or is it explained what
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+ happened to the “approximately $450 per month from previous contracts he obtained while working as a freight broker” that he told Pretrial Services he was “still receiv[ing]” upon his arrest .
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+ And the defendant still has not provided any comprehensive listing of his “liquid and non- liquid
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+ assets,” even as he ackn owledges that he has been able to sell certain non -liquid assets this year
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+ “to pay expenses.” D.E. 61 at 15; cf. D.E. 60 at 12 (comparing defendant’s declaration to detailed
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+ proffers about assets made by the defendants in E -Gold ).
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+ Second, this Court’s denial unambiguously relied on reasons in the alternative to, and in
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+ addition to, his deficient “threshold showing ” of financial need – alternat ive reasons that the
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+ reconsideration motion does not address. T his Court went on to rule, “Second, even if the Court
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+ proceeded to ‘ascertaining the requirements of the due process clause’ by ‘look[ing] … to the
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+ Supreme Court’s declarations in Mathews v. Eldridge ’ … the result would remain the same .”
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+ D.E. 60 at 13 (em phasis added) . The Court proceeded to observe that “Mr. Sullivan’s interest in Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 4 of 95
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+ acquiring access to the seized funds for rent and household necessities ‘is obviously far less
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+ pressing’ than a defendant’s exercise of his Sixth Amendment right.” D.E. 60 at 14. Inde ed,
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+ courts have contrasted the extraordinary permanence of injury in a trial tainted by a violation of
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+ the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right – a “right that must be addressed before trial, if it is to be
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+ addressed at all” – with “a defendant’s wis h to use his property in whatever manner he sees fit.”
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+ United States v. Monsanto, 924 F.2d 1186, 1193 (2d Cir. 1991). And “as for the “risk of
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+ erroneous deprivation” under Mathews , this Court noted that the defendant’s “conclusory
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+ allegation that the proc eeds of the seized bank account are not the product of the criminal activity
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+ alleged in the indictment carries little weight,” observing that in his declaration even the defendant
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+ acknowledged that assets of his were “‘ obtained from sale of videotape from January 6, 2021.’ ”
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+ D.E. 60 at 15 (emphasis added) . Those reasons remain fully intact, and the balancing of
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+ considerations – even if the defendant’s additional claims about his finances are to be credited –
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+ still weighs in favor of adjudicating his arguments at a post -trial proceeding in the ordinary course.
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+ See Kaley v. United States , 571 U.S. 320, 334 (2014) (finding that no pretrial hearing was
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+ warranted “[e]ven if Mathews applied” ; because “a seizure o f the Kaleys’ property is erroneous
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+ only if unsupported by probable cause, the added procedure demanded here is not sufficiently likely to make any difference” ); id. at 327 (“With probable cause, a freeze is valid” and nothing
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+ about even a “defendant ’s interest in retaining a lawyer with the disputed assets change[s] the
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+ equation”) .
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+ At bottom, the reconsideration motion makes additional financial representations, but cites
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+ no additional legal authority. T he defendant does not dispute , not could he, the legal framework
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+ laid out by this Court’s opinion. Accordingly, i t is not disputed that once the government has Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 5 of 96
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+ obtained a seizure warrant, “the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure provide for no further inquiry
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+ into the property’s forfeitability unti l disposition of the criminal charges on which the forfeiture is
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+ predicated.” D.E. 60 at 6. It is not disputed that the Supreme Court has “declined to opine” on
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+ whether a pretrial hearing should be provided to challenge traceability to the crime , nor that, while
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+ lower courts have afforded a qualified right to such hearings when the seized assets implicate the
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+ right to counsel of choice , “the D.C. Circuit has never addressed the question” outside that right -
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+ to-counsel context. D.E. 60 at 8. Nor is it in dispute that one decision in this district, United
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+ States v. Bikundi, 125 F. Supp. 3d 178 (D.D.C. 2015), found “pretrial judicial review of the
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+ challenged seizure warrants” ( and not a pretrial hearing) to be warranted despite the absence of a
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+ Sixth Amendme nt claim, but in so holding, found “[c]ritical to its decision … the defendant’s
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+ substantial evidence regarding ‘near -term financial obligations and his apparent inability to meet
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+ those obligations without release of the seized assets ’ as well as express d isclaimers regarding the
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+ traceability of the assets in the government’s affidavit supporting the seizure warrant .” D.E. 60
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+ at 9 (emphasis added) .
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+ The pretrial hearing the defendant has requested (as compared to the more limited review
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+ of the seizure aff idavit undertaken in Bikundi ) has no precedent in this district beyond the right -
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+ to-counsel context . And the defendant has not pointed to any traceability gaps or disclaimers in
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+ the seizure warrants to flesh out red flags remotely analogous to the “critical” second consideration
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+ in Bikundi . That bears emphasis because, as noted, the Court already found this defendant’s
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+ traceability claim – the very issue on which he argues he was erroneously deprived his assets – to be “conclusory” and “carr[y] little weight.” D.E. 60 at 15. It thus remains the case that the
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+ defendant has not even satisfied the premises of Bikundi – a decision which, in any event, this Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 6 of 97
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+ Court did not hold that it was adopting. Cf. D.E. 60 at 10 (“Even if the Court agreed with the
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+ reasoning of Bikundi ….”).
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+ In short, as the magistrate judge in this case found in signing two seizure warrants, there is
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+ ample probable cause to believe the seized funds – a portion of the $90,875 in profits that the
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+ defendant reaped from selling his video footage from his storming and breach of the U.S. Capitol
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+ on January 6, 2021 – are forfeitable proceeds. As this Court appropriately recognized, “[t]he
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+ pretrial seizure of forfeitable property is authorized” by statute, and part and parcel of the “‘strong governmental interest in obtaining full recovery of all forfeitable assets.’” D.E. 60 at 5 -6. T he
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+ defendant is free to contest the forfeitability of the seized funds, but should be limited to doing so
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+ in the manner prescribed by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2(b)(1)(A) – at trial. That is the process he is due and the Constitution demands nothing more.
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+ CONCLUSION
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+ WHEREFORE, th e United States respectfully requests that the Court deny the defendant’s
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+ motion for reconsideration of its December 6, 2021 opinion denying the defendant’s motion to
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+ release the seizure order and forbid seizures of other accounts .
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+
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+ Respectfully submitted,
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+
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+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
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+ UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
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+
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+
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+
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+ by: Candice C. Wong
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+ D.C. Bar No. 990903
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+ 555 4th Street, N.W., room 4816
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+ Washington, D.C. 20530 (202) 252-7849 Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 7 of 98
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 8 of 99
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+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
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+
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+ I hereby certify that on January 3, 2022, I caused a copy of the foregoing motion to be
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+ served on counsel of record via electronic filing.
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+
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+
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+ ______________
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+ Candice C. Wong
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 63 Filed 01/03/22 Page 9 of 9
01-24-22 - SUPPLEMENT by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 65 Response to motion.txt ADDED
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+
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+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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+
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+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
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+ : v. : Criminal No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
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+ : JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
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+ Defendant. :
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+
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+ UNITED STATES’ SUPPLEMENT TO OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S “MOTION
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+ TO ADOPT AND JOIN RELEVANT PORTIONS OF MOTION TO DISMISS COUNT 2
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+ OF THE INDICTMENT IN UNITED STATES V. CALDWELL, 21 -CR-28 (APM) AND
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+ TO DISMISS COUNT 1 OF THIS SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT”
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+
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+ On January 10, 2022, the government ’s opposition to the defendant ’s “Motion to Adopt
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+ and Join Relevant Portions of Motion to Dismiss Count 2 of the Indictment in United States v.
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+ Caldwell , 21-cr-28 (APM) and to Dismiss Count 1 of this Superseding Indictment” attached three
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+ of the government ’s responsive pleadings from 21- CR-28. On January 24, 2022, Judge Mehta
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+ denied reconsideration of his denial of the relevant motions to dismiss in 21- CR-28. The
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+ government hereby respectfully submits the Memorandum Opinion and Order denying reconsideration as a supplement to the government’ s January 10, 2022 opposition.
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+ Respectfully submitted,
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+
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+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
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+ United States Attorney
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+ D.C. Bar No. 481052
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+
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+ By:
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+ CANDICE C. WONG
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+ D.C. Bar No. 990903 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room 4816 Washington, DC 20530 Candice.wong@usdoj.gov (202) 252-7849
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 1 of 8
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+
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+
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+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
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+
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+ I hereby certify that on January 24, 2022, I caused a copy of the foregoing supplement to
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+ be served on counsel of record via electronic filing.
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+
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+
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+ ______________
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+ Candice C. Wong
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 2 of 8
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+ EXHIBIT
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 3 of 8UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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+
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+ _________________________________________
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+ ) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )
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+ ) v. ) Case No. 21- cr-28 (APM)
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+ ) THOMAS E. CALDWELL, et al., )
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+ ) Defendants. )
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+ _________________________________________ )
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+ MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
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+ Defendant Thomas E. Caldwell asks the court to reconsider its decision denying his and
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+ other Defendants’ motions to dismiss Counts 1 and Count 2 of the Sixth S uperseding Indictment
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+ based on a statutory construction argument that he had every opportunity to make before the court
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+ ruled. See Def. Caldwell’s Req. for Recons. Regarding Court’s Ruling on Mots . to Dismiss Counts
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+ 1 & 2 (18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) ), ECF No. 566 [hereinafter Def.’s Mot.]. Caldwell’s motion is
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+ procedurally deficient , and it is wrong on the merits. It is denied.
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+ I.
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+ The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure do not address the legal standard applicable to
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+ motions to reconsider interlocutory decisions, but courts in this District have applied the “as justice requires” standard under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b). See, e.g., Unite d States v.
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+ Hassanshahi , 145 F. Supp. 3d 75, 80 (D.D.C. 2015); United States v. Hemingway , 930 F. Supp.
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+ 2d 11, 12 (D.D.C. 2013). “[A]sking ‘what justice requires’ amounts to determining, within the Court’ s discretion, whether reconsideration is necessary under the relevant circumstances.” Cobell
91
+ v. Norton, 355 F. Supp. 2d 531, 539 (D.D.C. 2005). Reconsideration may be warranted where the
92
+ court “patently misunderstood a party, has made a decision outside the adversarial issues presented Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 596 Filed 01/24/22 Page 1 of 5Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 4 of 82
93
+ to the Court by the parties, has made an error not of reasoning but of apprehension, or where a
94
+ controlling or significant change in the law or facts [has occurred] since the submission of the issue to the Court.” Singh v. George Washington Univ., 383 F. Supp. 2d 99, 101 ( D.D.C. 2005) (internal
95
+ quotation marks omitted). The moving party bears the burden of demonstrating that
96
+ reconsideration is warranted. See Hassanshahi , 145 F. Supp. 3d at 80.
97
+ Caldwell makes no genuine attempt to meet this standard. He does not show that the court
98
+ patently misunderstood his or other Defendants’ arguments for dismissal, made a decision outside the adversarial process, committed an error of apprehension, or that there has been an intervening change in law. Instead , he urges reconsiderat ion because neither this court nor any other judge in
99
+ this District—at least four have rejected similar challenges to charges brought under 18 U.S.C.
100
+ § 1512(c)(2)—has “addressed the issues raised” by him. Def.’s Reply to Gov’t Opp’n to Def.’s Mot., ECF No. 575 [hereinafter Def.’s Reply] , at 2, 4 n.4. But a motion for reconsideration is “not
101
+ simply an opportunity to reargue facts and theories upon which a court has already ruled,” Hassanshahi , 145 F. Supp. 3d at 80–81 (internal quotation marks omitted), and litigants who “have
102
+ once battled for the court’s decision, should not be permitted to battle for it again,” Arias v. DynCo rp, 856 F. Supp. 2d 46, 52 (D.D.C. 2012) (cleaned up). That is precisely what Caldwell
103
+ attempts to do with his motion. He asks the court to entertain a statutory construction argument that he had ample opportunity to previously raise and present and whic h he seemingly conceived
104
+ of only after the court ruled. That is not a proper basis on which to seek reconsideration. For that
105
+ reason alone, Caldwell’s motion is denied.
106
+ II.
107
+ Nor would Caldwell prevail on the merits. He advances two arguments. First, he asks
108
+ “why Congress would have inserted the word ‘otherwise’ into § 1512(c)(2) for the purpose of Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 596 Filed 01/24/22 Page 2 of 5Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 5 of 83
109
+ demarcating separate and independent conduct between subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) when it could
110
+ have accomplished the same outcome —which it did twenty times in other areas of § 1512—by
111
+ using the word ‘or’ alone (without ‘otherwise’).” Def.’s Reply at 1–2; see also Def.’s Mot. at 3–
112
+ 4. Second, he contends that the word “‘otherwise’ operates as a ‘conjunctive adverb’ in § 1512(c),
113
+ which, as a matter of basic grammatical rules, means that the adverbial clause (‘otherwise obstructs, influences or impedes’) functions exclusively to modify the preceding clause.” Def.’s
114
+ Reply at 2; see also Def.’s Mot. at 5 –9. Taken together, these arguments lead to the conclusion,
115
+ he says, that “subsection (c)(1) addresses the ‘letter of the law,’ while (c)(2) addresses the ‘spirit of the law,’ i.e., to punish those who, with a nefarious purpose but in a way not specifically enumerated by Congress in (c)(1), prevent tangible evidence from being obtained and accurately considered by courts, Congress, and administrative agencies.” Def.’s Reply at 9.
116
+ As to Caldwell’s first point, there is an obvious answer why Congress used the word
117
+ “otherwise” in section 1512(c) in addition to the word “or” to separate subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2): to emphasize that section 1512(c)(2) is a “catch -all” provision that reaches conduct not
118
+ specified in (c)(1). See, e.g., United States v. Burge , 711 F.3d 803, 809 (7th Cir. 2013). None of
119
+ the other provisions within section 1512(c) contain such a catch- all. Rather, section s 1512(a), (b),
120
+ and (d) contain a finite list of proscribed ways in which to violate the statute. See 18 U.S.C. § 1512.
121
+ Section 1512(c) is structured differently. It does not itemize multiple ways to commit an offense. It identifies one way in which to commit obstruction with regard to “a record, document, or other
122
+ object,” followed by a broad prohibition on obstructive acts that affect an official proceeding.
123
+ Thus, as the court ruled, Congress meant for the word “otherwise” to “connect[] the two provisions [while] underscor[ing] that the acts prohibited by (c)(1) are ‘different’ from those prohibited by
124
+ (c)(2).” United States v. Caldwell , No. 21- cr-28 (APM), 2021 WL 6062718, at *12 n.6 (D.D.C. Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 596 Filed 01/24/22 Page 3 of 5Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 6 of 84
125
+ Dec. 20, 2021). Thus, the word “otherwise” is not under the court’s interpretation, as Caldwell
126
+ suggests, acting as surplusage. See Def.’s Mot. at 4 , 9.
127
+ Nor does Caldwell’s insistence that the word “otherwise” in section 1512(c)(2) is a
128
+ conjunctive adverb change the court’s understanding. Caldwell asserts that, as a conjunctive adverb, “otherwise” acts as a modifier, such that subsection (c)(2) “modif ies” subsection (c)(1).
129
+ Id. at 9. But “otherwise ” as a modifier, or conjunctive adverb, operates differently than Caldwell
130
+ posits. It looks something like this: “You need to finish your homework; otherwise, you will not make a passing grade,” or “Jaimie needs to clean her room; otherwise, she will not be allowed to have her friends come over.” How to Use Otherwise in a Sentence, Study.com,
131
+ https://study.com/academy/lesson/how- to-use-otherwise- in-a-sentence.html (last visited Jan. 21,
132
+ 2022). In those examples the clause following “otherwise” modifies, or further explains, the clause
133
+ that precedes it: the failure to finish homework will result in a failing grade or not cleaning a room will lead to friends not coming over. But that is not how “otherwise” operates in section 1512(c). The verbs of (c)(2) in no sense modif y the object of (c)(1): “obstructs, influences, influences, or
134
+ impedes” in subsection (c)(2) does not supply additional meaning to “record, document or other
135
+ object” in subsection (c)(1). The far more natural reading is the one the court adopted: “otherwise”
136
+ means “in a different way or manner.” See Caldwell, 2021 WL 6062718, at *12. Understood in
137
+ that sense , section 1512(c)(2) means “that a crime will occur in a different (‘otherwise’) manner
138
+ compared to § 1512(c)(1) if the defendant ‘obstructs, influences, or impedes any official
139
+ proceeding’ without regard to whether the action relates to documents or records.” United States v. Petruk, 781 F.3d 438, 446–47 (8th Cir. 2015).
140
+ In truth, Caldwell does not read “otherwise” as a modifier. He reads it as a word of
141
+ limitation that restricts offenses under subsection (c)(2) to those “ involving the integrity and Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 596 Filed 01/24/22 Page 4 of 5Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 7 of 85
142
+
143
+ production of documentary evidence ,” Def.’s Mot. at 10, or “tangible evidence,” Def.’s Reply at 9.
144
+ But Caldwell points to no court that has read section 1512(c)(2) so narrowly and, in fact , courts
145
+ have rejected that reading . See, e.g., Petruk, 781 F.3d at 446 (8th Cir. 2015) (rejecting argument
146
+ that section 1512(c)(2) “is limited to obstruction involving documents or physical evidence ”);
147
+ United States v. Ring, 628 F. Supp. 2d 195, 224 (D.D.C. 2009) ( rejecting assertion that “18 U.S.C.
148
+ § 1512(c)(2) applies only to acts involving ‘tampering with documents or physical evidence ’”).
149
+ The court leaves it to grammarians to say whether “otherwise” as it appears in section
150
+ 1512(c)(2) is properly classified a s a conjunctive adverb. Whether it is or not does not alter this
151
+ court’s reading of the statute.
152
+ III.
153
+ For the foregoing reasons, the court denies Defendant Caldwell’s motion for
154
+ reconsideration.
155
+
156
+
157
+
158
+ Dated: January 24, 2022 Amit P. Mehta
159
+ United States District Court Judge
160
+ Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 596 Filed 01/24/22 Page 5 of 5Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 66 Filed 01/24/22 Page 8 of 8
02-01-21 - NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL United States District Court For the District Of Columbia.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
4
+ v. :
5
+ : Criminal No: 21-MJ-00050 ( RMM)
6
+ :
7
+ :
8
+ JOHN SULLIVAN , :
9
+ :
10
+ Defendant. :
11
+ NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
12
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for the
13
+ District of Columbia, informs the Court that the above-captioned matter is now assigned to
14
+ Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) Candice C. Wong. The undersigned will
15
+ substitute for Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Vaughn as counsel for the United
16
+ States. AUSA Wong may be contacted either by phone at 202-252-7849 or by e-mail at
17
+ candice.wong@usdoj.gov.
18
+ Respectfully submitted,
19
+ MICHAEL R. SHERWIN
20
+ Acting United States Attorney
21
+ New York Bar No. 4444188
22
+ By: /s/ Candice C. Wong
23
+ Candice C. Wong
24
+ Assistant United States Attorney
25
+ D.C. Bar No: 990903
26
+ United States Attorney’s Office
27
+ 555 Fourth Street, N.W. #4816
28
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
29
+ Telephone: 202 -252-7849
30
+ E-mail: candice.wong@usdoj.govCase 1:21-mj-00050-RMM Document 5 Filed 02/01/21 Page 1 of 1
02-02-22 - Consent MOTION to Continue and Exclude Time Under Speedy Trial Act by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ v. : Criminal No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
8
+ :
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
10
+ :
11
+ Defendant. :
12
+ UNITED STATES ’ CONSE NT MOTION TO CONTINUE AND
13
+ TO EXCLUDE TIME UNDER THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT
14
+
15
+ The parties are currently scheduled for a status hearing on March 4 , 2022 . The United
16
+ States of America , with the consent of counsel for the defendant, John Sullivan, hereby move s this
17
+ Court for a n approximately 45- day continuance of that hearing, and further to exclude the time
18
+ within which the trial must commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq.. In
19
+ support of this consent motion, the undersigned state s as follows:
20
+ 1. The parties last conven ed for a status hearing on January 4, 2022. On January 18,
21
+ 2022, and February 3, 2022, the government made additional discovery productions to
22
+ counsel for the defendant. The materials include d indexes shared via filesharing of
23
+ documents produced to Relativity. The production to Relativity included numerous
24
+ audio files and other records of the U.S. Capitol Police, tens of thousands of tips and
25
+ related documentation made to the Metropolitan Police Department tipline, and FBI reports of interviews, among other materials. On February 10, 2022, the undersigned
26
+ also filed a memorandum on the docket summarizing the status of global discovery in
27
+ Capitol Breach matters for the Court.
28
+ 2. Counsel for defendant s recently obtained access to the FPD Relativity workspace . As
29
+ noted, m any of the materials previously produced via filesharing, including those in the
30
+ production described in paragraph 1, are currently available to search, review, and Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 69 Filed 03/02/22 Page 1 of 42
31
+ download as necessary in the database; keyword searches, for instance, may be
32
+ performed.
33
+ 3. Counsel for the defendant anticipates being in a homicide trial commencing this week
34
+ in D.C. Superior Court.
35
+ 4. Counsel for the government anticipates being in an approximately two- week trial in
36
+ this Court beginning on March 10, 2022.
37
+ 5. The undersigned anticipates the continued production of additional discovery to t he
38
+ defendant, including defendant -specific materials , in the near future . Given counsel
39
+ for the defendant’s interest in reviewing the voluminous discovery materials, including
40
+ the most recent productions on the Relativity workspace, and the government’s
41
+ continued production of discovery materials to defense counsel , the parti es seek an
42
+ additional continuance of approximately 45 days or another date thereafter at the
43
+ Court’s convenience . The additional time will afford the parties time to continue to
44
+ produce and review discovery.
45
+ 6. The need for reasonable time to address discovery obligations is among multiple pretrial preparation grounds that Courts of Appeals, including our Circuit, have routinely held sufficient to grant continuances and exclude time under the Speedy Trial Act – and in cases involving far less complexity in te ’rms of the volume and
46
+ nature of data, and the number of defendants entitled to discoverable materials. See,
47
+ e.g., United States v. Bikundi , 926 F.3d 761, 777- 78 (D.C. Cir. 2019) (upholding
48
+ ends-of-justice continuances totaling 18 months in two co- defendant health care f raud
49
+ and money laundering conspiracy case, in part because the District Court found a need to “permit defense counsel and the government time to both produce discovery Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 69 Filed 03/02/22 Page 2 of 43
50
+ and review discovery” ); United States v. Gordon, 710 F.3d 1124, 1157- 58 (10th Cir.
51
+ 2013) (upholding ends -of-justice continuance of ten months and twenty- four days in
52
+ case involving violation of federal securities laws, where discovery included
53
+ “documents detailing the hundreds of financial transactions that formed the basis for the charges” and “hundreds and thousands of documents that needs to be catalogued and separated, so that the parties could identify the relevant ones”) (internal quotation marks omitted); United States v. O’Connor , 656 F.3d 630, 640 (7th Cir. 2011)
54
+ (upholding ends -of-justice continuances totaling five months and 20 days in wire
55
+ fraud case that began with eight charged defendants and ended with a single defendant exercising the right to trial, based on “the complexity of the case, the magnitude of the discovery, and the a ttorneys’ schedules”) .
56
+ WHEREFORE, the parties respectfully request that this Court grant the motion for a n
57
+ approximately 45- day continuance of the above -captioned proceeding, and tha t the Court exclude
58
+ the time within which the trial must commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq., on the basis that the ends of justice served by taking such actions outweigh the best interest
59
+ of the public and the defendant in a spee dy trial pursuant to the factors described in 18 U.S.C. §
60
+ 3161(h)(7)(A), (B) (i), (ii), a nd (iv) , and failure to grant such a continuance would result in a
61
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 69 Filed 03/02/22 Page 3 of 44
62
+ miscarriage of justice .
63
+ Respectfully submitted,
64
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
65
+ United States Attorney
66
+ D.C. Bar Number 481052
67
+
68
+ By: /s/ Candice C. Wong
69
+ Candice C. Wong
70
+ D.C. Bar No. 990903
71
+ Assistant United States Attorney
72
+ 555 4th Street, N.W., R oom 4816
73
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
74
+ (202) 252- 7849
75
+ candice.wong@usdoj.gov
76
+
77
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 69 Filed 03/02/22 Page 4 of 4
02-03-21 - Indictment John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 8 Filed 02/03/21 Page 1 of 3Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 8 Filed 02/03/21 Page 2 of 3Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 8 Filed 02/03/21 Page 3 of 3
02-04-21 - Arrest Warrant John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 01/13/2021 01/14/2021
2
+ Salt Lake City, Utah
3
+ 01/14/2021
4
+ Matthew Foulger, Special Agent FBI
5
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 17 Filed 02/04/21 Page 1 of 1
02-04-21 - GOVERNMENT’S MEMORANDUM John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,493 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+
6
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
7
+ :
8
+ :
9
+ v. : No. 21- mj-50 (RMM )
10
+ :
11
+ :
12
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
13
+ :
14
+ Defendant. :
15
+
16
+
17
+ GOVERNMENT ’S MEMORANDUM
18
+ IN SUPPORT OF PRE -TRIAL DETENTION
19
+
20
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for
21
+ the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this memorandum in support of its oral motion that
22
+ the d efendant , John Earle Sulliva n, be detained pending trial pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 3148 and
23
+ 3142(f)(2)(B) and (g). The defendant was a brazen, vocal participant in the disruption and
24
+ disorder surrounding the events on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. Since his release on
25
+ string ent conditions on January 15, 2021, he has repeatedly flouted court -imposed conditions .
26
+ The alleged violations prompted the magistrate judge in the arresting jurisdiction to convene a
27
+ hearing earlier this week on February 1, 2021, at which she expressed s erious concerns about the
28
+ allegations , yet decided – in light of the defendant’s imminent initial appearance in the District of
29
+ Columbia – to defer resolution to this Court. This Court, with the matter now transferred and
30
+ under its jurisdiction, should hold the defendant to account : The clear and convincing evidence
31
+ from the defendant’s own supervision officer is that the defendant has repeatedly attempted to
32
+ circumvent fundamental conditions of his release, warranting revocation and demonstrating his Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 1 of 262
33
+ unwillingness to abide by any combination of conditions of release. These violations only further
34
+ underscore that there are serious risks that this defendant will obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice
35
+ and that he continues to pose a recurring threat to the safety of the community – risks that cannot
36
+ redressed by any combination of release conditions .
37
+ The government respectfully requests that the following points and authorities, as well as
38
+ any other facts, arguments and authorities presented orally , be considered in the Court’s
39
+ determination regarding pre -trial detention.
40
+ BACKGROUND
41
+ Factual Background
42
+ Sullivan is the leader of an organization called Insurgence USA through which he organizes
43
+ protests. On January 7, 2021, the defendant participated in a voluntary interview with a Federal
44
+ Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Washington, D.C. The defendant stated that he was in
45
+ Washington, D.C. to attend and film the “Stop the Steal” March on January 6, 2021. The
46
+ defendant claimed to be an activist and journalist that filmed protests and riots, but admitted that
47
+ he did not have any press credentials.
48
+ The defendant also stated that he was at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when scores
49
+ of individuals entered it. The defendant stated he was wearing a ballistic vest and gas mask while
50
+ there. He showed the interviewing agent the ballistic vest. He further stated that he entered the
51
+ U.S. Capitol with others through a window that had been broken out. The defendant stated he
52
+ followed the crowd as the crowd pushed past U.S. Capitol Police and followed the crowd into the
53
+ U.S. Capitol.
54
+ The defendant further stated that he had been present at the shooting of a woman within Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 2 of 263
55
+ the U.S. Capitol by a U.S. Capitol Police officer and that he had filmed the incident. During the
56
+ interview, the defendant showed the interviewing agent the footage he had taken, which the
57
+ defendant stated he had uploaded to the Internet. The footage showed the area immediately
58
+ outside of the Speaker’s Lobby within the U.S. Capitol, the hallway from which one can enter
59
+ directly into the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. The defendant also voluntarily
60
+ provided two phone numbers and multiple social media accounts and identifiers, including a
61
+ YouTube account username, JaydenX.
62
+ On January 9, 2021, t he defendant voluntarily provided to law enforcement video footage
63
+ that he stated that he recorded within the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The defendant sent a
64
+ link to law enforcement from a Google Photos account under the name “John Sullivan.” A
65
+ portion of the video is publicly available on a Youtube channel attributed to “JaydenX .”1 The
66
+ defendant’s voice can be heard narrating the video and speaking to other individuals and law
67
+ enforcement officers . A t one point , the camera pans to a tactical vest and a gas mask being worn
68
+ and held by the individual filming , which match the tactical vest and gas mask that the defendant
69
+ showed law enforc ement agents during a voluntary interview on January 11, 2021.
70
+
71
+
72
+ 1 A portion of the video is also publicly available on a YouTube channel attributed to “JaydenX ”
73
+ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfiS8MsfSF4&bpctr=1610480291 .
74
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 3 of 264
75
+
76
+ Among other things, the video the defendant recorded and provided to law enforcement
77
+ shows Sullivan filming at the front of a crowd as they pushed through police barriers on the west
78
+ side o f the U.S. Capitol. At the first moment the crowd breaks through, Sullivan can be heard
79
+ saying, “they’re going in.” The video follows the crowd as they move toward the Capitol
80
+ Building where Sullivan captured additional scenes of individuals breaking thr ough police
81
+ barriers:
82
+
83
+ After the crowd broke through the last barricade, and as Sullivan and the others approach
84
+ the Capitol Building, Sullivan can be heard in the video saying at various points: “There are so
85
+ many people. Let’s go. This shit is ours! Fuc k yeah,” “We accomplished this shit. We did this
86
+ together. Fuck yeah! We are all a part of this history,” and “Let’s burn this shit down.”
87
+ Later, Sullivan’s video includes footage of individuals climbing a wall to reach a plaza just
88
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 4 of 265
89
+ outside the Capitol Bui lding entrance, as seen in the screenshot below. As individuals are
90
+ climbing the wall, Sullivan can be heard saying, “You guys are fucking savage. Let’s go!”
91
+
92
+ At one point, Sullivan can be heard telling one of the individuals climbing the wall to give
93
+ Sullivan his hand as individuals in the crowd are calling to help people up the wall.
94
+ The video records Sullivan’s entrance into the U.S. Capitol building through a broken
95
+ window:
96
+
97
+ Sullivan , once inside the Capitol Building , roamed the building with other individuals who
98
+ unlawfully entered . During one of his interactions with others, Sullivan can be heard in the video
99
+ saying , “We gotta get this shit burned.” At other times as he is walking through the Capitol,
100
+ Sullivan can be heard saying, among other things, “it’s our house motherfuckers” and “we are
101
+ getting this shit.”
102
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 5 of 266
103
+ In addition, several times during the video, Sullivan encounters law enforcement officers
104
+ who are trying to prevent further advancement through the buildi ng by those who entered
105
+ unlawfully. In at least two encounters, Sullivan can be heard on the video arguing with the
106
+ officers , telling them to stand down so that they do not get hurt . Among other things, Sullivan
107
+ can be heard telling officers, “you are pu tting yourself in harm’s way,” “ the people have spoken,”
108
+ and “there are too many people, you gotta stand down, the people out there that tried to do that
109
+ shit, they got hurt, I saw it, I’m caring about you.”
110
+ At one point in the video, Sullivan enters an of fice within the U.S. Capitol, as seen in the
111
+ screenshot below. Once inside the office, Sullivan approaches a window, also seen in the
112
+ screenshot below, and states, “We did this shit. We took this shit.”
113
+ While at the window, a knocking noise is heard off -screen. The camera then pans to show
114
+ more of the window and a broken pane can be seen that was not broken on Sullivan’s approach to
115
+ the window . Sullivan can then be heard saying, “I broke it. My bad, my apologies. Well they
116
+ already broke a window, so, you know, I didn’t know I hit it that hard. No one got that on
117
+ camera.” Sullivan then exits the office.
118
+ Later, Sullivan can be heard saying, “I am ready bro. I’ve been to too many riots. I’ve
119
+ been in so many riots.”
120
+ At another point in the video, Sullivan joins a crowd trying to open doors to another part
121
+ of the U.S. Capitol which are guarded by law enforcement officers, as seen in the screenshot below.
122
+ Sullivan can be heard on the video telling other individuals in the crowd, “there’s officers at the
123
+ door.” Less than two minutes later, while officers are still at the doors and as others yell to break
124
+ the glass windows in them with various objects, Sullivan can be heard saying, “Hey guys, I have Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 6 of 267
125
+ a knife. I have a knife. Let me up.” Sullivan does not, however, ever make it to the doors.
126
+ When someone says something about how people are “getting arrested,” he can be heard saying,
127
+ “don’t worry, you’ll be fine, it’s only a little jail time… I do this all the time.”
128
+
129
+ Eventually, individuals in the crowd outside the doors announce that the officers are
130
+ leaving and “giving us the building.” As the crowd begins to part so the officers can leave,
131
+ Sullivan can be heard saying, “Haul that motherfucker out this bitch.”
132
+ At another time in the video, Sullivan is walking down a hallway in the U.S. Capitol with
133
+ a large group of people. Sullivan pans to a closed door and can be heard saying, “Why don’t we
134
+ go in there.” After someone hits against the door, Sullivan can be heard saying, “That’s what
135
+ I’m sayin’, brea k that shit.” Further down the hall, Sullivan can be heard saying, “It would be
136
+ fire if someone had revolutionary music and shit.”
137
+ In the video, once Sullivan approaches the doorway to the Speaker’s Lobby, where a
138
+ woman was eventually shot, Sullivan can be heard again saying, “I have a knife…. Let me through
139
+ I got a knife, I got a knife, I got a knife.” He can be heard telling one of the law enforcement
140
+ officers guarding the doors, as seen in the screenshot below, “We want you to go home. I’m
141
+ recording and there’s so many people and they’re going to push their way up here. Bro, I’ve seen
142
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 7 of 268
143
+ people out there get hurt. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
144
+
145
+ Eventually, the law enforcement officers begin to exit and individuals within the crowd
146
+ move toward the doors. As this is happening, Sullivan can be heard yelling after the officers, “I
147
+ want you to go home,” and then ye lling, “Go! Go! Get this shit!” Sullivan then films as
148
+ others in the crowd try to break out the glass in the entryway door windows. Shortly thereafter,
149
+ the video includes footage of a female getting shot as she tries to enter through the window
150
+ opening .
151
+ Procedural History
152
+ On January 1 3, 2021, the d efendant was charged by complaint with violations of 18 U.S.C.
153
+ §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders) ; 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a) (Knowingly Entering or Remaining in a
154
+ Restricted Building or Grounds without Lawful Author ity); and 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2) (Violent
155
+ Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds) .
156
+ On January 15, 2021, at the defendant’s initial appearance in the District of Utah, the
157
+ government orally moved for a three -day hold pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2). Magistrate
158
+ Judge Daphne Oberg held that the “threshold conditions” under § 3142(f) had not been met to
159
+ qualify for a detention hearing. Exh. A at 1. Addressing § 3142( f)(2)(B)’s requirement of a
160
+ showing of a “serious risk the defendant will obstruct justice in the future,” the judge emphasized
161
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 8 of 269
162
+ that such an inquiry is “forward- looking” and stated that the fact that the defendant allegedly
163
+ appeared in a Utah state court proceeding via internet video conference while in Washington, D.C.
164
+ and allegedly “might have incited others to resist police officers in a separate Oregon event” were
165
+ insuffic ient to merit a detention hearing. Id. at 4.
166
+ The defendant was ordered released . His conditions of release included home detention;
167
+ that the defendant “find new employment” and “no longer work for Insurgence USA” ; that he be
168
+ “monitored by the form of loc ation monitoring technology, at the discretion of the pretrial services
169
+ officer, and abide by all technology and program requirements” ; and that he “participate in the
170
+ United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office Computer and Internet Monitoring Pr ogram.”
171
+ From the bench, the judge underscored that the defendant was to have nothing to do with
172
+ Insurgence USA beyond handling existing bank accounts or paying its taxes. At the court’s
173
+ request, the government submitted the names of numerous social media websites and applications ,
174
+ including Twitter, believed to be used by the defendant to advance his activities. In imposing the
175
+ conditions, the judge warned the defendant that any violations would “not be taken lightly” and
176
+ could result in detention.
177
+ On Ja nuary 27, 2021, the defendant’s supervision officer reported that the defendant had
178
+ committed four violations of his release conditions on January 17, 18, 19 and 26, 2021,
179
+ respectively . The first two alleged violations involve the defendant’s alleged logi ns to Twitter
180
+ accounts @insurgenceusa, @realjaydenx, @activistjohn while the defendant had been prohibited
181
+ from accessing enumerated social media websites, including Twitter; had been instructed by his
182
+ supervision officer that he could use the Internet onl y under his father’s supervision; had been
183
+ admonished that he could use the Internet only for work or employment purposes ; and had been Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 9 of 2610
184
+ further admonished that he could do no work with or for Insurgence USA. The third alleged
185
+ violation involves the defendant’s purchase of an Internet -capable phone in direct contravention
186
+ of his supervision officer’s instructions, and apparent attempt to seek out alternatives to Facebook
187
+ – another prohibited platform – on the Internet. The fourth alleged violation involves the
188
+ defendant’s January 26, 2021, appearance on “ Infowars ” for which he purportedly requested that
189
+ Insurgence USA’s website be specifically plugged on the show so that people could “follow” him
190
+ and the organization. During that Infowars interview, the defend ant denied having any regrets
191
+ about his participation in the January 6 events, stating that “I stand by my actions and what I do”
192
+ and that “I am definitely not responsible for anything that took place that day.” The defendant
193
+ also said, “I have my own group, Insurgence USA, but that’s my company that I built for
194
+ documenting these events.” 2
195
+ The magistrate judge in the District of Utah issued a summons . A t a hearing on February
196
+ 1, 2021, the judge noted serious concerns about the violations . She informed the defendant that
197
+ his “picture changes just by nature of these allegations,” noting that his release had been based on
198
+ her “threshold” analysis and not based on any consideration of dangerousness or the risk of flight;
199
+ now that he was alleged to have violated his conditions of release, such considerations were
200
+ relevant under § 3148(b)(2)(A), which cross -references the “factors set forth in section 3142(g).”
201
+ However, acknowledging that the defendant’s initial appearance in the District of
202
+ Columbia was days away, the magistrate judge – at defense counsel’s request, over the
203
+ government’s stated preference to address the violations immediately – decided to defer ruling for
204
+
205
+ 2 The Infowars interview is available at
206
+ https://cantcensortruth.com/watch?id=6010cad9c155bf0e53d1675c Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 10 of 2611
207
+ this Court’s consideration. The magistrate judge nonetheless scheduled a F ebruary 8, 2021,
208
+ hearing in the District of Utah to address the violations if “for some reason” the initial appearance
209
+ in the District of Columbia were not to proceed as anticipated.
210
+ The morning of the hearing, an emai l was sent from “John Sulli van” to “Insurgence USA
211
+ Members ” entitled “Pack The Courtroom.” The email provided the ZoomGov Meeting link, dial -
212
+ in numbers, and information for the magistrate judge’s hearing . The body of the email stated,
213
+ “They are trying to imprison me for crimes I did not commit at the United States Capitol…. Please
214
+ show your support by packing the courtroom today.” Exh. B.
215
+ On February 3, 2021, a grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment
216
+ against the defendan t on violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders); 18 U.S.C. §
217
+ 1512(c)(2) & 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a) (1) (Entering or
218
+ Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds) and 1752(a) (2) (Disorderly and Disrupti ve
219
+ Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds); and 40 U.S.C. §§ 5104(e)(2) (D) (Disorderly
220
+ Conduct in a Capitol Building) and 5104(e)(2) (G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a
221
+ Capitol Building) .
222
+ ARGUMENT
223
+ Applicable Statutory Authority
224
+ Under 18 U.S.C. § 3148, detention is an available sanction for a “person who has been
225
+ released … and who has violated a condition of his release.” Section 3148 expressly
226
+ contemplate s that, at least in some circumstances, the “judicial officer” to enter the order o f
227
+ revocation and detention may not be the same “judicial officer who ordered the release and whose
228
+ order is alleged to have been violated.” See 18 U.S.C. § 3148(b) (“ To the extent practicable, a Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 11 of 2612
229
+ person charged with violating the condition of release that such person not commit a Federal, State,
230
+ or local crime during the period of release, shall be brought before the judicial officer who ordered
231
+ the release and whose order is alleged to have been violated.”). The statut e thus contemplates
232
+ the very type of considerations of practical ity and workability that make ample sense where, as
233
+ here, the arresting district does not have jurisdiction over the offenses . The magistrate judge’s
234
+ decision this week to give this Court the opportunity to consider the defendan t’s pretrial release
235
+ violations , given this Court’s imminent hearing date and obligation to review release conditions
236
+ afresh , was reasonable and consistent with the statutory scheme .
237
+ Alternatively, this Court could also find a risk of obstructing justice sufficient to proceed
238
+ to a detention hearing and the core consideration of whether, under § 3142(g), there are conditions
239
+ of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of
240
+ any other person and the community. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2) makes clear that the Court “ shall
241
+ hold a hearing … in a case, that involves … (B) a serious risk that such person will obstruct or
242
+ attempt to obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, a prospective witness or juror.”
243
+ Here, the government respectfully disagrees with the finding by the magistrate judge in the
244
+ District of Utah that the obstruction- of-justice threshold is not met, and in any event, in light of
245
+ the apparent violations of his release conditions , that inquiry stands in a very different posture than
246
+ it did on January 15. T he defendant is alleged to have willfully participated in a massive and
247
+ momentous obstructi on effort – an attempt to prevent the congressional certification of the results
248
+ of a Presidential election . The defendant has been indicted on two obstructive felonies under 18
249
+ U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) and 231(a)(3) – the former involving obstruction of an official proceeding
250
+ through lawless and unauthorized conduct, and the latter involving obstruction and interference Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 12 of 2613
251
+ with the official duties of a law enforcement officer. The defendant, according to his own video
252
+ footage , apparently exhorted others to “bur n this shit down,” “break that shit,” and – amid the
253
+ smashing of the Speaker’s Lobby doors – “Go! Go! Get this shit!” He celebrated the breach
254
+ of the Capitol as “revolutionary” “history.” He boasted of how “it’s only a little jail time… I do
255
+ this all the time.” He spoke of “[h]aul[ing]” officers out and sought to cajole other s performing
256
+ their official duties to “stand down” or “go home.” The assessment of risk, to be sure, is a
257
+ forward -looking inquiry. But any assessment of risk is necessarily infor med by past actions, and
258
+ here defendant has engaged in marked obstruction of both official proceeding s and officers that
259
+ reflects a brazen disrespect for the orderly administration of justice .
260
+ The defendant’s apparent violations of his court -imposed rele ase conditions provide even
261
+ more pointed and compelling examples of his attempts to obstruct justice in this very case. In
262
+ fact, in his Infowars interview, the defendant, in discussing the issue of censorship, conversed
263
+ freely about the myriad ways he has sought to circumvent other unspecified restrictions on his use
264
+ of technology and social media platforms. 3 In short, it is clear t oday that this defendant readily
265
+ poses “a serious risk” of obstructing or attempting to obstruct justice pursuant to § 3142(f)(2)(B).
266
+ Analysis
267
+ Under § 3148, the “judicial officer shall enter an order of revocation and detention” upon
268
+ finding: (1) clear and convincing evidence that the person has violated any condition of release,
269
+ and (2) that no conditions will assure that the person will not flee or pose a danger to the safety of
270
+
271
+ 3 The defendant says: “[T]he Twitter account that you saw that I had, JaydenX, that was, you
272
+ know, my fourth account. And Facebook, I was banned to the point on Facebook where, even if
273
+ I use a VPN, and it was pinging my IP address out of China, I still couldn’t create a new account.
274
+ I could make, have a new phone number, a new email, and new name, use a different computer or
275
+ phone ; I actually bought another phone just to see if I could log into Facebook, still didn’t work.” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 13 of 2614
276
+ any other person or the community or that the person is unlikely to abide by any conditions of
277
+ release. 18 U.S.C. § 3148(b)(1) -(2). Under § 3142(g), moreover, the judicial officer shall
278
+ similarly consider whether there are conditio ns of release that will reasonably assure the
279
+ appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community – an
280
+ inquiry that considers (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, (2) the weight of
281
+ the evidence, (3) his history and characteristics, and (4) the nature and seriousness of the danger
282
+ posed by his release. The government proffers the submission of the defendant’s supervision
283
+ officer through the Pretrial Services Agency as the requisite clear and convincing evidence of the
284
+ violations, and submits that no combination of conditions will assure that the defendant will not
285
+ pose a danger to the safety of the community.
286
+ In considering the nature and circumstances of the offense , what is particularly troubling
287
+ about the defendant’s depicted conduct on January 6 was its consistency throughout his extended
288
+ foray through the Capitol Building. Defendant positioned himself with a front seat to not one,
289
+ but multiple confrontations with officers at multiple locations , and made consistently gleeful
290
+ exhortati ons about burning and breaking things throughout the building and its grounds.
291
+ The weight of the evidence likewise favors detention. The defendant admitted in
292
+ voluntary interviews to his unlawful presence inside the Capitol and identified the video foot age
293
+ provided as his own. His acts and statements are memorialized on video.
294
+ The defendant’s history and characteristics further weigh in favor of detention. On July
295
+ 13, 2020, the defendant was charged with Rioting and Criminal Mischief by the local law
296
+ enforcement authorities in Provo, Utah, based on his activities around a June 30, 2020, protest in
297
+ which a civilian was shot and injured. The case is still pending , but the fact the defendant was Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 14 of 2615
298
+ charged with analogous offenses while on release in that matter underscores the recurring threat
299
+ he poses to the community. Moreover, the defendant has not merely run afoul of release
300
+ conditions in this case ; he has brazenly flouted them, in some cases flouting multiple conditions at
301
+ once. Several violations appa rently came on the heels of detailed instructions to the contrary by
302
+ his supervision officer. The defendant’s actions demonstrate an unwillingness to grapple with
303
+ the seriousness of his charges and a contempt for the courts and its proceedings .
304
+ Finally, the defendant poses a danger to the community. He breached the U.S. Capitol in
305
+ tactical gear , wound his way to the front of numerous crowds and confrontations, and cheered and
306
+ attempted to instigate others in committing criminal acts. That even in hindsight he feels no
307
+ remorse for his participation in the events that unfolded underscores the ongoing threat he poses
308
+ to the community.
309
+ Given the above assessment, the government respectfully submits that there are no
310
+ conditions that will assure that the defendant will not continue to pose a danger to the safety of
311
+ any other person or the community, nor are there conditions that the defendant is likely to abide
312
+ by.
313
+ CONCLUSION
314
+ WHEREFORE, th e United States respectfully requests that the Court grant the
315
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 15 of 2616
316
+ government’ s motion to detain the defendant pending trial.
317
+
318
+ Respectfully submitted,
319
+ M ichael R. Sherwin
320
+ Acting United States Attorney
321
+ New York Bar No. 4444188
322
+
323
+ By:
324
+
325
+ Candice C. Wong D.C. Bar No. 990903
326
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov Assistant United States Attorney
327
+ 555 4th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 (202) 252-7849
328
+
329
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 16 of 2617
330
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
331
+
332
+ I hereby certify that on February 4, 2021, I caused a copy of the foregoing motion to be
333
+ served on counsel of record via electronic filing.
334
+
335
+ __ ____________
336
+ Candice C . Wong
337
+ Assistant United States Attorney
338
+
339
+
340
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 17 of 26
341
+
342
+
343
+ EXHIBIT A
344
+
345
+
346
+
347
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 18 of 26IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT CO URT FOR THE DISTRICT OF UTAH
348
+
349
+ United States,
350
+ Plaintiff,
351
+ v. John Earle Sullivan,
352
+ Defendant. RELEASE ORDER
353
+
354
+ Case No. 2:21mj14-DAO
355
+
356
+ Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg
357
+
358
+ The court orders John Earle Sullivan’s releas e in this case, based on a finding that the
359
+ government did not establish a basi s to hold a detention hearing. Mr. Sullivan made his initial
360
+ appearance at a transfer hearing, conducted pursuan t to Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Criminal
361
+ Procedure. Mr. Sullivan has b een charged with federal offens es in Washington, D.C., and the
362
+ Rule 5 hearing was held for purpos es of transferring him there. At this hearing, the government
363
+ made a verbal motion for detention and asked the court to continue Mr. Sullivan’s detention hearing for three days, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(2). However, in this case, the
364
+ government simply did not meet its burden of establishing any basis fo r a detention hearing.
365
+ Because the court finds the threshold conditions under § 3142(f) have not been met, it cannot
366
+ hold a detention hearing and, thus , cannot detain the defendant. Where the court cannot even
367
+ hold a detention hearing, it ce rtainly cannot delay such hear ing on the government’s motion—
368
+ detaining the defendant all the while. Case 2:21-mj-00014-DAO Document 8 Filed 01/15/21 PageID.36 Page 1 of 5 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 19 of 262 LEGAL STANDARDS
369
+ The court can only hold a deten tion hearing (hence, can only de tain a defendant), in cases
370
+ which qualify for such a hearing under the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 3141–3150. These
371
+ cases are delineated in § 3142(f). As noted by the Third Circuit, in United States v. Himler , the
372
+ § 3142(f) “circumstances for invoking a detention hear ing in effect serve to limit the types of
373
+ cases in which detention may be ordered prio r to trial.” 797 F.2d 156, 160 (3d Cir. 1986).
374
+ “Congress did not intend to authorize preventive detention unless the judici al officer first finds
375
+ that one of the § 3142(f) conditions for holding a detention hearing exists.” United States v.
376
+ Ploof , 851 F.2d 7, 10 –11 (1st Cir. 1988). In other words, this is a “two-part inquiry.” United
377
+ States v. Gerkin , 570 F. App’x 819, 820 (10th Cir. 2014) (un published). “At the first step, the
378
+ judicial officer must decide whether there is any basis to hold a detenti on hearing.” Id. at 821.
379
+ Only if the “government establis hes a basis for a detention heari ng,” does the court move to the
380
+ second step, where the government must show “‘no condition or combination of conditions’ that
381
+ ‘will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other
382
+ person and the community.’” Id. (quoting § 3142(f)).
383
+ ANALYSIS
384
+ In this case, the government did not establ ish a basis for the detention hearing. When
385
+ asked at the hearing on what st atutory grounds the case qualified for a detention hearing, the
386
+ government first began to argue dangerousness to the community—a factor the court cannot
387
+ even consider unless it first fi nds the case qualifies for a detenti on hearing. The government then
388
+ indicated the case qualified unde r § 3142(f)(2)(B). Under this provision, a case qualifies for a
389
+ detention hearing if the government establishes “a serious risk that such person will obstruct or Case 2:21-mj-00014-DAO Document 8 Filed 01/15/21 PageID.37 Page 2 of 5 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 20 of 263 attempt to obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, or attempt to threaten, injure, or
390
+ intimidate, a prospectiv e witness or juror.” Id. This is a forward-l ooking inquiry, requiring a
391
+ showing of a serious risk the de fendant will obstruct justice in the future. Alt hough the standard
392
+ of proof under this section is not well-develope d, some courts have dete rmined that where the
393
+ government seeks detention under th is section, it must sustain its burden of proof by “clear and
394
+ convincing evidence.” See United States v. Jones , No. 99-1682, 1999 U.S. App. LEXIS 19916,
395
+ *8 (1st Cir. Aug. 9, 1999) (unpublished); United States v. Dodge , 846 F. Supp. 181, 185 (D.
396
+ Conn. 1994). Obstruction of justice contemplates interfer ence in the administration of justice. For
397
+ instance, a common federal criminal statute prohib iting obstruction of justice requires proof that
398
+ a person endeavored to influence a juror or officer of the court in the discharge of her duties
399
+ through threats or force—or endeav ored to influence the due administration of justice. 18 U.S.C.
400
+ § 1503. Although the government obviously n eed not make any st atutory showing of
401
+ obstruction, this overall concept of obstruction is instructive.
402
+ In this case, the government made no atte mpt to argue there was a serious risk Mr.
403
+ Sullivan would threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness or juror—or attempt to do
404
+ any of these things. Instead, th e government focused on the risk of obstruction. In support of its
405
+ claim, the government pointed to Mr. Sullivan’s a lleged behavior at a riot in Utah, wherein he
406
+ allegedly threatened to harm another person, whil e kicking her car door, and incited others to
407
+ block public roadways. Mr. Sullivan was charged for participating in this riot in the state system
408
+ in Utah in July 2020; these events are not char ged in the federal case. The government claimed
409
+ Mr. Sullivan’s attempt to obstruct justice could be shown by the fact that he appeared at his Case 2:21-mj-00014-DAO Document 8 Filed 01/15/21 PageID.38 Page 3 of 5 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 21 of 264 hearing in this Utah state case via internet vi deo conference, while he was in Washington, D.C.,
410
+ the day before the conduct alleged in this federal case. Th e government argued this act showed
411
+ “reckless disregard for the courts.” The government also argued Mr. Sullivan incited others to
412
+ resist police officers’ orders to disperse in an entirely separate, unrelat ed, incident in Oregon.
413
+ The government offered no da te for this Oregon event, only asse rting that it occurred “while he
414
+ was facing” the riot-related char ges in Utah. The government indi cated it was stil l attempting to
415
+ obtain footage related to th is alleged event.
416
+ The government’s proffer simp ly fails to establish a serious risk Mr. Sullivan will
417
+ obstruct justice or attempt to obstruct justice in th e future. The fact that Mr. Sullivan allegedly
418
+ appeared in a Utah state cour t proceeding via internet vide o conference—while in Washington,
419
+ D.C., just before becoming involved in the fede ral offense alleged—does not stand as evidence
420
+ of an attempt or willingness to obstruct justice. As Mr. Sullivan ’s counsel pointed out, all recent
421
+ hearings in the state court system in Utah have been held via in ternet video conference, due to
422
+ the coronavirus pandemic. The allegation that Mr. Sullivan might have incited others to resist
423
+ police officers in a separate Oregon event adds little to inquiry. These alle gations are insufficient
424
+ to meet the government’s burden of establishing § 3142(f)(2)(B) a pplies in this case, even by a
425
+ preponderance of the evidence, let alone by clea r and convincing evidence. And this was the
426
+ only proffer made in support of th is threshold question.
427
+ After the court declined to continue the detention hearing on the grounds that the
428
+ government failed to first es tablish the case even qualified for a detention hearing, the
429
+ government asked the court to de lay its threshold determination, but to detain Mr. Sullivan
430
+ during this delay. The court in vited the government to provide any legal authority allowing the Case 2:21-mj-00014-DAO Document 8 Filed 01/15/21 PageID.39 Page 4 of 5 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 22 of 265 temporary detention of a defendant when the th reshold for holding a detention hearing has not
431
+ been met. The government declined to do so. The government also asked the court to stay its
432
+ release order. The court declin ed to do so, finding that where the government failed to even
433
+ meet the threshold for a dete ntion hearing, it could not de tain Mr. Sullivan pending the
434
+ government’s appeal.
435
+ CONCLUSION
436
+ Where the government failed to establish, as a threshold matter, that this case meets the
437
+ preconditions in § 3142(f) for holding a detention hearing, the court must release Mr. Sullivan.
438
+ The release conditions can be found in a separate or der. As stated at th e hearing, the government
439
+ is invited to file a detention moti on in an attempt to meet its burden to establish the threshold for
440
+ a detention hearing. In addition, defense c ounsel is invited to fi le any motion to amend
441
+ conditions of release, if needed. DATED this 15
442
+ th day of January, 2021.
443
+ BY THE COURT:
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+
445
+ Daphne A. Oberg United States Magistrate Judge
446
+
447
+ Case 2:21-mj-00014-DAO Document 8 Filed 01/15/21 PageID.40 Page 5 of 5 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 23 of 26
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+
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+
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+ EXHIBIT B Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 24 of 26From:  John  Sullivan  < >
451
+ Sent:  Monday,  February  1, 2021  8:55  AM
452
+ To: Insurgence  USA Members  < >; Event  List < >
453
+ Subject:  Pack  The Courtroom
454
+  
455
+ CAUTION:  This email  originated  from  outside  of  email  system.  Do not click  links  or open  attachments  unless
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+ you recognize  the sender  and know  the content  is safe.
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+  
458
+ Hey All, 
459
+  I
460
+  appreciate  the continued  support  over  the months  today,  Feb 1st, 2021.  They  are trying  to
461
+ imprison  me for crimes  I did not commit  at the United  States  Capitol.  I was there  a Journalists
462
+ expressing  my 1st amendment  rights  to document  the historic  and tragic  point  in our nation's
463
+ history.  Help  me fight  for the rights  of our freedom  of the press.
464
+  
465
+ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
466
+ abridging the freedom of speech, or the press;
467
+  Please
468
+  show  your  support  by packing  the courtroom  today. 
469
+  
470
+ Join ZoomGov Meeting
471
+ https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16013932932?pwd=TkZCbFNnaENOTzU3N3JDWWd4
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+
473
+ Meeting ID: 160 Passcode: One tap mobile+166925452+166921615
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+
475
+ Dial by your location
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+ +1 669 254 US (San Jose)
477
+ +1 669 216 US (San Jose)
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 25 of 26 +1 551 285 US
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+ +1 646 828 US (New York)
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+ Meeting ID: 160
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+ Passcode:
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+  
483
+  
484
+ Thanks,
485
+ John  Sullivan
486
+ Phone:  
487
+ Email:  
488
+ Website:  
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+ Insurgence  USA:  
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+ -- 
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+ You received  this message  because  you are subscribed  to the Google  Groups  "Event  List"  group.
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+ To unsubscribe  from  this group  and stop  receiving  emails  from  it, send  an email  to
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 6 Filed 02/04/21 Page 26 of 26
02-09-23 - NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Rebekah Lederer appearing for USA..txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ v. :
8
+ :
9
+ : Case No. 21-CR-78 (RCL)
10
+ :
11
+ JOHN SULLI VAN, :
12
+ :
13
+ Defendant. :
14
+
15
+ NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE
16
+
17
+
18
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for
19
+ the District of Columbia, informs the Court that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rebekah
20
+ Lederer will appear , in the above captioned case, as counsel on behalf of the government.
21
+
22
+ Respectfully submitted,
23
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
24
+ United States Attorney
25
+ DC Bar No. 481052
26
+
27
+
28
+ By: /s/ REBEKAH LEDERER
29
+ REBEKAH LEDERER
30
+ Pennsylvania Bar No. 320922
31
+ Assistant United States Attorney
32
+ U.S Attorney’s Office for District of Columbia
33
+ 601 D S t. N.W, Washington, DC 20530
34
+ Tel. No. (202) 252- 7012
35
+ Email: rebekah.lederer@usdoj.gov Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 85 Filed 02/09/23 Page 1 of 2CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
36
+
37
+ On this 9th day of February 2023, a copy of the foregoing was served upon all parties listed on
38
+ the Electronic Case Filing (ECF) System.
39
+
40
+ /s/ REBEKAH LEDERER
41
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 85 Filed 02/09/23 Page 2 of 2
02-10-22 - NOTICE Memorandum Regarding Status of Discovery by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,578 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ : CRIMINAL NO. 1:21 -cr-00078- EGS
7
+ v. :
8
+ :
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN :
10
+ :
11
+ Defendant. :
12
+
13
+ UNITED STATES’ MEMORANDUM
14
+ REGARDING STATUS OF DISCOVERY AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 202 2
15
+
16
+ The United States files this memorandum for the purpose of describing the status of
17
+ implementation of our Capitol Siege1 global discovery plan, i.e., our plan for producing or
18
+ making accessible to all defense teams voluminous data collected by the government in relation
19
+ to the Capitol Siege investigation, so they may identify information they deem relevant.2 Under
20
+
21
+ 1 The “Capitol Siege” refers to the events of January 6, 2021, when thousands of individuals
22
+ entered the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol grounds without authority, halting the Joint Session
23
+ and the entire official proceeding of Congress for hours until the United States Capitol Police (“USCP”), the Metropolitan Police D epartment (“MPD”), and other law enforcement agencies
24
+ from the city and surrounding region were able to clear the Capitol of rioters and to ensure the safety of elected officials.
25
+ 2 By way of illustration, the data subject to the global discovery plan includes items such as:
26
+ 1. Investigations into all allegations of officer misconduct arising out of January 6, 2021 (regardless of whether sustained);
27
+ 2. Thousands of hours of surveillance footage from the USCP, MPD, the U nited States
28
+ Secret Service (“USSS”), and the Senate and House floors, and body- worn -camera
29
+ (“BWC”) footage from multiple law enforcement agencies that responded on January 6, 2021;
30
+ 3. Radio transmissions for multiple law enforcement agencies that responded on January 6, 2021;
31
+ 4. Location history data for thousands of devices that connected to the Capitol’s cellular network infrastructure, or whose presence within the restricted perimeter was captured in records obtained from Google and multiple data aggregation companies;
32
+ 5. Thousands of tips;
33
+ 6. Relevant materials from other subjects’ case files, including results of searches of digital devices, Stored Communications Act (“SCA”) accounts, and interviews of
34
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 1 of 202
35
+ our global discovery plan , the data that is being made accessible to all defendants far exceeds the
36
+ information to which any defendant is entitled under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16, the
37
+ Jencks act, or our Brady obligations.3 We are making such vast quantities of data available due
38
+ to the unique circumstances of this matter, i.e., literally hundreds of similar crimes being
39
+ committed in the same place contemporaneously.
40
+ This memorandum addresses the status of:
41
+ 1. Production of voluminous amounts of video to the Federal Public Defender (“FPD”)
42
+ instance of evidence.com (access available since October 18, 2021), and the multiple
43
+ tools the government has provided to assist the def ense in locating footage they may
44
+ consider relevant;
45
+ 2. The ability of inmates housed in the D.C. Department of Corrections (“DOC”) to
46
+ access those same materials through a separate DOC instance of evidence.com
47
+ (beginning as of February 4, 2022) ;
48
+ 3. Voluminous documents produced since our last status memorandum dated November
49
+ 5, 2021;
50
+ 4. The ability of legal defense teams to obtain access to FPD’s Relativity workspace
51
+ (beginning as of January 21, 2022) , and the current contents of that database;
52
+ 5. Manner of production of voluminous documents in view of defense counsel access to
53
+ Relativity (beginning as of February 3, 2022);
54
+ 6. Plans for a n e-discovery room in the DOC;
55
+ 7. Access by inmates to laptops made available through the DOC’s e -discovery
56
+ program;
57
+ 8. Access to voluminous discovery by pro se defendants;
58
+ 9. Challenges we are overcoming ; and
59
+ 10. Our plan for certain trials that may proceed before our discovery plan is substantially
60
+ executed.
61
+
62
+ ***
63
+
64
+
65
+ other subjects, witnesses, tipsters and victims (redacted o f identifying information as
66
+ appropriate); and
67
+ 7. All reports and exhibits related to allegations of officer misconduct or complicity on
68
+ January 6, 2021.
69
+
70
+ 3 Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 2 of 203
71
+ 1. Status of Production of Video Footage to FPD Instance of Evidence.com
72
+ Since our last status memorandum describing the status of discovery (dated November 5,
73
+ 2021) , the following video footage has been shared to the defense instance of evidence.com and
74
+ is accessible to any Capitol Siege defense counsel who requests a license from FPD :
75
+ 1. 1,063 files consisting of approximately 714 hours of BWC footage recorded by 675
76
+ MPD officers.
77
+ 2. 104 files consisting of approximately 102 hours of BWC and pole cam era footage
78
+ recorded by approximately 54 Arlington County Police Department (“ACPD”)
79
+ officers
80
+
81
+ At this juncture, just over 24,000 files consisting of USCP closed circuit video (“CCV”)
82
+ footage , BWC from multiple law enforcement agencies, and USSS surveillance footage have
83
+ been made available to the defense instance of ev idence.com. For context, t he files provided via
84
+ evidence.com amount to over nine terabytes of information and would take 102 days to view .
85
+ Accordingly, s olely to assist Capitol Siege defense teams in identifying video files they may
86
+ consider relevant in specific cases, we have also produced the following analytical and mapping
87
+ tools, all of which comprise substantial government work product:
88
+ 1. MPD Radio Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”) Spreadsheet : The Discovery Team
89
+ learned th at radios provided to MPD officers by the D.C. Office of Unified
90
+ Communications (“OUC”) provide GPS location data when four or more satellites are
91
+ visible to the radio. Under these circumstances, the data is transmitted: (1) every ten
92
+ minutes; (2) when there is an emergency activation on the radio; and (3) each time an
93
+ officer pushes the button to talk over the radio. The Discovery Team obtained MPD radio GPS records for January 6, 2021 and created a spreadsheet of data that may be
94
+ plotted on a time -scaled map using commercially available GPS mapping software.
95
+ In many instances, the subscriber alias for a radio is an individual officer’s Computer Aided Dispatch (“CAD”) number and last name. Since MPD BWC footage in
96
+ evidence.com is also frequently saved under an officer’s CAD number and name , a
97
+ particular officer’s radio location information can be used to search for BWC footage
98
+ from the same time and location in evidence.com ;
99
+
100
+ 2. BWC Summary Spreadsheet and related zone maps: This 752- page spreadsheet was
101
+ initially created by over sixty individuals as an investigative tool to assist prosecutors
102
+ in locating relevant BWC footage from responding law enforcement agencies including MPD, Montgomery County Police Department, and Fairfax County Police Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 3 of 204
103
+ Department . Wi th respect to over 2,800 BWC video files, the spreadsheet provides:
104
+ (1) the name and CAD number of the officer associated with the video, (2) the video
105
+ start time, (3) a short summary of notable events observed by the reviewer including potential crimes observed and the time the camera appears to enter the Capitol, if any; and (4) the apparent location of the camera between noon and midnight, using 15-
106
+ minute periods of duration. The locations identified correspond to zone maps that
107
+ section the interior of the Capitol, the Lower West Terrace, and the Capitol Grounds
108
+ into smaller areas ;
109
+
110
+ 3. USSS video spreadsheet : The Discovery Team created a spreadsheet containing the
111
+ filenames/titles, starting times, video length, and date of USSS video ;
112
+
113
+ 4. 15 camera maps of the interior of Capitol Visitor’s Center and the interior of the Capitol , and one camera map of the Capitol grounds. The maps depict the general
114
+ location of the cameras that are identified by unique number in each USCP CCV video filename ;
115
+
116
+ 5. ACPD spreadsheet: The Discovery Team created a spreadsheet listing start times of handheld camera video from Arlington County Police Department ; and
117
+
118
+ 6. A timeline of events drafted by the USCP , beginning December 16, 2020,
119
+ memorializ ing critical events occurring in advance of and during the Capitol Siege.
120
+
121
+ 2. Status of Access to Evidence.com by Defendants Housed in the D.C. Department of
122
+ Corrections
123
+
124
+ Through a n unprecedented collaboration among the government, FPD, FPD’s National
125
+ Litigation Support Team (“NLST”), American Prison Data Systems (“APDS”) , the DOC, and
126
+ Axon Enterprise, Inc. (“Axon”), as of February 2, 2022, a separate, stand -alone instance of
127
+ evidence.com has been made available to allow in -custody Capitol Siege defendants who are
128
+ pending trial to view video footage. This DOC instance of evidence.com is a mirror image of the
129
+ FPD instance of evidence.com . The government and FPD have drafted a memorandum of
130
+ understanding describing the contents of the DOC instance , the applicable technical settings, and
131
+ the requirements for inmates to obtain access . In brief, the government will make a request for
132
+ an inmate to gain access to the DOC instance of evidence.com once the assigned prosecutor Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 4 of 205
133
+ notifies the Capitol Siege Discovery Unit Chief that one of the following three things has
134
+ occurred:
135
+ 1. The inmate has signed Attachment A to the protective order;
136
+ 2. The inmate has stated on the record in court that s/ he has read the protective order,
137
+ reviewed it with his/her attorney, understands the protective order, and agrees to
138
+ abide by it; or
139
+ 3. (a) A defense attorney has represented to the assigned prosecutor in writing that they have reviewed the protective order w ith their client and have been authorized to sign
140
+ Attachment A on their client’s behalf; and (b) the defense attorney also agrees that at
141
+ the next scheduled hearing in which the client is present, s/he will put on the record that s/he signed Attachment A on the client’s behalf after reviewing the protective order with him or her.
142
+
143
+ Based upon information provided by APDS, as of February 9, 2022, twenty Capitol Siege
144
+ inmates should have received access to evidence.com over their APDS educational tablets.
145
+ 4 As
146
+ of today, a ssigned prosecutors are still waiting for defense counsel who represent an additional
147
+ fifteen Capitol Siege defendants to confirm their respective client’s agreement to abide by the
148
+ terms of the protective order.
149
+ 3. Status of Production of Documents to Date
150
+ Global productions made to defense counsel since November 5, 2021 ( Global Production
151
+ Nos. 8 to 11) have continued to focus on materials most fre quently requested by defendants and
152
+ include items (in addition to some of the tools referenced above) such as :
153
+ 1. Two new USCP Office of Professional Responsibility (“OPR”) reports and 16
154
+ associated exhibits ;
155
+ 2. Forty additional exhibits to previously produced USCP OPR repor ts;
156
+ 3. One hundred sixty- two USCP Use of Force reports and exhibits ;
157
+ 4. A collection of MPD Use of Force reports and exhibits ;
158
+ 5. Sixty -five video files of the Capitol Siege recorded by MPD’s Electronic Surveillance
159
+ Unit and six related reports ;
160
+ 6. Ten video files of footage from the Senate floor from the Senate Recording Studio;
161
+ 7. Ten video files of footage from the House floor from the House Recording Studio;
162
+ 8. Sixty -four audio recordings of Virginia State Police radio communications ;
163
+
164
+ 4 Although APDS attempted to make the link accessible on February 4, there were technological
165
+ issues. As of February 9, we understand that those issues have been resolved. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 5 of 206
166
+ 9. Eight audio files of USCP radio communications and conference bridge ;
167
+ 10. A redacted transcript of the USCP Dignitary Protection Detail radio channel ;
168
+ 11. 18,484 anonymous tips received by MPD ;
169
+ 12. Documents relevant the interstate commerce element of charged offenses ; and
170
+ 13. USSS files related to Vice President Elect Kamala Harris and Vice President Michael
171
+ Pence’s whereabouts on January 6, 2021.
172
+
173
+ These materials are substantial . For example, the exhibits to USCP OPR and MPD U se of F orce
174
+ reports described above include approximately 94 audio- recorded interviews of officers and
175
+ witnesses (35 USCP OPR interviews and 59 MPD use of force interviews).
176
+ 4. Access to FPD Relativity Workspac e
177
+ On Friday, January 21, 2022, FPD circulated instructions to defense attorneys on how to
178
+ gain access to the FPD Relativity workspace. Capitol Siege defense attorneys were advised that
179
+ since the Relativity database is in a FedRAMP,5 secure environment, completing the process for
180
+ obtaining access is time -consuming for FPD and its vendor . Thus, counsel should expect the
181
+ process for gaining access to the database to take at least four to five business days from when
182
+ counsel first submit s a Relativity License Request Form.
183
+ 5. Manner of Production Going Forward
184
+ Approximately two weeks after Capitol Siege defense counsel were notified to apply for
185
+ Relativity access, and after providing ample notice to defense counsel, the Discovery Team
186
+ began making its global productions directly to the defense Relativity workspace and
187
+ discontinue d the practice of making voluminous productions via USAfx.6 Using a defense
188
+
189
+ 5 The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) was established in
190
+ 2011 to provide a cost -effective, risk -based approach for the adoption and use of cloud services
191
+ by the federal government. FedRAMP empowers agencies to use modern cloud technologies,
192
+ with an emphasis on security and protection of federal information.
193
+
194
+ 6 We expect prosecutors will continue use USAfx to make productions in individual cases.
195
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 6 of 207
196
+ Relativity workspace to receive materials produced by the government in discovery will have
197
+ several benefits for defense teams, including but not limited to avoiding any challenges they may
198
+ have experienced in downloading large productions from USAfx.7 They will no longer need to
199
+ download productions to review them, as the materials will already be available for review in the
200
+ database. Additional benefits will include the ability to perform keyword searches across the
201
+ materials in the database, including searches of audio and video that has been “machine”
202
+ transcribed.8 Also, within the database, materials that are linked to each other (e.g., a report and
203
+ multiple exhibits), will be easily identified as connected to eac h other for reviewing purposes,
204
+ even if the materials were not initially provided in the same discovery production.9 Notably,
205
+ many of the materials we will be providing, such as thousands of tips or the results of searches of
206
+ other defendants’ devices and SCA accounts, would be of little value if produced in any other
207
+ manner. In addition to the fact that they would likely exceed the capacity of our file transfer
208
+ system or defense downloading capabilitie s – and thus require an enormous number of storage
209
+ devices to be provided in every single case – there would be no way to search the contents
210
+ universally.
211
+
212
+ 7 USAfx is merely a tool for file transfer using the Internet, while Relativity is an online search
213
+ and review database. USAfx is not an optimal nor in many cases even a workable manner of
214
+ transferring extremely large volumes of data.
215
+
216
+ 8 Machine transcription is an imperfect tool that is intended to assist defense teams in locating
217
+ relevant information. On high- quality audio files (e.g., equivalent to a deposition or court
218
+ hearing), machine -transcription is more accurate than on audio files that contain background
219
+ noise or in which the speakers are not clearly enunciating (e.g., cell phone videos, custodial interviews, radio communications, voicemails).
220
+
221
+ 9 In e-discovery parlance, linked documents (such as a report and exhibits, or an email and
222
+ attachments), are also known as a document “family.”
223
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 7 of 208
224
+ Defendants will not be provided access to the FPD Relativity workspace , given the
225
+ extensive volume of highly sensitive materials currently therein and those that we will produce in
226
+ the future . Pursuant to the protective order issued in Capitol Siege cases, defense counsel may
227
+ not permit defendant s to view such materials unsupervised by defense counsel or an attorney,
228
+ investigator, paralegal, or support staff person employed by defense counsel .10 By way of
229
+ illustration, highly sensitive materials currently in the database include allegations about officers’
230
+ use of force or complicity with rioters (even if ultimately not sustained ), and CCV camera maps
231
+ of the Capitol and grounds containing information that , if further disclosed, could negatively
232
+ impact the security of the U.S. Capitol. In the future, such materials will grow to include
233
+ relevant materials derived from searches of subjects’ digital devices and social media accounts ;
234
+ interviews with defendants, tipsters , witnesses , and victims ; background information
235
+ accumulated about investigation subjects; and financial , communications, and travel records
236
+ pertaining to investigation subjects that may bear little or no relevance to most other defendants.
237
+ Notably, such information may pertain to subject s who are not currently and who may never be
238
+ charged.
239
+ Of course, we will continue to notify the defense of materials have been added to the
240
+ FPD Relativity workspace so that counsel and defendants may collaborate to identify any
241
+ materials a defendant should review in a particular case. Subject to the protective order, defense
242
+ counsel can share such documents with their respective clients through a variety of mechanisms
243
+
244
+ 10 The protective order places the burden of demonstrating need for protection on the
245
+ government, and it gives the assigned prosecutor ample flexibility to negotiate sensitivity
246
+ designations and redactions with respect to individual document s in specific cases. It further
247
+ permits defendants to contest any sensitivity designation when no agreement may be reached.
248
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 8 of 209
249
+ including Internet -based file transfer systems or traditional storage devices, such as hard drives,
250
+ flash drives, and discs.11
251
+ At this juncture, the defense Relativity workspace contains Global Productions 8 to 11,
252
+ and portions of Global Production No. 2 (all of which were already made accessible to defense
253
+ teams via USAfx ). We are in the process of transferring Global Production Nos. 1 through 7 to
254
+ the defense Relativity workspace and anticipate that process will be completed this week.
255
+ Among the materials the government expects to provide in the near future are:
256
+ 1. The remainder of discoverable documents we received from the USCP and MPD in
257
+ response to requests by the Discovery Team.12
258
+
259
+ 2. Over 900 records pertaining to Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) interviews of
260
+ law enforcement officers. These records are currently being redacted to remove information such as officer’s personal telephone numbers ;
261
+
262
+ 3. Search warrant documents related to the FBI’s collection of: (a) cell tower data from
263
+ Verizon, AT&T, and T -Mobile/Sprint ; (b) Google account subscriber information and
264
+
265
+ 11 FPD and i ts vendor are also attempting to determine if it will be possible for defendants to
266
+ view selected materials within the Relativity workspace, utilizing permissions that would ensure the selected materials are viewable only by the relevant client.
267
+
268
+ 12 We have nearly completed our assessment and review of approximately 56,000 records
269
+ provided by the USCP and MPD. Discoverable documents from both data sets continue to be turned over to the defense on a rolling basis. Those discoverable materials not yet produced will
270
+ be shared to the FPD Relativity workspace as soon as the on- going review and redaction process
271
+ is completed.
272
+ Of approximately 22,000 MPD records we received, we determined that approximately 19,300 were unique (not duplicates) and needed review. Of those , approximately 18,200 have been
273
+ reviewed and deemed discoverable – they are now in the redaction process. There are still approximately 1,000 MPD records undergoing review. The remainder have been deemed not discoverable.
274
+ Of approximately 34,000 USCP records we received, we removed a large number of files from the review process because: (1) they consisted of unscoped digital devices or social media accounts, or (2) they were duplicative. At this juncture, of the remaining approximately 13,200 documents, approximately 3,000 documents are still undergoing review, and approximately 4,200 are in the process of being redacted.
275
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 9 of 2010
276
+ location data from the Capitol and restricted perimeter , i.e., the Google geofence
277
+ warrants; (c) anonymized location data collected by ten data aggregation companies ;
278
+ and (d) basic subscriber information for Facebook/Instagram accounts linked to the
279
+ anonymized advertising identifiers obtained pursuant to the data aggregation
280
+ warrants. These materials are currently being redacted to remove law enforcement
281
+ sensitive infor mation, for example, the precise location of cellular network
282
+ infrastructure that provide d cellular service to the Capitol on January 6, 2021;
283
+
284
+ 4. Archived Parler13 posts and comments from around the period of January 6, 2021,
285
+ hosted by the Internet Archive Project and retrieved by the FBI ; and
286
+ 5. Videos scraped from Parler that were deemed potentially relevant to the Capitol Siege after the FBI’s review of thousands of videos from a two- week period encompassing
287
+ January 6, 2021.
288
+ Finally, we currently have a surge team reviewing for discoverability and sensitivity an
289
+ additional 26,000 FBI documents that were previously loaded into our Relativity database.
290
+ Relevant documents will be provided after appropriate redactions are completed .
291
+ 6. Status of Access to Documents in Defense Team Relativity Workspace by Inmates
292
+ Housed in the D.C. Depart ment of Corrections
293
+
294
+ We continue to collaborate with FPD and DOC with respect to the creation of an e-
295
+ discovery room in the Correctional Treatment Facility in which Capitol Siege defendants can
296
+ access materials pro vided to them by counsel from the defense team Relativity workspace . The
297
+ government and FPD’s vendors have worked together to establish a plan for production options
298
+
299
+ 13 Parler is social media website that was used by some individuals to coor dinate in advance of
300
+ the Capitol Siege. See, e.g., Timberg, Craig and Harwell, Drew, “ Pro-Trump f orums e rupt with
301
+ violent t hreats ahead of Wednesday’s r ally against the 2020 e lection , The Washington Post, (Jan.
302
+ 5, 2021), https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/05/parler -telegram -violence- dc-
303
+ protests/ ; Frenkel, Sheera , The Storming of Capitol Hill was O rganized on S ocial M edia, The
304
+ N.Y. Times , (Jan. 6, 2021), https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/protesters -storm -
305
+ capitol -hill-building.html . Parler went offline on January 10, 2021, when Amazon Web Services
306
+ canceled its hosting services. See Room, Tony and Lerman, Rachel, “ Amazon suspends Parler,
307
+ taking pro- Trump site offline indefinitely , The Washington Post, (Jan. 11, 2021),
308
+ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/09/amazon- parler -suspension/ . Concerned
309
+ that Parler was going to be taken offline, the government attempted to collect and preserve publicly available Parler posts, comments , and videos through a variety of methods .
310
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 10 of 2011
311
+ and formats for detained defendants . Broadly , the options under consideration would allow
312
+ counsel to share productions to detained defendants in one of two ways:
313
+ 1. An HTML production format that would provide a “CSV”14 file with metadata fields
314
+ and links to the documents for review . The CSV file would also contain a column in
315
+ which inmates could make notes about individual documents and send them back to
316
+ counsel for review. The CSV would be delivered to inmates on a storage device or
317
+ via a file transfer program.
318
+
319
+ 2. Productions could be viewed within the Relativity workspace in the manner being
320
+ considered per footnote 11 .
321
+
322
+ Fifteen laptop computers that FPD ordered to support the proposed program are in transit to
323
+ FPD. The government, FPD and DOC have made significant progress on a memorandum of
324
+ understanding that will govern each party’s duties and responsibilities in relation to such a
325
+ program.
326
+ The implementation of this solution has met with some delays recently, in part due to the
327
+ need to identify individuals who would be willing to staff the room. Under the agreement in
328
+ principle, FPD will be responsible for providing necessary staffing of an e-discovery room . At a
329
+ bare minimum, staff will be responsible for assigning computers for review and ensuring defendants are able to access the relevant programs.
330
+ 15 Finding staff with the requisite computer
331
+ skills who are willing to work full -time in a correctional setting is challenging, and that challenge
332
+ is further exacerbated by the existence of the COVID -19 pandemic. In any event, even if staff
333
+ were currently available, it is questionable whether the program could have been made accessible
334
+
335
+ 14 A CSV (comma -separated values) file is a text file that has a specific format which allows data
336
+ to be saved in a table structured format. It can be opened in a wide variety of programs and is
337
+ commonly opened in Microsoft Excel and appears as a spreadsheet.
338
+
339
+ 15 Ideally, such staff would be able to provide additional support including troubleshooting issues
340
+ with computers and assistance with accessing and reviewing productions.
341
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 11 of 2012
342
+ to larg e groups of inmates in recent months . Pursuant to medical stay -in-place protocols issued
343
+ December 22, 2021, the DOC has suspended all in- person small group activities and volunteer
344
+ services in the effort to combat the spread of COVID -19.16
345
+ 7. Status of Access to Laptops Through DOC’s E -Discovery Program
346
+ In the interim, the DOC’s e -discovery laptop program has presented inmates with a
347
+ reasonable alternative for viewing voluminous documentation. As described in our prior
348
+ submissions, there are over 20 com puters in the DOC’s e -discovery program, and inmates may
349
+ keep them for up to two weeks at a time once they are eligible. Based on the most recent version of the laptop waitlist (dated February 4, 2022), it appears there are approximately 18 -22 inmates
350
+ on the waitlist, and 14 of them were added no earlier than January 21, 2022.
351
+ 8. Pro Se Defendants
352
+ The government and FPD continue to collaborate about a discovery plan for pro se
353
+ defendants. Currently, s ubject to the terms of the protective order, standby counsel can use their
354
+ own license s for the FPD instance of evidence.com to share videos with non- detained pro se
355
+ defendants , and detained pro se defendants can view video in the DOC instance . As we have
356
+ previously made defense counsel aware, we ha ve agreed to waive the requirement that a
357
+ defendant be supervised while reviewing highly s ensitive video in cases where access is
358
+ provided through evidence.com and:
359
+ 1. A protective order has been entered in the relevant case;
360
+ 2. The defendant has executed the written acknowledgement to the protective order (or
361
+ been subject to an equivalent admonishment by the Court) ; and
362
+ 3. The ability of the defendant to download or reshare is suppressed by counsel before
363
+ the video is shared to the defendant .
364
+
365
+
366
+ 16 We understand that the DOC imminently intends to revert to the modified stay -in-place
367
+ protocols that w ere in effect prior to December 22, 2021. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 12 of 2013
368
+ For the reasons elaborated in part 5 above, the government will not agree to providing
369
+ pro se defendants unfettered access to FPD’s Relativity workspace. However , prosecutors
370
+ assigned to pro se case will share production indexes with both defendants and their standby
371
+ counsel . Standby counsel should discuss the materials on the production index with the pro se
372
+ defendant , and subject to the protective order, s/he can share any materials requested utilizing the
373
+ same mechanisms available to represented defendants described above. Further, i n those
374
+ instances where a pro se defendant wishes to view highly sensitive documents, standby counsel
375
+ or his/her staff must supervise the defendant unless: (1) the defendant and the assigned
376
+ prosecutor are able to reach a suitable compromise or (2) the Court orders otherwise.
377
+ 9. Challenge s We Are Overcoming
378
+ In November, we projected that by the end of January 2022, we would provide the
379
+ discoverable portions of several hundred thousand FBI records. We were unable to meet this goal for several reasons. Our plan was to identify a ll data in the FBI’s case management system
380
+ associated with any Capitol Siege investigation subject , and then export that data for review in
381
+ Relativity ( after culling it of any material arguably protected by Federal Rule of Criminal
382
+ Procedure 6(e) ). Our request to e xtract this volume of data from the FBI’s case management
383
+ system was unprecedented. A n FBI data scientist worked closely with the developers of the
384
+ FBI’s case management system to create a technological solution that would identify the relevant case materials and export the data for uploading to Relativity. In November 2021, we
385
+ understood that the technological solution had been suc cessfully deployed, and we expected to
386
+ receive over 400,000 documents for further discovery processing at about that time. Upon subsequent review of the export, however, our technology experts recognized that the solution developed was not as successful as originally believed. Although the materials were identified Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 13 of 2014
387
+ and exported, they were no longer organized in any logical fashion, i.e., by individual
388
+ investigation and in chronological order. As a result, the government was r equired to develop
389
+ additiona l technological solutions to ensure that documents were associated to appropriate case
390
+ files and properly sequenced before they were loaded to Relativity . This was an iterative process
391
+ that took time. Efforts to move quickly were also frustrated by COVID -related quarantines and
392
+ snowstorms that limited access of key personnel to the technology labs necessary to complete
393
+ their work. As a result of all the above, this entire process took far longer than was originally anticipated.
394
+ Ultimately, approximately 380,000 documents from the FBI’s case management system
395
+ were delivered to Deloitte on February 7, 2022.
396
+ 17 Given the volume of material, it may take up
397
+ to ten days for it to finish being uploaded. Once the se materials complete uploading, they will
398
+ require in -depth analysis and customization so that they may be produced to the FPD database in
399
+ a standardized for mat, vastly facilitating future searching and review by defense teams . This
400
+ process is required prior to any human review and is expected to take an additional several
401
+ weeks. During this same period, we will also leverage Relativity’s analytical tools to deduplicate
402
+ files, potentially eliminating thousands of documents from the need for any further review . (A
403
+ highly preliminary review suggests that approximately one -third to one -half of the documents
404
+ may be duplicative in nature .) During this time, w e also expect to identify certain types of
405
+ documents that may be “bulk- coded” as for production without the need for additional human
406
+
407
+ 17 An additional 50,000 documents that were contained in results of searches for materials
408
+ potentially protected by Rule 6(e) will be separately delivered directly to the government for
409
+ review. Based on recent experience, our search terms were intentionally designed to be
410
+ overinclusive and we expect that a sizeable portion of these materials will be sent to our
411
+ Relativity database.
412
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 14 of 2015
413
+ review. Once the remaining materials are ready for human review, we have a surge staffing plan
414
+ in place to perform review and redact ions, and to quality -check proposed productions.18
415
+ Another challenge we continue to confront is our plan to provide defense teams the
416
+ ability to view materials scoped from other subjects’ devices and SCA accounts, as well as law -
417
+ enforcement recorded interviews of other investigation subjects . As of today, we have provided
418
+ over 900 items in these categories to Deloitte for ingestion into the government’s Relativity
419
+ database. Processing and loading these materials is complicated because there are no cookie -
420
+ cutter solution s that may be applied to all devices and interview s. There is a wide variability in
421
+ the format of results obtained from searches o f digital devices and SCA account s. Similarly,
422
+ subject interviews were recorded in proprietary player formats unique to the recording devices
423
+ used. All this data require s thoughtful examination and decision- making to ensure it will be
424
+ accessible, organized, and searchable once it is loaded to FPD’s Relativity database . In addition,
425
+ we are providing assigned prosecutors a short timeframe to verify there are no security concerns
426
+ with the production of such items to a global database . At this juncture, a lmost 300 such items
427
+ have been uploaded to the government’s Relativity database, and we expect to begin providing
428
+ them to FPD ’s Relativity database shortly. We are continuing to process and upload such items
429
+ on a rolling basis.
430
+ 10. Short -Term Discovery Plan for Certain Trials
431
+ The events of January 6 were historic, not only because they represented the first time
432
+ that American citizens had stormed the Capitol, but because the amount of information and
433
+
434
+ 18 The extracted FBI case files discussed above represent the FBI’s Capitol Siege case files as of
435
+ approximately September 2021. The lessons learned from this first extraction have led to
436
+ significant improvements in the overall process. We will begin t he next extraction after we
437
+ complete application of the technological solution to the 50,000 documents that were contained in results of searches for materials potentially protected by Rule 6(e). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 15 of 2016
438
+ evidence involved is unprecedented. As d efendants are in a better position to determine what
439
+ evidence they believe is exculpatory and will help in their defense, we maintain that our plan – to
440
+ provide the defense with all data that may contain such information, but in a m anner that will
441
+ facilitate search, retrieval, sorting, and management of that information – continues to be
442
+ reasonable and appropriate .19 Notwithstanding the challenges arising from organizing and
443
+
444
+ 19 The government’s approach is also consistent with the Recommendations for Electronically
445
+ Stored Information (ESI) Discovery Production developed by the Department of Justice and
446
+ Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Joint Working Group on Electronic Technology in the Criminal Justice System. See https://www.j ustice.gov/archives/dag/page/file/913236/download.
447
+ It is also the generally accepted approach for ensuring that arguably exculpatory materials are provided in cases involving voluminous information. Notably, every circuit to address the issue has concluded that,
448
+ where the government has
449
+ provided discovery in a useable format, and absent bad faith such as padding the file with
450
+ extraneous materials or purposefully hiding exculpatory material within voluminous
451
+ materials, the government has satisfied its obligations under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83
452
+ (1963) and progeny. See United States v. Yi, 791 F. App’x 437, 438 (4th Cir. 2020) (“We reject
453
+ as without merit Yi’s argument that fulfillment of the Government’s obligation
454
+ under Brady requires it to identify exculpatory material.”); United States v. Tang Yuk , 885 F.3d
455
+ 57, 86 (2d Cir. 2018) (noting that the “ government’s duty to disclose generally does not include a
456
+ duty to direct a defendant to exculpatory evidence within a larger mass of disclosed evidence”)
457
+ (internal citations omitted); United States v. Stanford, 805 F.3d 557, 572 (5th Cir. 2015) (“ We
458
+ have previously rejected such ‘open file’ Brady claims where the government provided the
459
+ defense with an electronic and searchable database of records, absent some showing that the government acted in bad faith or used the file to obscure exculpatory material.” ); United States v.
460
+ Gray , 648 F.3d 562, 567 (7th Cir. 2011) (“The government is not obliged to sift fastidiously
461
+ through millions of pages (whether paper or electronic). . . [and] is under no duty to direct a
462
+ defendant to exculpatory evidence [of which it is unaware] within a larger mass of disclosed
463
+ evidence.”) (quotation marks and citations omitted); Rhoades v. Henry , 638 F.3d 1027, 1039 (9th
464
+ Cir. 2011) (rejecting Brady claim on the ground that the defendant “points to no authority
465
+ requiring the prosecuti on to single out a particular segment of a videotape, and we decline to
466
+ impose one”); United States v. Warshak, 631 F.3d 266, 297 (6th Cir. 2010) (“ As a general rule,
467
+ the government is under no duty to direct a defendant to exculpatory evidence within a la rger
468
+ mass of disclosed evidence”); United States v. Skilling, 554 F.3d 529, 576 (5th Cir. 2009)(same), aff’d in part, vacated in part, remanded, 561 U.S. 358 (2010); United States v. Pelullo , 399 F.3d
469
+ 197, 212 (3d Cir. 2005) (“ Brady and its progeny . . . i mpose no additional duty on the
470
+ prosecution team members to ferret out any potentially defense -favorable information from
471
+ materials that are so disclosed.”); United States v. Jordan, 316 F.3d 1215, 1253- 54 (11th Cir.
472
+ 2003) (concluding that the defendant’s demand that the government “identify all of the Brady and Giglio material in its possession,” “went far beyond” what the law requires). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 16 of 2017
473
+ producing unprecedented amounts of data that are frequentl y complex in nature, our plan is
474
+ being executed promptly and in good faith. We have produced terabytes of organized and
475
+ searchable data in hundreds of cases and continue to do so as quickly as possible .
476
+ In addition, we have developed a short -term discov ery plan that will enable certain trials
477
+ to proceed before our discovery plan is substantially executed. To be clear, this is not the plan we recommend, nor one that would be workable in multiple cases or complex cases. Time spent executing this plan will reduce resources available to execute the global plan described above. Pursuant to our short -term plan, we will create lists describing substantially all our holdings .
478
+ Defense teams can review the lists to request specific items they believe may be relevant . We
479
+ expect these lists will identify the physical and digital evidence that has been accumulated across
480
+ all Capitol Siege investigations ; and c ategories of potentially discoverable information from
481
+ materials that are in our possession but have not yet been produced in global discovery, e.g., the FBI materials recently provided to Deloitte; small amounts of material from other law
482
+ enforcement agencies that played a role on the Janu ary 6, 2021; damage estimates from the
483
+ Architect of the Capitol; and grand jury transcripts.
484
+ 20
485
+ In addition, pursuant to this plan, assigned prosecutors will ensure that searches based on
486
+ the defendant’s personal and/or device identifiers , as relevant, have been or will be conducted
487
+ within of the following sets of data , as appropriate :
488
+
489
+ 20 If additional materials requested by defense teams are extensive, we will likely need to request
490
+ a continuance and tol ling of the Speedy Trial Act to allow the defense adequate time to prepare
491
+ for trial. This is especially true in the case of requests for the results of multiple other subjects’
492
+ digital devices and SCA accounts that have not yet been scoped for relevant i nformation.
493
+ Further, if the requested materials have not been loaded and organized within our Relativity database yet, they will be turned over in their native format and the defendant will be unable to leverage FPD’s Relativity’s search tools to review t hem.
494
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 17 of 2018
495
+ 1. Cell tower data from Verizon, AT&T, and T -Mobile/Sprint Cell for devices that
496
+ connected to the Capitol’s cellular network infrastructure;
497
+
498
+ 2. Google account subscr iber information and location data from the Capitol and
499
+ restricted perimeter obtained pursuant to the Google geofence warrants;
500
+
501
+ 3. Location data obtained by the FBI from multiple data aggregation companies ;
502
+
503
+ 4. Basic subscriber information and call records obtained pursuant to applications made
504
+ to twelve cell service providers under 18 U.S.C. 2703(d) for devices that, according
505
+ to location data obtained pursuant to the Google geofence warrants , were present
506
+ within the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021;
507
+
508
+ 5. A repository of Archived Parler posts and comments from around the period of
509
+ January 6, 2021, hosted by the Internet Archive Proj ect and retrieved by the FBI ;21
510
+
511
+ 6. A repository of digital media tips maintained by the FBI ; and
512
+ 7. The government’s discovery databases .
513
+
514
+ We will also perform searches of the data described above in response to defense counsel
515
+ requests for materials that we are obligated to produce under Federal Rule Criminal Procedure
516
+ 16, the Jencks Act, and our Brady obligations.
517
+ 22
518
+ Further, prosecutors will ensure that a facial recognition search has been performed
519
+ within a repository of images and video that the FBI continually populates , so that all identifiable
520
+ images of the defendant within that repository a t a time close to trial are produced .
521
+
522
+ 21 Items 1 -4 will never be provided en masse in global discovery because they contain highly
523
+ sensitive personal identifying information for members of Congress, their staff, and law enforcement who were all lawfully present on January 6, 2021, and the process of locating that information and eliminating it from these results continues even today.
524
+
525
+ 22 We will not perform searches for materials that are not required pursuant to the above -
526
+ described obligations. We advise defendants who wish to perform wider -ranging searches to
527
+ wait for the substantial completion of our global discovery plan. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 18 of 2019
528
+ Finally, prosecutors will confirm that FBI case agents conduct searches of FBI databases
529
+ before trial, to ensure that all relevant documents concerning a specific case or any witnesses
530
+ have been identified and produced.
531
+ Conclusio n
532
+ The government has taken it s Capitol Siege discovery obligations seriously from the
533
+ inception of this investigation and has made substantial efforts to produce vast quantities of
534
+ information that is varied and frequently complex in nature in hundreds of cases. These efforts have in cluded:
535
+ • Appointing a Capitol Siege Discovery Coordinator in January 2021;
536
+ • Assembling a Capitol Siege Discovery Team consisting of experienced attorneys,
537
+ project managers, and litigation technology professionals;
538
+ • Collecting information from multiple sources involved in the response to and investigation of the Capitol Siege;
539
+ • Collaborating with FPD to develop a standard protective order for Capitol Siege
540
+ cases;
541
+ • Identifying database solutions for making terabytes of video and documents
542
+ accessible to hundreds of defendants;
543
+ • Funding defense databases and obtaining licenses for all Ca pitol Siege defense
544
+ counsel, and collaborating with FPD to execute these solutions;
545
+ • Reviewing specific discovery requests by defense counsel to ensure the appropriate
546
+ materials are prioritized for production;
547
+ • Creating protocols and procedures to ensure that (a) case -specific discovery is
548
+ provided, (b) defendants will receive complete copies of their own unscoped devices and SCA accounts upon request; (c) devices and SCA accounts are systematically filtered for attorney -client communications; (d) relevant s coped digital data and
549
+ custodial interviews will be uploaded to the government’s discovery databases for production to all; and (e) increasing access to discovery by detained defendants.
550
+
551
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 19 of 2020
552
+
553
+ We have now made substantial progress in our effort to provide the defense appropriate
554
+ discovery review platforms for both documents and digital media, to populate those platforms,
555
+ and to use alternative means to provide the most relevant discovery without delay. W e will
556
+ diligently continue to transfer data to our vendor s, process it for production, and make
557
+ productions as expeditiously as possible . As we continue to implement our plan, we will
558
+ continue to file status memoranda with the Court on a regular basis.
559
+ Respectfully submitted,
560
+ MATTHEW M. G RAVES
561
+ United States Attorney
562
+ DC Bar No. 481052
563
+
564
+
565
+
566
+ By: /s/ Emily A. Miller
567
+ Chief, C apitol Siege Discovery Unit
568
+ DC Bar No. 462077
569
+ 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room 5826
570
+ Washington, DC 20530 Emily.Miller2@usdoj.gov (202) 252- 6988
571
+ By: /s/ Candice C. Wong
572
+ CANDICE C. WONG
573
+ Assistant Unite d States Attorney
574
+ DC Bar No. 990903
575
+ 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room 4816 Washington, DC 20530 Candice.Wong@usdoj.gov
576
+ (202) 252 -7849
577
+
578
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 67 Filed 02/10/22 Page 20 of 20
02-15-21 - Initial Discovery Request John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,497 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1 STEVEN R. KIERSH
2
+ ATTORNEY AT LAW
3
+ 5335 WISCONSIN AVENUE, N.W.
4
+ SUITE 440
5
+ WASHINGTON, D.C. 20015
6
+ skiersh@aol.com
7
+ (202) 347 -0200
8
+
9
+ February 15 , 2021
10
+
11
+ Via electronic mail and regular mail
12
+
13
+ Candice Wong, Esquire
14
+ Assistant U.S. Attorney
15
+ 555 4th Street, N.W.
16
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
17
+
18
+ Re: United States v. John Sullivan
19
+ 21-cr-78
20
+
21
+ Dear Ms. Wong:
22
+
23
+ I am writing to memorialize my initial discove ry requests pursuant to
24
+ Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16 and established precedent from this
25
+ jurisdiction and the United States Supreme Court. If I do not h ear back from
26
+ you by March 1, 2021, I will assume all representations made in this letter
27
+ are a ccurate and that any requested materials that have not been provided
28
+ do not exist , and I will prepare for trial accordingly.
29
+
30
+ If the requested materials exist but the government declines to
31
+ provide them based on a theory that they are not discoverable, pl ease let
32
+ me know immediately so I may file appropriate motions in a timely manner.
33
+ In connection with the following requests, I additionally request the
34
+ government take steps immediately to preserve any and all evidence to
35
+ which Mr. Sullivan and I are entitled access to under Rule 16, Brady , or any
36
+ other applicable law.
37
+
38
+ Eyewitness to the Incident
39
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 1 of 13 2 I request the names and contact information of all eyewitnesses to
40
+ the alleged incident. The primary basis for this request is my client’s well -
41
+ settled consti tutional guarantees to due process, a fair trial, confrontation of
42
+ government witnesses, and effective assistance of counse l. In Gregory v.
43
+ United States , 369 F.2d 185, 188 (D.C. 1966): it was held that “Witnesses,
44
+ particularly eyewitnesses, to a crime are the property of neither the
45
+ prosecution nor the defense. Both sides have an equal right and should
46
+ have an equal opportunity, to interview witnesses ” to an alleged crime.
47
+ Moreover, interviews of such witnesses are likely to produce evidence that
48
+ comes w ithin the scope of Brady v. Maryland , 373 U.S. 83 (1963) , and
49
+ Giglio v. United States , 405 U.S. 150 (1972). I n other words, such
50
+ witnesses will likely have some information that is either directly
51
+ exculpatory for my client or diminishes the witnesses’ own credibility and
52
+ reliability. Defense attempts to interview these witnesses are also germane
53
+ to constitutional issues that may arise with regard to their participation in
54
+ identification procedures. Counsel for Mr. Sullivan cannot adequately
55
+ confront the testimony of these witnesses without the opportun ity to
56
+ interview them and use the information from the interviews to fully
57
+ investigate the case.
58
+
59
+ If you believe that identification of government witnesses raises
60
+ legitimate safety and security concerns, please advise me of such so we
61
+ can craft a protective order to address these concerns. If you are not
62
+ willing to disclose the names of witnesses, please advise and provide your
63
+ reasons for denying this request so that this matter may be litigated in a
64
+ timely fashion.
65
+
66
+ Rule 16 Discovery Requests
67
+
68
+ 1. Statements , Rule 16(a)(1)(A) and (B)
69
+
70
+ I request the entirety of any and all statements made by John Sullivan
71
+ to law enforcement agents , state or federal prosecutors, the media or to
72
+ others, as well as information about when , where, and to whom these
73
+ statements were given and where these statements were given. If I do not
74
+ receive any notice of such statements, I will prepare for trial with the
75
+ understanding that none exist.
76
+
77
+ 2. Prior Record , Rule 16(a)(1)(D)
78
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 2 of 13 3 I requ est notice of all prior adjudications and convictions for John
79
+ Sullivan , including the particular dates and offenses involved. If I do no t
80
+ receive notice of prior adjudications or convictions for Mr. Sullivan other
81
+ than those listed in his Pretrial Se rvice Agency Report, I will prepare for trial
82
+ with the understanding that none e
83
+
84
+ 3. Documents , Rule 16(a)(1)(E)
85
+
86
+ I request a copy of all police reports, witness statements, and other
87
+ documents that have been generated by any agent of law enforcement .
88
+ This request includes any MPD and FBI and other agencies who executed
89
+ reports in this case, including but not limited to any and all PD -47s, PD -58s,
90
+ PD-119s, PD -122As, Cobalt records, and other reports and documents
91
+ produced by police in relation to this case. I also request copies of any
92
+ photos or photo arrays that were used for any and all identification of John
93
+ Sullivan , and copies of any notes made by police officers or detectives in
94
+ this case.
95
+
96
+ To the extent that these documents are not yet discoverable because
97
+ they are statements made by prospective government witnesses, pursuant
98
+ to the Rule of Criminal Procedure 16(a)(2), I am requesting that these
99
+ documents be provided if and whe n it is determined that the author or
100
+ witness is not going to be a govern ment witness.
101
+
102
+ 4. Tangible Objects , Rule 16(a)(1)(E)
103
+
104
+ I request a list and opportunity to view any tangible objects or any
105
+ physical evidence involved in this case that are within the possession,
106
+ custody, or control of the government that either are intended for use by the
107
+ government as evidence in chief at trial, woul d be material in preparation
108
+ for John Sullivan’s defense , or were obtained or belong to John Sullivan .
109
+ Pursuant to Rule of Criminal Procedure 16(a)(1)(E),if any of these objects
110
+ exist please inf orm me by March 1 , 2021 so that we can arrange for me to
111
+ view and copy or photograph the objects.
112
+
113
+ Please send me a date as soon as possible when I can come and
114
+ view any evidence obtained during or after the incident, and provide a
115
+ viewing letter authoriz ing counsel and an investigator from my office, John
116
+ Eicher, to inspect all tangible evidence. If a viewing letter is required ,
117
+ please send it now with my name, authorization to bring an investigator Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 3 of 13 4 from my office, John Eicher, and authorization to bring a camera to
118
+ photograph the evidence.
119
+
120
+ 5. Photograph and Videos , Rule 16(a)(1)(E)
121
+
122
+ I request any and all photographs that are in the possession, custody
123
+ or control of the government that either would be material to John Sullivan’s
124
+ defense or intended for use by the government as evidence in chief at trial,
125
+ or were obtained from or belong to John Sullivan .
126
+
127
+ This request also includes any video footage, including from cameras
128
+ owned by MPD (crime and red light) and DDOT (which are operated and
129
+ maintained by MPD, and to which MPD has access), as well as any
130
+ footage that government actors reviewed. This request also includes any
131
+ video footage from MPD District where the defendant was taken, and all
132
+ body worn camera footage that may have captured any portion o f the
133
+ alleged incident, investigation or arrest of my client. As you are aware,
134
+ many cameras loop over footage every 10 to 30 days. I ask that you
135
+ preserve the footage related to this incident immediately.
136
+
137
+ The request includes all Body Worn Camera (BWC ) footage from all
138
+ offices involves in any and all searchers, arrests, and investigations
139
+ associated with this case and/ or labels with the CCN Number associated
140
+ with this case; information that will permit undersigned counsel to identify
141
+ the officer wear ing the BWC; metadata related to any and all BWC footage;
142
+ information from the AUSA’s office and/or MPD specifying any edits or
143
+ redactions made to the footage and the corresponding justifications.
144
+ Please also provide the access logs for the BWC footage fo r any and all
145
+ officers involved in this case.
146
+
147
+ I request copies of any other photographs, including any identification
148
+ procedures, and videos relevant to this incident. If I do not hear from you
149
+ by March 1 , 2021, I will assume that the government does no t possess any
150
+ videos and does not plan to introduce any evidence of a video at trial,
151
+ beyond those I have already received.
152
+
153
+ 6. Tape Recordings , Rule 16(a)(1)(E)
154
+
155
+ There may have been radio communications and/ or cellular phone
156
+ calls or audio recordings made i n connection with this case. I request that Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 4 of 13 5 the government preserve any and all radio communications, phone
157
+ communications and audio recordings, and furnish me with the copy of all
158
+ tape recordings of scout runs, ambulance runs, 911 calls, radio
159
+ transmissi ons, TAC communications, police and ambulance recordings,
160
+ and audio recorded interviews in connection with the incident and John
161
+ Sullivan’s arrest, which are within the possession, custody, or control of the
162
+ government , and which is material to the prepa ration of the defense or are
163
+ intended for use by the government as evidence in chief at trial. I also
164
+ request to be allowed to listen to any existing recorded communications in
165
+ advance of trial and to make a taped copy of any such communications.
166
+ This re quest comes pursuant to Rule 16(a)(1)(E) as well as pursuant to
167
+ Brady v. Maryland , 373 U.S. 83 (1963).
168
+
169
+ It is my position that recorded communications are discoverable in
170
+ advance of trial under Rule 16(a)(1)(C) because the evidence is material
171
+ and relevan t to the preparation of John Sullivan’s defense. I understand
172
+ that it may be the government’s position that certain radio communications
173
+ constitute material covered by Jencks v. United States , 353 U.S. 657
174
+ (1952). To avoid any resultant delay of trial th at may occur in order for me
175
+ to listen to and investigate any last -minute disclosures, I request that you
176
+ provide the recording in advance of trial, and that the government
177
+ immediately provide me with any radio communications being held as
178
+ Jencks material as soon as the government determines that it will not call
179
+ that witness in its case -in-chief.
180
+
181
+ 7. Results/ Reports of Examination and Tests , Rule 16(a)(1)(F)
182
+
183
+ I have received no notice of examination, tests, or experiments
184
+ conducted in this case. Pursuant to Rule 16( a)(1)(F ), please provide me
185
+ with the results and reports relating to each and ever y individual scientific
186
+ test or experiment performed in relation to the alleges incident, including
187
+ but not limited to the testing and examination of any drugs; al l examinations
188
+ and reports of ant medical treatment generated as a result of the alleged
189
+ incident , and any fingerprint or other analysis and/or examination of
190
+ biological matter generated in this case. Please also provide me with the
191
+ authorization to visit and inspect the laboratory at which examinations were
192
+ performe d. Please provide the results/ reports in sufficient time for me to
193
+ incorporate the material into my trial preparation, including the possible
194
+ need to seek alternate testing and/or the assistan ce of an expert to
195
+ examine the material or to testify concerning the material. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 5 of 13 6
196
+ 8. Expert Witness , Rule 16(a)(1)(G)
197
+
198
+ I request the notice of any experts the government may call and the
199
+ written summary of the expert’s testimony that the government intends to
200
+ use during its case in chief at trial. Please include in the summary, the
201
+ expert witness’s name, opinions, the bases and the reasons therefore, and
202
+ the witness’s qualifications. I requ est contact information for each expert
203
+ witness.
204
+
205
+ If I do not receive expert disclosure s consistent with Rule 16 , I will be
206
+ unable to prepare adequately to confront the expert and will move the
207
+ Court to preclude the government from calling the expert.
208
+
209
+ 9. Evidence of Uncharged Alleged Misconduct
210
+
211
+ Please inform me if the gover nment intends to introduce any
212
+ evidence of u ncharged misconduct relating to John Sullivan by February
213
+ 28, 20 21, so that I may file any necessary pre -trial motions. Please provide
214
+ me with a factual proffer of the nature of any uncharged misconduct that
215
+ you intend to introduce at trial . Unless notified otherwise, I will assume that
216
+ the government does not intend to introduce evidence of uncharged
217
+ misconduct under Drew v. Unites States , 331 F.2d 85 (D.C. 1964).
218
+
219
+ 10. Identification Procedures
220
+
221
+ Please provide me with the following information for any
222
+ identifications conducted in th is case: any and all statements made by the
223
+ identifying witness before, during , or after the identification; any statements
224
+ made to the identifying witness before, during, or after the a lleged
225
+ identification; any information regarding false identifications or non -
226
+ identifications; the number of officers present at the time of the
227
+ identification; and the circumstances of the witness’s opportunity to
228
+ observe, like distance, lighting, and any other circumstances relating to the
229
+ reliability of the alleged identification. See Clemons v. United States , 401
230
+ F.2d 1230 (D.C. Cir. 1968).
231
+
232
+ 11. Hearsay Exceptions
233
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 6 of 13 7 I request advance notice of the government’s intention to introduce
234
+ any arguably hearsay or other out -of-court statements in order to allow me
235
+ to have adequate time to prepare a motion to exclude such statements.
236
+ Unless you inform me otherwise, I will prepare for trial with the
237
+ understanding t hat the government does intend not t o introduce any
238
+ hearsay evidence or other statements.
239
+
240
+ Brady Requests
241
+
242
+ I hereby make a general request for exculpatory and impeachment
243
+ information pursuant to Brady v. Maryland , 373 U.S. 83 (1963) and its
244
+ progeny.
245
+
246
+ I also make the followin g specific requests pursuant to Brady , and
247
+ request that the government disclose such information in advance of trial
248
+ so that the defense may investigate, if necessary, and incorporate into its
249
+ preparation for trial;
250
+
251
+ a. All inconsistencies between any acco unts provided by any
252
+ complainant, or inconsistencies or differences between any accounts
253
+ by the complainant and other witnesses;
254
+
255
+ b. any inconsistencies between the descriptio n provided by any
256
+ witnesses related to John Sullivan ;
257
+
258
+ c. any information tending to undermine the reliability of any eyewitness
259
+ accounts or descriptions;
260
+
261
+ d. police bias and credibility information, including source documents,
262
+ about any lawsuits against, findings of misconduct or complaints
263
+ sustained against (including information and source documents about
264
+ any discipline i mposed against) any officers involved in the
265
+ investigation and prosecution of this case, and all adverse credibility
266
+ findings and findings of constitutional violations (including but not
267
+ limited to Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations) involving any of th e
268
+ officers involved in the investigation or prosecution of this case. Given
269
+ the repeated occurrence of the USAO denying such information
270
+ exists only for it to be later uncovered by defense investigation, I
271
+ request a proffer of the steps the USAO has taken to locate this
272
+ information, as well as all source documents. I also request that the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 7 of 13 8 USAO consult the Office of the Attorney General for DC, which
273
+ maintains an independent database of this information.
274
+
275
+ e. police bias and credibility information, including so urce documents,
276
+ about whether any of the officers involved in the investigation and
277
+ prosecution of this case had any complaints, intervention plans,
278
+ lawsuits, or investigations of conduct pending at any point during the
279
+ pendency of this case, including but not limited to the officers
280
+ mentioned above. Given the repeated occurrence of the USAO
281
+ denying such information exists only for it to be later uncovered by
282
+ defense investigation, I request a proffer of the steps the USAO has
283
+ taken to locate this informati on. I request that the USAO consult the
284
+ Office of the Attorney General for DC, which maintains an
285
+ independent database of this information.
286
+
287
+ f. all intervention plans tha t were in place as of January 6 , 2021, or
288
+ which have been imposed since that date for all officers involved in
289
+ this case in any capacity.
290
+
291
+ g. any information that others were arrested or questioned regarding
292
+ this case;
293
+
294
+ h. the identities of and contact information for any witnesses who
295
+ indicate that John Sullivan did not commit the indicted offense, and
296
+ the substance of those witnesses’ statements;
297
+
298
+ i. the identities of and contact information for any witnesses who do not
299
+ fully corroborate the government’s case or who serve to impeach the
300
+ government’s evidence;
301
+
302
+ j. any information tending to show the unrel iability of a government
303
+ witness, or which would tend to discredit the testimony of a
304
+ government witness;
305
+
306
+ k. any evidence of bias for the government or against John Sullvan for
307
+ all civilian and police witnesses, pursuant to Giglio v. United States ,
308
+ 405 U.S. 150 (1972). This includes the full parameters on any benefit,
309
+ or promise of benefit, received by any government witness.
310
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 8 of 13 9 l. any evidence of bias or motive by any witness who have an
311
+ immigration concern which the witness might believe or might have
312
+ believed w ould be favorably affected by government action in this
313
+ case, including but not limited to any conversations which any agent
314
+ of the government, including police, victim advocates, or other staff of
315
+ the U.S.A.O., regarding immigration status or obtaining im migration
316
+ benefits, such as U, T, or S visas, through cooperation with law
317
+ enforcement. See generally Delaware v. Van Arsdall , 475 U.S. 673
318
+ (1986). I request the dates and substances of all statements made
319
+ by either government actors or witnesses regardin g possible
320
+ immigrations issues or benefits;
321
+
322
+ m. any prior bad acts of government, civilian, and police witnesses,
323
+ pursuant to Giles v. Maryland , 386 U.S. 66 (1976), including use of
324
+ false documents for employment or immigration purpose;
325
+
326
+ n. any prior false repor ts pursuant to, including but not limited to , prior
327
+ complaints or reports to the police or enforcement agencies that did
328
+ not result in conviction;
329
+
330
+ o. any prior inconsistent, non -corroborative, or other witness statements
331
+ that will not reflect the witness’s t rial testimony;
332
+
333
+ p. all information in the government’s possession indicating that the
334
+ mental state or capacity of any government witness is below normal
335
+ or is an any way abnormal;
336
+
337
+ q. any evidence that any government witness or informant was under
338
+ the influence of any alcohol, narcotics, or any other substance at the
339
+ time of the incident about which the witness will testify, or that the
340
+ witness’s faculties were impaired in a ny way;
341
+
342
+ r. information concerning any impeachable convictions of any
343
+ government witnesses;
344
+
345
+ s. all information indicating that:1
346
+
347
+
348
+ 1 With respect to the below information, I hereby request the docket numbers,
349
+ dates, and jurisdictions for any and all requested cases. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 9 of 13 10 1. any government witness had a pending juvenile, immigration
350
+ or criminal case at the time of the incident in the present
351
+ case and/or has had such cases since that date;
352
+
353
+ 2. any government witness had a pending schoo l discipli nary
354
+ proceedings a t he time pf the incident in the present case
355
+ and/or has had such cases since that date;
356
+
357
+ 3. any government witness had an arrest, guilty plea, trial, fact -
358
+ finding hearing, sentencing or disposition pending at the time
359
+ of John Sullivan’s arrest and/or since that date;
360
+
361
+ 4. any government witness who was committed or on
362
+ probation, parole, or supervised release in any juvenile or
363
+ adult case at the time of the incident in the present case or
364
+ since that time;
365
+
366
+ 5. any government witness who has now, or h as had, any
367
+ liberty interest that the witness might believe or might have
368
+ believed would be favorably affected by government action;
369
+ and,
370
+
371
+ 6. any deals, promises, or inducements that have been made
372
+ to any government witness in exchange for their testimony;
373
+
374
+ t. any information that any government witness was, has been, or is a
375
+ police informant, from the time of the incident in this case up to and
376
+ including the day(s) of trial. If any witness is or has been an
377
+ informant, I request disclosure of the following inform ation:
378
+
379
+ 1. length and extent of witness’s informant status
380
+
381
+ 2. amounts normally paid to the informant;
382
+
383
+ 3. non-monetary assistance also provided to the informant,
384
+ including but not limited to assistance in avoiding or minimizing
385
+ harm from any pending charges, wheth er the charges existed
386
+ at the time of the offense or any other time through the day of
387
+ trial;
388
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 10 of 13 11 4. all benefits or promises of benefits to an informant or
389
+ statements that a benefit would not be provided to an informant
390
+ without his or her cooperation, whether o r not such a promise
391
+ or threat was fulfilled. “Benefits” refers to any monetary
392
+ compensation, assistance of the prosecutor or the Court
393
+ concerning pending charges against the informant, or any other
394
+ sort of consideration of value;
395
+
396
+ 5. the nature of any such a ssistance provided to the informant in
397
+ the past, including the number of occasions and form of help;
398
+
399
+ u. any evidence of information that tends to even arguable link another
400
+ individual to the crime charged;
401
+
402
+ v. any other information in the possession of the gove rnment that is
403
+ favorable to the defense, whether or not admissible in court, and that
404
+ is material to the issues of guilt and/or punishment.
405
+
406
+ With respect to any of the information requested above, I hereby request
407
+ any reports, records or other documents c ontaining such information. If
408
+ such reports, records or other documents are in the custody, control , or
409
+ possession of the government, they mus t be disclosed to the defense.
410
+
411
+ In carrying out your constitutional mandated Brady obligations, please,
412
+
413
+ 1. Speak to all members of the “prosecution team” ;
414
+ 2. Speak to all employees of the United States Attorney General’s
415
+ Office involved with the case;
416
+ 3. Speak with all police investigators who handled the case;
417
+ 4. Speak to all Victim advocates;
418
+ 5. Review all case files maintained b y your office, not just concerning
419
+ the instant case but any related cases;
420
+ 6. Search all record databases to which you have access for criminal
421
+ records concerning any potential witnesses in this case;
422
+ 7. Ask the FBI, DEA, and Metropolitan Police Department if th ey
423
+ have any relevant files; and
424
+ 8. Examine any pre -sentence reports and probation files relevant to
425
+ the case
426
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 11 of 13 12 The forgoing requests are made pursuant to Brady and its progeny.
427
+ If you disagree with the legality of any of these requests, please let me
428
+ know in writing so that we can litigate the matter before Court.
429
+
430
+ Jencks (Rule 26.2) Requests
431
+
432
+ Please be advised that John Sullivan is requesting prompt disclosure
433
+ of any and all Jencks materials pursuant to R. Crim. P. 26.2. Undersigned
434
+ counsel is aware that the Rule 26.2(a) does not require the government to
435
+ produce such materials until after a witness has testified. Rule 26.29(d),
436
+ however, expressly authorizes the Court to recess proceedings when
437
+ counsel requires time to examine and use the materials provid ed under
438
+ subsection (a). Such a recess wastes valuable court time and resources.
439
+ Thus, unless the government has legitimate concerns about witness safety,
440
+ please disclose any Jencks material well in advance of trial so as to avoid
441
+ any costly delays.
442
+
443
+ Duty to Preserve Discoverable Evidence
444
+
445
+ Please be remind ed of the government’s duty to preserve any
446
+ evidence that is discoverable or that the government is obligated to
447
+ disclose pursuant to Brady and its progeny, including, for example, any
448
+ materials that might yield biological or chem ical evidence.
449
+
450
+ Continuing Duty to Disclose
451
+
452
+ The Duty to disclose under Rule 16 and Brady (and it progeny) is a
453
+ continuing one and the requests stated above are therefore continuous,
454
+ stretching until final disposition of thi s case. Thank you for you r prompt
455
+ attention to these requests.
456
+
457
+ This is a specific and on -going demand for each e very offer of reward
458
+ that was ex tended in this case by any law enfo rcement agency or official or
459
+ prosecutor’ s office.
460
+
461
+ Offer of rewards
462
+
463
+ This request is for the full name, address and contact information for
464
+ each and every p erson who responded to any rewar d that was offered in Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 12 of 13 13 connection with this indictment. . This demand encompasses al l rewards,
465
+ oral and written, regard less of whet her they we re acted up on.
466
+
467
+ This request includes the name and contact information for any
468
+ member of law enforcement or prose cutor’s office which in any manner
469
+ handled the reward
470
+
471
+ Utah state court proceeding
472
+
473
+ Please a dvise me whether the United State s intends to int roduce
474
+ evidence of a pending case in the Utah state court system against John
475
+ Sullivan so that I ma y prep are necessary Moti ons in Limine. I f it is your
476
+ intention to seek admission of the events in U tah, each of the discovery
477
+ requests identified herein rel ated to the pending charge in the District of
478
+ Columbia are he reby adopt ed with respect to the Utah state court case.
479
+
480
+ Plea Offer
481
+
482
+ I am obliged to relay to my client any plea offer the government may
483
+ want to extend to him. Please contact me if any plea offer is to be
484
+ extended.
485
+
486
+ Thank you for your attention to these requests.
487
+
488
+
489
+ Very truly yours,
490
+
491
+
492
+ /S/
493
+
494
+ Steven R. Kiersh
495
+
496
+
497
+ cc: United States District Court case file, 21 -cr-78 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12-1 Filed 02/15/21 Page 13 of 13
02-15-21 - MEMORANDUM CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF Conditions Of Pretrial Release John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA V. Case No.: 21-cr-78 (EGS) JOHN SULLIVAN MEMORANDUM CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF PRETRIAL RELEASE Defendant, by and through undersigned counsel, does hereby provide the following memorandum concerning conditions of his pretrial release. I. Defendant strenuously opposes any restrictions regarding his use of the Internet, Twitter, Facebook and other forms of social media. “A prior restraint on expression is a content-based restriction of speech. A prior restraint exists when the enjoyment of protected expression is contingent upon the approval of government officials.” Near v. Minnesota, 283 U.S. 697, 711-13 (1931); White v. Baker, 696 F. Supp 2d 1289, 1306 (N.D. Georgia 2010) In Ward v. Rock Against Racism, 491 U.S. 781, 795 n.5, the Supreme Court held that “A prior restraint on expression exists when the government can deny access to a forum for expression before the expression occurs.” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 1 of 82 As a condition of defendant’s pre-trial relelase, the government is seeking to limit his use of the internet and to expressly prohibit him from using the following: Twitter, Facebook, encrypted platforms. The requests by the United States to limit defendant’s ability to communicate the way the vast majority of Americans communicate is oppressive, overbroad and unconstitional. While courts have broad discretion to prescribe conditions of release, The “conditions of supervised release may not restrict more liberty than reasonably necessary, including constitutional liberty.” See United States v. Holena, --F.3d--, 2018 WL 4905748, at *5 (3rd Cir. 2018). The Court in Hoena further noted that computer and internet usage restrictions potentially “limit an array of First Amendment activity,” and accordingly cautioned district courts to ensure that any such restrictions “not…restrict (defendants) First Amendment Rights more than reasonably necessary or appropriate to protect the public.” See also Packingham v. North Carolina, 137 S. Ct. 1730, 1736 (2017) (Striking down state statute barring sex offenders from using social media for violating First Amendment.). The government’s request for limitations on defendant’s right to use social media is not reasonably related to the crimes for which he has been indicted. To the contrary, the sweeping restrictions requested to be placed Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 2 of 83 on Mr. Sullivan are completely unmoored from the conduct that is ostensibly what is necessary to protect the community. The entirely overboard request by the government would effectively ban hm from communicating with friends, interacting, with his family, writing his thoughts, keeping up with the news, checking on the weather, reading a newspaper outline or any of the typical reasons why the vast majority of the polukatin uses these social media platforms. The breadth of the requested restrictions have no relationship to the conduct for which Mr. Sullivan has been indicted. Packingham v. United States in instructive. The case involved a challenge to statute making it a felony for registered sex offenders to access commercial social networking websites where the sex offender knows that the site permits minor children to become members. Petitioner was indicted for violating the subject state law. The specific charge was Petitioner posted a statement on his Facebook profile about a positive experience in traffic court. Petitioner challenged the law on grounds that it violated free speech. The trial court denied the challenge. The State Court of Appeals struck the statute down on grounds that it cioated the First Amendment. The State appealed the ruling. The Supreme Court struck the sstaue down as being violative of rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. “A fundamental principle is that all Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 3 of 84 persons have access to places where they can speak and listen, and then, after reflection, speak and listen once more. Today, one of the most important places to exchange views is cyberspace, particularly social media….” 137 S. Ct. at 1732. Justice Kennedy added, “It is well established that, as a general rule, the Government “may not suppress lawful speech as the means to suppress unlawful speech.” Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, 122 S. Ct. 1389 (2002). That is what North Carolina has done here. Its law must be held invalid.” supra, 1738. The government’s argument in support of detention is completely contradicted by the facts before this Court. The government has argued, “there are serious risks that this defendant will obstruct or attempt to obstruct and that he continues to pose a recurring threat to the safety of the community.” PACER Document,6, page 2. There is no evidence to support this unfounded claim. Defendant has not in any manner whatsoever attempted to obstruct justice. His request to have people attend his release hearing in Utah was a perfectly reasonable and constitutionally protected request to invite people to his court proceeding. It is inconceivable that he be punished for this completely lawful request. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 4 of 85 United States Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg of the United States District Court for the District of Utah debunked the government’s argument as to John Sullivan’s alleged obstruction of justice. The government’s proffer simply fails to establish a serious risk Mr. Sullivan will obstruct justice or attempt to obstruct justice in the future…The allegation that Mr. Sullivan might have incited others to resist police officers in a separate Oregon event adds little to the inquiry. These allegations are insufficient to meet the government’s burden of establishing § 3142 (f)(2)(B) applies in this case, even by a preponderance of the evidence, let alone clear and convincing evidence. United States v. Sullivan, Case No. 21-mj14 (U.S. District Court Utah), PACER DOCUMENT, page 4. II. Defendant should not be restricted from earning his income through Insurgence USA Insurgence USA is not charged with any offense in this matter. Insurgence is not deemed to have been involved in any criminal activity. Defendant is legitimately self-employed as a documentarian and it is oppressive to require that he not be allowed to continue his primary area of employment for an extended period of time. Attached to this pleading are receipts for services documenting defendant’s employment. 1. Contract with Australian Broadcasting. 2. Contract with Left/Right, LLC; Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 5 of 86 3. Agreement to release video footage with Rocky Mountain Public Media. 4. License Agreement with CNN III. Defendant should not required to wear an ankle bracelet pending trial There is absolutely no question that John Sullivan has faithfully appeared for very court appearance remotely. He is actively engaged with his trial counsel in preparing a defense to the charges in the indictment. There is not a reasonable argument that he is a danger of flight. The government is not making this argument. This begs the question: Why does John Sullivan have to wear an electronic monitoring device? John Sullivan has substantial ties to the community. His father is a retired Army officer having spent 21 years in the military. Defendant’s parents reside approximately one hour away from him in Utah and are actively involved in his life. “Release pending trial is governed by the Bail Reform Act of 1984 which, like its predecessor, the Bail Reform Act of 1966, 18 U.S.C. Sections 3146-3152 (1982)(repealed October 18, 1984) mandates release of a person facing trial under the least restrictive conditions or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the appearance of the person….” Banks v. United States, 414 F.2d 1150,1153 (D.C. Cir. 1969). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 6 of 87 The ankle monitor is an overly restrictive and unnecessary restriction\ on defendant. CONCLUSION Defendant is a decent, honest young man who has been utterly mischaracterized by pleadings filed in this Court and comments attributed to him have been taken out of context. There is no reason to conclude he is risk of flight or that he will attempt to obstruct justice. He has promptly appeared for every court appearance in Utah and the District of Columbia and there is nothing in the record to reasonably suggest that he will not continue to abide by conditions of relelease. The government seeks unconstitutional and oppressive conditions that defendant respectfully submits should not be permitted by this Court. Respectfully submitted, _______/s/_______________ Steven R. Kiersh #323329 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 (202) 347-0200 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 7 of 88 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this the ____15th____day of February, 2021 upon all counsel of record. ______/s/____________________ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 13 Filed 02/15/21 Page 8 of 8
02-15-21 - Notice Of Filing Of Initial Discovery Request John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
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1
+ 1
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+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ NOTICE OF F ILING OF INITI AL DISCOVERY REQUESTS
13
+
14
+
15
+
16
+ Respectfully submitted,
17
+
18
+ _______/s/_______________
19
+
20
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
21
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
22
+ Suite 440
23
+ Washingto n, D.C. 20015
24
+ (202) 347 -0200
25
+
26
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
27
+
28
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
29
+ was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this the
30
+ ____ 15th____day of February , 2021 upon all couns el of record.
31
+
32
+
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+ ______ /s/____________________
34
+ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 12 Filed 02/15/21 Page 1 of 1
02-16-21 - APPEARANCE BOND John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ AO 98 (Rev. 12/11) Appearance Bond
2
+ UNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT
3
+ for the
4
+ __________ District of __________
5
+ United States of America )
6
+ )
7
+ )
8
+ )
9
+ )v.
10
+ Case No.
11
+ Defendant
12
+ APPEARANCE BOND
13
+ Defendant’s Agreement
14
+ I, (defendant) , agree to follow every order of this court, or any
15
+ court that considers this case, and I further agree that this bond may be forfeited if I fail:
16
+ ( X ) to appear for court proceedings;
17
+ ( X ) if convicted, to surrender to serve a sentence that the court may impose; or
18
+ ( ) to comply with all conditions set forth in the Order Setting Conditions of Release.
19
+ Type of Bond
20
+ ( ) (1) This is a personal recognizance bond.
21
+ ( ) (2) This is an unsecured bond of $ .
22
+ ( ) (3) This is a secured bond of $ , secured by:
23
+ ( ) (a) $ , in cash deposited with the court.
24
+ ( ) (b) the agreement of the defendant and each surety to forfeit the following cash or other property
25
+ (describe the cash or other property, including claims on it – such as a lien, mortgage, or loan – and attach proof of
26
+ ownership and value) :
27
+ .
28
+ If this bond is secured by real property, documents to protect the secured interest may be filed of record.
29
+ ( ) (c) a bail bond with a solvent surety (attach a copy of the bail bond, or describe it and identify the surety) :
30
+ .
31
+ Forfeiture or Release of the Bond
32
+ Forfeiture of the Bond. This appearance bond may be forfeited if the defendant does not comply with the above
33
+ agreement. The court may immediately order the amount of the bond surrendered to the United States, including the
34
+ security for the bond, if the defendant does not comply with the agreement. At the request of the United States, the court
35
+ may order a judgment of forfeiture against the defendant and each surety for the entire amount of the bond, including
36
+ interest and costs. District of ColumbiaCase 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-2 Filed 02/16/21 Page 1 of 2Page 2
37
+ AO 98 (Rev. 12/11) Appearance Bond
38
+ Release of the Bond. The court may order this appearance bond ended at any time. This bond will be satisfied and the
39
+ security will be released when either: (1) the defendant is found not guilty on all charges, or (2) the defendant reports to
40
+ serve a sentence.
41
+ Declarations
42
+ Ownership of the Property. I, the defendant – and each surety – declare under penalty of perjury that:
43
+ (1) all owners of the property securing this appearance bond are included on the bond;
44
+ (2) the property is not subject to claims, except as described above; and
45
+ (3) I will not sell the property, allow further claims to be made against it, or do anything to reduce its value
46
+ while this appearance bond is in effect.
47
+ Acceptance. I, the defendant – and each surety – have read this appearance bond and have either read all the conditions
48
+ of release set by the court or had them explained to me. I agree to this Appearance Bond.
49
+ I, the defendant – and each surety – declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true. (See 28 U.S.C. § 1746.)
50
+ Date:
51
+ Defendant’s signature
52
+ Surety/property owner – printed name Surety/property owner – signature and date
53
+ Surety/property owner – printed name Surety/property owner – signature and date
54
+ Surety/property owner – printed name Surety/property owner – signature and date
55
+ CLERK OF COURT
56
+ Date:
57
+ Approved.
58
+ Date:
59
+ Judge’s signature
60
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-2 Filed 02/16/21 Page 2 of 2
02-16-21 - MEMORANDUM in Support of Pretrial Detention Exhibits for previously filed Memorandum Regarding Conditions of Pretrial Release by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 14 Filed 02/16/21 Page 1 of 4Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 14 Filed 02/16/21 Page 2 of 4Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 14 Filed 02/16/21 Page 3 of 4Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 14 Filed 02/16/21 Page 4 of 4
02-16-21 - ORDER SETTING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE John Earle Sullivan United States District Court.txt ADDED
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1
+ AO 199A (Rev. ) Order Setting Conditions of Release Page 1 of Pages
2
+ UNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT
3
+ for the
4
+ __________ District of __________
5
+ United States of America)
6
+ )
7
+ )
8
+ )
9
+ )v.
10
+ Case No.
11
+ Defendant
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+ ORDER SETTING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE
13
+ IT IS ORDERED that the defendant’s release is subject to these conditions:
14
+ The defendant must not violate federal, state, or local law while on release.
15
+ The defendant must cooperate in the collection ofa DNA sample if it is authorized by U.S.C. § .
16
+ The defendant must advise the court or the pretrial services office or supervising officer in writing before making
17
+ any change of residence or telephone number.
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+ The defendant must appear in court as required and, if convicted, must surrender as directed to serve a sentence that
19
+ the court may impose.
20
+ The defendant must appear at:
21
+ Place
22
+ on
23
+ Date and Time
24
+ If blank, defendant will be notified of next appearance.
25
+ (5)The defendant must sign an Appearance Bond, if ordered. District of ColumbiaCase 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16 Filed 02/16/21 Page 1 of 3AO 199B (Rev. 12/11) Additional Conditions of Release Page of Pages
26
+ ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF RELEASE
27
+ IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defendant’s release is subject to the conditions marked below:
28
+ ( ) (6) The defendant is placed in the custody of:
29
+ Person or organization
30
+ Address (only if above is an organization)
31
+ City and state Tel. No.
32
+ who agrees to (a) supervise the defendant, (b) use every effort to assure the defendant’s appearance at all court proceedings, and (c) notify the court immediately
33
+ if the defendant violates a condition of release or is no longer in the custodian’s custody.
34
+ Signed:
35
+ Custodian Date
36
+ ( ) (7) The defendant must:
37
+ ( ) (a) submit to supervision by and report for supervision to the ,
38
+ telephone number , no later than .
39
+ ( ) (b) actively seek employment
40
+ ( ) (c) continue or start an education program.
41
+ ( ) (d) surrender any passport to:
42
+ ( ) (e) not obtain a passport or other international travel document.
43
+ ( ) (f) abide by the following restrictions on personal association, residence, or travel:
44
+ ( ) (g) avoid all contact, directly or indirectly, with any person who is or may be a victim or witness in the investigation or prosecution,
45
+ including:
46
+ ( ) (h) get medical or psychiatric treatment:
47
+ ( ) (i) return to custody each at o’clock after being released at o’clock for employment, schooling,
48
+ or the following purposes:
49
+ ( ) (j) maintain residence at a halfway house or community corrections center, as the pretrial services office or supervising officer considers
50
+ necessary.
51
+ ( ) (k) not possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon.
52
+ ( ) (l) not use alcohol ( ) at all ( ) excessively.
53
+ ( ) (m) not use or unlawfully possess a narcotic drug or other controlled substances defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802, unless prescribed by a licensed
54
+ medical practitioner.
55
+ ( ) (n) submit to testing for a prohibited substance if required by the pretrial services office or supervising officer. Testing may be used with random
56
+ frequency and may include urine testing, the wearing of a sweat patch, a remote alcohol testing system, and/or any form of prohibited
57
+ substance screening or testing. The defendant must not obstruct, attempt to obstruct, or tamper with the efficiency and accuracy of prohibited
58
+ substance screening or testing.
59
+ ( ) (o) participate in a program of inpatient or outpatient substance abuse therapy and counseling if directed by the pretrial services office or
60
+ supervising officer.
61
+ ( ) (p) participate in one of the following location restriction programs and comply with its requirements as directed.
62
+ ( ) (i) Curfew. You are restricted to your residence every day ( ) from to , or ( ) as
63
+ directed by the pretrial services office or supervising officer; or
64
+ ( ) (ii) Home Detention. You are restricted to your residence at all times except for employment; education; religious services; medical,
65
+ substance abuse, or mental health treatment; attorney visits; court appearances; court-ordered obligations; or other activities
66
+ approved in advance by the pretrial services office or supervising officer; or
67
+ ( )(iii)Home Incarceration. You are restricted to 24-hour-a-day lock-down at your residence except for medical necessities and
68
+ court appearances or other activities specifically approved by the court.
69
+ ( ) (q) submit to location monitoring as directed by the pretrial services office or supervising officer and comply with all of the program
70
+ requirements and instructions provided.
71
+ ( )You must pay all or part of the cost of the program based on your ability to pay as determined by the pretrial services office or
72
+ supervising officer.
73
+ ( ) (r) report as soon as possible, to the pretrial services office or supervising officer, every contact with law enforcement personnel, including
74
+ arrests, questioning, or traffic stops.
75
+ ( ) (s)
76
+ USACase 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16 Filed 02/16/21 Page 2 of 3Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16 Filed 02/16/21 Page 3 of 3
02-16-21 - UNITED STATES PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICE District Of Utah Monitoring Program JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ DU
2
+ (05-2015)
3
+ UNITED STATES PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICE
4
+ DISTRICT OF UTAH
5
+ Computer and Internet Monitoring Program Agreement
6
+
7
+
8
+
9
+ NAME: Sullivan ,John Earle CR21-78 PACTS #: Client ID
10
+
11
+ I understand I have been ordered , as a condition of Pretrial Release Supervision , to participate in the United
12
+ States Probation and Pretrial Services Computer and Internet Monitoring Program under:
13
+
14
+ APPENDIX A : Computer and Internet Use, as approved
15
+
16
+ 1) I acknowledge I am to comply with all program r ules set forth in this appendix and the instructions U.S.
17
+ Probation and Pretrial Services Office (USPO) . I understand that this appendix is, by reference, part of
18
+ the order setting conditions for my release . I acknowledge I am to comply with its provisions and the
19
+ instructions of the USPO, failure to do so may be considered a violation of my supervision and may
20
+ result in an adverse action. I agree to call the USPO if I have any questions about the rules of the
21
+ program, or if I ex perience any problems that may hinder my compliance with this program.
22
+
23
+ 2) I understand I must complete and provide the C IMP Questionnaire to my supervising officer as directed.
24
+ I further understand I am to provide the USPO all previous, current, and future internet identifications
25
+ (i.e. internet email addresses, logon identification, screen names, etc).
26
+
27
+ 3) I shall possess and/or access only computer hardware and software ( including operating system
28
+ software) approved by the USPO . I shal l obtain permission fro m the USPO prior to obtaining or
29
+ accessing any additional computer hardware/software or making any alterations to my system .
30
+
31
+ 4) I will not use any system settings, program s, or device s designed to hide, alter or delete records/logs of
32
+ my computer use, Internet activities or files stored on my assigned computer(s). This includes the use
33
+ of encryption, virtual machines, steganography, and cache/cookie removal software.
34
+
35
+ 5) If the court has not prohibited my use or possession of a computer, I understand that I may only use
36
+ computer (s) in my home or at my place of employment that have been approved by the USPO. I
37
+ further understand I am responsible for the content, programs, and data that may be stored or accessed
38
+ by a computer I am permitted to use
39
+
40
+
41
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-1 Filed 02/16/21 Page 1 of 4DU
42
+ (05-2015)
43
+
44
+ 6) I agree to allow the USPO to inspect, configure, and/or install software/hardware designed to monitor
45
+ computer activities on any computer I am authorized to use. I understand that the software may record
46
+ any and all activity on my computer. I further understand that a notice may be placed on the computer
47
+ at the time of installation to warn others of the existence of the monitoring software on my computer. I
48
+ agree not to attempt to remove, tamp er with, reverse engineer, or in any way circumvent the
49
+ software/hardware.
50
+
51
+ 7) I understand that the USPO may use measures to assist in monitoring compliance with these conditions
52
+ such as adjusting of my computer, the configuration removal of programs and app lications that may
53
+ interfere with monitoring my compliance, and may apply tamper resistant tape over unused ports a s well
54
+ as seal my computer case.
55
+
56
+ 8) I will notify all individuals that have access to my computer system that it is subject to monitoring
57
+ and/o r search/seizure.
58
+
59
+ 9) I shall not create or assist directly or indirectly in the creation of any electronic bulletin board, ISP, or
60
+ any other public or private network without the consent of the USPO . Any approval shall be subject to
61
+ any condition set by the USPO or the Court with regard to that approval.
62
+
63
+ 10) I understand the USPO may determine a program, application, website and/or material may be
64
+ detrimental to my success in this program and therefore ask the Court to prohibit future access to same.
65
+
66
+ 11) I understand that my officer will use telephone calls and unannounced personal visits to monitor my
67
+ compliance. When I am at home, I agree to promptly answer my telephone and/or door.
68
+
69
+ 12) I will provide copies of credit card billing reco rds or other financial records as directed by the USPO to
70
+ corroborate by use of the internet and purchases of electronic devices subject to the program .
71
+
72
+ 13) The USPO utilizes commercially available software applications. While there are no known conflicts
73
+ or defects in the software Office for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damage
74
+ whatsoever including but not limited to loss of revenue or profit, lost or damaged packages, I indicate by
75
+ my signature below that I accept a ll responsibility and risk for the computer intake and software
76
+ installation and use on my computer(s). Further I agree to hold harmless the U.S. Probation data, other
77
+ personal commercial or economic loss, or warranties voided as a result of computer insp ection, search,
78
+ and/or use of monitoring software.
79
+
80
+ 14) All repairs to your authorized computer system must be pre -authorized by the USPO . Documentation
81
+ indicating repairs done and reason for repairs may be required, and y our authorized computer system
82
+ may be subject to examination by the USPO prior to and after authorized repairs .
83
+
84
+ 15) I will not access any computer(s) or online service (s) using someone else =s account, name, designation,
85
+ or alias. I understand I am to only access the Int ernet on a computer and account reported to and
86
+ approved by the USPO . Furthermore, I will not utilize any service which conceals, spoofs, or
87
+ anonymizes my Internet address , or computer use .
88
+
89
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-1 Filed 02/16/21 Page 2 of 4DU
90
+ (05-2015)
91
+
92
+ 16) I will access email accounts, including web -mail accounts, via a pproved protocols (i.e. POP, IMAP,
93
+ SMTP) and approved email clients (i.e. Outlook, Outlook Express).
94
+
95
+ 17) I will not download, possess and/or install copyrighted material (for which I do not possess a lic ense) ,
96
+ which include but is not limited to protected audio files, video files, software applications, etc., that I did
97
+ not legitimately purchase or obtain the legal authorization to utilize. Nor shall I download, possess
98
+ and/or install applications which allow for the circumvention and/or decryption of copyright protection
99
+ measures.
100
+
101
+ 18) I will not purchase, download, possess, utilize , and/or install any unapproved anti -virus, anti -spyware,
102
+ firewall, internet security applications, file password protection, encryption, cryptography, and/or
103
+ steganography, including Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") and Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
104
+ connection s.
105
+
106
+ 19) I will not view, possess, and/or compose any material that describes or promotes the unauthorized access
107
+ to computer systems. This includes, but is not limited to, spoofing/defacing web sites, how to launch
108
+ denial of service attacks, how to gain unauth orized access to information maintained by corporate,
109
+ government, education computer systems, etc.
110
+
111
+ 20) I will not purchase, download, possess, upload, and/or install freeware/shareware/software applications
112
+ whose primary purpose is to cause damage to other co mputer systems (i.e. viruses, worms) and/or
113
+ covertly install remote connection/back door applications not authorized by users of other computer
114
+ systems (i.e. Trojan Horses (NetBus, Back Orifice)).
115
+
116
+ 21) I will not use any freeware/shareware/software application or other device which wipes (secure file
117
+ deletion) disk space, drives, media, etc. unless approved by the USPO .
118
+
119
+ 22) I will not utilize network/internet storage, cloud computing, or other applications/methods which store
120
+ data to any location other than my app roved computer system(s), unless approved by the USPO.
121
+
122
+ 23) I will not change or attempt to change, circumvent, or disable any restrictions and/or settings established
123
+ by the Probation Department and my supervision officer, my Internet Serv ice Provider, monitoring
124
+ software/hardware, and/or biometric user authentication hardware/software. Nor shall I possess or use
125
+ removable media (i.e. CD -R=s, DVDs, External Hard Drives, USB flash drives) configured with
126
+ bootable operating systems or stealt h applications.
127
+
128
+ 24) I will not change, re -install, or upgrade the current operating system (i.e. Windows, iOS, etc.) on any
129
+ authorized computer without pre -approval and authorization by USPO . This includes but is not limited
130
+ to utilizing the "system restore" function available in some operating systems.
131
+
132
+ 25) I will not have another individual access the Internet on my behalf to obtain files, access websites, or
133
+ other information/data which I am restricted from accessing myself.
134
+
135
+ 26) Any computer and/or other device which allows Internet access and/or digital media storage within my
136
+ residence, or otherwise accessible by me, is subject to random examinations/analysis/search by the
137
+ USPO . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-1 Filed 02/16/21 Page 3 of 4DU
138
+ (05-2015)
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+
140
+
141
+
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+ Sworn to on the record 2/16/21
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+ Defendant Date
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+
145
+
146
+ U.S. Probation Officer Date
147
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 16-1 Filed 02/16/21 Page 4 of 4
02-21-23 - RESPONSE by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 84 MOTION to Change Venue Motion to Change Venue.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,396 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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+
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+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
5
+ : CASE NO. 21- cr-78 (RCL)
6
+ v. :
7
+ :
8
+ JOHN SULLIVAN, :
9
+ :
10
+ Defendant. :
11
+
12
+ GOVERNMENT’S OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S
13
+ MOTION TO TRANSFER VENUE
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+
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+ Defendant John Sullivan, who is charged in connection with events at the U.S. Capitol on
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+ January 6, 2021, has moved to transfer venue in this case to the District of Utah . Sullivan fails to
17
+ establish that he “cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial” in t his district, Fed. R. Crim. P. 21(a) ,
18
+ and this Court should deny his motion.1
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+
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+ 1 Judges on this Court have denied motions for change of venue in dozens of January 6
21
+ prosecutions, and no judge has granted a change of venue in a January 6 case. See, e.g., United
22
+ States v. Ramey , 22- cr-184, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Jan. 30, 2023) (DLF); United States v.
23
+ Eckerman, et al. , No. 21- cr-623, Minute Order (D.D.C. Jan. 26, 2023) (CRC); United States v.
24
+ Pollock, et al., No. 21- cr-447, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Jan. 25, 2023) (CJN); United States v.
25
+ Gossjankowski , No. 21- cr-12, ECF No. 114 (D.D.C. Jan. 25, 2023) (PLF); United States v. Adams ,
26
+ No. 21- cr-212, ECF No. 60 ( D.D.C. Jan. 24, 2023) (ABJ); United States v. Rhine , No. 21- cr-687,
27
+ ECF No. 78 (D.D.C. Jan. 24, 2023) (RC); United States v. Oliveras , No. 21- cr-738, ECF No. 52
28
+ (D.D.C. Jan. 17, 2023) (BAH); United States v. Sheppard, No. 21 -cr-203, ECF No. 62 (D.D.C.
29
+ Dec. 28, 2022) (JDB); United States v. Samsel, et al., No. 21- cr-537, ECF No. 227 ( D.D.C. Dec.
30
+ 14, 2022) (JMC); United States v. Gillespie, No. 22- cr-60, ECF No. 41 (D.D.C. Nov. 29, 2022)
31
+ (BAH); United States v. Barnett , No. 21- cr-38, ECF No. 90 (D.D.C. Nov. 23, 2022) (CRC); United
32
+ States v. Bender , et al., No. 21- cr-508, ECF No. 78 ( D.D.C. Nov. 22, 2022) (BAH); United States
33
+ v. Sandoval , No. 21- cr-195, ECF No. 88 ( D.D.C. Nov. 18, 2022) (TFH); United States v. Vargas
34
+ Santos , No. 21- cr-47, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Nov. 16, 2022) (RDM); United States v. Nordean, et
35
+ al., No. 21- cr-175, ECF No. 531 ( D.D.C. Nov. 9, 2022) (TJK); United States v. Ballenger , No. 21-
36
+ 719, ECF. No. 75 (D.D.C. Oct. 28, 2022) (JEB); United States v. Eicher , No. 22- cr-38, ECF No.
37
+ 34 (D.D.C. Oct. 20, 2022) (CKK) ; United States v. Schwartz, et al., No. 21 -cr-178, ECF No. 142
38
+ (D.D.C. Oct. 11, 2022) (APM); United States v. Nassif , No. 21- cr-421, ECF No. 42 (D.D.C. Sep.
39
+ 12, 2022) (JDB); United States v. Brock , No. 21 -cr-140, ECF No. 58 (D.D.C. Aug. 31, 2022)
40
+ (JDB); United States v. Jensen , No. 21- cr-6, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Aug. 26, 2022) (TJK); United Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 1 of 172 BACKGROUND
41
+ On January 6, 2021, a Joint Session of the United States House of Representatives and the
42
+ United States Senate convened to certify the vote of the Electoral College of the 2020 U.S.
43
+ Presidential Election . While the certification process was proceeding, a large crowd gathered
44
+ outside the United States Capitol, entered the restricted grounds, and forced entry into the Capitol
45
+ building. As a result, the Joint S ession and the entire official proceeding of the Congress was
46
+ halted until law enforcement was able to clear the Capitol of hundreds of unlawful occupants and ensure the safety of elected officials.
47
+ John Sullivan traveled from Utah to Washington, D.C., to attend and film the “Stop the
48
+ Steal” rall y on January 6, 2021. Afterwards, Sullivan joined rioters at the U.S. Capitol where he
49
+ filmed a crowd pushing through several police barriers on the west side of the Capitol . After the
50
+ crowd broke through the last barricade. As Sullivan and the others approach the Capitol Building,
51
+ Sullivan can be heard in his video saying at various points: “There are so many people. Let’s go.
52
+
53
+ States v. Seitz , No. 21- cr-279, Minute Order (D.D.C. Aug. 17, 2022) (DLF); United States v.
54
+ Strand, No. 21- cr-85, ECF No. 89 (D.D.C. Aug. 17, 2022) (CRC) ; United States v. Williams , No.
55
+ 21-cr-618, ECF No. 63 (D.D.C. Aug. 12, 2022) (ABJ); United States v. Herrera , No. 21- cr-619,
56
+ ECF No. 54 (D.D.C. August 4, 2022) (BAH); United States v. Garcia, No. 21- cr-129, ECF No. 83
57
+ (D.D.C. July 22, 2022) (ABJ); United States v. Rusyn, et al., No. 21 -cr-303, Minute Entry (D.D.C.
58
+ July 21, 2022) (ABJ); United States v. Bledsoe , No. 21- cr-204, Minute Order (D.D.C. July 15,
59
+ 2022) (BAH) ; United States v. Calhoun, No. 21 -cr-116, Minute Order (D.D.C. July 11, 2022)
60
+ (DLF); United States v. Rhodes, et al., No. 22- cr-15, ECF No. 176 (D.D.C. June 28, 2022) (APM);
61
+ United States v. Williams , No. 21- cr-377, Minute Entry (D.D.C. June 10, 2022) (BAH); United
62
+ States v. McHugh, No. 21- cr-453, Minute Entry (D.D.C. May 4, 2022) (JDB); United States v.
63
+ Hale -Cusanelli , No. 21- cr-37, Minute Entry ( D.D.C. Apr. 29, 2022) (TNM) ; United States v.
64
+ Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 78 (D.D.C. Apr. 18, 2022) (APM); United States v. Alford, 21-
65
+ cr-263, ECF No. 46 (D.D.C. Apr. 18, 2022) (TSC) ; United States v. Brooks , No. 21- cr-503, ECF
66
+ No. 31 (D.D.C. Jan. 24, 2022) (RCL); United States v. Bochene , No. 21- cr-418, ECF No. 31
67
+ (D.D.C. Jan. 12, 2022) (RDM); United States v. Fitzsimons , No. 21- cr-158, Minute Order (D.D.C.
68
+ Dec. 14, 2021) (RC); United States v. Reffitt, No. 21- cr-32, Minute Order (D.D.C. Oct. 15, 2021)
69
+ (DLF); United States v. Caldwell , 21-cr-28, ECF No. 415 (D.D.C. Sept. 14, 2021) (APM). Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 2 of 173 This shit is ours! Fuck yeah,” “We accomplished this shit. We did this together. Fuck yeah! We
70
+ are all a part of this history,” and “Let’s burn this shit down.”
71
+ Sullivan entered the Capitol via a broken Senate Wing Door. Once inside the Capitol
72
+ Building, Sullivan roamed t he building with other individuals who unlawfully entered. During
73
+ one of his interactions with others, Sullivan can be heard in the video saying, “We gotta get this shit burned,” “it’s our house motherfuckers,” and “we are getting this shit.” Sullivan ignored law enforcements commands to leaving and told the officers to stand down, so they would not get hurt. Sullivan encouraged other rioters, explaining he was “ready” because he had “been in so many riots.”
74
+ Sullivan filmed the crowds trying to break open doors as the House and the Speaker’s
75
+ Lobby. At both locations, Sullivan informed other members of the crowd he had a knife which
76
+ allowed him to cut to the front of the crowd. At the front of the Speaker’s Lobby crowd, Sullivan
77
+ filmed the crowd trying to break down the doors ’ glass windows. Sullivan can be heard telling law
78
+ enforcement to “go home” while encouraging those attempting to break the windows to “Get this shit!” Shortly thereafter, the video includes footage of a female getting shot as she tries to enter through the window opening. Sullivan later claimed to be a journalist but admitted he did not have
79
+ any press credentials.
80
+
81
+ Based on his actions on January 6, 2021, the defendant was charged with Obstruction of
82
+ an Official Proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S .C. § 1512(c)(2), and 2; Civil Disorder in violation
83
+ of U.S.C. § 231(a)(3), and 2; Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building and Grounds with
84
+ a dangerous weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A); Disorderly and
85
+ Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a dangerous weapon, in violation of
86
+ 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(2) and (b)(1)(A); Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Weap on Capitol Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 3 of 174 Grounds or Buildings, in violations of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)( 1)(A)i); Disorderly Conduct in a
87
+ Capitol Building, in violation of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(D); Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing
88
+ in a Capitol Building, in violation of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(G) ; False Statement or Representation
89
+ to an Agency of the United States, in violations of 18 U .S.C. § 1001(a)(2); and Aiding and Abetting,
90
+ in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2.
91
+ The defendant now moves for a change of venue. ECF No. 84. He contends that prej udice
92
+ should be presumed in this district for two reasons , under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 2 :
93
+ prejudice and convenience. Id. at 2. Each of the defendant’s arguments is without merit, and the
94
+ motion should be denied.
95
+ ARGUMENT
96
+ The Constitution provides that “[t]he trial of all Crimes . . . shall be held in the State where
97
+ the said Crimes shall have been committed .” U.S. Const. Art. III, § 2, cl. 3. The Sixth Amendment
98
+ similarly guarantees the right to be tried “by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed .” U.S. Const. amend. VI. These provisions provide “a safeguard
99
+ against the unfairness and hardship involved when an accused is prosecuted in a remote place.” United States v. Cores , 356 U.S. 405, 407 (1958). Transfer to another venue is constitutionally
100
+ required only where “extraordinary l ocal prejudice will prevent a fair trial.” Skilling v. United
101
+ States , 561 U.S. 358, 378 (2010); see Fed. R. Crim. P. 21(a) (requiring transfer to another district
102
+ if “so great a prejudice against the defendant exists in the transferring district that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial there”).
103
+ The primary safeguard of the right to an impartial jury is “an adequate voir dire to identify
104
+ unqualified jurors.” Morgan v. Illinois , 504 U.S. 719, 729 (1992) (italics omitted) . Thus, the best
105
+ course when faced with a pretrial publicity claim is ordinarily “to proceed to voir dire to ascertain Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 4 of 175 whether the prospect ive jurors have, in fact, been influenced by pretrial publicity.” United States
106
+ v. Campa, 459 F.3d 1121, 1146 (11th Cir. 2006) (en banc) . “[I]f an impartial jury actually cannot
107
+ be selected, that fact should become evident at the voir dire.” United Stat es v. Haldeman, 559 F.2d
108
+ 31, 63 (D.C. Cir. 1976) (en banc) (per curiam). And, after voir dire, “it may be found that, despite
109
+ earlier prognostications, removal of the trial is unnecessary.” Jones v. Gasch , 404 F.2d 1231, 1238
110
+ (D.C. Cir. 1967) .
111
+ I. The Venue is not Prejudicial
112
+
113
+ a. Size and characteristics of the community
114
+ The defendant suggests that an impartial jury cannot be found in Washington, D.C., despite
115
+ the District’s population of nearly 700,000. See No. ECF 84 at 4. Although this District may be
116
+ smaller than most other federal judicial districts, it has a larger population than two states (Wyoming and Vermont ). The relevant question is not whether the District of Columbia is as
117
+ populous as the Southern District of Texas in Skilling , but whether it is large enough that an
118
+ impartial jury can be found. In Mu’Min v. Virginia, 500 U.S. 415, 429 (1991), the Court cited a county population of 182,537 as supporting the view than an impartial jury could be selected. And Skilling approvingly cited a state case in which there was “a reduced likelihood of prejudice”
119
+ because the “venire was drawn from a pool of over 600,000 individuals.” Skilling , 561 U.S. at 382
120
+ (quoting Gentile v. State Bar of Nev. , 501 U.S. 1030, 1044 (1991)). There is simply no reason to
121
+ believe that, out of an eligible jury pool of nearly half a million, “12 impartial individuals could not be empaneled.” Id.
122
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 5 of 176 b. The Pretrial Publicity Does Not Support a Presumption of Prejudice in This
123
+ District.
124
+ i. The Pretrial Publicity Related to January 6 Does Not Support a Presumption of Prejudice in This District.
125
+
126
+
127
+ The defendant contends that a change of venue is warranted based on pretrial publicity in
128
+ relation to both January 6 and Sullivan himself . E.C.F. No. 84 at 4). “The mere existence of intense
129
+ pretrial publicity is not enough to make a trial unfair, nor is the fact that potential jurors have been
130
+ exposed to this publicity. ” United States v. Childress , 58 F.3d 693, 706 (D.C. Cir. 1995) ; see
131
+ Murphy v. Florida, 421 U.S. 794, 799 (1975) (juror exposure to “news accounts of the crime with which [a defendant] is charged” does not “alone presumptively deprive[] the defendant of due process”). Indeed, “ every case of public interest is almost, as a matter of necessi ty, brought to the
132
+ attention of all the intelligent people in the vicinity, and scarcely any one can be found among those best fitted for jurors who has not read or heard of it, and who has not some impression or some opinion in respect to its merits.” Reynolds v. United States , 98 U.S. 145, 155- 56 (1878).
133
+ Thus, the “mere existence of any preconceived notion as to the guilt or innocence of an accused, without more,” is insufficient to establish prejudice. Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 723 (1961) . “It
134
+ is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the
135
+ evidence presented in court.” Id.
136
+ The Supreme Court has recognized only a narrow category of cases in which prejudice is
137
+ presumed to exist without regard to prospective jurors’ answers during voir dire. See Rideau v.
138
+ Louisiana, 373 U.S. 723 (1963) . In Rideau, the defendant’s confession—obtained while he was
139
+ in jail and without an attorney present —was broadcast three times shortly before trial on a local
140
+ television station to audiences ranging from 24,000 to 53,000 individuals in a parish of
141
+ approximately 150,000 people. Id. at 724 (majority opinion), 728- 29 (Clark, J., dissenting). The Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 6 of 177 Court concluded that , “to the tens of thousands of people who saw and heard it,” the televised
142
+ confession “in a very real sense was Rideau’s trial —at which he pleaded guilty to murder.”
143
+ Rideau, 373 U.S. at 726. Thus, the Court “d[id] not hesitate to hold, without pausing to examine
144
+ a particularized transcript of the voir dire,” that these “kangaroo court proceedings” violated due
145
+ process. Id. at 726- 27.
146
+ Since Rideau, the Supreme Court has emphasized that a “presumption of prejudice . . .
147
+ attends only the extreme case,” Skil ling, 561 U.S. at 381, and the Court has repeatedly “held in
148
+ other cases that trials have been fair in spite of widespread publicity,” Nebraska Press Ass’ n v.
149
+ Stuart , 427 U.S. 539, 554 (1976). In the half century since Rideau, the Supreme Court has never
150
+ presumed prejudice based on pretrial publicity. But see Estes v. Texas , 381 U.S. 532 (1965)
151
+ (presuming prejudice based on media interference with courtroom proceedings) ; Sheppard v.
152
+ Maxwell , 384 U.S. 333 (1966) (same). In fact, courts have declined to transfer venue in some of
153
+ the most high- profile prosecutions in recent American history. See In re Tsarnaev , 780 F.3d 14,
154
+ 15 (1st Cir. 2015) (per curiam) (capital prosecution of Boston Marathon bomber); Skilling , 561
155
+ U.S. at 399 (f raud trial of CEO of Enron Corporation); United States v. Yousef , 327 F.3d 56, 155
156
+ (2d Cir. 2003) (trial of participant in 1993 World Trade Center bombing); United States v. Moussaoui , 43 F. App’x 612, 613 (4th Cir. 2002) (per curiam) (unpublished) (terrorism
157
+ prosecution for conspirator in September 11, 2001 attacks); Haldeman, 559 F.2d at 70 (Watergate
158
+ prosecution of former Attorney General John Mitchell and other Nixon aides).
159
+ In Skilling , the Supreme Court considered several factors in determining that prejudice
160
+ should not be presumed where former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling was tried in Houston,
161
+ where Enron was based. Skilling , 561 U.S. at 382 -83. First, the Court considered the “size and
162
+ characteristics of the community.” Id. at 382. U nlike Rid eau, where the murder “was committed Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 7 of 178 in a parish of only 150,000 residents,” Houston was home to more than 4.5 million people eligible
163
+ for jury service. Id. at 382. Second, “although news stories about Skilling were not kind, they
164
+ contained no confession or other blatantly prejudicial information of the type readers or viewers
165
+ could not reasonably be expected to shut from sight.” Id. Third, “over four years elapsed between
166
+ Enron’s bankruptcy and Skilling’s trial,” and “the decibel level of media attenti on diminished
167
+ somewhat in the years following Enron’s collapse.” Id. at 383. “Finally, and of prime significance,
168
+ Skilling’s jury acquitted him of nine insider -trading counts,” which undermined any “supposition
169
+ of juror bias.” Id.
170
+ Although these Skilling factors are not exhaustive, courts have found them useful when
171
+ considering claims of presumptive prejudice based on pretrial publicity. See, e.g., In re Tsarnaev ,
172
+ 780 F.3d at 21- 22; United States v. Petters , 663 F.3d 375, 385 (8th Cir. 2011). And contrary to
173
+ the defendant’s contention, those factors do not support a presumption of prejudice in this case.
174
+ ii. The Pretrial Publicity Related to Sullivan Does Not Support a
175
+ Presumption of Prejudice in This District.
176
+ The defendant also asserts that a fair trial cannot be had in D.C. because of news coverage
177
+ about himself . ECF No. 84 at 5. But even “massive” news coverage of a crime does not require
178
+ prejudice to be presumed. Haldeman, 559 F.2d at 61. Sullivan has not pointed to any s alacious
179
+ new coverage about himself, or any specific news coverage for that matter . Unlike most cases
180
+ involving pretrial publicity, where the news coverage focuses on the responsibility of a single
181
+ defendant (as in Rideau or Tsarnaev ) or small number of c o-defendants (as in Skilling and
182
+ Haldeman) , the events of January 6 involved thousands of participants and have so far resulted in
183
+ charges against more than 900 people. The Court can guard against any spillover prejudice from
184
+ the broader coverage of Janua ry 6 by conducting a careful voir dire and properly instructing the
185
+ jury about the need to determine a defendant’s individual guilt. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 8 of 179 And, in any event, any threat of such spillover prejudice is not limited to Washington, D.C.
186
+ because much of the news cover age of January 6 has been national in scope. See Haldeman , 559
187
+ F.2d at 64 n.43 (observing that “a change of venue would have been of only doubtful value” where
188
+ much of the news coverage was “national in [its] reach” and the crime was of national interest) ;
189
+ United States v. Bochene , No. 21- cr-418-RDM, 2022 WL 123893, at *3 (D.D.C. Jan. 12, 2022)
190
+ (“The fact that there has been ongoing media coverage of the breach of the Capitol and subsequent
191
+ prosecutions, both locally and nationally, means that the influenc e of that coverage would be
192
+ present wherever the trial is held.” (internal quotation marks omitted)) . Thus, the nature and extent
193
+ of the pretrial publicity do not support a presumption of prejudice.
194
+ c. Passage of time before trial
195
+
196
+ In Skilling , the Court considered the fact that “over four years elapsed between Enron’s
197
+ bankruptcy and Skilling’s trial.” Skilling , 561 U.S. at 383. In this case, twenty -five months have
198
+ already elapsed since the events of January 6, and more time will elapse before trial. T his is far
199
+ more than in Rideau, where the defendant’s trial came two months after his televised confession.
200
+ Rideau, 373 U.S. at 724. Although January 6 continues to be in the news, the “decibel level of media attention [has] diminished somewhat,” Skillin g, 561 U.S. at 383. Moreover, only a
201
+ relatively small percentage of the recent stories have mentioned Sullivan, and much of the reporting has been national is scope, rather than limited to Washington, D.C.
202
+ d. The jury verdict
203
+ Because Sullivan has not yet gone to trial, the final Skilling factor —whether the “jury’s
204
+ verdict . . . undermine[s] in any way the supposition of juror bias,” Skilling , 561 U.S. at 383—does
205
+ not directly apply. But the fact that Skilling considered this factor to be “of prime significance,”
206
+ id., underscores how unusual it is to presume prejudice before trial. Ordinarily, a case should Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 9 of 1710 proceed to trial in the district where the crime was committed, and courts can examine after trial
207
+ whether the record supports a finding of actual or presumed prejudice. In short, none of the Skilling
208
+ factors support s the defendant’s contention that the Court should presume prejudice and order a
209
+ transfer of venue without even conducting voir dire.
210
+ The defendant suggests that this factor ac tually supports his claim of prejudice because the
211
+ other jury trials involving January 6 defendants have resulted in prompt and (until recently) unanimous guilty verdicts . ECF No. 84 at 5- 6. But although the Skilling indicated that a split
212
+ verdict could “undermine” a presumption of prejudice, it never suggested that a unanimous verdict —particularly a unanimous verdict in a separate case involving a different defendant —was
213
+ enough to establish prejudice. The prompt and unanimous guilty verdi cts in other January 6 jury
214
+ trials resulted from the strength of the government’s evidence. Moreover, juries in two recent
215
+ January 6 trial s have either been unable to reach a verdict on certain counts , see United States v.
216
+ Williams , No. 21-cr-618 ( D.D.C. ), or have acquitted on some counts, see United States v. Rhodes,
217
+ et al. , No. 22- cr-15, ECF No. 410 (D.D.C. Nov. 29, 2022) . This indicates that D.C. jurors are
218
+ carefully weighing the evidence and not reflexively convicting January 6 defendants on all
219
+ charges. And, as explained below, the jury selection in those cases actually indicates that impartial
220
+ juries can be selected in this district.
221
+ II. A Change of Venue Is Not Warranted Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure
222
+ 21(b) Based on Convenience or the Interest of Justice.
223
+
224
+ The defendant argue s (ECF No. 84 at 3 and 7 ) that this Court should transfer venue to the
225
+ District of Utah under Rule 21(b), which allows transfer to another district “for the convenience
226
+ of the parties, any victim, and the witnesses, and in the interest of justice.” Fed. R. Crim. P. 21(b).
227
+ The defendant asserts that a change in venue is necessary because he and his witnesses live in Utah
228
+ and one of the numerous charges arose out of conduct in Utah. ECF No. 84 at 7. These arguments Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 10 of 1711 do not support a transfer of venue under Rule 21(b).
229
+ “There is a general presumption that a criminal prosecution should be retained in the
230
+ original district.” United States v. Bowdoin, 770 F. Supp. 2d 133, 138 (D.D.C. 2011) (quoting
231
+ United States v. Baltimore & Ohio R.R., 538 F. Supp. 200, 205 (D.D.C. 1982) ). That presumption
232
+ is rooted in the Constitution, which states that “[t]he trial of all Crimes . . . shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed.” U.S. Const. Art. III, § 2, cl. 3. And it is reflected in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which state that, “[u]nless a statute or these rules permit otherwise, the government must prosecute an offense in a district where the offense
233
+ was committed.” Fed. R. Crim. P. 18. To obtain a change of venue under Rule 21(b), a defendant must demonstrate that trial in the district where the crime occurred “would be so unduly
234
+ burdensome that fairness requires the transfer to another district of proper venue where a trial would be less burdensome.” Bowdoin, 770 F. Supp. 2d at 138 (quotations marks omitted). Factors
235
+ a court considering a motion to transfer venue are:
236
+ (1) location of the defendant; (2) location of possible witnesses; (3) location of
237
+ events likely to be in issue; (4) location of documents and records likely to be involved; (5) disruption of the defendant’s business; (6) expense to the parties; (7) location of counsel; (8) relative accessibility of place of trial; (9) docket condition of each district of division involved; and (10) any other special elements w hich
238
+ might affect the transfer.
239
+
240
+ Id. at 137- 38. Those factors strongly support keeping the prosecution in this District. The events
241
+ at issue took place in the District of Columbia, and the witnesses and evidence are in this District.
242
+ Holding a trial in the District of Utah would require a significant expenditure of government funds
243
+ for the prosecution team and witnesses to travel to that district.
244
+ Moreover, none of the defendant’s reasons for transfer under Rule 21(b) support s an
245
+ interest of justice transfer. A trial in the District of Utah would undoubtedly be more convenient
246
+ for the defendant . But that fact alone is not sufficient to justify transfer, particularly considering Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 11 of 1712 that the defendant chose to travel to Washington, D.C. to commit his crimes at the U.S. Capitol. [
247
+ The defendant’s claim that venue should be transferred under Rule 21(b) because the
248
+ District of Utah would provide him with a fairer jury pool , (ECF No. 84 at 3- 7) is similar ly
249
+ unavailing. As explained above, the defendant cannot obtain a change of venue based on
250
+ prejudicial publicity under the constitutional standard or Rule 21(a). And the defendant cannot use Rule 21(b)’s “interest of justice” standard as an alternative way to raise a claim of “local
251
+ community prejudice.” Jones v. Gasch, 404 F.2d 1231, 1238 (D.C. Cir. 1967) . In Jones , the D.C.
252
+ Circuit denied a petition for mandamus which challenged the presiding judge’s denial of his
253
+ motion to transfer under Rule 21(b) based on a claim of prejudicial publicity. Id. at 1234, 1238-
254
+ 39. T he court of a ppeals held “that the standard of Rule 21(a) is the exclusive gauge by which
255
+ circumstances of that character (prejudice) are to be measured.” Id. at 1239. The defendant has
256
+ failed to establish that he cannot receive a fair trial in this District, and the defendant has failed to
257
+ articulate a basis for transfer under Rule 21(b).
258
+ III. The January 6- Related Jury Trials That Have Already Occurred Have
259
+ Demonstrated the Availability of a Significant Number of Fair, Impartial Jurors
260
+ in the D.C. Venire.
261
+
262
+ At this point, more than a dozen January 6 cases have proceeded to jury trials, and the
263
+ Court in each of those cases has been able to select a jury without undue expenditure of time or
264
+ effort . See Murphy, 421 U.S. at 802- 03 (“The length to which the trial court must go to select
265
+ jurors who appear to be impartial is another factor relevant in evaluating those jurors’ assurances
266
+ of impartiality.”); Haldeman, 559 F.2d at 63 (observing that “i f an impartial jury actually cannot
267
+ be selected, that fact should become evident at the voir dire ”). Instead, the judges presiding over
268
+ nearly all of those trials were able to select a jury in one or two days. See United States v. Reffitt,
269
+ No. 21-cr-32, Minute Entries ( Feb. 28 & Mar. 1, 2022) ; United States v. Robertson, No. 21-cr-34, Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 12 of 1713 Minute Entry ( Apr. 5, 2022) ; United States v. Thompson, No. 21- cr-161, Minute Entry (Apr. 11,
270
+ 2022); United States v. Webster , No. 21- cr-208, Minute Entry (Apr. 25, 2022); United States v.
271
+ Hale -Cusanelli , No. 21-cr-37, Minute Entry (May 23, 2022) ; United States v. Anthony Williams ,
272
+ No. 21-cr-377, Minute Entry (June 27, 2022) ; United States v. Bledsoe , No. 21- cr-204, Minute
273
+ Entry (July 18, 2022); United States v. Herrera , No. 21- cr-619, Minute Entry (D.D.C. August 15,
274
+ 2022) ; United States v. Jensen, No. 21-cr-6, Minute Entries (Sep. 19 & 20, 2022) ; United States v.
275
+ Strand, No. 21- 85, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Sep. 20, 2022); United States v. Alford , No. 21- cr-263,
276
+ Minute Entry (Sep. 29, 2022); United States v. Riley Williams , No. 21- cr-618, Minute Entries
277
+ (D.D .C. Nov. 7 & 8, 2022) ; United States v. Schwartz , No. 21- cr-178, Minute Entries (D.D.C.
278
+ Nov. 22 & 29, 2022); United States v. Gillespie No. 22- cr-60, Minute Entry ( D.D.C. Dec. 19,
279
+ 2022) ; United States v. Barnett , 21-cr-38, Minute Entries (D.D.C. Jan. 9 & 10, 2023); United States
280
+ v. Sheppard, No. 21- cr-203, Minute Entries (D.D.C. Jan. 20 & 23, 2023); United States v.
281
+ Eckerman , No. 21- CR-623, Minute Entry (D.D.C. Jan. 23, 2023) . The only exceptions have trials
282
+ involving seditious conspiracy charges. See Uni ted States v. Rhodes, et al., No. 22- cr-15, Minute
283
+ Entries (Sept. 27, 28, 29; Dec. 6, 7, 8, 9, 2022). And, using the first five jury trials as exemplars,
284
+ the voir dire that took place undermines the defendant’s claim that prejudice should be presumed.
285
+ In Reffitt, the Court individually examined 56 prospective jurors and qualified 38 of them
286
+ (about 68% of those examined). See Reffitt, No. 21- cr-32, ECF No. 136 at 121. The Court asked
287
+ all the prospective jurors whether they had “an opinion about Mr. Reffi tt’s guilt or innocence in
288
+ this case” and whether they had any “strong feelings or opinions” about the events of January 6 or
289
+ any political beliefs that it would make it difficult to be a “fair and impartial” juror. Reffitt, No.
290
+ 21-cr-32, ECF No. 133 at 23, 30. The Court then followed up during individual voir dire. Of the
291
+ 18 jurors that were struck for cause, only nine (or 16% of the 56 people examined) indicated that Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 13 of 1714 they had such strong feelings about the events of January 6 that they could not serve as fair or
292
+ impartial jurors.2
293
+ In Thompson, the Court individually examined 34 prospective jurors, and qualified 25 of
294
+ them (or 73%). See Thompson, No. 21- cr-161, ECF No. 106 at 170, 172, 181, 190, 193. The court
295
+ asked the entire venire 47 standard questions, and then followed up on their affirmative answers
296
+ during individual voir dire. Id. at 4-5, 35. Of the nine prospective jurors struck for cause, only
297
+ three (or about 9% of those examined) were stricken based on an inability to be impartial, as
298
+ opposed to some other cause.3
299
+ Similarly, in Robertson, the Court individually examined 49 prospective jurors and
300
+ qualified 34 of them (or about 69% of those examined). See Robertson, No. 21- cr-34, ECF No.
301
+ 106 at 73. The Court asked all prospective jurors whether they had “such strong feelings” about the events of January 6 that it would be “difficult” to follow the court’s instructions “and render a fair and impartial verdict.” Robertson, No. 21- cr-34, ECF No. 104 at 14. It asked whether
302
+ anything about the allegations in that case would prevent prospective jurors from “being neutral and fair” and whether their political views would affect their ability to be “fair and impartial.” Id.
303
+
304
+ 2 For those struck based on a professed inability to be impartial, see Reffitt, No. 21- cr-32,
305
+ ECF No. 133 at 49- 54 (Juror 328), 61- 68 (Juror 1541), 112- 29 (Juror 1046); ECF No. 134 at 41 -
306
+ 42 (Juror 443), 43- 47 (Juror 45), 71- 78 (Juror 1747), 93- 104 (Juror 432), 132- 43 (Juror 514); ECF
307
+ No. 135 at 80- 91 (Juror 1484). For those struck for other reasons, see Reffitt, No. 21- cr-32, ECF
308
+ No. 134 at 35- 41 (Juror 313, worked at Library of Congress); ECF No. 134 at 78- 93 and ECF No.
309
+ 135 at 3 (Juror 728, moved out of D.C.); ECF No. 135 at 6- 8 (Juror 1650, over 70 and declined to
310
+ serve), 62 -73 (Juror 548, unavailability), 100- 104 (Juror 715, anxiety and views on guns ), 120
311
+ (Juror 548, medical appointments); ECF No. 136 at 41- 43 (Juror 1240, health hardship), 53- 65
312
+ (Juror 464, worked at Library of Congress), 65- 86 (Juror 1054, prior knowledge of f acts).
313
+
314
+ 3 For the three stricken for bias, see Thompson, No. 21- cr-161, ECF No. 106 at 51- 53 (Juror
315
+ 1242), 85- 86 (Juror 328), 158- 59 (Juror 999). For the six stricken for hardship or inability to focus,
316
+ see Thompson, No. 21- cr-161, ECF No. 106 at 44 (Juror 1513), 45 (Juror 1267), 49- 50 (Juror 503),
317
+ 50-51 (Juror 1290), 86 -93 (Juror 229), 109- 10 (Juror 1266).
318
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 14 of 1715 at 13, 15. The Court followed up on affirmative answers to those questions during individual voir
319
+ dire. Of the 15 prospective jurors struck for cause, only nine (or 18% of the 49 people examined)
320
+ indicated that they had such strong feelings about the January 6 events that they could not be fair
321
+ or impartial.4
322
+ In Webster , the Court individually examined 53 jurors and qualified 35 of them (or 66%),
323
+ Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 115 at 6, though it later excused one of those 35 based on
324
+ hardship, Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 114 at 217- 18. The Court asked all prospective jurors
325
+ whether they had “strong feelings” about the events of January 6 or about the former President that
326
+ would “make it difficult for [the prospective juror] to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case.” We bster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 113 at 19. During individual voir dire, t he Court followed
327
+ up on affirmative answers to clarify whether prospective jurors could set aside their feelings and
328
+ decide the case fairly . See, e.g., id. at 32 -33, 41- 42, 54- 56, 63, 65-66. Only 10 out of 53
329
+ prospective jurors (or about 19%) were stricken based on a professed or imputed inability to be impartial, as opposed to some other reason.
330
+ 5 The Webster Court observed that this number “was
331
+
332
+ 4 For those struck based on a professed inability to be impartial, see Robertson, No. 21- cr-
333
+ 34, ECF No. 104 at 26- 34 (Juror 1431), 97- 100 (Juror 1567); ECF No. 105 at 20- 29 (Juror 936),
334
+ 35-41 (Juror 799), 59- 70 (Juror 696), 88- 92 (Juror 429); ECF No. 106 at 27- 36 (Juror 1010), 36-
335
+ 39 (Juror 585), 58- 63 (Juror 1160). For those struck f or other reasons, see Robertson, No. 21- cr-
336
+ 34, ECF No. 104 at 23- 26 (Juror 1566, hardship related to care for elderly sisters), 83- 84 (Juror
337
+ 1027, moved out of D.C.); ECF No. 105 at 55- 59 (Juror 1122, language concerns), 92- 94 (Juror
338
+ 505, work hardship); E CF No. 106 at 16- 21 (Juror 474, work trip); 50- 53 (Juror 846, preplanned
339
+ trip).
340
+
341
+ 5 Nine of the 19 stricken jurors were excused based on hardship or a religious belief. See
342
+ Webster , No. 21 -cr-208, ECF No. 113 at 46 (Juror 1464), 49- 50 (Juror 1132), 61 (Juror 1153), 68
343
+ (Juror 951), 78 (Juror 419); Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 114 at 102- 04, 207, 217 (Juror 571),
344
+ 188 (Juror 1114), 191 (Juror 176), 203- 04 (Juror 1262). Of the ten other stricken jurors, three
345
+ professed an ability to be impartial but were nevertheless stricken based on a connection to the
346
+ events or to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. See Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 113 at 58 -60 (Juror
347
+ 689 was a deputy chief of staff for a member of congress); Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 114 Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 15 of 1716 actually relatively low” and therefor e “doesn’t bear out the concerns that were at root in the venue
348
+ transfer motion” in that case. Webster , No. 21- cr-208, ECF No. 115 at 7.
349
+ In Hale -Cusanelli , the Court individually examined 47 prospective jurors and qualified 32
350
+ of them (or 68%). Hale -Cusanelli, No. 21- cr-37, ECF No. 91 at 106, 111. The Court asked
351
+ prospective jurors questions similar to those asked in the other trials. See Hale -Cusanelli , No. 21-
352
+ cr-37, ECF No. 90 at 72- 74 (Questions 16, 20). Of the 15 prospective jurors struck for cause, 11
353
+ (or 23% of those examined) were stricken based on a connection to the events of January 6 or a
354
+ professed inability to be impartial.6
355
+ In these first five jury trials, the percentage of prospective jurors stricken for cause based
356
+ on partiality is far lower than in Irvin , where the Supreme Court said that “statement[s] of
357
+ impartiality” by some prospective jurors could be given “little weight” based on the number of other prospective jurors who “admitted prejudice.” Irvin , 366 U.S. at 728. In Irvin , 268 of 430
358
+ prospective jurors ( or 62%) were stricken for cause based on “fixed opinions as to the guilt of
359
+ petitioner. ” Id. at 727. The percentage of parti ality-based strikes in these first five January 6-
360
+ related jury trials —between 9% and 23% of those examined—is far lower than the 62% in Irvin .
361
+ The percentage in these cases is lower even than in Murphy , where 20 of 78 prospective jurors
362
+ (25%) were “excuse d because they indicated an opinion as to petitioner’s guilt .” Murphy , 421
363
+ U.S. at 803. Murphy said that this percentage “by no means suggests a community with sentiment
364
+ so poisoned against petitioner as to impeach the indifference of jurors who displaye d no animus
365
+
366
+ at 139- 41 (Juror 625’s former mother- in-law was a member of congress); 196 -98 (Juror 780 was
367
+ a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in D.C.).
368
+
369
+ 6 See Hale -Cusanelli , No. 21- cr-37, ECF No. 90 at 61- 62 (Juror 499), 67- 68 (Juror 872),
370
+ 84-85 (Juror 206), 91- 94 (Juror 653); ECF No. 91 at 2- 5 (Juror 1129), 32 (Juror 182), 36 (Juror
371
+ 176), 61- 62 (Juror 890), 75- 78 (Juror 870), 94- 97 (Juror 1111), 97- 104 (Juror 1412). For the four
372
+ jurors excused for hardship, see Hale -Cusanelli , No. 21- cr-37, ECF No. 90 at 77 -79 (Juror 1524),
373
+ 99 (Juror 1094); ECF No. 91 at 12 (Juror 1014), 31 (Juror 899). Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 16 of 1717 of their own.” Id. As in Murphy , the number of prospective jurors indicating bias does not call
374
+ into question the qualifications of others whose statements of impartiality the Court has credited.
375
+ Far from showing that “an impartial jury actua lly cannot be selected,” Haldeman, 559 F.2d
376
+ at 63, the first five January 6- related jury trials have confirmed that voir dire can adequately screen
377
+ out prospective jurors who cannot be fair and impartial , while leaving more than sufficient
378
+ qualified jurors to hear the case. The Court should deny the defendant’s request for a venue
379
+ transfer and should instead rely on a thorough voir dire to protect the defendant’s right to an
380
+ impartial jury.
381
+ CONCLUSION
382
+ For the foregoing reasons, the defendant’s motion to transfer venue should be denied.
383
+ Respectfully submitted,
384
+
385
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
386
+ United States Attorney
387
+ D.C. Bar No. 481052
388
+
389
+ By: /s/ Rebekah Lederer
390
+ REBEKAH LEDERER
391
+ Pennsylvania Bar No. 320922
392
+ Assistant United States Attorney
393
+ U.S Attorney’s Office for District of Columbia
394
+ 601 D St. N.W, Washington, DC 20530
395
+ Tel. No. (202) 252- 7012
396
+ Email: rebekah.lederer@usdoj.gov Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 86 Filed 02/21/23 Page 17 of 17
03-23-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ U.S. Department of Justice
2
+ C
3
+ hanning D. Phillips
4
+ Acting United States Attorney
5
+ D
6
+ istrict of Columbia
7
+ Judiciary Center
8
+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
9
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
10
+ M arch 23, 2021
11
+ Via Email
12
+ Steven K iersh
13
+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan
14
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440
15
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
16
+ skiersh@aol.com
17
+ R
18
+ e: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
19
+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
20
+ D
21
+ ear Counsel:
22
+ T
23
+ he enclosed memorializes the provision of the following preliminary discovery in this
24
+ case, via filesharing (unl ess otherwise indicated ):
25
+ 1. I
26
+ ndictment (emailed on 2/3/2021)
27
+ 2. Signed Complaint (emailed on 2/18/2021)3. Signed Affidavit Supporting Complaint (emailed on 2/18/2021)4. 302 from Defendant’ s Interview 1/7 (emailed on 2/18/2021)
28
+ 5. 302 from Defendant ’s Interview 1/9 (emailed on 2/18/2021)
29
+ 6. Signed Redacted Complaint7. Signed Arrest Warrant, and Arrest Warrant Return8. 9 Screenshots of Defendant from Affidavit9.Criminal History Report
30
+ 10.Vide o of Defendant’ s Interview 1/11
31
+ 11. Videos Provided by Defendant 1/11 (10 files )
32
+ 12. CenturyLink Subpoena Production (2 files)13. Beehive Broadband Subpoena Production (2 fil es)
33
+ 14.Defendant ’s Molotov Cocktail Video and Jayden X screen shot
34
+ 15.Defendant ’s Insurgence USA Instagram post “ How to Take Down A
35
+ Monument”
36
+ 16.Defendant ’s Periscope video “Let’s Explore DC ”
37
+ 17.Defendant ’s Facebook post “ Let’s start a riot”
38
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 18-1 Filed 03/23/21 Page 1 of 32
39
+ 18. Defendant ’s Facebook post “ Insurgence Defense Fund”
40
+ 19. Defendant ’s Youtube videos (7 files )
41
+ 20. Defendant ’s Youtube screenshots (11 files)
42
+ 21. Defendant ’s Twitter videos (9 files )
43
+ 22. Defendant ’s Tweets (6 posts)
44
+ 23. Open -Source Videos (10 files, zipped)
45
+ 24. Open -Source Articles (5 files)
46
+ 25. Vide o of Defendant ’s Infowars Interview
47
+
48
+ Due to the extraordinary nature of the January 6, 2021 Capitol Attack , the government
49
+ anticipates that a large volume of materials may contain information relevant to this prosecution.
50
+ These materials may include , but are not limited to, surveillance video, statements of similarly
51
+ situated defendants, forensic searches of electronic devices and social media accounts of
52
+ similarly situated defendants, and citizen tips . The government is working to develop a system
53
+ that will facilitate access to these materia ls. In the meantime, p lease let me know if there are any
54
+ categories of information that you believe are particularly relevant to your client.
55
+ The discovery is unencrypted . Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
56
+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
57
+ Additional materials will be provided after the entry of a Protective Order in this case.
58
+
59
+ I recognize the government’s discovery obligations under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S.
60
+ 83 (1963), its progeny, and Rule 16. I will provide timely disclosure if any such material comes to light. Consistent with Giglio , Ruiz , and 18 U .S.C. § 3500, I will provide information about
61
+ government witnesses prior to trial and in compliance with the court’s tr ial management order.
62
+ I request reciprocal discovery to the fullest extent provided by Rule 16 of the Federal
63
+ Rules of Criminal Procedure, including results or reports of any physical or mental examinations, or scientific tests or experiments, and any expert witness summaries. I also request that defendant(s) disclose prior statements of any witnesses defendant(s) intends to call to testify at any hearing or trial. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 26.2; United States v. Nobles , 422 U.S. 255 (1975). I
64
+ request th at such material be provided on the same basis upon which the government will
65
+ provide defendant(s) with materials relating to government witnesses.
66
+
67
+ Additionally, pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3, I
68
+ request that defen dant(s) provide the government with the appropriate written notice if
69
+ defendant(s) plans to use one of the defenses referenced in those rules. Please provide any notice within the time period required by the Rules or allowed by the Court for the filing of any pretrial
70
+ motions.
71
+ I will forward additional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions,
72
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 18-1 Filed 03/23/21 Page 2 of 33
73
+ please feel free to contact me.
74
+
75
+ Sincerely,
76
+
77
+
78
+ _______________________
79
+ Candice C. Wong
80
+ Assistant United States Attorney
81
+ 202-252-7849
82
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
83
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 18-1 Filed 03/23/21 Page 3 of 3
03-26-21 - UNITED STATES’ UNOPPOSED MOTION TO Exlude Time Under Speedy Trial Act JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+ UNIT
4
+ ED STATES OF AMERICA :
5
+ :
6
+ v. : Criminal No. 1:21-CR-00078-E GS
7
+ :
8
+
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
10
+ :
11
+ Defendant. :
12
+ UNITED STATES’ UNOPPOSED MOTION TO
13
+ EXCLUDE TIME UNDER THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT
14
+ The parties are scheduled to appear before the Court for a status hearing in the above -
15
+ captioned proceeding on March 30, 2021. The United States of America an ticipates proceeding
16
+ with the scheduled status hearing, requesting that this Court set the next status date
17
+ approximately 60 days out , and further moving to exclude the time within which the trial must
18
+ commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq., on the basis that the ends of
19
+ justice served by taking such actions outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in
20
+ a speedy trial pursuant to the factors described in 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h) (7)(A), (B)(i), (ii), a nd (iv).
21
+ In support of its unopposed motion, the government s tates as follows:
22
+ FACTUAL B ACKGROUND
23
+ Defendant is charged via indictment with offenses related to crimes that occurred at the
24
+ United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. In brief, on that date, as a Joint Session of the United
25
+ S
26
+ tates House of Representatives and the United States Senate convened to certify the vote of the
27
+ Elector al College of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, members of a large crowd that had
28
+ gathered outside forced entry into the U.S. Capitol, including by breaking windows and by
29
+ assaulting members of law enforcement , as others in the crowd encouraged and ass is ted those acts.
30
+ Scores of individuals entered the U.S. Capitol without authority to be there. As a result, the J oint Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 1 of 92
31
+ Session and the entire official proceeding of the Congress was halted until the Capitol Police, the
32
+ Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies from the city and
33
+ surrounding region were able to clear the Capitol of hundreds of unlawful occupants and ensure
34
+ the safety of elected officials. This event in its entirety is hereinafter referred to as the “Capitol
35
+ Attack. ”
36
+ The investigation and prosecution of the Capitol Attack will likely be one of the largest in
37
+ American history, both in terms of the number of defendants prosecuted and the nature and volume
38
+ of the evidence . Over 300 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol Attack.
39
+ The investigation continues and the government expects that at least one hundr ed additional
40
+ individuals will be charged . While most of the cases have been brought against individual
41
+ defendants, the government is also investigating conspiratorial activity that occurred prior to and
42
+ on January 6, 2021. The spectrum of crimes charged and under investigation in connection with
43
+ the Capitol Attack includes (but is not limited to) trespass, engaging in disruptive or violent conduct in the Capitol or on Capitol grounds, destruction of government property, theft of government property, assa ults on federal and local police officers, firearms offenses, civil disorder,
44
+ obstruction of an official proceeding, possession and use of destructive devices, and conspiracy.
45
+ Defendants charged and under investigation come from throughout the United States , and
46
+ a combined total of over 900 search warrants have been executed in almost all fifty states and the
47
+ District of Columbia. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the response to the
48
+ Capitol Attack, which included officers and agents from U.S. Capitol Police, the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 2 of 93
49
+ States Secret Service, t he United States Park Police, the Virginia State Police, the Arlington
50
+ County Police Department, the Prince William County Police Department, the Maryland State
51
+ Police, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police. Documents and evidence accumulated in the
52
+ Capitol Attack investigation thus far include : (a) more than 15,000 hours of surveillance and body -
53
+ worn camera footage from multiple law enforcement agencies ; (b) approximately 1,600 electronic
54
+ devices ; (c) the results of hundreds of searches of electronic communication providers ; (d) over
55
+ 210,000 tips , of which a substantial portion include video, photo and social media ; and (e) over
56
+ 80,000 reports and 93,000 attachments related to law enforcement interviews of suspects and
57
+ witnesses and other investigative steps . As the Capitol Attack investigation is still on -going, the
58
+ number of defendants charged and the volume of potentially discoverable materials will only
59
+ continue to grow. In short , even in cases involving a single defendant, the volume of discoverable
60
+ materials is likely to be significant.
61
+ The United States is aware of and takes seriously its obligations pursuant to Federal Rule
62
+ of Criminal Procedure 1 6 and Local Criminal Rule 5.1(a) , the provisions of Brady v. Maryland,
63
+ 373 U.S. 83, 87 (1963), Giglio v. United States , 405 U.S. 150, 153- 54 (1972), and the Jencks Act,
64
+ 18 U.S.C. § 3500. Accordingly, t he government , in consultation with the Federal Public
65
+ Defender , is developing a comprehensive plan for handling, tracking, processing, review ing and
66
+ produc ing discovery across the Capitol Attack cases . Under the plan, the discovery most directly
67
+ and immediately related to pending charges in cases involving detained defendants will be
68
+ provided w ithin the next thirty to sixty days . Cases that do not involve detained defendants will
69
+ follow thereafter. Such productions will also be supplemented on an on- going basis . In the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 3 of 94
70
+ longer term, the plan will include a system for storing, organizing, searching, producing and/or
71
+ making available voluminous materials such as those described above in a manner that is workable
72
+ for both the government and hundreds of defendants. This latter portion of the plan will require
73
+ more time to develop and implement, including further consultation with the Federal Public
74
+ Defender .
75
+ Defendant in this case is charged with violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 ( any act to
76
+ obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the
77
+ lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects the performance of any federally protected fu nction) ; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) & 2 ( corruptly obstruct ing, influenc ing, or impeding
78
+ any official proceeding, or attempt ing to do so) ; 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a) (1) and (2) (knowingly
79
+ enter ing or remain ing in any restricted building or grounds without lawful aut hority, or knowingly,
80
+ and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct ); and 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2) (D) and (G)
81
+ (willfully and knowingly engag ing in disorderl y or disruptive conduct, at any place in the Grounds
82
+ or in any of the Capitol Buildings with the intent to impede, disrupt, or disturb the orderly conduct
83
+ of a session of Congress or either House of Congress, or the orderly conduct in that building of any deliberations of either House of Congress ). In this case, t he government has already provided
84
+ defense counsel with preliminary discovery, including charging documents, screenshots of the
85
+ defendant from relevant video footage, 302s, a video of the defendant’s interview, videos provided by the def endant to the FBI, subpoena productions from some of the defendant’s digital accounts,
86
+ media interviews given by the defendant, open -source articles about the defendant, open- source Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 4 of 95
87
+ video footage of events relating to the attack on the Speaker’s Lobby door way, law enforcement
88
+ database reports on the defendant, and numerous social media videos and postings from the
89
+ defendant’s accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and Periscope .
90
+ ARGUMENT
91
+ Pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act, an indictment charging an individual with the
92
+ commission of an offense generally must be filed within thirty days from the date on which such
93
+ individual was arrested or served with a summons in connection with such charges. 18 U.S.C. §
94
+ 3161( a). Further, as a general matter, in any case in which a plea of not guilty is entered, a
95
+ defendant charged in an information or indictment with the commission of an offense must
96
+ commence within seventy days from the filing date (and making public) of the information or indictment, or from t he date the defendant has appeared before a judicial officer of the court in
97
+ which such charge is pending, whichever date last occurs. 18 U.S.C. § 3161( c)(1).
98
+ Section 3161(h) of the Speedy Trial Act sets forth certain periods of delay which the Court
99
+ must exclude from the computation of time within which a trial must commence . As is relevant
100
+ to this motion for a continuance, pursuant to subsection (h)(7)(A), the Court must exclude:
101
+ Any period of delay resulting from a continuance granted by any judge on his own
102
+ motion or at the request of the defendant or his counsel or at the request of the attorney for the Government, if the judge granted such continuance on the basis of his findings that the ends of justice served by taking such action outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial.
103
+
104
+ 18 U.S.C. § 3161( h)(7)(A). This provision further requires the Court to set forth its reasons for
105
+ finding that that any ends -of-justice continuance is warranted. Id. Subsection (h)(7)(B) sets
106
+ forth a non-exhaustive list factors that the Court must consider in determining whether to grant an
107
+ ends-of-justice continuance , including: Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 5 of 96
108
+ (i) Whether the failure to grant such a cont inuance in the proceeding would
109
+ be likely to make a continuation of such proceeding impossible, or result
110
+ in a miscarriage of justice.
111
+ (ii) Whether the case is so unusual or so complex, due to the number of defendants, the nature of the prosecution, or the ex istence of novel
112
+ questions of fact or law, that it is unreasonable to expect adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings or for the trial itself within the time limits established by this section.
113
+ . . .
114
+ (iv) Whether the failure to grant such a continuance in a case which, taken as a whole, is not so unusual or so complex as to fall within clause (ii), would deny the defendant reasonable time to obtain counsel, would unreasonably deny the defendant or the Government continuity of counsel, or woul d
115
+ deny counsel for the defendant or the attorney for the Government the reasonable time necessary for effective preparation, taking into account the exercise of due diligence.
116
+
117
+ 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B) (i)(ii) and (iv). Importantly, “[i]n setting forth th e statutory factors that
118
+ justify a continuance under subsection (h)(7), Congress twice recognized the importance of
119
+ adequate pretrial preparation time.” Bloate v. United States , 559 U.S. 196, 197 (2010) ( citing
120
+ §3161(h)(7)(B)(ii), (B)(iv)).
121
+ An interests of justice finding is within the discretion of the Court. See, e.g., United States
122
+ v. Rojas -Contreras , 474 U.S. 231, 236 (1985); United States v. Hernandez , 862 F.2d 17, 24 n.3
123
+ (2d Cir. 1988). “The substantive b alancing underlying the decision to grant such a continuance is
124
+ entrusted to the district court’s sound discretion.” United States v. Rice , 746 F.3d 1074 (D.C. Cir.
125
+ 2014).
126
+ In this case, an ends -of-justice continuance is warranted under 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)( 7)(A)
127
+ based on the factors described in 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B) (i)(ii) and (iv). As described above,
128
+ the Capitol Attack is likely the most complex investigation ever prosecuted by the Department of
129
+ Justice . Developing a system for storing and searching, producing and/or making available Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 6 of 97
130
+ voluminous materials accumulated across hundreds of investigations, and ensuring that such
131
+ system will be workable for both the government and defense, will take time. Even after a system
132
+ generally agreeable to the gove rnment and the Federal Public Defender is designed and
133
+ implemented , likely through the use of outside vendors, it will take time to load, process , search
134
+ and review discovery materials. Further adding to production and review times, certain sensitive
135
+ materials may require re daction or restrictions on dissemination, and other materials may need to
136
+ be filtered for potentially privileged information before they can be review ed by the prosecution.
137
+ The need for reasonable time to organize , produce, and review voluminous discovery is
138
+ among multiple pretrial preparation grounds that Courts of Appeals have routinely held sufficient
139
+ to grant continuances and exclude the time under the Speedy Trial Act. See, e.g., United States
140
+ v. Bikundi , 926 F.3d 761, 777- 78 (D.C. Cir. 2019) (upholding ends -of-justice continuances totaling
141
+ 18 months in two co- defendant health care fraud and money laundering conspiracy case, in part
142
+ because t he District Court found a need to “permit defense counsel and the government time to
143
+ both produce discovery and review discovery” ); United States v. Bell , 925 F.3d 362, 374 (7th Cir.
144
+ 2019) (upholding two- month ends -of-justice continuance in firearm possessi on case, over
145
+ defendant’s objection, where five days before trial a superseding indictment with four new counts was returned, “1,000 pages of new discovery materials and eight hours of recordings” were
146
+ provided, and the government stated that “it needed more than five days to prepare to try [the
147
+ defendant] on the new counts”); United States v. Vernon, 593 F. App’ x 883, 886 (11th Cir. 2014)
148
+ (District court did not abuse its broad discretion in case involving conspiracy to commit wire and
149
+ mail fraud by granting t wo ends-of-justice continuances due to voluminous discovery); United
150
+ States v. Gordon, 710 F.3d 1124, 1157- 58 (10
151
+ th Cir. 2013) (upholding ends -of-justice continuance Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 7 of 98
152
+ of ten months and twenty -four days in case involving violation of federal securities laws, where
153
+ discovery included “documents detailing the hundreds financial transactions that formed the basis
154
+ for the charges” and “hundreds and thousands of documents that needs to be catalogued and
155
+ separated, so that the parties could identify the relevant ones”) (internal quotation marks omitted) ;
156
+ United States v. Lewis , 611 F.3d 1172, 1177- 78 (9th Cir. 2010) (upholding ninety- day ends -of-
157
+ justice continuance in case involving international conspiracy to smuggle pr otected wildlife into
158
+ the United States, where defendant’s case was joined with several co -defendants, and there were
159
+ on-going investigations, voluminous discovery, a large number of counts, and potential witnesses
160
+ from other countries); United States v. O ’Connor , 656 F.3d 630, 640 (7th Cir. 2011) (upholding
161
+ ends-of-justice continuances totaling five months and twenty days in wire fraud case that began
162
+ with eight charged defendants and ended with a single defendant exercising the right to trial , based
163
+ on “the complexity of the case, the magnitude of the discovery, and the attorneys’ schedules”) .
164
+ In sum, due to the number of individuals currently charged across the Capitol Attack
165
+ investigation and the nature of those charges, the on- going investigation of many other individuals,
166
+ the volume and nature of potentially discover able materials, and the reasonable time necessary for
167
+ effective preparation by all parties taking into account the exercise of due diligence, t he failure to
168
+ grant such a continuance in this proceeding would be likely to make a continuation of this
169
+ proceeding impossible, or result in a miscarriage of justice. Accordingly, t he ends of justice
170
+ served by granting a request for a continuance outweigh the best interest of the public and the
171
+ defendant in a speedy trial.
172
+ Government counsel notified the defense of the f iling of this motion, and counsel consents
173
+ to the motion. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 8 of 99
174
+ WHEREFORE, the government respectfully requests that this Court set a status hearing
175
+ approximately 60 days from the March 30, 2021 status hearing and grant the unopposed motion to
176
+ exclude the time – accounting for those approximately 60 days – within which the trial must
177
+ commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq ., on the basis that the ends of
178
+ justice served by taking such actions outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in
179
+ a speedy trial pursuant to the factors described in 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A), (B) (i), (ii), a nd (iv).
180
+ Respectfully submitted,
181
+ CHANNING D. PHILLIPS
182
+ Acting United States Attorney
183
+ D.C. Bar No. 415793
184
+
185
+
186
+
187
+ By:
188
+ CANDICE C. WONG
189
+ Assistant United States Attorney
190
+ D.C. Bar No. 990903 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room 4816 Washington, DC 20530 Candice.wong@usdoj.gov (202) 252-7849
191
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 21 Filed 03/26/21 Page 9 of 9
03-26-21 - UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNI
2
+ TED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+ UNI
5
+ TED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ : v. Crim No. 1:21- CR-00078-E GS
8
+ :
9
+
10
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
11
+ :
12
+ Defendant. :
13
+ UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER
14
+ T
15
+ he United States of America hereby respectfully moves the Court for the entry of a
16
+ protective order governing the production of discovery by the parties in the above -captioned case.
17
+ The United States and counsel for Defendant have reached an agreement as to the proposed
18
+ protective order. Therefore, the United States is authorized to represent to the Court that D efendant
19
+ does not oppose this motion or the entry of the attached protective order.
20
+ R
21
+ espectfully submitted,
22
+ CHANNING D. PHILLIPS
23
+ Acting United States Attorney
24
+ D.C. Bar No. 415793
25
+ By:
26
+ CANDICE C. WONG
27
+ Assistant United States Attorney
28
+ D.C. Bar No. 990903
29
+ 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room 4816Washington, D C 20530
30
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov(202) 252-7849
31
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 20 Filed 03/26/21 Page 1 of 1
03-27-21 -TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING Before Robin M. Meriweather JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,3191 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )Criminal Action
6
+ )No. 2021-78
7
+ vs. )
8
+ )
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN , )February 16, 2021
10
+ )4:01 p.m.
11
+ Defendant . )Washington , D.C.
12
+ )
13
+ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
14
+ TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING
15
+ BEFORE THE HONORABLE ROBIN M. MERIWEATHER ,
16
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MAGISTRATE JUDGE
17
+ (Parties appearing via videoconference and telephonically )
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+ APPEARANCES :
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+ FOR THE UNITED STATES: CANDICE WONG
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+ U.S. Attorney 's Office
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+ for the District of Columbia
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+ 555 Fourth Street, NW
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+ Washington , DC 20530
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+ (202) 252-7849
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+ Email: candice.wong@usdoj.gov
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+ FOR THE DEFENDANT : STEVEN ROY KIERSH
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+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
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+ Suite 440
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+ Washington , DC 20015
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+ (202) 347-0200
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+ Email: skiersh@aol.com
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+ ALSO PRESENT: MASHARIA HOLMAN, Pretrial Officer
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+ JOSHUA CAHOON, U.S. Probation
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+ Court Reporter : Elizabeth Saint-Loth, RPR, FCRR
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+ Official Court Reporter
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+ Proceedings reported by machine shorthand , transcript
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+ produced by computer -aided transcription .Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 1 of 641
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+ P R O C E E D I N G S
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+ THE COURT: Okay. I am ready.
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+ THE DEPUTY: Okay.
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+ Criminal Case No. 2021-78, the United States of
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+ America versus John Earle Sullivan .
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+ Candice Wong representing the government ;
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+ Steven Kiersh representing the defendant . Shay Holman is
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+ the pretrial services officer. The defendant is
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+ participating by video. This case is called for a hearing
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+ to set conditions of release.
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+ Also, Your Honor, just to let you know, Josh
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+ Cahoon is also connected by video.
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+ THE COURT: Thank you.
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+ I set this hearing to set release conditions given
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+ that I know we had some concerns at the last hearing with
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+ the proposed conditions , specifically with a proposal to
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+ adopt the conditions that were set by the arresting
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+ jurisdiction which subjected Mr. Sullivan to an internet
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+ monitoring system supervised by pretrial services in Utah
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+ and -- pursuant to which -- that court's release conditions
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+ where, in fact, Mr. Sullivan was banned from certain
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+ websites that discussed the specific nature which were not
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+ set forth in the Court's release order but, instead, were
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+ determined by pretrial based on its assessment of sites that
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+ potentially posed some risks. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 2 of 641
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+ I invited the parties that -- if I were going to
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+ be asked to invoke limits on use of websites , it would need
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+ to be presented directly to me for me to resolve in the
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+ release order; both for clarity of the record, because I
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+ know that there were some extra steps involved in trying to
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+ review the revocation , but then, also, it was -- in my aim
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+ to finish within the time limits we had, it was probably not
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+ explained as fully on the record. But, also, I wasn't aware
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+ that he -- of the restrictions of the potential First
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+ Amendment implications ; and I wanted to make sure that
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+ anything that I did set was specifically justified by the
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+ government and, also, appropriately tailored to the concerns
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+ that we have to consider under the Bail Reform Act when we
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+ are setting release conditions .
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+ Before we called the case, I was advised by the
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+ defense that they had filed a memorandum concerning release
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+ conditions and that memorandum , which I reviewed before we
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+ called the case, raised First Amendment concerns, and it
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+ indicated their objections to the release conditions .
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+ I think the best way to proceed today, for clarity
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+ of the record, given the extent of time since our last
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+ hearing, would be for Ms. Wong to first state exactly what
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+ release conditions the government is requesting . I will
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+ then let Mr. Kiersh indicate exactly which of those
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+ conditions the defense objects to. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 3 of 641
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+ If I have questions for pretrial services about
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+ implementation or logistics of any of the conditions that
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+ are being proposed or any recommendations from pretrial , I
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+ will hear from pretrial ; and that can be our pretrial or
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+ Mr. Cahoon who has graciously agreed to participate from
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+ pretrial ; and then, hopefully , I will have enough
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+ information in front of me to decide.
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+ I realize that the question of Mr. Sullivan 's
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+ release has been pending for some period of time. And I
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+ presume that, while it's been pending, he has been subject
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+ to all of the restrictions by the arresting jurisdiction and
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+ that that Court can modify the order in the interim.
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+ So, Ms. Wong, if you could just go through one by
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+ one the conditions you are requesting . Thank you.
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+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor.
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+ Candice Wong for the United States.
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+ Thank you, Your Honor.
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+ I did ask at the last hearing for us to reimpose
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+ the conditions in Utah, but Your Honor did ask us to confer
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+ with the parties. I have spoken with Mr. Kiersh over the
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+ weekend, as well as Mr. Cahoon and Ms. Holman from pretrial ,
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+ and have a modification to what I was requesting initially .
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+ I would say I do believe that pretrial and the
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+ government are in alignment here. We have, sort of, two
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+ possibilities or alternative s with respect to the social Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 4 of 641
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+ media that we would propose. But, essentially , the
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+ conditions would include the home detention , which is what
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+ was imposed in the arresting jurisdiction ; that would
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+ include GPS monitoring , as was imposed in the arresting
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+ jurisdiction ; it would include computer and internet
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+ monitoring ; and there are some miscellaneous ones, Your
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+ Honor, involving firearms.
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+ Do you want me to go through --
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+ THE COURT: Yes. I think it would just be helpful
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+ to go through each one. I am going to write it down and
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+ make sure I know which ones are in dispute.
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+ MS. WONG: Let me just grab the order.
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+ THE COURT: Take your time.
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+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor.
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+ He was asked -- okay, Your Honor, starting from
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+ the beginning , that: The defendant must maintain or
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+ actively seek verifiable employment and/or maintain or
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+ commence an educational program as approved by the pretrial
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+ officer.
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+ The Court, I believe, had added in there some
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+ language about Insurgence USA. The government here would
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+ request some more specific language than what we were
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+ requesting there; it's that the defendant must actively seek
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+ or maintain verifiable employment as approved by the Court;
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+ can no longer do any work for Insurgence USA to include any Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 5 of 641
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+ promotion , affiliation with, marketing of, or communication
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+ through Insurgence USA, InsurgenceUSA .com, or Insurgence USA
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+ social media channels, accounts , or handles.
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+ All activity relating to Insurgence USA is
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+ prohibited , except for the payment of taxes and maintenance
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+ of existing bank accounts .
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+ THE COURT: One minute. Let me make sure I finish
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+ writing this down.
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+ All activity regarding Insurgence USA is
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+ prohibited except for paying taxes -- and doing what?
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+ MS. WONG: Maintenance of existing bank accounts .
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+ And, Your Honor, that is the same language that
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+ was delivered from the bench but was not in the order; and
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+ so that was my attempt to provide it, the language in the
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+ order.
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+ THE COURT: Okay.
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+ MS. WONG: Another restriction is that the
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+ defendant abide by restrictions on his place of abode or
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+ travel which include maintaining his residence and not
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+ changing without prior permission from his supervision
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+ officer, not traveling out of state without prior permission
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+ from his supervision officer, not traveling outside the
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+ United States without prior permission from the Court.
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+ The next restriction is: Avoid all contact with
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+ those named persons who are considered either alleged Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 6 of 641
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+ victims, potential witnesses , and/or codefendants .
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+ The next condition is: Report on a regular basis
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+ to the supervision officer as directed . The next condition
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+ is: Not to possess a firearm, ammunition , destructive
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+ device, or any other dangerous weapon.
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+ The next condition was: Do not use or unlawfully
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+ possess a narcotic drug and other controlled substance s
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+ unless prescribed .
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+ The next condition was: Undergo mental health
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+ evaluation and complete any recommended treatment as
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+ directed by the supervision officer. I don't know if that's
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+ already been done.
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+ The next condition is: Surrender any passport to
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+ the Clerk of Court in the District of Utah. I believe that
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+ would have been done already, but Mr. Kiersh can confirm.
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+ The next condition is: Not obtain or apply for a
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+ passport .
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+ The next condition is: Home detention , as I
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+ mentioned . After that is: GPS location monitoring , as I
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+ mentioned .
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+ The next condition is: The computer and internet
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+ monitoring program, as administered by Mr. Cahoon's agency.
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+ And with respect to that, the government 's request would be
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+ that the Court prohibit the defendant from his use of
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+ Twitter and Facebook and encrypted social media platforms . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 7 of 641
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+ As one alternative to that, Your Honor, something
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+ Ms. Holman has discussed or considered was not limiting the
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+ platforms but, instead, potentially -- if Your Honor
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+ preferred an approach that encompassed more platforms but
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+ perhaps was more narrowly tailored to communication s to
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+ prohibit : Inciting , promoting , or organizing protests,
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+ riots, criminal activity , armed conflict s, or violence on
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+ any social media platform . I think they both have different
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+ issues, and I am happy to discuss them; but those are two
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+ possibilities adjusted for social media.
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+ THE COURT: With that alternative , it was
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+ prohibiting : Inciting , promoting , or organizing protests
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+ riots, or -- what else?
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+ MS. WONG: Criminal activity , armed conflict s, or
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+ violence .
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+ THE COURT: Thank you.
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+ Were there any other conditions you were asking
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+ for?
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+ MS. WONG: I believe that's it, Your Honor.
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+ There is something about appearing in court which
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+ is one of the standard ones.
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+ THE COURT: Yes. That has been the standard form,
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+ appear in Court as required , and not commit any federal,
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+ state, or local crimes.
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+ MS. WONG: Correct, Your Honor. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 8 of 641
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+ THE COURT: Thank you.
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+ Does pretrial wish to be heard any further -- or
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+ wish to be heard on what Ms. Wong's recommending ?
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+ If there is something you want to address later,
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+ you may. But, just preemptively , was there anything at this
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+ juncture ?
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+ MS. HOLMAN: Your Honor, this is Ms. Holman with
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+ pretrial services .
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+ Mr. Cahoon may want to confirm this, but there was
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+ also a condition that said: Submit person, residence , or
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+ office, or vehicle to search conducted by a pretrial officer
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+ at a reasonable time upon reasonable suspicion of contraband
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+ or evidence of a violation of condition s of release.
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+ THE COURT: Okay.
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+ THE DEPUTY: Excuse me.
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+ MS. HOLMAN: And I think that goes to the possible
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+ use of having the cell phones and other computer equipment
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+ in the home, Your Honor.
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+ THE COURT: Ms. Kay?
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+ THE DEPUTY: Excuse me, just one moment.
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+ I just want to remind everyone if you could mute
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+ your telephone if you are not speaking , if you are able to
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+ do that. Most everyone is muted; but I don't know if people
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+ on the telephone are able to mute if they are not speaking .
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+ That's a request by the court reporter . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 9 of 641
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+ Thank you.
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+ THE COURT: Ms. Holman, it was: Submit person,
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+ vehicle, or residence to search at a reasonable time upon
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+ grounds of suspected violation ?
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+ MS. HOLMAN: Yes, Your Honor; reasonable suspicion
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+ of contraband or evidence of a violation of a condition of
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+ release.
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+ It was part of the original conditions of release.
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+ THE COURT: Thank you.
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+ Ms. Wong, are you requesting that condition as
473
+ well to carry forward?
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+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor. I am just seeing it
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+ now; I didn't mean to omit that.
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+ THE COURT: Okay. Thank you.
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+ Okay. Ms. Holman, was there anything else from
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+ pretrial , or Mr. Cahoon?
479
+ MS. HOLMAN: Not from D.C. pretrial , Your Honor.
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+ THE COURT: Mr. Cahoon is muted.
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+ Mr. Cahoon, could you just unmute yourself and
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+ confirm at this juncture whether there is anything you
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+ wanted to add?
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+ MR. CAHOON: I do not believe so, Your Honor.
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+ I was not aware though if I heard a mental health
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+ evaluation had been recommended ; that was one of the
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+ conditions that was originally ordered. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 10 of 641
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+ THE COURT: What type of evaluation , mental
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+ health?
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+ MR. CAHOON: The specific wording was: Undergo a
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+ mental health evaluation , and complete any recommended
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+ treatment as directed by the pretrial officer; take any
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+ mental health medication as prescribed ; and the defendant
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+ shall pay part or all of the cost of the program based upon
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+ ability to pay as determined by the pretrial officer.
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+ THE COURT: Thank you.
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+ Okay. Mr. Kiersh, I take it from your memorandum
523
+ that you object to GPS monitoring and any restriction on
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+ social media.
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+ Are there other of these proposed conditions that
526
+ the defense objects to?
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+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you, Your Honor.
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+ Again, Steven Kiersh appearing remotely on behalf
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+ of John Sullivan , and Mr. Sullivan is present remotely .
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+ And we did submit, as the Court has noted, a
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+ detailed written memorandum concerning our objections based
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+ upon First Amendment grounds.
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+ We strenuously object to the representation s made
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+ today both by pretrial services and Ms. Wong. The
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+ recommendations they're making are totally oppressive ;
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+ they're unconstitutional ; they're overbroad ; they're
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+ inconsistent with the purposes and designs of the statute Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 11 of 641
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+ governing pretrial release. I will take them one by one.
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+ Again, there are a few exceptions that we don't
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+ object to but the vast majority , again, we strenuously
566
+ object to; and we'll go through them.
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+ Number one, let's talk about no longer working for
568
+ Insurgence USA; this is how Mr. Sullivan makes his living.
569
+ We've submitted receipts to the Court, they're also provided
570
+ to the government -- demonstrating that he has active
571
+ contracts , legitimate contracts , related to his work with
572
+ Insurgence USA. There is no reason to limit this young
573
+ man's employment . He is actively employed . There is no
574
+ connection with the crimes that are charged in the
575
+ indictment with his activities working with Insurgence USA.
576
+ No, he is not going to be committing any criminal
577
+ activity because those, naturally , are prohibited . But the
578
+ legal purposes of Insurgence USA which, really, is just a
579
+ vehicle for the transmission of information is a perfectly
580
+ proper, perfectly legal exercise of his right to be
581
+ gainfully employed .
582
+ The government says, Well, you should look for
583
+ employment ; that's fine, but he has employment . He has
584
+ employment with Insurgence USA. Insurgence USA is not
585
+ charged as a defendant in this case. Mr. Sullivan is not
586
+ charged as being, in any way, in a conspiracy with
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+ Insurgence USA, of being a participant , as some sort of Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 12 of 641
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+ ancillary robot of Insurgence USA; there is no connection
614
+ there whatsoever .
615
+ He was using his validly documented work with
616
+ Insurgence USA to promote his activities . This has nothing
617
+ to do with the crimes that occurred inside -- if they were
618
+ crimes -- inside the United States Capitol; so, for those
619
+ reasons, we'd say there is no connection . And just to say,
620
+ well, because, Mr. Sullivan , you're charged with a crime,
621
+ we're going to deprive you of your gainful employment that
622
+ you have created, that you have managed, that you are the
623
+ sole proprietor of -- that there is no connection whatsoever
624
+ between that company and the crimes which you are charged --
625
+ is completely beyond the scope of what the statute that
626
+ we're working under requires.
627
+ The social media limitations are also incredibly
628
+ oppressive , incredibly overbroad , and serve no purpose other
629
+ than to, basically , oppress Mr. Sullivan .
630
+ We laid it out in detail in our detention
631
+ memorandum . Social media is how people -- particularly in
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+ Mr. Sullivan 's age group -- communicate with each other.
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+ So if the government is saying, Well, we want to
634
+ limit you. We want to separate you out from society;
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+ separate you out from your friends; separate you out from
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+ your family; separate you out from your business
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+ association -- associate s; separate you out from your Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 13 of 641
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+ ability to market your legitimate business by taking you
664
+ down on social media; it's incredibly oppressive . And to
665
+ say that he can't use Twitter, that he can't use Facebook --
666
+ these are outrageous requirements .
667
+ And the government says, well, as long as it
668
+ doesn't prohibit [sic] crimes -- excuse me -- that he's
669
+ prohibited from inciting crimes. He is not going to be
670
+ inciting crimes on Twitter or Facebook ; and if he is, the
671
+ government has a remedy. But there is nothing to suggest
672
+ that he has ever incited any criminal activity on Twitter or
673
+ Facebook or any other social media platform .
674
+ His only use of these platforms is a completely
675
+ legitimate use, which is typical of millions and millions of
676
+ American s. That's how people, again, most -- I would say
677
+ predominantly Mr. Sullivan 's generation , his age group --
678
+ that's how they communicate . That's how he gets his news;
679
+ that's how he gets his weather; that's how he gets his
680
+ information . That's how he keeps in touch with friends and
681
+ family, especially during the pandemic when people are not
682
+ out and about and commingling with each other.
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+ They use these platforms to meet with each other,
684
+ to talk with each other, to exchange ideas. Mr. Sullivan is
685
+ very much involved in the exchanging of ideas amongst his
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+ peers; this is how he does it.
687
+ We cited Packingham versus United States which is Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 14 of 641
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+ the Supreme Court decision in our pleadings today, where
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+ Packingham very clearly -- the Supreme Court made very clear
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+ that a fundamental principle is that all persons have access
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+ to places where they can speak and listen and then, after
717
+ reflection , speak and listen once more.
718
+ Today, one of the most important places to
719
+ exchange views is cyberspace , particularly social media.
720
+ And that opinion was written by Judge Kennedy prior to the
721
+ pandemic ; it was written in 2017. And that opinion hits it
722
+ right on the head with respect to this case; that this is
723
+ how this young man, who has not been convicted of any
724
+ criminal offense, is able to communicate and able to get
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+ information legally and disseminate information legally.
726
+ And to now say that, well, you are restricted
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+ because the government has charged you in a case -- that we
728
+ are now going to restrict you from using these platforms is
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+ a complete -- I would submit to the Court, respectfully -- a
730
+ complete violation of his First Amendment right to freedom
731
+ of speech; and it's oppressive . And, really, it serves no
732
+ purpose. It serves absolutely no purpose other than to cut
733
+ this young man off from legitimate access to social media
734
+ platforms .
735
+ I also -- I think it's incredible that the
736
+ government is asking for a mental health evaluation and that
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+ Mr. Sullivan should then pay for any type of subsequent Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 15 of 641
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+ treatment . What is the basis for that? There is absolutely
764
+ no basis; this man is not mentally ill. The charges with
765
+ which he is charged have nothing to do with his mental
766
+ acuity. This is not a situation where there is some concern
767
+ about whether the person understands the nature of the
768
+ proceedings .
769
+ He has a complete and very knowledgeable
770
+ understanding of the nature of the proceedings , of the
771
+ nature of his conduct, of his surroundings . He is perfectly
772
+ able to communicate with me as his counsel, to assist in the
773
+ formulation of his defense. And to come in with no basis --
774
+ no medical records, no medical history, no reports from
775
+ physicians saying, oh, Mr. Sullivan , you're charged with a
776
+ criminal offense so we want you to undergo a mental health
777
+ evaluation is a complete intrusion on his rights to privacy.
778
+ It's completely inappropriate ; and we would strenuously
779
+ object to that.
780
+ I want to get to the issue of the searching of his
781
+ car and his home. We obviously completely and strenuously
782
+ object to that.
783
+ Mr. Sullivan -- because he has been charged with a
784
+ criminal offense -- doesn't give up his Fourth Amendment
785
+ right to privacy. So the government is coming in and
786
+ saying, well, if we believe -- based on what? What is the
787
+ basis for their belief? Is this just some fanciful belief? Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 16 of 641
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+ Something -- some idea that just floated into their heads?
814
+ If we believe that Mr. Sullivan , without any foundation --
815
+ believe that he may have been involved in some criminal
816
+ activity , we reserve the right to go search his car and
817
+ search his house. That, I submit to the Court, is
818
+ incredible and intrusive violation and an intrusion on
819
+ Mr. Sullivan 's Fourth Amendment constitutional rights.
820
+ If the government believes that there is some
821
+ proceeds of a crime or fruits of a crime in either
822
+ Mr. Sullivan 's car or his house, the United States then can
823
+ go to a federal magistrate , in a completely separate matter
824
+ from this, and try to obtain a warrant based upon probable
825
+ cause. But, certainly , what they can't do is say: Well,
826
+ we're going to bypass the ordinary regulations ; we're going
827
+ to bypass the way we ordinarily do things; we're going to
828
+ bypass the Fourth Amendment , and just go and search his car
829
+ and his home -- absolutely , undeniably a violation of Fourth
830
+ Amendment rights. And Mr. Sullivan is not waiving -- as any
831
+ part of these proceedings , he is not waiving First Amendment
832
+ rights; he is not waiving Fourth Amendment rights; he is not
833
+ waiving any constitutional rights.
834
+ The government says: Well, we want to impose
835
+ restrictions that Mr. Sullivan avoid all contact with
836
+ victims, witnesses , or codefendants . Well -- so what the
837
+ government is then saying is that: Well, Mr. Sullivan , Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 17 of 641
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+ because you have been charged in this offense, we're saying
864
+ you should not be allowed to participate in building a
865
+ defense; and, if you do, you are violating your conditions
866
+ of pretrial release. Again, that involves a restriction on
867
+ his Sixth Amendment right to the effective assistance of
868
+ counsel. Now we have got three constitutional provision s
869
+ that the government is seeking to step on, to trounce,
870
+ because Mr. Sullivan has been charged as -- in a crime.
871
+ Number one, with respect to codefendants , neither
872
+ Mr. Sullivan nor I can go to the codefendants because they
873
+ have counsel. So the only thing we can do is ask counsel if
874
+ we can speak to the particular person. And, certainly ,
875
+ we'll abide by our professional rules and responsibilities
876
+ in regard to contacting codefendants .
877
+ But to say that Mr. Sullivan cannot interact with
878
+ victims or witnesses is just prohibitive ; they can't do
879
+ that. You can't say that you can't go with your lawyer, for
880
+ instance , and go and interview a witness, or go and
881
+ interview a victim. And what constitutes -- under what
882
+ umbrella are these people being put under that they are
883
+ victims or witnesses ?
884
+ There are hundreds of people involved . There are
885
+ thousands of people involved . It would undertake a massive
886
+ investigation to try to learn who witnesses may be, who
887
+ victims may be; and we are certainly going to try to contact Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 18 of 641
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913
+ them and speak with them. But to say that Mr. Sullivan
914
+ can't be involved in that is clearly an intrusion .
915
+ I can't count the number of cases that I have been
916
+ involved with over the years where I have interviewed
917
+ victims or witnesses to crimes; and I have had my client --
918
+ if that person was not incarcerated -- with me in the vast
919
+ majority of those times. I want my client to hear what that
920
+ person has to say personally . I don't want to just take
921
+ notes and bring them back to my client.
922
+ I want my client to understand what this person
923
+ has to say about their knowledge of the event or my client's
924
+ not being a participant in the event; and that information
925
+ is essential because my client has to make decisions about
926
+ how to proceed in building his defense. So, again, we have
927
+ got First Amendment , Fourth Amendment , and now a Sixth
928
+ Amendment violation .
929
+ We have no objection to his reporting to his
930
+ supervision officer. Mr. Sullivan has already turned in his
931
+ firearms; and he is not going to acquire any additional
932
+ firearms.
933
+ The government says, well, no use of narcotics .
934
+ Well, he doesn't use narcotics . And if it's illegal, it's
935
+ illegal; and he is not going to acquire or obtain or use
936
+ anything that's illegal. He may be taking -- I am not quite
937
+ sure if he takes prescription medication ; but, obviously , Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 19 of 641
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963
+ there is no prohibition against prescription medication .
964
+ He's already surrendered his passport .
965
+ I do -- I want to get to the ankle monitoring .
966
+ Well, let me go back to the computer monitoring
967
+ and the program. Every case that I am aware of with respect
968
+ to the computer monitoring program involves sex offenses
969
+ because that's the vehicle by which, typically , the people
970
+ who are charged with sex offenses gain access to the victims
971
+ of their alleged sex crimes. This is not a sex crime case;
972
+ this has nothing to do with a sex crime case.
973
+ The monitoring -- the government hasn't laid out
974
+ any reason -- any specific articulable reason that would
975
+ justify entry into an internet monitoring program. There is
976
+ nothing in this case -- and I know I have already said this,
977
+ but I will just repeat it -- to suggest that the use of his
978
+ computer , the use of the internet is what Mr. Sullivan
979
+ relied on for the activity that brings him before this
980
+ Court.
981
+ So I believe that I have covered most of the
982
+ argument s and most of the grounds and most of the conditions
983
+ that the government is asserting . We would incorporate the
984
+ memorandum that we filed yesterday into our argument s. And
985
+ we certainly would be amenable to answering any questions
986
+ the Court may have.
987
+ One final thing. There may be an issue as to Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 20 of 641
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+ residency , where Mr. -- not "residency " with respect to the
1014
+ state of Utah, but the particular place of residency with
1015
+ respect to Mr. Sullivan . But we'd just ask the Court for a
1016
+ break so I can confirm some information related to that.
1017
+ THE COURT: I'm sorry.
1018
+ MS. HOLMAN: Your Honor, this is Ms. Holman.
1019
+ THE COURT: You wanted a breakout room?
1020
+ Mr. Kiersh, I am not sure why I didn't --
1021
+ something on my computer buzzed. I didn't hear the last
1022
+ thing you said.
1023
+ MR. KIERSH: I said that there may be an issue
1024
+ with respect to Mr. Sullivan 's place of residence . He will
1025
+ remain in Utah, but I just need a breakout for 30 seconds
1026
+ just to confirm some information .
1027
+ THE COURT: I see. With Mr. Sullivan ?
1028
+ MR. KIERSH: Yes, and his father who is also on
1029
+ the line.
1030
+ THE COURT: Okay. And then, Ms. Holman, did you
1031
+ have something that you wanted to ask or raise before I let
1032
+ Mr. Kiersh confer?
1033
+ MS. HOLMAN: Yes, Your Honor.
1034
+ Mr. Cahoon can confirm this. But in reference to
1035
+ the firearm, I don't believe it was surrendered to the
1036
+ District of Utah. I believe it was given to his father.
1037
+ But Mr. Cahoon can confirm that. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 21 of 641
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1063
+ MR. CAHOON: Your Honor, this is Josh Cahoon.
1064
+ That was the information I was provided by the
1065
+ defendant . He indicated he had sold the firearm to his
1066
+ father and had a bill of sale to prove this transaction
1067
+ occurred .
1068
+ MR. KIERSH: I can confirm that information , Your
1069
+ Honor.
1070
+ THE COURT: And does Mr. Sullivan reside with his
1071
+ father?
1072
+ MR. KIERSH: No. He does not presently reside
1073
+ with his father; but he is going to have to change his
1074
+ address at the end of this month. What we are trying to
1075
+ make a final determination is whether or not he can reside
1076
+ with his parents who live about an hour away from Salt Lake
1077
+ City.
1078
+ THE COURT: Okay. Ms. Kay, can you put Mr. Kiersh
1079
+ and Mr. Sullivan in a breakout room so they can briefly
1080
+ confer?
1081
+ THE DEPUTY: Yes, Your Honor. Just one moment.
1082
+ (Whereupon , Mr. Kiersh and the defendant confer.)
1083
+ THE DEPUTY: I closed the room. So Mr. Sull --
1084
+ okay. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Kiersh are back.
1085
+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you, Ms. Kay.
1086
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
1087
+ Mr. Kiersh. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 22 of 641
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1113
+ MR. KIERSH: Yes, Your Honor.
1114
+ Just a couple of things.
1115
+ I may have not fully discussed the ankle
1116
+ monitoring but, again, Mr. Sullivan has -- there is really
1117
+ no issue of flight in this case. I mean, no one is
1118
+ suggesting that Mr. Sullivan is not going to appear at every
1119
+ court appearance that he is required to appear before.
1120
+ He has faithfully appeared in every Utah state
1121
+ court proceeding . He has faithfully appeared in every Utah
1122
+ federal court proceeding ; and he has faithful ly and timely
1123
+ appeared in every court proceeding in the United States
1124
+ District Court for the District of Columbia before Your
1125
+ Honor.
1126
+ He doesn't have a passport . He doesn't have
1127
+ resources to go anywhere. He certainly will abide by the
1128
+ condition that if he is going to travel out of state he will
1129
+ first seek prior approval . But there is no reason in the
1130
+ world to monitor him, we would submit, on the ankle bracelet
1131
+ because there is nothing to suggest that he is not in full
1132
+ compliance with his responsibilities with respect to
1133
+ appearing in Court; there is no risk of flight whatsoever .
1134
+ So we would submit and incorporate by reference our
1135
+ arguments on the ankle monitoring .
1136
+ With respect to Mr. Sullivan 's housing, he is
1137
+ going to be -- have to leave his premises that he currently Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 23 of 641
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+ resides in at the end of February . He is seeking to find
1164
+ another residence in the Salt Lake City area to move into.
1165
+ But as a backup, if he can't secure an apartment in Salt
1166
+ Lake City, he will reside with his parents. And I believe
1167
+ that Jack Sullivan , his father, can make any representation s
1168
+ or answer any questions the Court has regarding his
1169
+ permission to allow his son to reside in his house. And
1170
+ that if Mr. Sullivan is able -- Mr. John Sullivan is able to
1171
+ acquire a new residence , we will certainly notify pretrial
1172
+ of the address and any other means of communication with
1173
+ respect to the new residence .
1174
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
1175
+ Ms. Wong, could you -- with respect -- first, with
1176
+ respect to Insurgence USA, what is the government 's proffer
1177
+ for why future work of any kind with Insurgence USA would
1178
+ pose a danger to the community ?
1179
+ MS. WONG: Sure, Your Honor.
1180
+ And I apologize if you had expected this earlier.
1181
+ I thought I was just summarizing the request of conditions ;
1182
+ but I am prepared to address at length and proffer why the
1183
+ government is seeking these restrictions .
1184
+ THE COURT: Okay.
1185
+ MS. WONG: If I could just briefly mention two of
1186
+ the things that Mr. Kiersh said because -- I think he's just
1187
+ misreading what the conditions actually say. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 24 of 641
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+ One is -- on the mental health evaluation , I
1214
+ believe that just says: Undergo a mental health evaluation
1215
+ and complete any recommended treatment as directed by your
1216
+ supervision officer. That's no different from the standard
1217
+ condition we see all the time where you undergo mental
1218
+ health treatment as needed; so I think that's at the
1219
+ discretion of the supervision officer if that's required or
1220
+ not.
1221
+ As to the search, Mr. Kiersh asked what that would
1222
+ be based on. The specific language in the condition is:
1223
+ Submit person, residence , office, or vehicle to a search
1224
+ conducted by the supervision officer at a reasonable time,
1225
+ in a reasonable manner, based upon reasonable suspicion of
1226
+ contraband or evidence of a violation of a condition of
1227
+ release. So that is the standard : Reasonable suspicion of
1228
+ contraband or evidence of a violation . I just wanted to
1229
+ address those two briefly.
1230
+ THE COURT: Thank you, Ms. Wong.
1231
+ Why don't you -- instead of -- if you could begin
1232
+ with Insurgence USA, and then you can address any others.
1233
+ I did initially want you to just list them because I wanted
1234
+ to make sure we were all working from the same page. But
1235
+ certainly there has been an extensive and clear objection
1236
+ from the defense. So if you could justify any of those
1237
+ release conditions -- Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 25 of 641
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+ MS. WONG: Certainly , Your Honor.
1264
+ Now, the government would note that these are
1265
+ not conditions -- the Insurgence USA condition is not a
1266
+ condition we would take lightly.
1267
+ But the reason the magistrate imposed these
1268
+ restriction s was for a reason; and that's because Insurgence
1269
+ USA, which is Mr. Sullivan 's own LLC, headquartered in his
1270
+ own address, is the vehicle through which he is engaged in
1271
+ the underlying activities .
1272
+ The representation that there is quote-unquote no
1273
+ connection between the activity with which he has been
1274
+ charged, both in Utah and in Washington , D.C., is unfounded ,
1275
+ Your Honor.
1276
+ Insurgence USA is absolutely the instrumentality
1277
+ through which Mr. Sullivan committed the relevant act.
1278
+ Now, the defendant has now -- I would, first of
1279
+ all, note that the Insurgence USA restriction was consented
1280
+ to as appropriate by Mr. Sullivan 's own counsel in Utah.
1281
+ And the requirement that he get new employment reflects , as
1282
+ the defense counsel stated, he was willing to do as believed
1283
+ was appropriate . Nevertheless , that is water under the
1284
+ bridge.
1285
+ I would note here the defendant has been
1286
+ criminally charged twice in two pending cases with criminal
1287
+ rioting activity that he would have not been on the scene Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 26 of 641
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1313
+ for but for Insurgence USA.
1314
+ THE COURT: So let me just interject here
1315
+ because I find -- I am going to go back and look at it
1316
+ before I make any decisions because I may be wrong.
1317
+ I would like you to be clear in distinguishing
1318
+ between whether Insurgence USA is recommending that people
1319
+ attend protests and then some sort of violence or possession
1320
+ of weapons -- or whatever illegally occurs at the protest,
1321
+ or whether Insurgence USA is specifically asking people to
1322
+ do something illegal, because there is a distinction .
1323
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor.
1324
+ I think I can parse this out in the following way:
1325
+ Sometimes what Insurgence does is directly organize the
1326
+ events which have been violent. So one example is the Utah
1327
+ protest in Provo which Insurgence and Mr. Sullivan organized
1328
+ and promoted where a civilian was shot, and where he has
1329
+ been charged with felony rioting; that's the criminal
1330
+ mischief .
1331
+ Sometimes Insurgence is Mr. Sullivan 's reason for
1332
+ being there and for his criminal participation in the riots;
1333
+ that was the case on January 6th. Insurgence USA did not
1334
+ organize that demonstration ; but he was there on behalf of
1335
+ Insurgence USA, on behalf of the mission -- of what he deem
1336
+ s is the mission of his group.
1337
+ So he has stated that he has a need to document Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 27 of 641
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1363
+ these riots as part of what is Insurgence USA's mission. In
1364
+ fact, he claims to seriously disagree with the ideology of
1365
+ some of these rioters. But he justifies his own statements
1366
+ on scene to law enforcement agents to statements including
1367
+ having a knife; that we should burn it down; that we should
1368
+ haul that MF'er [sic] out -- referring to an officer.
1369
+ He justified his rhetoric while illegally inside
1370
+ the Capitol on grounds that he was part of this undercover
1371
+ work, or this is how he -- this is how he ensures that he
1372
+ gets the coverage he needs and that he is not suffering
1373
+ repercussions for that; it is how he quote-unquote needs to
1374
+ relate to the people that he believes he's depicting .
1375
+ Third, Your Honor, Insurgence positions itself as
1376
+ a, sort of, expert resource for rioters. Now, Mr. Kiersh --
1377
+ this does bleed into the social media because I would say
1378
+ the defendant has many social media accounts ; some of which
1379
+ are under the Insurgence handles, but that he retweets under
1380
+ other handles; or that -- and they are all sort of -- they
1381
+ all, kind of, put out the same content and retweet each
1382
+ other sometimes . But obviously , even on the defendant 's
1383
+ personal channels, he touts himself as the founder of
1384
+ Insurgence USA. He has videos on his personal YouTube that
1385
+ are called: Insurgence USA firearms training . So they do
1386
+ all bleed together .
1387
+ But it's remarkable Mr. Kiersh noted that his Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 28 of 641
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+ social media to be -- must be typical of what millions of
1414
+ American s his age engage in. The government would submit
1415
+ there is nothing typical about proffering postings, YouTube
1416
+ postings, with tutorial s on how to make a Molotov cocktail ;
1417
+ that is the defendant 's own account; that is his own content
1418
+ that he posts.
1419
+ There is nothing typical about crowdsourcing
1420
+ funding for tactical gear to arm rioters to protect them
1421
+ against military officers that are depicted on Facebook in a
1422
+ photograph . There is nothing typical about this kind of
1423
+ activity .
1424
+ Your Honor, the defendant has a video that he
1425
+ posted -- one of many -- where he posts a quote-unquote --
1426
+ this is from December 2020: A full guide on how to keep
1427
+ yourself safe during protests and direct action. This is
1428
+ part and parcel of what I call the Insurgence USA mission of
1429
+ serving as an expert resource for rioters. On it, he
1430
+ provides instructions to viewers on what clothing and type
1431
+ of gear to bring to protests, to discuss the importance of
1432
+ concealing logos on clothing and bags and tattoos to avoid
1433
+ being identified . He shows how you need a handgun -- he has
1434
+ a 9mm handgun, a rifle; and he says: If you need a less
1435
+ lethal option, you choose a black retractable tactical
1436
+ knife.
1437
+ He encourage s defendants -- he encourage s viewers Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 29 of 641
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1463
+ to bring those items -- quote-unquote, again, this is how to
1464
+ keep yourself safe during protests in direct actions. He
1465
+ notes in that video, when speaking about his 9mm handgun,
1466
+ when speaking about what happened today in Washington --
1467
+ this is in December 2020 -- I almost had to shoot an MF'er
1468
+ and continued to say that: If someone punched him or
1469
+ sprayed him with pepper spray he would put a bullet in their
1470
+ eye. He refers to that rifle as a chud killer. My
1471
+ understanding is "chud" is often used by persons as a
1472
+ derogatory term for Trump supporters .
1473
+ Beyond that, Your Honor -- so Insurgence 's entire
1474
+ mission, as the defendant has styled it as alternately
1475
+ calling it a journalist organization or an activist group.
1476
+ But under the guise of journalism or activism he has engaged
1477
+ in and incited violent activity , including the kind of
1478
+ destructive activity we saw on January 6th.
1479
+ He has used Insurgence 's purported mission not
1480
+ just for financial incentives . In his videos he's widely
1481
+ and frequently heard saying that -- calling for donations to
1482
+ help me keep making more videos like this to help us fight
1483
+ in the revolution , and how he presumably funds his trips,
1484
+ which are frequent , to different protests -- just in the
1485
+ last six months -- across the country; not just protest s
1486
+ but, of course, violent riots. Because he claims to be
1487
+ there to live stream these events -- in his view, his job, Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 30 of 641
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1513
+ his work, his Insurgence mission is to put his body on the
1514
+ line to bring people the best documentation of history; that
1515
+ is what the Insurgence USA mission is in the defendant 's own
1516
+ words and according to his own public statements .
1517
+ So, Your Honor, it was appropriate for the
1518
+ District of Utah to hold that employment in Insurgence is
1519
+ not authorized for this reason. Insurgence is absolutely
1520
+ the vehicle through which he both participated -- not just
1521
+ promoted and organized to protest in Utah, but the reason he
1522
+ was here in Washington , D.C., and the reason we know that
1523
+ this kind of activity will continue to occur, and it's the
1524
+ reason he excuses his own conduct on January 6th; his own
1525
+ incitement and instigating statements that he is on videos
1526
+ stating. There is a direct message between Insurgence USA
1527
+ and what happened both in this case and his serially similar
1528
+ case in Utah.
1529
+ Now, the government is not aware of this being any
1530
+ kind of formal employment arrangement . As we noted, this is
1531
+ his own group. There is no known group rosters or known
1532
+ members. So the government 's submission is that with clear
1533
+ language we can maintain that reasonable restriction that
1534
+ was imposed by the magistrate judge in Utah that -- but with
1535
+ more explicit spelling out of the kinds of provision s or
1536
+ conditions that led in part to the defendant 's violation
1537
+ here.Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 31 of 641
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1563
+ Now, Your Honor, I can go into social media; but
1564
+ do you have any other questions about Insurgence ?
1565
+ THE COURT: Yes. Do you have any information
1566
+ suggesting that Insurgence USA would typically encourage
1567
+ people to go to the Capitol on January 6?
1568
+ MS. WONG: Your Honor, the -- so we're hamstrung
1569
+ in that the defendant has actually had almost all of his
1570
+ Twitter and Facebook accounts suspended presumably because
1571
+ of violations of the terms of service. So I do have some
1572
+ screenshots ; I do not have anything from that time.
1573
+ What I do have, Your Honor, is late December 2020
1574
+ the defendant encouraged rioting; he said: Riots are meant
1575
+ to bring change to purge the world with fire.
1576
+ On December 27th he stated that an armed
1577
+ revolution is the only way to bring about change
1578
+ effectively . He has a picture of him at some other protest
1579
+ and says: I can tell you the dynamics completely shift when
1580
+ shots will be fired back. And this is a picture from the
1581
+ Utah state capital.
1582
+ So, Your Honor, the defendant has spoken freely
1583
+ about how he organized on social media to infiltrate , in his
1584
+ view, the organizers of the riots on January 6th. He said
1585
+ that in an interview with law enforcement agents, that he --
1586
+ that is how he learned about protests; that he goes on
1587
+ various social media platforms including -- I think he just Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 32 of 641
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1612
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1613
+ gave an interview to The New Yorker where he describes
1614
+ joining activist group chats on Signal and Telegram to
1615
+ collaborate with the community to stay abreast of where the
1616
+ next big riot is likely to break out. So he certainly warns
1617
+ about it. He has spoken openly, for instance , on the
1618
+ Infowars interview that Your Honor is familiar with, about
1619
+ how he had been hearing about it, how he knew to be in
1620
+ Washington , D.C., because of social media activity .
1621
+ This defendant has certainly also used his own
1622
+ social media platform to post his footage, including the
1623
+ images and the footage of himself engaging in the illegal
1624
+ activity on January 6th.
1625
+ As Your Honor notes, the government would submit
1626
+ that his own footage does document his actions on
1627
+ January 6th: His illegal entry, his obstruction of the
1628
+ official proceedings , and the civil disorder that he has
1629
+ been charged with. So that is all broadcast widely on his
1630
+ social media channel.
1631
+ As I noted, again, one of the challenges here is
1632
+ that the defendant is a very prolific user on social media.
1633
+ He has many, many accounts on each individual platform . He
1634
+ does widely use a large number of them and they retweet each
1635
+ other. A Facebook post will push out the same thing that's
1636
+ on his Twitter. It's the Insurgence -- there is an
1637
+ Insurgence USA Facebook , as well as an Insurgence USA Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 33 of 641
1638
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1659
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1660
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1661
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1662
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1663
+ Twitter. But the content -- there is an Insurgence USA
1664
+ YouTube. The content seems to overlap extensively with the
1665
+ same accounts that he has under different handles that may
1666
+ not include the word "Insurgence ." But, yes, those -- as I
1667
+ have noted, Your Honor, those -- the January 6th footage is
1668
+ currently still available on YouTube which is one of the
1669
+ accounts of his that has not been taken down as far as I
1670
+ know.
1671
+ Your Honor, if I can say just a little bit more
1672
+ about the defendant 's use of social media. As I have noted,
1673
+ he does promote protests and violence and armed
1674
+ confrontations through social media. He does use social
1675
+ media to organize and set up these demonstration s. He
1676
+ learns of them, scouts them out through his social media.
1677
+ He goes there funded in part by his social media channels
1678
+ for outreach to get live footage -- live streamed footage
1679
+ and YouTube footage so that he can put that out through
1680
+ those channels; and he has absolutely engaged and promoted
1681
+ himself in illegal activity encouraging violence . So I
1682
+ would note the December 29th video tutorial on Molotov
1683
+ cocktails . I would note the December 2020 guide
1684
+ involving -- you know, urging protesters on how to disguise ,
1685
+ avoid identification , and bring weapons to any protests
1686
+ including to use if you are pepper sprayed.
1687
+ And the government has information about events in Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 34 of 641
1688
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1689
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1709
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1711
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1712
+ 35
1713
+ L.A. involving the vandalism of a federal building in
1714
+ September 2020 where a walk-in complain ant to the FBI in
1715
+ Salt Lake City provided Discord chats from Mr. Sullivan from
1716
+ days before. Mr. Sullivan was, according to Twitter, in Los
1717
+ Angeles at the time and there was damage to a federal
1718
+ building and vandalism causing property damage to the
1719
+ structure , as well as some spray painting of ACAB and FTP --
1720
+ which I understand stands for: All Cops Are Bastards , and
1721
+ Fuck the Police. When guards gave chase, the suspects fled
1722
+ to an awaiting vehicle.
1723
+ What the walk-in complainant said is that they had
1724
+ participated in a chat with Mr. Sullivan who was identified
1725
+ as John Sullivan -- Activist John, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
1726
+ that screen-shotted chat provided -- discussed associates
1727
+ being decoys at the sheriff's department in West Los
1728
+ Angeles; identified that federal building ; gave parking and
1729
+ paint smearing instructions ; and provided a map with an X
1730
+ marked on that federal building . So these were Discord
1731
+ communication s on one of those platforms in September 2020.
1732
+ The government would also note that the defendant
1733
+ has -- and I mentioned this last week -- in August posted
1734
+ videos of himself on YouTube in Washington , D.C., at a
1735
+ microphone where he is inciting the crowd stating: We about
1736
+ to burn the shit down. We got to rip Trump out of office.
1737
+ And saying: Pull him out of that shit. We aren't waiting Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 35 of 641
1738
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1760
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1761
+ 25
1762
+ 36
1763
+ til the next election . We about to go get that MF'er.
1764
+ Leading the crowd in a chant that: It's time for a
1765
+ revolution .
1766
+ Your Honor, in this case, the defendant 's social
1767
+ media presence is not -- it does not read like a typical
1768
+ 20-something -year-old social media person. It's not about
1769
+ the weather; it's not about communicating with friends.
1770
+ It is hundreds of videos like this, Your Honor.
1771
+ It includes -- even where not celebrating outright illegal
1772
+ activities , certainly celebrating and encouraging violence .
1773
+ And there are legions of examples. Just two months ago, one
1774
+ of the videos on YouTube says -- it's titled: What a
1775
+ savage, running up on the cops like that with an AK-47.
1776
+ There is a video. Another one from two months ago: The
1777
+ black bloc in paris has a projectile launcher, emoji.
1778
+ Anyone have a link? Take my money.
1779
+ Another one from two months ago: Outstanding job
1780
+ protesters in Paris, keep making them notice and burn it
1781
+ all. From December 31st, his tweet: I am already ready to
1782
+ go Nazi hunting in 2021; are you?
1783
+ Your Honor, this is a situation where it is clear
1784
+ that the lion's share -- if not the entirety -- of what the
1785
+ defendant does on his very active social media channels is
1786
+ inextricably tied to Insurgence USA, and what he does
1787
+ through Insurgence USA is inextricably tied to exactly the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 36 of 641
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1811
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1812
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1813
+ kind of activity that is why he stands here today.
1814
+ Now, Mr. Kiersh noted that the defendant has been
1815
+ absolutely compliant . The government will just note that
1816
+ the reason we were convened last week was because the
1817
+ defendant had been documented with multiple violations of
1818
+ his release conditions . This is not an example of a
1819
+ defendant who has been absolutely compliant to date.
1820
+ The government does have a concern that with
1821
+ unfettered access to communicate with confederates and
1822
+ continues to incite violence and use armed conflict and
1823
+ illegal activity , Your Honor, that that would not be an
1824
+ acceptable risk here.
1825
+ Given what the defendant has engaged in in his two
1826
+ pending cases, the government thinks that it would be a
1827
+ reasonable restriction here not to, again, espouse the -- I
1828
+ believe there were 13 platforms that were specified in the
1829
+ arresting jurisdiction but to limit it to the two in which
1830
+ we know are probably the most widely available , Facebook and
1831
+ Twitter, where he does have multiple handles, as I noted,
1832
+ where many of those tweets and posts and crowdsourcing , or
1833
+ his -- all of those that I have mentioned do arise on
1834
+ Twitter and Facebook .
1835
+ So as one option to more carefully circumscribe
1836
+ the number of platforms , the government submits that that is
1837
+ a more reasonable restriction and certainly would allow Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 37 of 641
1838
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1860
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1861
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1862
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1863
+ him -- would not prohibit him from seeking out employment ,
1864
+ connect with family or be informed on current events.
1865
+ The government would also note this is not an
1866
+ internet ban. He is allowed to access the internet under
1867
+ appropriate supervision . What we are talking about here is
1868
+ social media platforms . And what we are talking about among
1869
+ that universe is really just two social media platforms ; two
1870
+ in which he has spoken openly about being blocked; using
1871
+ Lively [sic], and having to use a VPN to see if he can
1872
+ create new accounts to get into; he's publicly spoken about
1873
+ that. The two of which he has, presumably , one of his
1874
+ largest following s given his widespread use of this
1875
+ platform .
1876
+ Does Your Honor have any questions ?
1877
+ THE COURT: No. Not about social media or
1878
+ Insurgence .
1879
+ Could you speak to GPS, why an ankle bracelet is
1880
+ necessary , given Mr. Sullivan 's appearance of -- appearance
1881
+ in court as required in the other jurisdiction s, as his
1882
+ counsel represented ; and he certainly has appeared for
1883
+ numerous hearings in the District .
1884
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor.
1885
+ The government submits that GPS location
1886
+ monitoring is appropriate because this is a defendant who we
1887
+ know has traveled prolifically , just in the last six months, Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 38 of 641
1888
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1906
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1907
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1908
+ 22
1909
+ 23
1910
+ 24
1911
+ 25
1912
+ 39
1913
+ precisely to chase these riots and this type of riot
1914
+ activity . As law enforcement is aware, he has traveled and
1915
+ crisscrossed the country to violent riots in Portland , Los
1916
+ Angeles -- I just mentioned the Discord events; in
1917
+ Washington , D.C., multiple times; Seattle; Richmond ; Utah.
1918
+ Again, this is an organization that he created in
1919
+ mid-2020; this is all really in the last six months. The
1920
+ defendant is a prolific traveler precisely to attend this
1921
+ kind of gathering .
1922
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
1923
+ Did you want to address any of the other
1924
+ objections the defense made, such as contact with witnesses
1925
+ and victims, being in violation of rights under the Sixth
1926
+ Amendment or the search of his residence ?
1927
+ I guess you did briefly touch on the search.
1928
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor.
1929
+ As to the search, my answer was just that that
1930
+ does incorporate the reasonable suspicion standard and helps
1931
+ effectuate the conditions of release as this Court said.
1932
+ As to the language again about -- as I mentioned ,
1933
+ the condition is: Avoid all conflict with named persons --
1934
+ so I don't believe he has any codefendants . I don't believe
1935
+ there are any named victims or witnesses in this case. So I
1936
+ was just reading what is typically used as form conditions ;
1937
+ but it does not appear that there were any such individuals Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 39 of 641
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+ that were named.
1964
+ And if I can just say one final thing, Your Honor.
1965
+ As to the First Amendment issues that have been raised,
1966
+ Packingham involved a question about the level of scrutiny
1967
+ that applies with respect to a law and whether or not that
1968
+ law as a whole would apply when applied to an entire state,
1969
+ an entire category of felons, including individuals that had
1970
+ no longer any contact with the criminal justice system; that
1971
+ certainly left open the possibility and, indeed, the
1972
+ likelihood that as applied in an individual case, as all
1973
+ restrictions pending trial, must be -- can be justified by
1974
+ an individual .
1975
+ Here it's generally the case that an internet
1976
+ ban -- and this is not an internet ban yet; but, certainly ,
1977
+ you do see a greater prevalence of internet -type
1978
+ restrictions in cases that involve sex offender s.
1979
+ The government would note that this is not a
1980
+ typical case and this is not a typical defendant . Here it
1981
+ is clear that the activity he's engaged in he's engaging in
1982
+ because and for his social media channels and his social
1983
+ media presence .
1984
+ And here, you know, if the question is whether as
1985
+ to social media an individual is likely to, sort of,
1986
+ encounter a similar type of activity or address similar
1987
+ types -- engage in similarly concerning acts, the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 40 of 641
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+ indications are legion, again, just from a cursory look at
2014
+ the defendant 's social media history.
2015
+ The question is whether the defendant has used
2016
+ social media to initiate and facilitate the defense in, for
2017
+ instance , a child pornography context. Here, the defendant
2018
+ has certainly used social media with his platform s, his
2019
+ channels. The very footage he's creating is in order to be
2020
+ distributed to those channels. He's organizing the
2021
+ confederates on those channels. He's providing instructions
2022
+ about how to serve as decoys from vandalism at the federal
2023
+ buildings . Certainly social media platforms have proven to
2024
+ be a basis for him to initiate and facilitate certain
2025
+ offenses .
2026
+ The government would also note obviously -- again,
2027
+ none of these cases are precisely on point but, also, the
2028
+ restrictions we are talking about here are narrower and more
2029
+ narrowly tailored to the individual ; that there are cases --
2030
+ I would just cite United States vs Love, 593 F.3d 1, a D.C.
2031
+ Circuit opinion from 2010, upholding , again, far broader but
2032
+ an internet prohibition for a defendant . And I think some
2033
+ of the factors they consider about this, whether or not --
2034
+ even assuming and recognizing that there is a deprivation of
2035
+ liberty -- whether or not that slightly greater deprivation
2036
+ of liberty is reasonably necessary to deter illegal conduct
2037
+ and protect the public. In this case, the government would Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 41 of 641
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2063
+ submit that that is readily satisfied based on the specific
2064
+ facts of this individual and his specific history of
2065
+ engagement in social media.
2066
+ THE COURT: What was the cite for that case you
2067
+ just mentioned , Ms. Wong?
2068
+ MS. WONG: 593 F.3d 1. And there is a related
2069
+ opinion, Your Honor, called United States versus Legg,
2070
+ L-E-G-G, 713 F.3d 1129, another D.C. Circuit opinion.
2071
+ But, again, just noting these are articulating the
2072
+ general principles . They did uphold prohibitions in
2073
+ slightly different contexts but extrapolating this principle
2074
+ to the case at hand.
2075
+ The government does think that the requested --
2076
+ more narrowly -tailored prohibition s being requested are
2077
+ certainly justified as an arguably greater deprivation on
2078
+ liberty than might happen in the ordinary course.
2079
+ THE COURT: Thank you, Ms. Wong.
2080
+ And has -- is it correct to assume -- because what
2081
+ is being asked for here -- that Utah -- the state court
2082
+ where the other charge is pending -- has not imposed any
2083
+ restrictions based on the alleged violent riot -- rioting
2084
+ that occurred there?
2085
+ MS. WONG: Your Honor, I am not aware of that.
2086
+ I did know that the AUSA in Utah was about to
2087
+ speak with the assigned local prosecutor to make them aware Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 42 of 641
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2113
+ of this arrest. I don't -- I am not privy to those
2114
+ conversation s.
2115
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2116
+ Mr. Kiersh, did you want to say anything further
2117
+ in rebuttal ?
2118
+ MR. KIERSH: Just a little bit of rebuttal to the
2119
+ representations of Ms. Wong.
2120
+ When I spoke about Mr. Sullivan 's perfect
2121
+ compliance , what I was talking about is his perfect
2122
+ compliance with respect to appearing for each and every
2123
+ court appearance . I understand that we had an issue of
2124
+ violations that the Court ruled upon previously .
2125
+ But with respect to the limited issue of his
2126
+ complete adherence to his requirements to appear faithfully
2127
+ at every court appearance , there is no question that he has
2128
+ fulfilled those responsibilities .
2129
+ I also want to talk a little bit about weapons.
2130
+ As far as I know and as far as the discovery that
2131
+ I have received so far, there is no allegation whatsoever
2132
+ that Mr. Sullivan was in possession of a gun or any type of
2133
+ weapon regarding the events of January 6th at the United
2134
+ States Capitol. He is not charged with that. There is
2135
+ nothing in the complaint about that. So I would ask the
2136
+ Court, respectfully , to please take that into account in the
2137
+ context of Ms. Wong's argument that he's using Insurgence to Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 43 of 641
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2163
+ promote violence .
2164
+ He was clearly not armed -- at least as far as I
2165
+ can see from the evidence that I have been shown so far; and
2166
+ there is no suggestion that he -- before he entered the
2167
+ Capitol or if he entered the Capitol that he was armed, or
2168
+ anything like that. So I would ask that you use that
2169
+ information in evaluating the government 's argument that he
2170
+ was using Insurgence as some sort of vehicle to promote
2171
+ violence .
2172
+ What one person -- for instance , Ms. Wong --
2173
+ characterizes a lot of his other uncharged conduct as being
2174
+ involved in rioting, we characterize it as being involved in
2175
+ constitutionally protected freedom of assembly .
2176
+ There's no -- he has not been charged with any
2177
+ riotous conduct in Oregon. He has not been charged with any
2178
+ criminal conduct in California . There was no reason why he
2179
+ was not permitted -- if he was even present at those events;
2180
+ but he should not be punished because the government alleges
2181
+ that he was at an event in Oregon that became disruptive or
2182
+ he should be punished because he allegedly was at an event
2183
+ in Los Angeles that became disruptive .
2184
+ He had every right, if he was there, to be there.
2185
+ And he had -- and this goes back to Ms. Wong's argument
2186
+ regarding travel -- that he was a prolific traveler in her
2187
+ argument regarding why he needs to be on GPS. Again, if Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 44 of 641
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2213
+ Mr. Sullivan chose and had the means to travel to Oregon,
2214
+ that's not a crime. If he had the means and the desire to
2215
+ travel to Los Angeles or any other state in the country,
2216
+ that's not a crime.
2217
+ Now that he has been charged, there is a condition
2218
+ that we are not objecting to regarding that he seek
2219
+ permission if he needs to travel out of state; that's fine.
2220
+ That's standard , and we can abide by that. But to say that
2221
+ he needs to be on an ankle monitor because before this
2222
+ happened he traveled a lot is completely inconsistent with
2223
+ the statute that governs these proceedings .
2224
+ He is somebody who -- again, if he desires to
2225
+ travel -- and we don't really see any need for that other
2226
+ than to meet with counsel to discuss his defense -- he'll go
2227
+ to his probation officer and say: I would like permission
2228
+ to travel to wherever it is I am going. If he violates
2229
+ that, there will be a violation report issued. So if that's
2230
+ the only reason for the GPS, we submit the government hasn't
2231
+ met its standard at all to impose this very, very
2232
+ restrictive standard -- this restrictive condition that he
2233
+ continue to be placed -- continue to have to be placed on
2234
+ ankle monitoring.
2235
+ I cannot account for why the lawyers who
2236
+ represented Mr. Sullivan in Utah agreed to some of these
2237
+ conditions . I got into the case after the Utah Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 45 of 641
2238
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2261
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2262
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2263
+ proceedings -- after the Utah court proceedings had
2264
+ concluded . But ever since I have been on the case, we have
2265
+ been objecting to these restrictions .
2266
+ And I haven't seen -- it hasn't been provided to
2267
+ me yet -- the full length of Mr. Sullivan 's Twitter and
2268
+ Facebook accounts , but I would -- it seems to me that he is
2269
+ using his Twitter and Facebook accounts not exclusively for
2270
+ Insurgence ; he is using it for what every other person
2271
+ legitimately uses it for.
2272
+ There is nothing -- he has not been charged with
2273
+ committing any crime on Facebook or Twitter or any encrypted
2274
+ site. He is using those sites for legitimate purposes .
2275
+ And, again, what the government -- what Ms. Wong
2276
+ characterized as riotous behavior , that's a legal
2277
+ definition ; that's not been adjudicated . If he's using
2278
+ Facebook or Twitter to say: Hey, let's meet at a certain
2279
+ place, or there is going to be an assembly of people at a
2280
+ certain place, let's get together and go -- there is nothing
2281
+ illegal about that.
2282
+ I would agree that Mr. Sullivan should be
2283
+ prohibited from using social media to commit crimes;
2284
+ certainly we are not going to object to that. But because
2285
+ there's been nothing -- there is no evidence that's been
2286
+ presented to Your Honor to suggest that he used Insurgence
2287
+ USA to get people to the United States Capitol on Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 46 of 641
2288
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2313
+ January 6th to commit crime -- there is nothing that the
2314
+ government has presented which would support that position .
2315
+ And unless and until the government has evidence that
2316
+ Mr. Sullivan used Insurgence USA to get people to
2317
+ Washington , D.C., to charge the Capitol -- to illegally
2318
+ enter the Capitol and commit the crimes that were committed
2319
+ in the Capitol, I would submit to the Court that the
2320
+ government has not, by any standard , satisfied its burden.
2321
+ So for all of the reasons stated in my memorandum
2322
+ and in my argument s today, we would ask the Court to not
2323
+ impose the conditions that the government has suggested with
2324
+ the exception of the few that we have agreed are acceptable
2325
+ and appropriate .
2326
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2327
+ Ms. Wong, did you want to respond any further?
2328
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor. Just briefly on a few
2329
+ points.
2330
+ First, with respect to there not being any
2331
+ indication or inference of an indication of a weapon in the
2332
+ complaint , that's not correct. The defendant is, as
2333
+ prescribed in the complaint on camera, at multiple points
2334
+ within the Capitol, stating -- describing that he has a
2335
+ knife on him. It is true that he has not been charged with
2336
+ a knife, but I would just note that for clarity of the
2337
+ record. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 47 of 641
2338
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2363
+ Secondly , I would note this complaint is not the
2364
+ only analysis here. As Your Honor notes, the government
2365
+ sought detention because they did believe that the defendant
2366
+ was a danger to the community . The question is whether
2367
+ there are conditions which, in the government 's view, should
2368
+ include GPS monitoring that would help suffice to provide
2369
+ that reasonable assurance that he will not pose that risk.
2370
+ Finally, I would just note with respect to riots,
2371
+ riotous, rioting being the legal definition -- that is the
2372
+ defendant 's own term; that is what the defendant himself has
2373
+ celebrated . When I speak of riots, that is not my gloss on
2374
+ it; that is the defendant himself glorifying riots in his
2375
+ tweets on December 26th. Riots are meant to bring change
2376
+ and purge the world with fire.
2377
+ It's the defendant himself on his footage in the
2378
+ Capitol on January 6th boasting to others that: I have been
2379
+ to too many riots; I have been in so many riots; I am ready,
2380
+ bro'. And then later telling another individual who is
2381
+ talking about people getting arrested : You will be fine;
2382
+ that's why I'm a photographer . It's only a little jail
2383
+ time; I do this all the time.
2384
+ That's why, at the end of the day, Your Honor, the
2385
+ government would submit that it's a red herring whether or
2386
+ not -- and it's difficult to prove here given the removal of
2387
+ his accounts , whether or not he was encouraging people on Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 48 of 641
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2413
+ his specific accounts -- the other rioters to arrive on
2414
+ January 6th. We know that that's the whole reason he was
2415
+ there on January 6; and we know that his justification for
2416
+ the acts with which he has been charged -- that is his
2417
+ justification for why he was saying: Haul that MF'er out;
2418
+ why he was in the Speaker's Lobby persuading those officers
2419
+ to leave their posts at the very scene where a woman
2420
+ fatefully lost her life. So, Your Honor, the defendant was
2421
+ there because of his activities with Insurgence USA.
2422
+ Thank you.
2423
+ THE COURT: Thank you, Ms. Wong.
2424
+ I am going to be mindful of the fact that we need
2425
+ to conclude this by 5:15 -- by 6:15, which is still
2426
+ 55 minutes away but, also, respect that I don't want to
2427
+ continue this yet again; I would like to get the conditions
2428
+ out. But I am going to take a brief recess to look over my
2429
+ notes on the requested conditions , the areas of dispute. I
2430
+ will also take a quick look at the two cases that Ms. Wong
2431
+ cited; and I will come back.
2432
+ If you want to -- if anyone else -- if anyone
2433
+ wants to take a break to stretch your legs, or whatever , I
2434
+ think it will take me about -- it will take me at least
2435
+ 20 minutes; it may take me a little bit more. So if you
2436
+ want to turn your cameras off and come back on in the
2437
+ vicinity of 5:45, and if I am not ready to rule I will let Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 49 of 641
2438
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2463
+ you know then.
2464
+ I am hoping that I will be able to rule on the
2465
+ release conditions by that time.
2466
+ THE DEPUTY: Okay, Your Honor.
2467
+ (Whereupon , a recess was taken, 5:22 to 5:52 p.m.)
2468
+ THE DEPUTY: Your Honor, we are back on the
2469
+ record.
2470
+ THE COURT: Okay. Thank you.
2471
+ I just have a question for Ms. Wong and probably
2472
+ Mr. Cahoon. The United States is requesting the computer
2473
+ and internet monitoring program.
2474
+ In the original jurisdiction -- in the arrest
2475
+ jurisdiction 's release conditions there were tiers of
2476
+ internet monitoring that we -- I believe this one was placed
2477
+ in Appendix A. Are you asking that I use a similar -- if I
2478
+ approve internet monitoring , which I am inclined to do, are
2479
+ you asking that I specify one of those tiers recognizing
2480
+ that there will need to be some modifications to the extent
2481
+ that the tiers would allow for bans on websites to be set at
2482
+ pretrial 's discretion ?
2483
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor. The government would
2484
+ request the same Attachment A.
2485
+ THE COURT: Okay.
2486
+ And then a question for pretrial services in Utah.
2487
+ Mr. Cahoon, there's been some argument about a Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 50 of 641
2488
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2513
+ request that Mr. Sullivan submit himself or his vehicle or
2514
+ residence to search on suspicion of violations or
2515
+ contraband . Does pretrial contend that it needs access to
2516
+ his residence -- something beyond the Appendix A to be able
2517
+ to determine if -- I guess to be able to monitor the
2518
+ devices?
2519
+ MR. CAHOON: No, Your Honor.
2520
+ We can remotely monitor the devices from the
2521
+ software that we install on his -- excuse me -- from the
2522
+ software that we install on media-approved devices. That
2523
+ other condition would come when we would be conducting
2524
+ visits if we notice anything that would suggest that he has
2525
+ other types of digital media or storage devices, or other
2526
+ internet access capable devices that are not being monitored
2527
+ that we are unaware of.
2528
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2529
+ Mr. Kiersh, I know the defense has objected to any
2530
+ requirement that Mr. Sullivan submit to search. Would there
2531
+ also be an objection to a requirement that we allow pretrial
2532
+ services to search if they have indication that he has a
2533
+ device that is not authorized under the monitoring ?
2534
+ MR. KIERSH: Yes, Your Honor. We would object to
2535
+ that for the reasons previously set forth.
2536
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2537
+ Okay. Having reviewed the recommended conditions , Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 51 of 641
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2563
+ the information in the record, and the requests and
2564
+ argument s from both the United States and the defense -- and
2565
+ I thank counsel on both sides for your detailed presentation
2566
+ of the legal issues as well as the factual proffers
2567
+ presented here.
2568
+ I have a high-level summary, first, and then will
2569
+ go through it one by one. At this time of the high-level
2570
+ summary, I am going to partially grant the United States'
2571
+ request for release conditions .
2572
+ I am rejecting home detention and GPS monitoring
2573
+ because I don't believe either has been demonstrated to be
2574
+ necessary to protect the safety of the community or assure
2575
+ Mr. Sullivan 's appearance as required .
2576
+ I am rejecting the recommended condition that
2577
+ Mr. Sullivan avoid contact with named persons who are
2578
+ victims, witnesses , or codefendants given that there appear
2579
+ to be no such readily identifiable people in this case.
2580
+ I am rejecting the request that he be evaluated
2581
+ for mental health given that I see nothing in the record
2582
+ that indicates that this case -- distinguishes this case
2583
+ from other cases before the Court in which no such
2584
+ evaluation has been required for people charged with similar
2585
+ crimes.
2586
+ I am rejecting the proposed condition that he
2587
+ submit his person, vehicle, or residence to search upon Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 52 of 641
2588
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2610
+ 24
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+ 25
2612
+ 53
2613
+ reasonable suspicion of contraband or violation of release
2614
+ conditions .
2615
+ And I am rejecting the broader prohibition of
2616
+ Twitter and Facebook and encrypted social media platforms ,
2617
+ but I am accepting the alternative proposal to have more
2618
+ targeted social media restrictions .
2619
+ With that said, specifically , I've conclude d that
2620
+ the release conditions should be as follows:
2621
+ Mr. Sullivan will be subject to courtesy
2622
+ supervision by pretrial services in Utah -- the District of
2623
+ Utah.
2624
+ He will also comply with internet monitoring
2625
+ programs , Attachment A, which I will clarify in the release
2626
+ papers -- I will have to go through it line by line to make
2627
+ sure there is nothing else -- there may be a few things that
2628
+ are different ; but I will note that to the extent that
2629
+ Attachment A does give pretrial services the discretion to
2630
+ add websites to what is prohibited and not hearing that
2631
+ or -- given the First Amendment concerns that have been
2632
+ raised here. I don't want to delay it by trying to read out
2633
+ line for line while I scratch out -- it will be clear with
2634
+ the release order.
2635
+ So he is to be subject to internet and computer
2636
+ monitoring by pretrial services .
2637
+ He is to maintain his employment -- jumping back Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 53 of 641
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+ 23
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+ 24
2661
+ 25
2662
+ 54
2663
+ to the broader point. I did not address the Insurgence USA.
2664
+ I am granting the request that he be prohibited from working
2665
+ for Insurgence USA.
2666
+ So going back to the list of conditions , he is to
2667
+ obtain or seek employment . However, he is to no longer work
2668
+ for Insurgence USA, which would include: Promotions ,
2669
+ affiliation s, marketing -- or promotion s with Insurgence
2670
+ USA, InsurgenceUSA .com, or other iteration s of the entity.
2671
+ Essentially , all activities regarding Insurgence USA are
2672
+ prohibited except for paying taxes and maintaining existing
2673
+ bank accounts .
2674
+ I realize that is an objected to condition . I
2675
+ find the proffers made by the USA regarding specific
2676
+ Insurgence USA promotion of making weapons, bringing weapons
2677
+ to protests is sufficient ; as well as the pending charges in
2678
+ the state of Utah are sufficient to warrant such a
2679
+ restriction in this case. We'll note that it is unusual and
2680
+ more restrictive than has been present in other
2681
+ Capitol-related cases that I have seen or that have appeared
2682
+ before me.
2683
+ He is not to travel outside the state of Utah
2684
+ without prior permission from pretrial services . He is not
2685
+ to travel outside the continental United States without
2686
+ prior court approval .
2687
+ He is to report on a regular basis to his Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 54 of 641
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2709
+ 23
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+ 24
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+ 25
2712
+ 55
2713
+ supervising officer with pretrial services in Utah as
2714
+ directed by that pretrial services agency.
2715
+ He is not to possess any firearms, ammunition , or
2716
+ explosive devices. He is to surrender any passports not
2717
+ applied for or obtain new passports .
2718
+ In terms of specific social media restrictions , he
2719
+ is not -- I am not prohibiting Twitter and Facebook or
2720
+ encrypted social media platforms . I am prohibiting him
2721
+ using any social media platforms to incite a riot or to
2722
+ promote or advocate for violent protests, unlawful protests,
2723
+ armed conflict , or violence .
2724
+ He is to appear in court as required . He is not
2725
+ to commit any state or federal crimes. And he is to verify
2726
+ his residence and notify pretrial services in advance of any
2727
+ proposed change of residence .
2728
+ I realize I didn't accept all of the conditions
2729
+ that the United States recommended .
2730
+ But, Ms. Wong, are there any conditions that you
2731
+ recommended that I just have not addressed at all?
2732
+ MS. WONG: Your Honor, did you address the
2733
+ narcotics provision ?
2734
+ THE COURT: I did not.
2735
+ MS. WONG: I believe that's the only one.
2736
+ THE COURT: Mr. Kiersh, my notes are not clear on
2737
+ your position on narcotics . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 55 of 641
2738
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+ 22
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+ 23
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+ 24
2761
+ 25
2762
+ 56
2763
+ I wrote down that you said he doesn't need them so
2764
+ it's not an issue. By saying "it's not an issue" do you
2765
+ mean it's not an issue that warrants a condition or it's not
2766
+ an issue that warrants an objection ?
2767
+ MR. KIERSH: Well, I don't believe it's an issue
2768
+ that warrants further discussion because Mr. Sullivan is not
2769
+ a narcotics user, and it's not something that's ever going
2770
+ to come into play in this case. So if anybody is in
2771
+ possession of an illegal substance they're going to be held
2772
+ accountable . There is no reason to suspect Mr. Sullivan is
2773
+ going to be involved in that type of activity , so I don't
2774
+ believe it's a necessary issue that needs a resolution by
2775
+ the Court.
2776
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2777
+ Ms. Holman or Mr. Cahoon, is not using any
2778
+ unlawful narcotics -- is that a standard condition when Utah
2779
+ is doing courtesy supervision ?
2780
+ MR. CAHOON: This is Josh Cahoon, Your Honor.
2781
+ Not normally , unless there is a potential that the
2782
+ defendant may or may not -- or may be trying to abuse drugs,
2783
+ then we would request that condition as well as a drug
2784
+ testing condition to supplement it.
2785
+ THE COURT: Thank you, Mr. Cahoon.
2786
+ So I will not impose a prohibition on narcotics or
2787
+ controlled substance s recognizing , of course, that the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 56 of 641
2788
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+ 22
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+ 23
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+ 24
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+ 25
2812
+ 57
2813
+ general prohibition against violating the law would apply.
2814
+ Mr. Kiersh, are any of those conditions -- I
2815
+ recognize , of course, you may appeal. But are there any
2816
+ conditions that you wanted me to further explain to
2817
+ Mr. Sullivan or to you for that matter?
2818
+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you, Your Honor.
2819
+ I believe that Mr. Sullivan and I have an
2820
+ understanding . I will speak with Mr. Sullivan later on.
2821
+ We'll find out whether or not he does.
2822
+ He understands the nature of the proceedings and
2823
+ he understands the nature -- I am confident he understands
2824
+ the nature of the Court's ruling.
2825
+ My only question is whether or not Mr. Sullivan
2826
+ and Mr. Cahoon should discuss between themselves how to
2827
+ remove the ankle monitor and just the logistics of turning
2828
+ it in.
2829
+ THE COURT: Mr. Cahoon.
2830
+ MR. CAHOON: Yes, Your Honor.
2831
+ I will have him -- as soon as the hearing is
2832
+ concluded , he can turn off the device; and I will pick it
2833
+ up, and all associated equipment , from him tomorrow .
2834
+ It is no longer a condition of release. We don't
2835
+ want it on him any longer than is reasonably needed. So as
2836
+ soon as the proceeding is over he can cut it off. I will
2837
+ terminate the condition of the GPS monitor and pick up all Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 57 of 641
2838
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+ 22
2859
+ 23
2860
+ 24
2861
+ 25
2862
+ 58
2863
+ equipment tomorrow .
2864
+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you.
2865
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
2866
+ Does pretrial -- Ms. Holman, you may be preparing
2867
+ the papers. Does pretrial need any further clarification
2868
+ from me on any of these, recognizing that you can also
2869
+ follow up with my chambers as you're working on the draft
2870
+ order?
2871
+ MS. HOLMAN: No, Your Honor.
2872
+ You answered my only question . I didn't know
2873
+ if -- Your Honor has stated that she would be issuing an
2874
+ order or do you want pretrial to fill out the order?
2875
+ THE COURT: If you could send us your draft as you
2876
+ typically do, we will take care of any adjustments to that
2877
+ Attachment A on internet monitoring , and -- that's my
2878
+ intention . If, after looking at this, you think the
2879
+ other -- you think deviating from that would make sense, you
2880
+ can follow up with my law clerk, and we can figure it out.
2881
+ MS. HOLMAN: Okay, Your Honor.
2882
+ MS. WONG: Does Your Honor need Attachment A?
2883
+ Mr. Cahoon just emailed it to me a few days ago.
2884
+ THE COURT: I have it from the original hearing, I
2885
+ believe. Well, I have it from -- maybe if you can send it.
2886
+ I have what was attached to the Utah court which I
2887
+ was guessing was the same -- somehow it ended up before me; Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 58 of 641
2888
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2906
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2907
+ 21
2908
+ 22
2909
+ 23
2910
+ 24
2911
+ 25
2912
+ 59
2913
+ but just to make sure I am working from the same document
2914
+ and not something outdated, it would be helpful if you send
2915
+ it to my chambers ' account.
2916
+ Thank you.
2917
+ MR. KIERSH: Just for my clarity, with respect to
2918
+ Twitter and Facebook , Mr. Sullivan can use Twitter and
2919
+ Facebook , he just can't use it to incite a riot or other
2920
+ criminal endeavor s; is that correct?
2921
+ THE COURT: Right. He can't use it to incite a
2922
+ riot, a violent protest, unlawful protest, armed conflict ,
2923
+ or violence .
2924
+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you.
2925
+ MR. CAHOON: Your Honor, this is Josh Cahoon.
2926
+ I wanted to clarify one thing.
2927
+ THE COURT: Yes.
2928
+ MR. CAHOON: As far as the computer and internet
2929
+ monitoring goes, it would be my understanding then that we
2930
+ would open up all avenues of internet access for the
2931
+ defendant as long as they are approved and monitored
2932
+ devices; and we will be monitoring the internet activity and
2933
+ other activity associated with those -- specifically for
2934
+ those reasons you stated, for inciting a riot, violent armed
2935
+ conflict -- of that nature, correct?
2936
+ THE COURT: Is that something you can do if it's
2937
+ not in specific platforms ? Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 59 of 641
2938
+ 2
2939
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2940
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2952
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2957
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2958
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2959
+ 23
2960
+ 24
2961
+ 25
2962
+ 60
2963
+ MR. CAHOON: That is something that we can do.
2964
+ It's time consuming . It's intensive supervision , Your
2965
+ Honor, but it is something that we can do.
2966
+ THE COURT: So I was saying not doing that on
2967
+ social media platforms . Let me clarify.
2968
+ Ms. Wong, I know you presented that as an
2969
+ alternative . I can't tell from my notes. Was that specific
2970
+ social media sites? I mean, can we target that to -- was
2971
+ that for Twitter and Facebook , or was it for some others as
2972
+ well?
2973
+ MS. WONG: Our proposal was that this would be
2974
+ across all platforms if we were just focused on that.
2975
+ THE COURT: Okay. Thank you.
2976
+ That's what I will do.
2977
+ If that becomes unworkable , it probably will go to
2978
+ Judge Sullivan as opposed to me. If that becomes
2979
+ unworkable , perhaps there can be a request to modify the
2980
+ conditions to facilitate the monitoring .
2981
+ MR. CAHOON: Thank you, Your Honor.
2982
+ We can flag specific key words that may help us so
2983
+ that any time those key words are presented in any of the
2984
+ data it would notify us to then investigate further, so we
2985
+ can do that as well.
2986
+ THE COURT: Okay. Thank you.
2987
+ MR. KIERSH: Your Honor, with respect to the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 60 of 641
2988
+ 2
2989
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2997
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2998
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2999
+ 13
3000
+ 14
3001
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3002
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3003
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3004
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3005
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3006
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3007
+ 21
3008
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3009
+ 23
3010
+ 24
3011
+ 25
3012
+ 61
3013
+ internet monitoring , Mr. Sullivan and I have privileged
3014
+ communication s over the internet via electronic now; and I
3015
+ certainly don't want any communication s -- Mr. Sullivan
3016
+ certainly would object to any communication s between himself
3017
+ and me being read or in any way considered by anyone. I
3018
+ mean, it should just be between the two of us as part of our
3019
+ confidential relationship .
3020
+ THE COURT: Mr. Cahoon, is there a way to exclude
3021
+ certain email accounts from the search, the keyword search?
3022
+ MR. CAHOON: Not generally .
3023
+ I will dig into it and see if there is a way so
3024
+ that we can block -- so that we don't even see any of the
3025
+ communication between defense counsel and his client. If
3026
+ those things do come up, it is our practice to not even read
3027
+ them and to just dismiss them in their entirety so that we
3028
+ do not disrupt that privilege that they have between one
3029
+ another.
3030
+ THE COURT: Okay.
3031
+ MR. KIERSH: Thank you.
3032
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
3033
+ Okay. With that, Mr. Kiersh, can I have my
3034
+ courtroom deputy swear Mr. Sullivan to his conditions to
3035
+ make sure everything is on the up and up.
3036
+ MR. KIERSH: Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.
3037
+ THE COURT: Okay. Ms. Kay, would you please swear Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 61 of 641
3038
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3057
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3058
+ 22
3059
+ 23
3060
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3061
+ 25
3062
+ 62
3063
+ Mr. Sullivan to his conditions .
3064
+ THE DEPUTY: Yes, Your Honor.
3065
+ Mr. Sullivan , would you please raise your right
3066
+ hand?
3067
+ (Whereupon , the defendant was sworn to the
3068
+ conditions of release.)
3069
+ THE DEFENDANT : I do.
3070
+ THE DEPUTY: Thank you.
3071
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
3072
+ Mr. Sullivan , can you confirm for the record that
3073
+ you have heard and understood the conditions that you just
3074
+ agreed to follow?
3075
+ THE DEFENDANT : I do swear --
3076
+ THE COURT: I couldn't hear you.
3077
+ THE DEFENDANT : I do understand the conditions .
3078
+ THE COURT: Thank you.
3079
+ Do the parties have a next court date before
3080
+ Judge Sullivan already? You do.
3081
+ MS. WONG: Yes, Your Honor. This Thursday .
3082
+ THE COURT: Okay. Is there anything else
3083
+ regarding release conditions that we need to address before
3084
+ we adjourn?
3085
+ MS. WONG: No, Your Honor. Thank you.
3086
+ MR. KIERSH: Not on behalf of Mr. Sullivan .
3087
+ Thank you. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 62 of 641
3088
+ 2
3089
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3097
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+ 12
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+ 15
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+ 16
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+ 17
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3106
+ 20
3107
+ 21
3108
+ 22
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+ 23
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+ 24
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+ 25
3112
+ 63
3113
+ THE COURT: Okay. Thank you.
3114
+ And thank you, again, to pretrial for making
3115
+ yourself available . The Court will coordinate with pretrial
3116
+ to get the release order; and we will provide a copy of that
3117
+ to counsel.
3118
+ That concludes this matter.
3119
+ Mr. Sullivan is released under the conditions
3120
+ stated on the record.
3121
+ Well -- I am sorry. I need to do a couple of
3122
+ warnings .
3123
+ Mr. Sullivan , I did release you under the
3124
+ conditions of release. The paperwork will say this as well,
3125
+ but if you violate the release conditions , you could find
3126
+ yourself facing revocation proceedings as you did when you
3127
+ first appeared before me. There could be another motion to
3128
+ hold you in custody while you're awaiting trial; they could
3129
+ issue a warrant for your arrest; there can be negative
3130
+ consequences .
3131
+ Also, if you commit any crimes while you are on
3132
+ release -- in addition to any penalties you face for that
3133
+ crime, you may face an additional penalty for having
3134
+ committed a crime while on release.
3135
+ Finally, you are required to appear in court as
3136
+ directed while you are on pretrial release. Your failure to
3137
+ appear in court as directed could also lead to -- could lead Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 63 of 641
3138
+ 2
3139
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+ 8
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3147
+ 11
3148
+ 12
3149
+ 13
3150
+ 14
3151
+ 15
3152
+ 16
3153
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+ 18
3155
+ 19
3156
+ 20
3157
+ 21
3158
+ 22
3159
+ 23
3160
+ 24
3161
+ 25
3162
+ 64
3163
+ to a warrant for your arrest or revocation of your release,
3164
+ or your detention pending trial. These warnings will also
3165
+ be in the release order that we will provide.
3166
+ Thank you.
3167
+ That concludes this hearing. You are all excused.
3168
+ Have a good evening.
3169
+ THE DEFENDANT : Thank you.
3170
+ (Whereupon , the hearing concludes , 6:13 p.m.)
3171
+ CERTIFICATE
3172
+ I, ELIZABETH SAINT-LOTH, RPR, FCRR, do hereby
3173
+ certify that the foregoing constitutes a true and accurate
3174
+ transcript of my stenographic notes, and is a full, true,
3175
+ and complete transcript of the proceedings to the best of my
3176
+ ability.
3177
+ PLEASE NOTE: This hearing was held via
3178
+ videoconference and telephonically in compliance with the
3179
+ COVID-19 pandemic stay-safer-at-home orders and is therefore
3180
+ subject to the limitations associated with the use of
3181
+ technology , including but not limited to telephone signal
3182
+ interference , static, signal interruptions , and other
3183
+ restrictions and limitations associated with remote court
3184
+ reporting via telephone , speakerphone , and/or
3185
+ videoconferencing capabilities .
3186
+ This certificate shall be considered null and void
3187
+ if the transcript is disassembled in any manner by any party
3188
+ without authorization of the signatory below.
3189
+ Dated this 15th day of March, 2021.
3190
+ /s/ Elizabeth Saint-Loth, RPR, FCRR
3191
+ Official Court ReporterCase 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 22 Filed 03/27/21 Page 64 of 64
04-03-22 - Supplemental MOTION to Dismiss Count re 62 Motion to Dismiss Count in the Supserseding Indictment by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+
6
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
7
+
8
+
9
+
10
+ v. Case No. : 21-cr-78(EGS)
11
+
12
+
13
+
14
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
15
+
16
+ SUPPLEMENT TO MOTION TO DISMISS COUN T 1 OF THE
17
+ SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT
18
+
19
+ Defendant , by and though undersigned counsel, does her eby
20
+ supplement hi s Motion to Dismiss Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment.
21
+ In support thereof, defend ant respectfully sets for th as follows:
22
+ 1. On December 3 1, 2021 , defend ant filed a Mot ion to Dismiss C ount
23
+ 1 of the Superseding Indictment. Defendant incorp orate d the Motion to
24
+ Dismiss C ount 2 of the Indi ctment submitted in United States v. Caldwel l,
25
+ 21-cr-28 (APM). See E CF 62. On January 10, 2022, the United S tates filed
26
+ an Oppo sition to the Motion to Dismiss. ECF 65.
27
+ 2. On March 7, 2022 , the H onorable Carl J. Nichols of this U nited
28
+ States District C ourt issued a Memoran dum Opin ion in United States v .
29
+ Garrett Miller , 21-cr-119 (CJN) . The opinion addressed a Motion to Di smiss Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 71 Filed 04/03/22 Page 1 of 32
30
+ Count Three of the Indictment , violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1512 (c)(2). This
31
+ is the same sta tutory count that defendan t John Sullivan seeks to dismiss .
32
+ 3. Miller argued, as d oes defendant Sullivan, that Sec. 1512 (c)(2)
33
+ does not make criminal his all eged actions on January 6 . Judge Nichols
34
+ held that “the Court must determi ne what conduct Sec. 1512 (c)(2) prohi bits
35
+ and whether Miller ’s alleged actions fall within that prohibition. ” Miller, 8.
36
+ Judge Nichols further concluded that three readin gs of the statute are
37
+ possible , two plausible . Ultimately , the rule of lenity required the C ourt to
38
+ “resolve ambiguities in favor of the defendant. ” Id.11 citing United States v.
39
+ Nasir 17 F.4th 459, 473 (3rd Cir. 2021 ) (en banc) . Judge Nichols later
40
+ determined that “the Court is left with a serious ambiguity in a criminal
41
+ statute. ” Id. 28.
42
+ 4. Judge Nic hols con cluded that “Sec. 1512 (c)(2) must be interpreted
43
+ as limited by subsection (c)(1), and thus requires that the defendant have
44
+ taken s ome action with respect to a document, record, or other object in
45
+ order to corruptly obstruct , impede or influence an official proceeding .: Id.,
46
+ 28, emph asis supplied.
47
+ 5. Finding that M iller is not alleged to have taken such action, Judge
48
+ Nichols dismissed the felony 1512 count i n the indictment. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 71 Filed 04/03/22 Page 2 of 33
49
+ 6. Defendant Sullivan notes that he , like Miller, is not alleged to have
50
+ taken some action with respect to a document, record, or other object in
51
+ order to corruptly obstruct, impede or influence an official proceeding.
52
+ 7. Defendant adopts the analysis of Judge Nichols in United States v .
53
+ Miller and supplements his Motion to Di smiss C ount 1 of the Superseding
54
+ Indictment with the ruling of Judge Nich ols.
55
+
56
+ ______ /s/_________________
57
+ Steven R. Kiersh#323329
58
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
59
+ Suite 440
60
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
61
+ (202) 347 -0200
62
+
63
+
64
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
65
+
66
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoin g
67
+ was served, via the Court’s electroni c filing system, upon Candice Wong ,
68
+ Esquire, Assistant U.S. Attorney on this the 3rd day of April, 2022,
69
+
70
+
71
+ ______ /s/___________________
72
+ Steven R. Kier sh
73
+
74
+
75
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 71 Filed 04/03/22 Page 3 of 3
04-04-22 - NOTICE of Discovery by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+
3
+
4
+ U.S. Department of Justice
5
+ Matthew M. Graves
6
+ United States Attorney
7
+ District of Columbia
8
+ Judiciary Center
9
+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
10
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
11
+
12
+ April 4, 2022
13
+ Via Email
14
+ Steven Kiersh
15
+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 skiersh@aol.com
16
+ Re: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
17
+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
18
+ Dear Counsel:
19
+ The enclosed letter memorializes the provision of the following additional discovery in
20
+ this case, via filesharing (unless otherwise indicated ):
21
+
22
+ 1. Periscope search warrant and production (1 zip file)
23
+ 2. 302 for Periscope review
24
+ 3. 302 regarding provision of witness videos, redacted
25
+ 4. Material from other Capitol investigations:
26
+ a. 302 from proffer with defendant AJ
27
+ b. Notes from proffer with defendant AJ
28
+ 5. Additional open- source video relating to Speakers Lobby (Benjamin
29
+ Reports)
30
+
31
+ The discovery is unencrypted. Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
32
+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
33
+ This material is being provided pursuant to the Protective Order issued in this case.
34
+ Please adhere to sensitivity markings. I will forward add itional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions,
35
+ please feel free to contact me.
36
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 72-1 Filed 04/04/22 Page 1 of 22
37
+
38
+ Sincerely,
39
+
40
+
41
+ _______________________
42
+ Candice C. Wong
43
+ Assistant United States Attorney
44
+ 202-252-7849
45
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
46
+
47
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 72-1 Filed 04/04/22 Page 2 of 2
04-05-22 - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+
4
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
5
+ : Criminal No.: 21-CR-00078 (EGS )
6
+ v. :
7
+ :
8
+ JOHN SULLIVAN :
9
+ :
10
+ Defendant . :
11
+
12
+ NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE
13
+ The United States of America by and t hrough its attorney, the United States Attorney for
14
+ the District of Columbia, informs the Court that Assistant United States Attorney
15
+ Candice C. Wong , as counsel for the U nited States, is terminating her appearance as counsel of
16
+ record in this matter. All other government counse l noted on the docket at the time of this filing
17
+ will remain counsel for the United States.
18
+
19
+ Respectfully submitted,
20
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
21
+ United States Attorney
22
+ D.C. Bar No: 481052
23
+
24
+ By: /s/ Candice C. Wong
25
+ Candice C. Wong
26
+ Assistant United States Attorney
27
+ D.C. Bar No: 990903
28
+ United States Attorney’s Office
29
+ 555 Fourth Street, N.W. #4816
30
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
31
+ Telephone: 202 -252-7849
32
+ E-mail: candice.wong@usdoj. gov
33
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 73 Filed 04/05/22 Page 1 of 1
04-06-22 - NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Joseph Hong Huynh appearing for USA.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+
4
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
5
+ : Case No. 21- CR-00078 (EGS )
6
+ v. :
7
+ :
8
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
9
+ : :
10
+ Defendant. :
11
+
12
+
13
+
14
+
15
+ NOTICE OF APPEARANCE
16
+
17
+ The United States of America, by and t hrough its undersigned counsel, the United States
18
+ Attorn ey for the District of Columbia , herby informs the Court that As sistant United States
19
+ Attorney Joseph H. Huynh is entering his appearance in this matter on behalf of the United
20
+ States.
21
+
22
+ Respectfully submitted,
23
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
24
+ United States Attorney
25
+ D.C. Bar No. 481052
26
+
27
+ /s/ Joseph H. Huynh
28
+ JOSEPH H. HUYNH
29
+ D.C. Bar No. 495403
30
+ Assistant United States Attorney (Detailed)
31
+ 405 East 8th Avenue, Suit e 2400
32
+ Eugene, Oregon 97401- 2708
33
+ Telephone: (541) 465 -6771
34
+ Joseph.Huynh@usdoj.gov
35
+
36
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 74 Filed 04/06/22 Page 1 of 1
04-17-22 - Joint MOTION to Continue Status Conference, Joint MOTION to Exclude Time under the Speedy Trial Act by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ : v. : Criminal No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
7
+ : JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
8
+ : Defendant. :
9
+ JOINT MOTION TO CONTINUE AND
10
+ TO EXCLUDE TIME UNDER THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT
11
+
12
+ The parties are currently scheduled for a status hearing on April 20 , 2022 . The United
13
+ States of America and counsel for the defendant, John Sullivan, hereby move s this Court for a n
14
+ approximately 60- day continuance of that hearing and to exclude the time within which the trial
15
+ must commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq .. In support of this joint
16
+ motion, the undersigned state s as follows:
17
+ 1. As set forth in the United States’ prior motion to continue [DE60] granted by this Court,
18
+ the parties last convened for a status hearing on January 4, 2022. Discovery was
19
+ provided on January 18, 2022, and February 3, 2022, which has include d filesharing of
20
+ documents produced to Relativity. The production to Relativity included numerous
21
+ audio files and other records of the U.S. Capitol Police, tens of thousands of tips and
22
+ related documentation made to the Metropolitan Police Department tipline, and FBI
23
+ reports of interviews, among other materials. On February 10, 2022, the United States
24
+ also filed a memorandum on the docket summarizing the status of global discovery in Capitol Breach matters for the Court .
25
+ 2. Last week, the United States provided to Defendant another extensive global discovery production (Volume 13) as well as defendant- specific discovery. The United States
26
+ anticipates the continued production of additional discovery to the defendant, including Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 76 Filed 04/17/22 Page 1 of 42
27
+ more defendant -specific materials, in the near future. The United States has also
28
+ indicated it is collecting additional specific discovery for production related to potential
29
+ 404(b) material for trial that will need to be reviewed and investigated by both parties.
30
+ 3. Given defenses interest in reviewing the voluminous discovery materials, including the
31
+ most recent productions on the Relativity workspace, and the governm ent’s continued
32
+ production of discovery materials to defense counsel, the parties seek an additional continuance of approximately 60 days or another date thereafter at the Court’s
33
+ convenience. The additional time will afford the United States time to continue to produce discovery, defense counsel time to review and investigate any matters as needed, and the parties time to discuss any possible pre -trial resolution of this matter.
34
+ 4. The need for reasonable time to address discovery obligations is among multiple pretrial preparation grounds that Courts of Appeals, including our Circuit, have routinely held sufficient to grant continuances and exclude time under the Speedy
35
+ Trial Act – and in cases involving far less complexity in terms of the volume and nature o f data, and the number of defendants entitled to discoverable materials. See,
36
+ e.g., United States v. Bikundi , 926 F.3d 761, 777- 78 (D.C. Cir. 2019) (upholding
37
+ ends-of-justice continuances totaling 18 months in two co- defendant health care fraud
38
+ and money laundering conspiracy case, in part because the District Court found a need to “permit defense counsel and the government time to both produce discovery and review discovery” ); United States v. Gordon, 710 F.3d 1124, 1157- 58 (10th Cir.
39
+ 2013) (upholding ends -of-justice continuance of ten months and twenty- four days in
40
+ case involving violation of federal securities laws, where discovery included “documents detailing the hundreds of financial transactions that formed the basis for Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 76 Filed 04/17/22 Page 2 of 43
41
+ the charges” and “hundreds and thousands of documents that needs to be catalogued
42
+ and separated, so that the parties could identify the relevant ones”) (internal quotation marks omitted); United States v. O’Connor , 656 F.3d 630, 640 (7th Cir. 2011)
43
+ (upholding ends -of-justice continuances totaling five months and 20 days in wire
44
+ fraud case that began with eight charged defendants and ended with a single defendant exercising the right to trial, based on “the complexity of the case, the magnitude of the discovery, and the attorneys’ schedules”) .
45
+ 5. The parties also note that there are numerous substantive motions pending before the Court that should also toll the speedy trial clock. These include Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment and Motion to Adopt and Join Motion in 21- cr-28 [DE 62] and a Supplemental Motion to Dismiss Count [71]
46
+ recently filed, Motion to Dismiss Count Eight of the Superseding Indictment as Being Void for Vagueness [DE 47], Motion to Suppress Custodial Statements [DE 46], and
47
+ Motion for Rec onsideration re: December 6, 2021 Order Denying Motion to Remove
48
+ Seizure Order [DE61]. The Government has filed responses opposing all motions.
49
+ 6. Defense counsel intends to supplement its Motion for Reconsideration re: December 6, 2021 Order Denying Motion t o Remove Seizure Order [DE61] with information
50
+ about Defendant’s current financial situation and would request respectfully the Court consider subsequently its motion during any continuance given the financial situation of the Defendant. The Government continues to oppose the motion.
51
+ 7. The parties anticipate that , if the Court grant this continuance, they will be better
52
+ positioned to request from the Court at the next status conference a trial date and schedule for corresponding pretrial motions. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 76 Filed 04/17/22 Page 3 of 44
53
+ WHEREFORE, the parties respectfully request that this Court grant the motion for a n
54
+ approximately 60-day continuance of the above-captioned proceeding, and that the Court exclude
55
+ the time within which the trial must commence under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et
56
+ seq., on the basis that the ends of justice served by taking such actions outweigh the best interest
57
+ of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial pursuant to the factors described in 18 U.S.C. §
58
+ 3161(h)(7)(A), (B) (i), (ii), a nd (iv), and failure to grant such a continuance would result in a
59
+ miscarriage of justice .
60
+ Respectfully submitted,
61
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
62
+ United States Attorney
63
+ D.C. Bar Number 481052
64
+
65
+
66
+ By: /s/ Joseph H. Huynh
67
+ JOSEPH H. HUYNH
68
+ D.C. Bar No. 495403
69
+ Assistant United States Attorney (Detailed)
70
+ 405 East 8th Avenue, Suite 2400
71
+ Eugene, Oregon 97401-2708 Telephone: (541) 465-6771
72
+ Joseph.Huynh@usdoj.gov
73
+
74
+
75
+ /s/ Steven Roy Kiersh
76
+ STEVEN ROY KIERSH
77
+ Law Offices of Steven R. Kiersh
78
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Telephone (202) 347-0200 skeirsh@aol.com Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 76 Filed 04/17/22 Page 4 of 4
05-05-23 - MOTION for 404(b) Evidence by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ :
8
+ v. : Case No. 21- cr-78 (RCL )
9
+ :
10
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
11
+ :
12
+ Defendant. :
13
+
14
+ GOVERNMENT’S 404(b) NOTICE
15
+
16
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for
17
+ the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) Notice
18
+ regarding the admissibility of Defendant John Sullivan’s prior act s of protesting and rioting for the
19
+ proposition that he is a professional protestor whose presence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021
20
+ was no mere accident or part of a journalistic exercise, but was in line with his consistent motivation to trigge r violence and property destruction during civil unrest . Defendant Sullivan is
21
+ charged with crimes related to his conduct at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. As detailed herein,
22
+ Defendant Sullivan’s prior act s are probative in establishing Sullivan’s motive, intent, knowledge,
23
+ and absence of mistake or accident .
24
+ If not used in its case -in-chief, the government intends to use the 404(b) evidence as
25
+ impeachment or rebuttal evidence should defense present a case. In the event the government is
26
+ precluded from using the 404(b) evidence in its case -in-chief , the government would seek to use
27
+ it as impeachment or rebuttal evidence.
28
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 1 of 11
29
+ 2 I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
30
+ On November 10, 2021, a grand jury charged Defendant Sullivan with Obstruction of an
31
+ Official Proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2), and 2; Civil Disorder in violation of
32
+ U.S.C. § 231(a)(3), and 2; Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building and Grounds with a
33
+ dangerous weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A); Disorderly and Disruptive
34
+ Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a dangerous weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C.
35
+ § 1752(a)(2) and (b)(1)(A); Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on Capitol Grounds or
36
+ Buildings, in vi olations of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)( 1)(A)( i); Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building,
37
+ in violation of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(D); Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building, in violation of 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(G) ; False Statement or Repres entation to an
38
+ Agency of the United States, in violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2); and Aiding and Abetting, in
39
+ violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2.
40
+ The case is scheduled for jury trial to commence on October 25, 2023. Judge Emmet
41
+ Sullivan ordered the government t o file notice of Rule 404(b) evidence by May 5, 2023. See ECF
42
+ No.83 at 1. Defense has been provided the material referenced in this notice during discovery.
43
+ II. DEFENDANT’S CONDUCT ON JANUARY 6, 2021
44
+
45
+ John Sullivan traveled from Utah to Washington, D.C., to at tend and film varying rallies
46
+ on the 5th and 6th. On January 6th, Sullivan attended the “Stop the Steal” rall y on January 6, 2021.
47
+ Afterwards, Sullivan joined rioters at the U.S. Capitol grounds where he filmed a crowd pushing
48
+ through several police barri ers on the west side of the Capitol . After the crowd broke through the
49
+ last barricade. As Sullivan and the others approach the Capitol Building, Sullivan can be heard in
50
+ his video excitedly saying at various points: “There are so many people. Let’s go. This shit is ours! Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 2 of 11
51
+ 3 Fuck yeah,” “We accomplished this shit. We did this together. Fuck yeah! We are all a part of this
52
+ history,” and “Let’s burn this shit down.”
53
+ Sullivan entered the Capitol via a broken Senate Wing Door. Once inside the Capitol
54
+ Building, Sullivan roamed the building with other individuals who unlawfully entered. During
55
+ one of his interactions with others, Sullivan can be heard in the video saying, “We gotta get this shit burned,” “it’s our house motherfuckers,” and “we are getting this shit.” Sullivan ignored law enforcements commands to leave and told the officers to stand down, so they would not get hurt.
56
+ Sullivan encouraged other rioters, explaining he was “ready” because he had “been in so many
57
+ riots.”
58
+ Sullivan filmed the crowds trying to break open doors to the House Chamber and the n at
59
+ the Speaker’s Lobby. At both locations, Sullivan informed other members of the crowd he had a
60
+ knife which allowed him to cut to the front of the crowd. At the front of the Speaker’s Lobby
61
+ crowd, Sullivan filmed the crowd trying to break down the doors’ glass windows. Sullivan can be
62
+ heard telling law enforcement to “go home” while encouraging those attempting to break the windows to “Get this shit!” Shortly thereafter, the video includes footage of a female getting shot as she tries to enter through the window opening. After January 6
63
+ th, Sullivan publicly claimed he
64
+ was simply a journalist who went inside to film and protect police. Sullivan claimed he made the
65
+ inflammatory statements so he could blend in with the other rioters. Sullivan did admit, to
66
+ investigators, that he did not have any press credentials.
67
+ III. DEFENDANT’S PRIOR ACT
68
+ Over the course of 2020 -2021, Sullivan participated in numerous riots and protests across
69
+ the country and in his home state of Utah . Sullivan’s participation and attendance at legal protests Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 3 of 11
70
+ 4 is not at issue, but his actions during and after these protests, some of which escalated to riots, are
71
+ the center of this motion. Sullivan’s participation has never been that of a journalist, as he claims on January 6th. During these prior protests and riots, Sullivan is captured, often in his own
72
+ recordings, wearing all black fatigues and giving inflammatory speeches calling for violence. Sullivan even started a group called ‘Insurgence USA’ that organized, promote d, and recruit ed
73
+ attendees for differing protests , counter protests, and events . In addition to his physical
74
+ participation, Sullivan utilized several social media platforms to provide comment ary on protests
75
+ and riots. He also used these platforms to post, as well as re -post, ‘how -to” guides on how to
76
+ participate in , survive, and inf lame protests or riots.
77
+ a. Prior P rotests and Riots
78
+ Sullivan organized multiple protests in Utah over the course of 2020. On June 29, 2020,
79
+ Defendant Sullivan organized a counter protest to a pro- police event where a group drove cars
80
+ around the Provo police station . Sullivan did not seek a permit to hold his counter -protest.
81
+ Specifically, Sullivan’s group blocked both the pro- police cars and street traffic, at his instruction.
82
+ Sullivan also damaged several cars including kicking a woman’s SUV while threate ning to beat
83
+ her. During the blockade, a counter -protester, standing next to Sullivan, shot a driver who was not
84
+ involved with either group. Sullivan was arrested on July 9, 20202, and charged with criminal mischief, threat of violence, and rioting. His case was dismissed from Utah District Court , due to
85
+ lack of jurisdiction, and could not be filed in state court due to statute of limitations . On July 22,
86
+ 2020, Sullivan held a solo protest at the Utah state Capitol while holding his legally owned AR -
87
+ 15. On December 27, 2020, Sullivan tweeted a photo of himself , from his one -man armed protest , Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 4 of 11
88
+ 5 with the caption “An armed revolution is the only way to bring about change effectively.” He also
89
+ used the hashtags #Fuck12 and #Acab.
90
+ In September of 2020, Defendant Sullivan traveled to Portland, Oregon to attend protest s
91
+ in relation to defunding the police. Sullivan posted a photograph of himself of Facebook , wearing
92
+ all black and a balaclava with the caption “Let’s start a riot.” He also posted an Instagram photo
93
+ of himself in the clothing with the Caption “Battle Ready” and a guide on “How To Take Down
94
+ A Monument.” Prior to the protests, Sullivan recorded himself walking around the streets of Portland wearing all black and a bullet proof vest. La ter he engaged in protests and recorded
95
+ himself giving a speech in support of taking drastic steps to promote a cause .
96
+ Sullivan also attended protests and marches in August and September 2020, respectively,
97
+ Washington, D.C and Southern California . In D.C. , he was recorded giving a speech and saying,
98
+ “burn it down.” He posted an Instagram linking his followers to information on a “ purge” with a
99
+ note “SPREAD THE MESSAGE. LET THE ELECTORAL PURGE COMMENCE.” Sullivan
100
+ also used hashtags including #DCProtest.
101
+ b. Social Media
102
+ In additional to Sullivan’s presence at protests, he has been just as vocal about protesting and
103
+ revolution on social media. As evident by the post described above, Sullivan had several platform
104
+ accounts attached to either his name or his orga nization .
105
+ i. Facebook
106
+ In addition to the posts mentioned above, Sullivan’s Insurgence USA hosted a fundraiser on
107
+ Facebook for bullet proof vests. Sullivan also offered to sell tactical gear as well in YouTube
108
+ videos. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 5 of 11
109
+ 6 ii. YouTube
110
+ On December 5, 2020, Sullivan posted on his YouTube account Jayden X (which shares the
111
+ same name as the watermark on his recordings of January 6th), dressed in all black while donning
112
+ a bullet proof vest and balaclava with the caption “Here is a full guide on how to keep yourself
113
+ safe during protests and Direct Actions.” At differing points in the video Sullivan brandishes a
114
+ legally owned semi -automatic handgun, rifle, and knife. The same day he also posted a YouTube
115
+ video captioned “Outstanding job protesters in Paris keep making them notice and burn it all!” On
116
+ December 29, 2020, Sullivan posted a how -to guide on making Molotov cocktails.
117
+
118
+ iii. Twitter
119
+ Sullivan’s Twitter accounts reveal ed similar intent. On December 2 6, 2020, Sullivan tweeted
120
+ “Riots are meant to bring change, so purge the world with fire.” On December 27, 2020, Sullivan
121
+ tweeted a photo of himself, holding a legally owned firearm, at his one -man protest with the
122
+ caption “An armed revolution is the only way to bring about change effectively.” He also used
123
+ the hashtags #Fuck12 and #Acab. On December 30, 2021, Sullivan re tweeted a Tiktok of Senate
124
+ Minority Leader Mitch McConnel l and added the caption “Definitely don’t surround his house…”
125
+ with the hashta g #fuckMcConnel l. On December 31, 2020, Sullivan tweeted a photo of himself
126
+ in a bullet proof fest and armed with the caption “I’m already ready to go Nazi Hunting in 2021,
127
+ are you?” On January 1, 2021, Sullivan retweeted a tweet from then President Trum p and urged
128
+ counter protesters to show up to Trump’s January 6th rally. The very next day Sullivan tweeted
129
+ “Fuck The System -Time To Burn It All Down” with several hashtags including #burn and Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 6 of 11
130
+ 7 #abolishcapitalism. The tweet was accompanied by a Tiktok showing masked figures and ominous
131
+ music .
132
+ IV. LEGAL STANDARD
133
+ Rule 404(b) Crimes, Wrongs, or Other Acts
134
+ Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b)(2)(A) requires that the government must provide
135
+ “reasonable notice of the general nature of any such evidence that the prosecutor intends to offer
136
+ at trial; and (B) do so before trial.” Rule 404(b) provides that evidence of “other crimes, wrongs,
137
+ or acts” is not admissible to prove a defendant’s character, but is admissible for any non- propensity
138
+ purpose, including motive , intent, common scheme or plan, knowledge, and absence of mistake,
139
+ or accident . See United States v. Bowie , 232 F.3d 923, 926, 930 (D.C. Cir. 2000) (citing Fed. R.
140
+ Evid. 404(b)). As the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has instructed, Rule
141
+ 404(b) is a rule of “inclusion rather than exclusion.” Bowie , 232 F.3d at 929. Additionally,
142
+ evidence of a defendant’s prior crimes may also be admissible where such evidence (1) is direct
143
+ and substantial proof of the charged crime, (2) is closely intertwined with the evidence of the
144
+ charged crime, or (3) is necessary to place the charged crime in an understandable context. Jackson
145
+ v. United States , 856 A.2d 1111, 1115 (D.C. 2004) . Specifically, “[a]lthough the first sentence of
146
+ Rule 404(b) is ‘fr amed restrictively,’ the rule itself ‘is quite permissive,’ prohibiting the admission
147
+ of ‘other crimes’ evidence ‘in but one circumstance’ — for the purpose of proving that a person’s
148
+ actions conformed to his character.” Id. at 929- 30 (quoting United State s v. Crowder, 141 F.3d
149
+ 1202, 1206 (D.C. Cir. 1998) ( en banc ) (“Crowder II ”)); accord United States v. Cassell , 292 F.3d
150
+ 788, 792 (D.C. Cir. 2002) (“[A]ny purpose for which bad- acts evidence is introduced is a proper Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 7 of 11
151
+ 8 purpose so long as the evidence is not offered solely to prove character”) (quoting United States v.
152
+ Miller , 895 F.2d 1431, 1436 (D.C. Cir. 1990) (emphasis in original)).
153
+ There is a two -pronged test for determining whether evidence of prior crimes is admissible
154
+ under Rule 404(b). First, the evidence must be “probative of a material issue other than character.”
155
+ Miller , 895 F.2d at 1435. Second, the evidence is subject to the balancing test of Federal Rule of
156
+ Evidence 403, which renders it inadmissible only if the prejudicial effect of admitting the evidence
157
+ “substantially outweighs” its probative value. Id. Furthermore, it is not enough that the evidence
158
+ is simply prejud icial; the prejudice must be “unfair.” Cassell , 292 F.3d at 796 (quoting Dollar v.
159
+ Long Mf’g, N.C., Inc., 561 F.2d 613, 618 (5th Cir. 1977) for the proposition that “[v]irtually all
160
+ evidence is prejudicial or it isn’t material. The prejudice must be “unf air.”); United States v.
161
+ Pettiford , 517 F.3d 584, 590 (D.C. Cir. 2008) (“[T]he Rule focuses on the danger of unfair
162
+ prejudice, and gives the court discretion to exclude evidence only if that danger substantially
163
+ outweigh[s] the evidence’s probative value.” ) (citations and punctuation omitted) (emphasis in
164
+ original).
165
+ Admission of Rule 404(b) evidence is permitted in the government’s case -in-chief.
166
+ Specifically, the government is entitled to anticipate the defendant’s denial of intent and
167
+ knowledge and to introduce similar act evidence as part of its case -in-chief. See United States v.
168
+ Inserra , 34 F.3d 83, 90 (2d Cir. 1994) (“[Rule 404(b) other crimes evidence] is admissible during
169
+ the government’s case -in-chief if it is apparent that the defendant will disp ute that issue”); United
170
+ States v. Lewis , 759 F.2d 1316, 1349 n.14 (8th Cir. 1985) (“It was not necessary for the government
171
+ to await defendant’s denial of intent or knowledge before introducing [Rule 404(b) other crimes]
172
+ evidence; instead the government m ay anticipate the defense and introduce it in its case- in-chief”); Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 8 of 11
173
+ 9 United States v. Bussey , 432 F.2d 1330, 1333 n.13 (D.C. Cir. 1970) (noting that Rule 404(b) other
174
+ crimes evidence to prove identity and to prove that prior and subsequent offenses are so identical
175
+ as to mark them as handiwork of the defendant should be introduced in the government’s case -in-
176
+ chief). For a prior act to be probative of intent, the act must “ usually must involve an offense
177
+ similar in kind and reasonably close in time to the cha rge at trial.” Thomas v. United States , 59
178
+ A.3d 1252, 1261 (D.C. 2013); Boyer v. United States , 132 F.2d 12, 13 (D.C. Cir. 1942) ( “[T]he
179
+ fact that intent is in issue is not enough to let in evidence of similar acts, unless they are so
180
+ connected with the offense charged in point of time and circumstances as to throw light upon the
181
+ intent.” ).
182
+ V. ARGUMENT
183
+ In this case, the evidence of the defendant’s prior acts provides the basis for his motive, the
184
+ absence of mistake, direct and substantial proof of the charged crime, and is so closely intertwined
185
+ with the crime charged that a common scheme or plan is apparent. Defendant Sullivan ’s conduct
186
+ at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, was done knowingly, willfully , and with purpose . Based
187
+ on some of his statements claiming to be a journalist , Defendant Sullivan will presumably deny he
188
+ intentionally breached the Capitol to engag e in wrongdoing. Defendant Sullivan prior statements
189
+ and acts are probative that his actions, on January 6th, were not the result of self -proclaimed
190
+ journalist’s inadvertence, mistake, or accident . Sullivan had knowledge the Capitol was not open
191
+ to those without credentials, so it was no mistake he went inside. Therefore, his “defense” that he was simply in/at the Capitol to document and protect police is questionable and directly contradicted by his prior actions and words. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 9 of 11
192
+ 10 The evidence of the prior acts and statements are close enough in time, provides direct evidence
193
+ of each other, and shows his continued common plan and scheme . Sullivan did not go inside to
194
+ document the events, his intentions and motives are made clear fr om his prior acts and statements:
195
+ fuck the system, burn it all down. The government intends to introduce video and present social
196
+ media posts , through investigating witnessing, from the prior acts as well as present the posts from
197
+ the days leading up to J anuary 6, 2021 This will be done to prove his intent to enter, disrupt, and
198
+ obstruct which was done in order advance his true motive: upheaving the system.
199
+ Last, the highly probative value of the government’s proffered 404(b) evidence is not
200
+ substantially outweighed by potential prejudice to Defendant Sullivan . Any potential prejudice is
201
+ not unique to this case —where the government has shown a permissible non- propensity purpose —
202
+ but is simply that endemic to all Rule 404(b) evidence. Such evidence “almost unavoidably raises
203
+ the danger that the jury will improperly ‘conclude that because [the defendant] committed some
204
+ other crime, he must have committed the one charged in the indictment.’” United States v.
205
+ Douglas , 482 F.3d 591, 601 (D.C. Cir. 2007) (quoti ng Crowder II , 141 F.3d at 1210). Prejudice
206
+ in this attenuated sense cannot justify a per se rule of exclusion. See Crowder II , 141 F.3d at 1210.
207
+ The defense must instead show “compelling or unique” evidence of prejudice, Mitchell, 49
208
+ F.3d at 777, dist inct from the probative value of the evidence and distinct from the intrinsic
209
+ prejudicial potential of any Rule 404(b) evidence. The D.C. Circuit has consistently minimized the residual risk of prejudice not by exclusion but by instead issuing limiting instructions to the jury. See, e.g. , Douglas, 482 F.3d at 601 (emphasizing the significance of the district court’s
210
+ instructions to jury on the permissible and impermissible uses of the evidence); Pettiford , 517 F.3d
211
+ at 590 (same); Crowder II , 141 F.3d at 1210 (stating that mitigating jury instructions enter the Rule Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 10 of 11
212
+ 11 403 balancing analysis). Thus, because the government’s Rule 404(b) evidence is not unduly
213
+ prejudicial and any minimal prejudice can be addressed through an appropriate limiting instruction, i ts admission is appropriate.
214
+ VI. CONCLUSION
215
+ For the fore going reasons, the government respectfully requests that the Court permit at
216
+ trial the introduction of its proffered “ other acts” evidence , pursuant to Fed. Rule Evid. 404(b) .
217
+
218
+ Respectfully submitted,
219
+
220
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
221
+ United States Attorney
222
+ D.C. Bar No. 481052
223
+
224
+ By: /s/ REBEKAH LEDERER
225
+ REBEKAH LEDERER
226
+ Pennsylvania Bar No. 320922
227
+ Assistant United States Attorney
228
+ U.S Attorney’s Office for District of
229
+ Columbia 601 D S t. N.W, Washington, DC
230
+ 20530 Tel. No. (202) 252- 7012
231
+ rebekah.lederer@usdoj.gov
232
+
233
+
234
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 87 Filed 05/05/23 Page 11 of 11
05-07-21 -MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER RELATED To Defendants Bank Account In Utah JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. Cr. 21-cr-78 (EGS) JOHN SULLIVAN MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER RELATED TO DEFENDANT’S BANK ACCOUNT IN UTAH AND TO FORBID SEIZURES OF OTHER ACCOUNTS Defendant, by and through undersigned counsel, does hereby seek an Order from this Court discharging the seizure of his bank account in Utah and to prevent any further seizures of other bank accounts belonging to defendant. In support thereof, defendant respectfully sets forth as follows: Defendant was arrested in connection with the events of January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol. Defendant has been indicted for the following offenses: Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1512 (c)(2); Civil Disorder, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 231 (a)(3); Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1752 (a)(1); Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds, 420 U.S.C. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 1 of 6 2 Sec. 5104 and Disorderly Conduct in Capitol Building, 40 U.S.C. Sec. 5104 (e)(2)(d). On or about April 29, 2012 defendant learned that his personal bank account in Utah was seized by the United States. 1 Neither defendant nor his counsel were given prior notice of the seizure of his account. Defendant has confirmed that his account was seized by federal authorities pursuant to a sealed warrant issued by a United States Magistrate. The signed warrant is due to be provided to undersigned counsel with the release of other discoverable items of evidence. Criminal forfeiture proceedings, including pretrial seizure of property subject to forfeiture upon conviction, are governed by 21 U.S.C. Sec. 853, see 18 U.S.C. Sec. 982 (b)(1), as well as Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2. Under 21 U.S.C. Sec. 853, the government may request a warrant from a federal court authorizing the pretrial seizure of property subject to forfeiture in the “same manner as provided for a search warrant.” 21 U.S.C. Sec. 853(f). It is well recognized that a pretrial seizure of assets in a criminal 1 The name of defendant’s bank and his bank account number will be provided, if necessary, under seal. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 2 of 6 3 case constitutes an impairment on property triggering the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which provides that “no person…shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” See, Connecticut v. Doehr, 501 U.S. 1, 12 (1991); The Supreme Court has characterized pretrial asset restraints as “the nuclear weapon of the law.” Grupo Mexicano de Deasarrollo, S.A. v. Alliance Bond Fund, Inc., 527 U.S., 308,332 (1999). The federal courts have consistently recognized that particular attention must be paid when dealing with this “severe remedy.” United States v. Razmilovic, 419 F. 3d 134,137 (2d. Cir. 2005). This is particularly so because asset restraints are imposed on an ex parte basis and without the benefit of an adversarial process and because the government has a strong interest in the outcome. See, United States v. James Daniel Good Real Property, 501 U.S. 43, 56 n.2 (1993) (extent of government’s financial stake in forfeiture has produced a concomitant lack of neutrality); Krimstock v. Kelly, 306 F.3d 40, 63 (2nd. Cir 2002) (there is need for greater procedural safeguards—here, and early, pretrial adversary hearing—where the government has a pecuniary interest in the outcome of forfeiture proceedings), cert, denied, 539 U.S. 969 (2003). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 3 of 6 4 The protection afforded by the Due Process Clause’s plain text applies whenever the government has deprived a person “of…property.” U.S. Cons. Amen V. Nothing in that clause limits the Fifth Amendment’s protections to only those persons who need to use their seized property or who are indigent. Accordingly, the federal courts have held that when the government restrains a criminal defendant’s assets before trial on the assertion that they may be subject to forfeiture, due process requires that the defendant be afforded a post-deprivation, pretrial hearing to challenge the restraint. If certain minimal conditions are satisfied, “[t]he wholesale use of…forfeiture proceedings [should cause] grave concern when the Government has clearly focused its law enforcement energies and resources upon a person and attempts to restrain his property….” United States v. $39,000 in Canadian Currency.” 801 F.2d 1210, 1219 n.7 (10th Cir. 1986). The United States Supreme Court has made clear that pretrial seizure, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Sec. 853 (f) requires two probable cause findings: (1) that the defendant committed an offense permitting forfeiture and (2) that the property at issue has the requisite connection to that crime.” Kaley v. United States, 134 S. Ct 1090,1095 (2014). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 4 of 6 5 At the outset, defendant notes that he needs the funds in the seized bank account in order to pay his rent and household necessities. Additionally, the proceeds of the seized bank account are not the product of criminal activity alleged in the indictment. Defendant is being deprived of his needed asserts is in violation of the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution. Wherefore, the foregoing considered, defendant prays this Honorable Court to discharge the Order of Seizure related to his bank in Utah and for an Order preventing the United States from seizing any other bank accounts belonging to defendant. Re3spectfully submitted, ______/s/__________________ Steven R. Kiersh#323329 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 440 Washington D.C. 20015 (202) 347-0200 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 5 of 6 6 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing was served, via the COURT’S ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM, upon all counsel of record on this the 7th day of May, 2021. ______/s/_____________________ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 25 Filed 05/07/21 Page 6 of 6
05-16-22 - Supplement re 47 Motion to Dismiss Count 8 of the Indictment by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+
6
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
7
+
8
+
9
+
10
+ v. Case No.: 21 -cr-78(EGS)
11
+
12
+
13
+
14
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
15
+
16
+ SUPPLEMENT TO MOTION TO DISMISS COUNT 8 OF THE
17
+ SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT
18
+
19
+ Defendant, by and though undersigned counsel, does hereby
20
+ supplement his Motion to Dismiss Count 8 of the Superseding Indictment.
21
+ In support thereof, defendant respectfully sets f orth as follows:
22
+ 1. On Septemb er 24, 2021, Defendant filed a Motio n to Di smiss
23
+ Count 8 of the superseding indictment, Making a False Statement , in
24
+ violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1001 (a)(2) . PACER 47. The g round in the initial
25
+ motion w as that the term “materiali ty” was void for vagueness and theref ore
26
+ unconstitutional and must be dismissed .
27
+ 2. Defendant adds this supplement to the Motion to Di smiss o n
28
+ grounds that the government cannot establish materiality in the co ntext of
29
+ Count 8 and the ind ictment must be dismissed. The argument is based
30
+ upon the re cord that has to date been established in this matter. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 1 of 82
31
+ This Court can di smiss part of an indictmen t prior to trial . A crimi nal
32
+ defendant may move to dismiss an indictment based on a “defect in the
33
+ indictment, including …failure to state an offense ” if the “motion can b e
34
+ determined without a tri al on the merits [.]” Fed. R. Crim P 12 (b )(3)(B).
35
+ The issue raised by defendant is whether the fa lse statem ent indic ted
36
+ in Count 8 is a “material ” false statement. The law does criminalize every
37
+ false statement that is made to the government. O n the contrary, it is well
38
+ settled that the law distinguishes between fa lse statements o f
39
+ consequence, wh ich can fairly give rise to criminal liability, and fa lse
40
+ statements of little or no significance, whic h cannot. Thus, “materiality ” is
41
+ the lega l standard that has long separated one cate gory from the o ther.
42
+ Kungys v. U nited States , 485 U.S. 759, 769 (1988).
43
+ Consistent with the long -standing requirement of materiality within the
44
+ contex t of a prosec ution under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1001, materiality is
45
+ considered to be an essential element of the federal fa lse statement
46
+ offense. See U nited States v. Verrusion , 762 F.3d 1, 20 (D.C . Cir. 2014) ;
47
+ United S tates v. Stone , 394 F. Supp. 3d 1 (D.D.C. 2019).
48
+ To be material , a false statement must have a natural ten dency to
49
+ influence, or be capable of influencing, the dec ision-making body to which it
50
+ was address ed.” United S tates v. Gaudin , 515 U.S. 506, 509 (1995). In Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 2 of 83
51
+ analyzing thi s stand ard in United States v. J ohnson , the Third Circuit noted ,
52
+ “materiality requires evidence that the false statements we re of a type
53
+ capable of in fluencing a reasonab le decision maker, and that the fa lse
54
+ statements c ould have a bearing on an actual decision entrusted t o the
55
+ decisionmaker ….” 19 F.4th 248, 257 (2021), citations omitted.
56
+ The dec ision-maker in this case is the U nited State s Departmen t of
57
+ Justice. The Justice Department is the entity that returned the initial
58
+ indictment and the s uperseding indictment s against defen dant John
59
+ Sullivan. Therefore, th e charged false statement , in order to be mat erial,
60
+ had to have affected the decision makin g of the U nited States Department
61
+ of Justice within the context of prosecuting ac ts related to the events at the
62
+ United S tates Capitol on January 6, 2022 1
63
+ Weinstock v. U nited States, 231 F.2d 699 (D.C . Cir. 1956), involving a
64
+ conviction for 18 U.S.C . Sec. 1001 , is instructive. The C ourt discussed the
65
+ difference between material evidence and relevant evi dence.
66
+ ‘Material ’ when used in resp ect to evidence is often
67
+ confused with ‘relevant ’, but the terms ha ve wholly
68
+ differen t meanings. To be relevant me ans to have
69
+ probative weight, i.e., reasonabl y likely to influence
70
+ the tribunal in making a determinati on required to be
71
+ made. A statement may be relevant but not material …
72
+ The test is whet her the false statement has a natural
73
+ tendenc y to influence, or was capable of influen cing,
74
+ the decision of the tribunal in making a determinati on
75
+ required to be made. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 3 of 84
76
+
77
+ Id., 701 -702.
78
+ In United States v. Naserkhaki , 722 F. Supp. 242 (E.D. Va. 1989) , the
79
+ defendant was prosecuted for making false statements to the INS in
80
+ violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1001. The false statement s related to his
81
+ application and the attached supp orting documents for the pu rpose of
82
+ obtaining a Refugee Travel D ocument. The false statements pertained to
83
+ the date and place of the defend ant’s last en try into the U nited States.
84
+ The Naserkhaki Court determi ned that the alleged f alse statem ents
85
+ in the application were not material to acquiring the Refugee Travel
86
+ Document. “Where …a misstatement relates to an ancillar y, non -
87
+ determinative fact, it is not material and cannot support a co nviction under
88
+ Section 100 1 Id. at 248. The C ourt added, “A misstatement in this context
89
+ is material only if it relates to a fact or cir cumstance the IN S exami ner
90
+ considers in deciding whether to issue an RTD. ” Id. at 249.
91
+ The situation herein is precis ely the issue addressed in Naserkhaki .
92
+ The F.B.I . was investigati ng the events at the United States Capitol on
93
+ January 6, 2021. When the agents spoke w ith Mr. Sullivan they were at his
94
+ home exclusively to confront h im about his presence in the U nited States
95
+ Capitol on January 6, 2021. It is inconceivab le that a purpo rted false
96
+ statement about not being in possession of a kni fe would have impacted Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 4 of 85
97
+ the decision -making body in deciding whether to indict defendant for the
98
+ offenses contained in the indictment.
99
+ The issue of possession of a knife, as well as statements made to the
100
+ F.B.I. related to the knife , are noth ing more than ancillary, non -
101
+ determinative fact s that are entirely unrelated to the decision regarding
102
+ whether to charge defendant with the offenses for which he has been
103
+ indicted.
104
+ The only decision the Justice Department was in vestigat ing is
105
+ whether to charge J ohn Sullivan with matters related to his presence in the
106
+ United State s Capitol on January 6, 2021 and what specific charges he
107
+ would be faci ng. It was not investigating whether Mr. Sullivan had a kn ife.
108
+ Regar dless of whether defendant did have a kn ife or did not have a knife,
109
+ that fact was not det erminative of whether he would be charged and for
110
+ what he wo uld be charged.
111
+ Defendant notes that the original indictmen t was r eturned wi thout
112
+ regard to whether h e did or did not posses a knife on January 6, 2021.
113
+ None of the indicted charges in the superseding i ndictments , other than
114
+ the false statement charge, have anything to do with possession of a knife.
115
+ In United States v. Gaudin , Justice Scalia noted, “[d]eciding whether
116
+ a statement is ‘materia l’ requires a determination of at least two subsidiary Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 5 of 86
117
+ questions …(a) what statement was made? And (b) ‘what decision was the
118
+ agency trying to make. ” 515 U.S. 506, 512 ( 1995). Onl y after a court has
119
+ identified the “statement ” and the “relevant de cision ” can a court answer
120
+ the “ultimate question ”: whether the statement was material to the
121
+ decision.” Id.
122
+ The anal ysis employed by Judge Scalia was followed in this Circuit in
123
+ United States v. Diggs . “The test of materiality is whether the statement has
124
+ a nat ural tendency to influence , or was ca pable of influencing the decision
125
+ of the tribunal in making a (particular) de termination .” 613 F.2d 988, 999
126
+ (D.C. Cir. 1979), quoting Weinstock v. United States , 2312 F.2d 699, 701 -
127
+ 02 (D.C . Cir. 1956. ) See also United States ex el. Morsell v. Symantec
128
+ Corp., 130 F. Supp 3d 106, 123 n.16 (D.D.C. 2015) ([A] statement is
129
+ material if it has a nat ural tendency to influence, or is capable of influencing
130
+ an agency ’s action. ” quoting United States v. Moore , 612 F.3d 698, 701
131
+ (D.C. Cir. 2010).
132
+ The statement herein is readily identifiable. It is the subject of the
133
+ pending Motion to Suppress Statement and related to the den ial of the
134
+ possessio n of a kn ife during the event s of January 6, 2021. The decision to
135
+ indict J ohn Sullivan had nothing to do with the statement. This argument
136
+ that the statement had nothing to do wi th the dec ision to charge J ohn Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 6 of 87
137
+ Sullivan is supported by the fac t that the U nited States has never argued
138
+ that the knife had anything to do with the decision -maker ’s determination to
139
+ charge defendant.
140
+ Defendant submits this issue should be decide d pretrial . The
141
+ substance of the statement , the decision conc erning whether to charge
142
+ defendant , and the charges fo r which defendant has been indicted are not
143
+ in issue.
144
+ Defend ant maintains i t is far better to have the issue resolved prior to
145
+ trial as intro ducti on of the allegedly false statement will only serve to
146
+ prejudice defendant while having no probative value. Federal Rule of
147
+ Evidence 403 mandates that “the court may exclude evidence i f its
148
+ probative value is sub stantially outweighed by a danger of one or more of
149
+ the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, misl eading the jury,
150
+ undu e delay, wasting time, or needlessly presentin g cumul ative evidence.
151
+ WHEREFOR E defendant prays this Honorable C ourt dismiss Count 8
152
+ of the superseding indictment.
153
+
154
+
155
+
156
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 7 of 88
157
+
158
+
159
+ Respectfully submitted,
160
+
161
+
162
+ ______ /s/_________________
163
+ Steven R. Kiersh#323329
164
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
165
+ Suite 440
166
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
167
+ (202) 347 -0200
168
+
169
+
170
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
171
+
172
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoin g
173
+ was served, via the Court’s electroni c filing system, upon Joseph Huynh
174
+ Esquire, A ssistant U.S. Attorney on this the _______ 16th_____ day of
175
+ May, 2022 .
176
+
177
+
178
+ ______ /s/___________________
179
+ Steven R. Kier sh
180
+
181
+
182
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 77 Filed 05/16/22 Page 8 of 8
05-19-21 -SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 1 of 6Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 2 of 6Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 3 of 6Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 4 of 6Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 5 of 6Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 26 Filed 05/19/21 Page 6 of 6
05-20-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+
3
+ U.S. Department of Justice
4
+ Channing D. Phillips
5
+ Acting United States Attorney
6
+ District of Columbia
7
+ Judiciary Center
8
+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
9
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
10
+
11
+ May 20, 2021
12
+
13
+ Via Email
14
+ Steven Kiersh
15
+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 skiersh@aol.com
16
+ Re: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
17
+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
18
+ Dear Counsel:
19
+ The enclosed letter memorializes the provision of the following preliminary discovery in
20
+ this case, via filesharing, on May 19, 2021:
21
+
22
+ 1. Video provided by link by Defendant on 1/9
23
+ 2. 302 for Defendant’s interview 1/11
24
+ 3. HIGHLY SENSITIVE: CCTV- US Capitol Police surveillance footage (24
25
+ videos, 2 screenshots)
26
+ 4. One audio recording from Defendant’s voice recorder
27
+ 5. Grand jury transcript and four exhibits from 2/3/2021
28
+ 6. Documentation of footage transactions (9 files)
29
+ 7. Square/website subpoena returns (12 files)
30
+ 8. Google/website subpoena returns (7 files)
31
+ 9. Google -Blogger subpoena returns (4 files)
32
+ 10. Apple subpoena returns (8 files)
33
+ 11. BB&T subpoena returns (2 files)
34
+ 12. AFCU subpoena returns (4 files)
35
+ 13. JP Morgan Chase subpoena returns (3 files)
36
+ 14. Paypal -Venmo subpoena returns (29 files)
37
+ 15. Discover subpoena return (1 file)
38
+ 16. Twitter subpoena returns and 3 screenshots (27 files)
39
+ 17. Amazon subpoena returns (3 files)
40
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 28-1 Filed 05/20/21 Page 1 of 22
41
+ 18. Amazon second subpoena returns (3 files)
42
+ 19. Apple iCloud search warrant and returns (142 files)
43
+ 20. Twitter search warrant and returns (1,347 files)
44
+ 21. HIGHLY SENSITIVE: Architect of Capitol damaged window estimate (1
45
+ file)
46
+ 22. Intercept Article 1/14
47
+ 23. Metropolitan Police Department body camera footage (17 files)
48
+
49
+ In addition, the following additional discovery ma terials were disclosed in this case, via
50
+ filesharing , on May 20, 2021:
51
+
52
+ 1. Two unredacted seizure warrants, two supporting affidavits, and two
53
+ returns
54
+ 2. W-1 recordings (97 files)
55
+ 3. Screenshot of knife
56
+
57
+ The discovery is unencrypted . Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
58
+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
59
+ This material is being provided pursuant to the Protective Order issued in this case.
60
+ Please adhere to sensitivity markings. I will forward additional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
61
+
62
+ Sincerely,
63
+
64
+ _______________________
65
+ Candice C. Wong
66
+ Assistant United States Attorney
67
+ 202-252-7849
68
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
69
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 28-1 Filed 05/20/21 Page 2 of 2
05-21-21 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 25 MOTION for Release of Funds Motion.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,578 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ :
8
+ v. : No. 21- CR-78-EGS
9
+ :
10
+ :
11
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
12
+ :
13
+ Defendant. :
14
+
15
+ GOVERNMENT ’S MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION TO
16
+ DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO RELEASE SEIZURE ORDER AND FORBID SEIZURES
17
+ OF OTHER ACCOUNTS
18
+
19
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the Acting United States
20
+ Attorney for the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this memorandu m in opposition to the
21
+ defendant’s “Motion to Release Seizure Order and Forbid Seizures of Other Accounts.” D.E. 25.
22
+ The current issue comes to the Court in a specific posture: A magistrate judge has signed
23
+ two warrants authorizing seizure of the funds at issue, finding probable cause both (1) that the
24
+ defendant has committed an offense permitting forfeiture – namely, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512
25
+ – and (2) that ‘the property at issue has the requisite connection to that crime. A grand jury has
26
+ twice found probable cause that the defendant violated § 1512, an offense for which forfeiture is
27
+ statutorily mandated. That grand jury has likewise included a Forfeiture Allegation finding
28
+ probable cause that the funds at issue are forfeitable based on the Su perseding Indictment.
29
+ Meanwhile, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2(b)(1)(A) provides no avenue for inquiry into
30
+ the forfeitability of seized proceeds until “after a verdict,” presuming that only then will the C ourt
31
+ “determine what property is subjec t to forfeiture ” and “ whether the government has established Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 1 of 282
32
+ the requisite nexus between the property and the offense. ” Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2(b)(1)(A) .
33
+ Against that backdrop, t he defendant’s motion claims a right to a pretrial hearing and
34
+ cursorily as serts that he “needs the funds in the seized bank account to pay his rent and household
35
+ necessities” and that the seized funds “are not the product of criminal activity alleged.” D.E. 25
36
+ at 4-5. Th ose bare- bones assertions do not meet the threshold requi red for a pretrial hearing,
37
+ which is generally only appropriate where t here is a specific claim that the seizure interferes with
38
+ the Sixth Amendment right to counsel . Here, in any event , no financial need has been
39
+ demonstrated , and there is ample probable cause to believe the seized funds – a portion of the
40
+ $90,875 in profits that the defendant reaped from selling his video footage from his breach of the
41
+ U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 – are forfeitable proceeds . The motion should be denied.
42
+ BACKGROUND
43
+ Sullivan’s Video of Storming the U.S. Capitol
44
+ On January 7, 2021, the defendant , John Earle Sullivan, participated in a voluntary
45
+ interview with law enforcement in Washington, D.C. The defendant stated that he was at the
46
+ U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, followed the crowd as it pushed past Capitol Police , and entered
47
+ the U.S. Capitol Building with others through a broken window. The defendant stated he was
48
+ wearing a ballistic s vest and gas mask. The defendant further stated that he had been present at
49
+ the shooting of a woman by a Capitol Police officer and that he had filmed the incident. The
50
+ defendant showed the interviewing agent the footage he had taken, which he stated that he had
51
+ uploaded to the Internet.1
52
+
53
+ 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfiS8MsfSF4&t=537s. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 2 of 283
54
+ On January 9, 2021, the defendant provided a link to download his video to law
55
+ enforcement.
56
+ Throughout the video, t he defendant ’s voice can be heard narrating and speaking to other
57
+ individuals. At one point, the camera pans to his tactical vest and gas mask.
58
+
59
+
60
+ The video captures the defendant filming at the front of a crowd as they pushed through
61
+ police barriers on the west side o f the U.S. Capitol. After the crowd broke through the last
62
+ barricade, and as he and the others approach the Capitol Building, the defendant can be heard
63
+ saying at various points: “There are so many people. Let’s go. This shit is ours! Fuck yeah,” “We
64
+ accomplished this shit. We did this together. Fuck yeah! We are all a part of this history,” and
65
+ “Let’s burn this shit down.”
66
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 3 of 284
67
+
68
+ Later, the defendant ’s video shows individuals climbing a wall to reach a plaza just outside
69
+ the Capitol Building entrance. The def endant can be heard saying, “You guys are fucking savage.
70
+ Let’s go!” The defendant extends his hand and helps pull up one individual .
71
+
72
+ The video records the defendant ’s entrance into the U.S. Capitol building as he climbs
73
+ through a window from which the glass has been broken out :
74
+
75
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 4 of 285
76
+ The video follows as t he defendant roam s the Capitol Building with other individuals who
77
+ unlawfully entered. At various points, t he defendant can be heard saying, “We gotta get this shit
78
+ burned,” “it’s our house motherfuckers ,” and “we are getting this shit.”
79
+ Several times during the video, t he defendant encounters law enforcement officers who are
80
+ trying to prevent further advancement by those who entered unlawfully. Shortly after entering,
81
+ officers try to direct the defendant and others out of a n exit, but he tells them, “we’re just recording,
82
+ there’s too many people to be acting like this. Like you’re not solving anything. I’m just
83
+ recording events, it’s not worth it; I’m just trying to record, I’m just filming. No freedom of press?”
84
+ At other points, the defendant tells the officers to stand down. Among other things, the defendant
85
+ can be heard telling officers, “you are putting yourself in harm’s way,” “the people have spoken,” and “there are too many people , you gotta stand down, the people out there that tried to do that
86
+ shit, they got hurt, I saw it, I’m caring about you.”
87
+ At one point in the video, the defendant enters an office within the Capitol Building. The
88
+ defendant approaches a window and states, “ We did this shit. We took this shit.” The defendant
89
+ also appears to break a window and says , “I broke it. My bad, my apologies. Well they already
90
+ broke a window, so, you know, I didn’t know I hit it that hard. No one got that on camera.”
91
+ Later, the defendant can be heard saying, “I am ready bro. I’ve been to too many riots.
92
+ I’ve been in so many riots.”
93
+ At another point in the video, t he defendant joins a crowd gathered before the main entrance
94
+ to the House Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. The defendant can be heard telling other individuals,
95
+ “there’s officers at the door.” The defendant can also be heard saying, “Hey guys, I have a knife.
96
+ I have a knife. Let me up.” (Separately, law enforcement was provided with a video from Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 5 of 286
97
+ another individual present at this scene, which captures t he defendant holding up the apparent
98
+ handle of a black knife .)
99
+ The defendant ’s video captures someone in the crowd near the main entrance to the House
100
+ Chamber describing how people are “getting arrested” by office rs. The defendant can be heard
101
+ saying, “ That’s why I’m a photographer. That’s why you gotta have ID… It’s ok though, you’ll
102
+ be fine, it’s only a little jail time… I do this all the time.”
103
+
104
+ Eventually, individuals in the crowd outside the doors announce that the officers are
105
+ leaving and “giving us the building.” As the crowd begins to part so the officers can leave, t he
106
+ defendant can be heard saying, “Haul that motherfucker out this bitch.”
107
+ At another point in the video, t he defendant walks down a hallway in the U.S. Capitol with
108
+ a large group of people. The defendant pans to a closed door and can be heard saying, “Why
109
+ don’t we go in there.” After someone lunges their body against the door, the defendant can be
110
+ heard saying, “That’s what I’m sayin’, break that shit.” Further down the hall, he can be heard
111
+ saying, “It would be fire if someone had revolutionary music and shit.”
112
+ The defendant then approaches the doorway to the Speaker’s Lobby, a hallway which
113
+ connects to the House Chamber. The defendant can be heard on the video saying, “I have a
114
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 6 of 287
115
+ knife…. Let me through I got a knife, I got a knife, I got a knife.” He can also be heard telling
116
+ one of the law enforcement officers guarding the doors, “We want you to go home. I’m recording
117
+ and there’s so many people and they’re going to push their way up here. Bro, I’ve seen people out there get hurt. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
118
+
119
+
120
+
121
+
122
+ Eventually, the law enforcement officers begin to move to the adjacent wall and individuals
123
+ within the crowd move toward the doors. The defendant can be heard yelling after the officers,
124
+ “I want you to go home,” and then yelling, “Go! Go! Get this shit!” as other members of the
125
+ crowd try to break out the glass panes in the door. Shortly thereafter, the video includes footage of a female getting shot as she tries to climb through a glass pane that has been smashed.
126
+ Sullivan’s Selling of H is Video Footage
127
+ At various times in his statements to law enforcement, the defendant has claimed he was
128
+ at the U.S. Capitol only to document and report. In addition, at various times since the events of January 6, 2021, t he defendant has claimed to be a j ournalist. The defendant admitted to law
129
+ enforcement, however, that he has no press credentials and the investigation has not revealed any connection between t he defendant and any journalistic organizations prior to the events of January
130
+ 6, 2021.
131
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 7 of 288
132
+ The defendant posted on January 6, 2021, a video from on or about January 5, 2021 in
133
+ Washington, D.C., in which he states to the camera, “I mean, didn’t I kind of make up a background
134
+ though, on the fly a little bit. I think I made up, uh —what did I say I was? Oh, yeah, I was just a
135
+ journalist, but I use that all the time. ‘Yeah, I’m just a journalist. I’m here recording. I got my camera on my shoulder.’ Literally, I have my big- ass camera on my shoulder right here and I
136
+ have my gimbal, so it kind of looks like it. ‘Yeah, I’m just here recording the situation. Yeah.
137
+ Livestreaming. Look, I have —I have people on my live stream.’ That’s why I pulled it back
138
+ out.”
139
+ The defendant also said on a livestream video that he posted on or about December 11- 13,
140
+ 2020, “Uh, I don’t make money off it so I don’t consider myself a journalist. But as far as like reporting stuff like I am now, I’m an activist too, so like it kinda plays hand in hand. But as far as like being a journalist, it would be cool to be one, I don’t have anything against it.”
141
+ On January 6, 2021, however, t he defendant was captured in recordings by another
142
+ individual , shortly after exiting the U.S. Capitol Building , expressing excitement that he captured
143
+ the shooting of the woman on film . The defenda nt stated , “Everybody’s gonna want this.
144
+ Nobody has it. I’m selling it, I could make millions of dollars.” The defendant also spoke to
145
+ someone on speakerphone, stating , “I brought my megaphone to instigate shit. I was like, guys
146
+ we’re going inside, we’r e fucking shit up…. I’m gonna make these Trump supporters f —all this
147
+ shit up…. But I mean you’ll see. I have it all, I have everything, everything on camera, everything I just told you, and I mean everything. Trust me when I say my footage is worth like a million of dollars, millions of dollars. I’m holding on to that shit.” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 8 of 289
148
+ Open-source news reporting, moreover, has detailed how in the days after January 6, 2021,
149
+ the defendant repeatedly changed the self -description on the homepage of his website . O n
150
+ January 10, 2021, t he defendant changed the description from “Activist. Athlete. Motivational
151
+ Speaker” to “Activist. Video Journalist. Athlete.” over a photograph of himself protesting in
152
+ tactical gear with an assault rifle outside the Utah state Capitol last summer . O n January 11,
153
+ 2021, he again updated that text to “Video Journalist. Activist. Athlete.” On January 12,
154
+ 2021, he changed the image to a loop from his video of the U.S. Capitol and further updated the
155
+ text to just “Video Journalist.”2
156
+ On February 15, 2021, prior to a hearing on pretrial release conditions, t he defendant ’s
157
+ counsel filed a pleading with the Court attaching “receipts for services documenting defendant’s
158
+ employment .” D.E. 13, at 6. Specifically, t he defendant attached numerous invoices and
159
+ licensing agreements from various media organizations for the rights to use the defendant ’s U.S.
160
+ Capitol footage from January 6, 2021. D.E. 14.
161
+ Based on those pleadings and the government’s investigation, the government determined
162
+ that the defendant received at least $90,875 in payments from at least six companies for the rights
163
+ to use his video footage of the events at the U.S. Capitol . $89,875 of the payments went to t he
164
+ defendant ’s personal bank account ending in 7715 . A $1,000 pa yment went to a Venmo account
165
+ ending in 2020 that is registered to the defendant ’s phone number and former residence and
166
+ connected to his bank account ending in 7715.
167
+
168
+
169
+ 2 https://theintercept.com/2021/01/14/capitol -riot-john- the defendant -ashli -babbitt/ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 9 of 2810
170
+ Procedural History
171
+ On February 3, 2021, a grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment
172
+ against the defendant charging violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) & 2 (Obstruction of an
173
+ Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders and
174
+ Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) (Entering or Remaining in a Restricted Building
175
+ or Grounds) and 1752(a)(2) (Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds); and 40 U.S.C. §§ 5104(e)(2)(D) (Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building) and 5104(e)(2)(G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building).
176
+ On April 28, 2021, D.C. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey issued two sealed seizure
177
+ warrants as to $89,875 in the defendant ’s bank account ending in 7715 and $1,000 in the Venmo
178
+ account linked to t he defendant ’s bank account . See 21-SZ-1; 21- SZ-2. The supporting
179
+ affidavit alleged probable cause to believe those funds were subject to both civil and criminal forfeiture as property “t raceable to” t he defendant ’s obstruction of an official proceeding in
180
+ violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461.
181
+ Specifically, the affidavit noted that caselaw has defined “proceeds” broadly “to include any
182
+ property that would not have been obtained but for the underlying violation of law,” and reasoned that the “funds Sullivan obtained by filming and selling footage of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots … would not have existed but for Sullivan’s illegal participation in and encouragement of the
183
+ riots, property destruction, and violence inside the U.S. Capitol in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) .”
184
+ On April 29, 2021, the warrants were served. T he government seized in total a balance
185
+ of $62,813.76 from t he defendant ’s bank account ending in 7715. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 10 of 2811
186
+ On May 19, 2021, a grand jury returned a S uperseding Indictment that added weapons
187
+ charges, a false statements charge, and a forfeiture allegation. The Superseding Indictment
188
+ charges violation s of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) & 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and
189
+ Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders and Aiding and Abetting); 18
190
+ U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) and 1752(b)(1)(A) (Entering or Remaining in a Restricted Buildin g or
191
+ Grounds with a Dangerous Weapon ); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(2) and 1752(b)(1)(A) (Disorderly and
192
+ Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Dangerous Weapon); 40 U.S.C.
193
+ § 5104(e)(1)(A)(i) (Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on Capitol Grounds or Buildings); 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(D) (Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building) ; 40 U.S.C.
194
+ § 5104(e)(2)(G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building) ; and 18 U.S.C.
195
+ § 1001(a)(2) (False Statement or Representation to an A gency of the United States) . Count One ,
196
+ the lead charge, provides that:
197
+ On or about January 6, 2021, within the District of Columbia and elsewhere, JOHN
198
+ EARLE SULLIVAN, attempted to, and did, corruptly obstruct, influence, and impede an official proceeding, that is, a proceeding before Congress, by entering and remaining in the United States Capitol without authority and committing an act of civil disorder and engaging in disorderly and disruptive conduct.
199
+ (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(c)(2) and 2)
200
+ D.E. 26 at 2.
201
+ Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461, t he Superseding Indictment
202
+ seeks , upon conviction of Count One , forfeiture of “any property, real and personal, which
203
+ constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to the commission of the offense alleged.” D.E.
204
+ 26 at 5. The Forfeiture Allegation specifies, as property to be sought upon such a conviction, Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 11 of 2812
205
+ $89,875 in t he defendant ’s bank account ending in 7715 and $1,000 in the Venmo account ending
206
+ in 2020 linked to t he defendant ’s bank account .
207
+ LEGAL AUTHORITIES
208
+ Title 18, United States Code, Section 981(a)(1)(C) provides that “ [a]ny property, real or
209
+ personal, which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to a violation of … any offense
210
+ constituting ‘specified unlawful activity’ (as defined in section 1956(c)(7) of [Title 18 of the U .S.
211
+ Code])” is “subject to forfeiture to the United States.” The provision thus subjects “ proceeds ”
212
+ traceable to violations of specified unlawful activities (“SUAs”) to civil forfeiture. Meanwhile,
213
+ criminal forfeiture is authorized when 18 U.S.C. § 981(a )(1)(C) is used in conjunction with 28
214
+ U.S.C. § 2461(c), which holds that “[i]f the defendant is convicted of the offense giving rise to the forfeiture, the court shall order the forfeiture of the property as part of the sentence in the criminal case.”
215
+ In turn, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(c)(7) – which was cross -referenced in § 981(a)(1)(C) –
216
+ incorporates as SUAs all predicate offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
217
+ Organizations ( “RICO ”) statute – that is, “any act or activity constituting an offense li sted in
218
+ section 1961(1) of this title [Title 18] except an act which is indictable under subchapter II of
219
+ chapter 53 of title 31.”
220
+ Finally , 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1) sets forth the RICO predicates and expressly includes , among
221
+ those predicates, 18 U.S.C. § 1512.
222
+ 3 Thus , “[b]y application of § 2461(c), forfeiture of property
223
+
224
+ 3 There is a limited number of forfeiture allegations paired with § 1512 as the SUA. Section 1512
225
+ prohibits (a) killing or assaulting someone with intent to prevent their participation in an official
226
+ proceeding, (b) intimidating someone to influence their testimony in such a proceeding, (c) corrupting records or obstructing, impeding, or influencing such a proceeding, and (d) harassing or delaying someone’s participation in such a proceeding – crimes that do not often generate
227
+ profits. Nonetheless, the government has identified at least nine indictments where a § 1512 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 12 of 2813
228
+ is mandated for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512, since it is a racketeering activity identified in 18
229
+ U.S.C. § 1961(1), which is a specified unlawful activity under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(c)(7)(A) .” United
230
+ States v. Clark , 165 F. Supp. 3d 1215, 1218 (S.D. Fla. 2016) (emphasis added) .
231
+ ARGUMENT
232
+ It is well- established that there is a ‘strong governmental interest in obtaining full recovery
233
+ of all forfeitable assets.” Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered v. United States , 491 U.S. 617, 631
234
+ (1989) (noting that that “strong governmental interest …. overrides any Sixth Amendment interest in permitting criminals to use assets adjudged forfeitable to pay for their defense”). The Supreme Court has long recognized, accordingly, that the government can properly restrain property before trial as long as there is probable cause to believe the assets are subject to forfeiture. United States
235
+ v. Monsanto, 491 U.S. 600, 615- 16 (1989). Where such probable cause exists, a criminal
236
+ defendant has no right to the restrained property.
237
+ The defendant requests a pretrial hearing to challenge a seizure of funds that a magistrate
238
+ judge deemed forfeitable based on probable cause , and that a grand jury has found probable cause
239
+ to believe are criminal proceeds, asserting that he needs to pay household necessities and that the
240
+ funds are not traceable to criminal activity. Neither bare assertion is adequate to warrant a pretrial
241
+ hearing , and in any event, ample probable c ause support s the forfeitability of the funds . This case
242
+
243
+ count was a basis for the forfeiture allegation. See United States v. Clark, 4:13- cr-10034 (S.D.
244
+ Fla.); United States v. Eury , 1:20CR38- 1 (M.D.N.C.); United States v. Ford and Prinster , 3:14- cr-
245
+ 45 (D. Or.); United States v. Shabazz , 2:14- cr-20339 (E.D. Mich.); United States v. Cochran, 4:14-
246
+ cr-22-01-HLM (N.D. Ga.); United States v. Adkins and Meredith, 1:13cr17- 1 (N.D. W. Va.);
247
+ United States v. Faulkner , 3:09- CR-249-D (N.D. Tex.); United States v. Hollnagel , 10 CR 195
248
+ (N.D. Ill.); United States v. Bonaventura, 4:02- cr-40026 (D. Mass.). Congress likewis e included
249
+ some of § 1512’s surrounding obstruction- related statutes as SUAs, and forfeiture allegations have
250
+ also referenced these sister statutes. E.g., United States v. Fisch , 2013 WL 5774876 (S.D. Tex.
251
+ 2013) (§ 1503 as SUA); United States v. Lustyik , 2015 WL 1401674 (D. Utah 2015) (same). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 13 of 2814
252
+ crystallizes the overriding purpose of forfeiture – to “help to ensure that crime does not pay.”
253
+ Kaley v. United States , 571 U.S. 320, 323 (2014) . Where a criminal defendant profits to the tune
254
+ of $90,875 from his charged crime – proceeds that, based on the totality of facts and evidence
255
+ specific to this particular case and this particular defendant , would not have obtained but for the
256
+ defendant’s obstructi ve acts on January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol – there is a strong governmental
257
+ interest in taking the profits out of the crime , and removing the financial incentives for such
258
+ behavior going forward.
259
+ I. The Defendant’s Bare -Bones Assertion that Funds are Needed for Household
260
+ Expenses Does Not Merit a Pretrial Hearing.
261
+
262
+ A. A Dearth of Case law Supports a Pretrial Hearing Based on a Claimed Need to
263
+ Pay Household Expenses.
264
+ The defendant’s motion states that he “needs the funds in the seized bank account to pay
265
+ his rent and household necessities.” D.E. 25 at 4- 5.4 To the extent the motion claims a due
266
+ process right to a pretrial evidentiary hearing to challenge the seizure based on that bare- bones
267
+ assertion , it is unsupported by caselaw. Even setting aside the defendant’s deficient showing of
268
+ need , no decision of the Supreme Court or D.C. Circuit, or by any judge of this Court, has ever
269
+ required a pretrial evidentiary hearing based on a claimed need to pay household expenses . See
270
+ United States v. E -Gold, Ltd., 521 F.3d 411, 421 (D.C. Cir. 2008) (declining to cons ider “whether
271
+
272
+ 4 The defendant also notes that he did not receive prior notice of the seizure . 21 U.S.C. § 853(f)
273
+ permits the government to request a warrant authorizing pretrial seizure of forfeitable property in
274
+ the “same manner as provided for a search warrant.” Here, a magistrate judge found probable
275
+ cause to grant the request , and a s with search warrant s, advan ce notice is not required given the
276
+ risk that the property will be moved or dissipate d. T he government , moreover, has merely seized ,
277
+ not forfeited , the property. In any event, the Forfeiture Allegation in the S uperseding Indictment
278
+ fulfills notice under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2(a). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 14 of 2815
279
+ the due process rights of the defendants compel such a hearing when the assets are not necessary
280
+ to obtaining counsel of choice”).
281
+ The Supreme Court and D.C. Circuit have, however, laid down several strictures that
282
+ substantially limit the circumstances under which pretrial hearings are merited for movants to test
283
+ the probable -cause determinations underlying pretrial seizures of property. In Kaley v. United
284
+ States , the Supreme Court noted that pretrial seizure requires probable cause both “(1) that ‘the
285
+ defendant has committed an offense permitting forfeiture;’ and (2) that ‘the property at issue has
286
+ the requisite connection to that crime.’” 571 U.S. at 323- 24. The Court made clear, however,
287
+ that indicted defendants are not entitled to a pretrial hearing on the first of the two requirements.
288
+ On this issue – probable cause that the defendant has committed an offense permitting forfeiture –
289
+ “[t]he grand jury’s determination is conclusive.” Id. at 322, 331.
290
+ As to the second of the two requirements – probable cause that the property at issue has
291
+ the requisite connection to the crime , namely , traceability – the Supreme Court in Kaley declined
292
+ to opine . But lower courts have generally permitted pretrial hearings on traceability in
293
+ circumstances where the specific claim is that the seizure interferes with the Sixth Amendment
294
+ right to counsel . Even in this Sixth Amendment context, moreover, they have only required such
295
+ hearings when the defendant has made a sufficient threshold showing to “clearly establish[]” that
296
+ “access to [seized] assets is necessary for an effective exercise of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.” E -Gold, 521 F.3d at 417, 421; see, e.g., United States v. Hernandez -Gonzalez , 2017
297
+ WL 2954676, at *5 (S.D. Fla. June 26, 2017), report and recommendation adopted, No. 16- 20669-
298
+ CR, 2017 WL 3446815 (S.D. Fla. Aug. 10, 2017) (finding insufficient threshold showing to warrant hearing, which would have been “limited solely to whether the froze n assets are tainted or Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 15 of 2816
299
+ not” and not whether there was probable cause for the offense ). T hese cases have each stressed
300
+ the uniquely weighty and time -sensitive nature of Sixth Amendment right -to-counsel concerns.
301
+ Where “[t]he private interest at stake is not merely a defendant’s wish to use his property in
302
+ whatever manner he sees fit,” but the “right, under the sixth amendment, to counsel of choice,” that right must be addressed before trial, if it is to be addressed at all. United States v. Monsanto,
303
+ 924 F.2d 1186, 1193 (2d Cir. 1991); see also E -Gold , 521 F.3d at 416- 19 (emphasizing the
304
+ “permanen[ce]” of injury in “a trial tainted by the violation of the defendant’s Sixth Amendment rights”). The extraordinary nature of the injury – a trial without counsel of choice – is what courts
305
+ have noted to justify deviation from Rule 32.2’s plain- letter provision for only post -conviction
306
+ review.
307
+ 5
308
+ In effect, the defendant asks to extend that qualified right to pretrial hearings from the right -
309
+ to-counsel context to household expenses. But the Sixth Amendment concerns do not necessarily
310
+ translate. Although deferring the forfeiture litigation until after trial through the established
311
+ procedures in Rule 32.2 surely exerts some economic pressure on a defendant, it does not threaten
312
+ permanent, irreversible deprivation of his interests akin to a trial without counsel of choice . Cf.
313
+ Sunrise Academy v. United States , 791 F. Supp. 2d 200, 206 (D.D.C. 2011) (deeming “inte rest in
314
+ unfettered use of the assets allegedly belonging to [third parties] during the months preceding [the]
315
+
316
+ 5 The Rule 32.2(b) procedures provide the defendant with “a meaningful opportunity to contest
317
+ the deprivation of his property rights, as due process require[s].” United States v . Shakur , 691
318
+ F.3d 979, 988 -89 (8th Cir. 2012); see also United States v. Christensen, 2012 WL 5354745, at *4
319
+ (D. Neb. Oct. 29, 2012). If a defendant is convicted of the relevant offense, the Court must
320
+ determine “as soon as practical after a verdict … wh ether the government has established the
321
+ requisite nexus between the [specific] property” and the offense. Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2(b)(1)(A). The parties may submit “additional evidence or information” to the record. Id. § (b)(1)(B).
322
+ Either party may request a hearing. Id. And the parties may suggest revisions or modifications
323
+ to any preliminary order of forfeiture. Id. § (b)(2)(B).
324
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 16 of 2817
325
+ trial” to be “obviously far less pressing than the right of an accused to counsel of his or her choice ,”
326
+ and finding absence of a Sixth Amendment claim to tip the balance against the motion ). The
327
+ private interest at stake is qualitatively different.
328
+ In United States v. Bikundi , 125 F. Supp. 3d 178 (D.D.C. 2015), Chief Judge Howell found
329
+ a pretrial evidentiary hearing on traceability “not warranted” where the defendant claimed a need
330
+ for the seized funds to pay household expenses . Id. at 190. Chief Judge Howell did, however,
331
+ find that the strong threshold showing of financial need by that defendant, coupled with express
332
+ disclaimers of traceability in the government’s affidavit supporting the seizure warrant, warranted a “pretrial judicial revie w of the [seizure] Affidavit itself.” Id. The defendant, Chief Judge
333
+ Howell emphasized , had provided extensive “evidence of both his near -term financial obligations
334
+ and his apparent inability to meet those obligations without release of the seized assets ,” such that
335
+ “[t]he Court is not persuaded that the defendant’s showing is insufficient to warrant some
336
+ procedural safeguard to reduce ‘the risk of erroneous deprivation,’” albeit not a full- fledged
337
+ hearing. Id. at 187, 190. And she called the risk of er roneous deprivation “particularly acute”
338
+ in light of “apparent gaps in the challenged affidavits regarding … traceability.” Id. at 190- 91.
339
+ Chief Judge Howell thus conducted her own review of the affidavit, and upon finding certain
340
+ “gaps” where portions of funds lacked the requisite connection to the crimes , ordered the release
341
+ of those portions . Id. at 191- 95.
342
+ Accordingly, there is a dearth of caselaw supporting a pretrial hearing to contest the seizure
343
+ where, as here, no Sixth Amendment right is at stake and the claimed basis is a need to pay household expenses. At best – and setting aside the defendant’s inadequate threshold showing
344
+ of need , see infra I.B – the defendant’s claims merit judicial review of the affidavit supporting the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 17 of 2818
345
+ seizure warrants to review the probable cause for the connection between the property and the
346
+ crime.
347
+ B. In Any Event, the Defendant ’s Threshold Showing of Necessity for the Seized
348
+ Funds is “Undoubtedly Inadequate .”
349
+ Whatever the legal merits of extending the Sixth Amendment cases on pretrial hearings to
350
+ the household expenses context, the defendant has not as a factual matter made a sufficient
351
+ showing to trigger any such hearing. More than conclusory allegations of a need to pay rent and
352
+ unspecified house hold expenses is required as a condition precedent .
353
+ As courts have emphasized in t he Sixth Amendment context, “[e]very court that has
354
+ addressed the issue has found that a defendant’s merely conclusory allegation that he lacks the
355
+ funds to retain counsel of choice is insufficient to trigger the Monsanto hearing.” United States
356
+ v. Emor , 794 F. Supp. 2d 143, 149 (D.D.C. 2011) (collecting cases). Instead, “the defendant must
357
+ present some evidence that he will be deprived of counsel of choice if he cannot access the seized assets.” Id. ; see also E -Gold, 521 F.3d at 417, 421 (defendant has right to hearing where “need
358
+ is clearly established,” and where “access to assets is necessary for an effective exercise of the
359
+ Sixth Amendment right to counsel”); United States v. Unimex , Inc., 991 F.2d 546, 551 (9th Cir.
360
+ 1993) (“To determine whether a hearing is required, the court must decid e whether the moving
361
+ papers filed, including affidavits, are ‘sufficiently definite, specific, detailed, and nonconjectural, to enable the court to conclude that a substantial claim is presented.’”).
362
+ The defendant’s single -sentence assertion falls short of showings that have previously
363
+ passed muster. In E -Gold, a defendant demonstrated that he had no assets available to obtain
364
+ counsel by submitting an affidavit “detailing his status as a potential beneficiary of a trust, his lack of other sources of inco me, his liquid and non- liquid assets (including cars), his debts (including Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 18 of 2819
365
+ credit cards and monthly rent), his wife’s income, and his dependents and assets held in the name
366
+ of the dependents ,” and another defendant did so with an affidavit showing “his monthly expenses,
367
+ gross and net income from his law practice, all assets and their values, as well as his other outstanding debts.” United States v. Edwards , 856 F. Supp. 2d 42, 45 (D.D.C. 2012)
368
+ (summarizing facts in E -Gold ); see also Bikundi , 125 F. Supp. 3d at 190 ( “Through exhibits and
369
+ representations … the defendant has presented evidence that he is unable to pay his utility bills, such that he must rely on borrowed funds to do so, and property taxes, such that his home is subject to a tax sale…. Defendant likewise has presented evidence that he is unable to pay for his children’s preschool education and has recently lost private insurance coverage.”).
370
+ The defendant’s assertion falls short even of what Judge Kollar -Kotelly deemed
371
+ “undoubtedly inadequate” in Edwards , where the defendant attested in a sworn declaration that
372
+ “‘[b]eyond the money seized, I do not have any available funds to pay Attorney Balarezo’s retainer.’” 856 F. Supp. 2d at 45. Judge Kollar -Kotelly noted that Emor had likewise rejected
373
+ as inadequate a comparatively more detailed declaration by a defendant asserting “that he lacks
374
+ any income or investments, that his spouse is not employed, that he has six dependents, and that he has only between $22,000 and $50,000 in cash on hand or money in savings or checking
375
+ accounts.” Id.; cf. Emor , 794 F. Supp. 2d at 149- 50 (concluding that the “bare -bones” declaration
376
+ left the record “bare of any evidence suggesting that Mr. Emor’s defense is endangered by a lack
377
+ of funds”). As Judge Kollar -Kotelly explained, Edwards “ failed to provide any detailed
378
+ information as to his assets, liabilities, and sources of income ,” including his “ ability to use other
379
+ assets, liquid and non- liquid, to pay his legal fees .” 856 F. Supp. 2d at 45- 46. And Edwards
380
+ likewise “ failed to provide any information regarding funds previously paid to his counsel, and Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 19 of 2820
381
+ any additional funds that counsel is requesting in order to proceed to trial in this matter ,” leaving
382
+ “simply not enough information in the record for the Court to find Defendant cannot retain counsel
383
+ without the seiz ed assets.” Id.; see also United States v. Kirschenbaum , 156 F.3d 784, 792 (7th
384
+ Cir. 1998) (affirming ruling that defendant failed to show need for seized assets where his “bare-
385
+ bones affidavit ” gave no information about whether “other members of his family would fund his
386
+ defense”); Hernandez -Gonzalez , 2017 WL 2954676, at *6–7 (“Complete financial disclosure
387
+ requires that the Defendant identify his assets, liabilities, sources of income , net worth, whether
388
+ he has access to financial accounts, and the expected costs of his defense team,” and why “his
389
+ family members … are unable to help pay for defense costs.”) ; United States v. Jamieson , 189 F.
390
+ Supp. 2d 754, 757 (N.D. Ohio 2002) (defendant must show he has no access to funds “from family
391
+ and friends”) .
392
+ Here, the defendant has submitted no declaration, financial affidavit, or banking
393
+ statements. He has not provided any information about his assets outside his bank account ending
394
+ in 7715, the only account from which funds were seized. He has not provided infor mation about
395
+ his short - or long- term liabilities . He has not detailed his sources of income , despite being, to the
396
+ government’s understanding, currently employed by his father . He has not described his ability
397
+ to use other assets, liquid and non- liquid, to pay basic necessities, including the assistance of family
398
+ members and friends . He has not provided information regarding what funds he has recently
399
+ expended toward household expenses and what any additional funds are requested, nor detailed
400
+ what the “household expenses” entail. Such specification is particularly essential where
401
+ expenditures can dramatically vary, irrespective of necessity, based on a defendant’s typical
402
+ lifestyle. Cf. United States v. Egan, 2010 WL 3000000, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. July 29, 2010) (“The Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 20 of 2821
403
+ Court does not take lightly a request to release funds allegedly stolen from former customers in
404
+ order to finance luxuries” such as high- end vehicles or a multimillion -dollar home”).
405
+ A more fulsome showing is particularly warranted in light of the defendant’s Pretrial
406
+ Services Report from the arresting jurisdiction, which was prepared from an interview conducted
407
+ on January 15, 2021 and, according to D.C. Pretrial Services, submitted to this Court with the Rule
408
+ 5 papers . That document reported significant funds in unspecified bank accounts of the defendant
409
+ – funds that wholly predate, and lie entirely outside the scope of , the government’s seizure
410
+ warrants . The government’s seizure warrants instead surgically targeted the defendant’s $90,875
411
+ in proceeds from sales of his video footage from the U.S. Capitol – all of which was deposited into
412
+ his bank account subsequent to January 15. The Pretrial Services Report further noted multiple
413
+ vehicles owned by the defendant. And it provided a specific estimate of the defendant’s monthly
414
+ expenses to include rent, groceries, cell phone, auto insurance, and other incidentals – which, if
415
+ extrapolated, should mean that the defendant retains substantial assets notwi thstanding the
416
+ government’s seizure of the $62,813.76 on April 29, 2021.
417
+ The government , moreover, is aware of at least one other bank account of the defendant
418
+ with America First Credit Union in which he retained a positive balance as of March 19, 2021.
419
+ Again, this account and the funds therein l ie wholly outside the scope of the government’s seizure
420
+ warrants.
421
+ In any event, the defendant bears the burden of persuasion to establish bona fide financial
422
+ need to use the seized funds to maintain basic and essential household necessities . The motion’s
423
+ conclusory statements fall well short.
424
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 21 of 2822
425
+ II. The Seized Funds Are “Traceable to” and Sufficiently Connected to t he
426
+ Defendant ’s Obstruction of an Official Proceeding on January 6, 2021.
427
+ The defendant’s motion additionally asserts that “the proceeds of the seized bank account
428
+ are not the product of the criminal activity alleged in the indictment.” D.E. 25 at 5. Magistrate
429
+ Judge Harvey found otherwise in issuing the two seizure warrants. The 19- page affidavit on
430
+ which he relied , moreover, contains no disclaimers of traceability akin to what was identified in
431
+ Bikundi . Should this Court reach the issue , there is, based on the totality of facts and evidence
432
+ specific to this particular case and this particular defendant , a strong nexus between these proceeds
433
+ and the crime. See Kaley , 571 U.S. at 338 -39 (probable cause requires only a “fair probability”;
434
+ it is “not a high bar,” and serves “only a gateway function”); United States v. Brock, 747 F.2d 761,
435
+ 763 (D.C. Cir. 1984) (“Circumstantial evidence and inferences therefrom are good grounds for a
436
+ finding of probable cause in a forfeiture proceeding.”). Regardless of which party bears the burden of persuasion – an apparently unsettled question
437
+ 6 – the facts of this case readily satisfy
438
+ probable cause for the requisite connection between the proceeds and the crime.
439
+ The governing standard for the causal connection betwee n the forfeitable proceeds and the
440
+ crime is a “but -for” test.7 Under the “but -for” test, which has been expressly adopted by the D.C.
441
+
442
+ 6 Compare United States v. Bonventre , 720 F.3d 126, 131 (2d Cir. 2013) (government bears
443
+ “relatively modest burden”); with United States v. Kaley , 579 F.3d 1246, 1257 (11th Cir. 2009)
444
+ (“defendant, as the movant, would have the burden of proof”); United States v. Farmer , 274 F.3d
445
+ 800, 805 (4th Cir. 2001) (defendant has “opportunity . . . to prove by a preponderance of the
446
+ evidence that the government seized untainted assets without probable cause”); and E -Gold , 521
447
+ F.3d at 418 (suggesting that defendant bear s the burden of making a “successful showing”).
448
+ 7 E.g., United States v. Farkas , 474 F. App’ x 349, 360 (4th Cir. June 20, 2012) (“funds are
449
+ considered proceeds and therefore deemed forfeitable if ‘a person would not have [the funds] but
450
+ for the criminal offense’”; collecting cases); United States v. Nicolo, 597 F.Supp.2d 342, 346
451
+ (W.D.N.Y.2009), a ff'd, 421 Fed.Appx. 57 (2d Cir. 2011) (same); United States v. Warshak , 631
452
+ F.3d 266, 329- 330 (6th Cir. 2010) (even if a part of the business was legitimate, the proceeds of
453
+ that part are forfeitable if the legitimate side would not exist but for “fraudule nt beginnings” of the
454
+ operation); United States v. Hoffman- Vaile , 568 F.3d 1335, 1344 (11th Cir. 2009) (health care Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 22 of 2823
455
+ Circuit, “‘proceeds’ means the property that a person would not have obtained or retained but for
456
+ the commission of the offense .” Stefan D. Cassella, Asset Forfeiture Law in the United States
457
+ (1st ed. 2012), at § 25- 4, p. 10 (emphasis added); see also United States v. DeFries , 129 F.3d 1293,
458
+ 1313 (D.C. Cir. 1997) (“Because the but -for test usefully articu lates the requirement of a nexus
459
+ between the targeted property and the [criminal] activity, we adopt it.”). Here, the relevant
460
+ proceeds are the $90,875 in profits that the defendant reaped from selling video footage of his
461
+ participation in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
462
+ The facts of this case present compelling evidence that this defendant would not – and
463
+ could not – have obtained the $90,875 in proceeds but for his attempt to “obstruct, influence , and
464
+ impede [the] proceeding before Congress, by entering and remaining in the United States Capitol
465
+ without authority and committing an act of civil disorder and engaging in disorderly and disruptive conduct” – that is, his violation of Count One. As recounted in the affi davit, there is evidence
466
+ that the defendant came to the U.S. Capitol prepared to both film and instigate mayhem; that he
467
+ exploited his posture of recording to cajole and resist officers inside the Capitol and to make his way to the front lines of confronta tion; and that shortly after leaving, he boasted of his intent to
468
+ make “millions of dollars” from his footage of the “revolution” he had just witnessed and participated in. There is strong evidence that the defendant was no mere bystander but rather an
469
+ active participant –wielding a gimbal and recording device alongside his tactical gear – in the siege
470
+
471
+ provider is liable to forfeit funds she received from Medicare and private insurers because she
472
+ would not have received either but for her f raudulent billings); United States v. Cekosky , 171 Fed.
473
+ Appx. 785 (11th Cir. 2006) (because defendant would not have been able to open his bank account but for having committed an identity theft offense, the interest earned on the deposits represented proceeds of the offense, even though the deposits were made with legitimate funds); United States
474
+ v. Horak , 838 F.2d 1235, 1242- 43 (7th Cir. 1987) (originating the but -for test). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 23 of 2824
475
+ that brought Congress’s Electoral College vote certification proceeding to a halt . And i t is clear
476
+ that this was $90,875 in proceeds that the defendant would not have earned but for his obstructive
477
+ acts on January 6. Prior to January 6, the defendant had no known connections to journalistic
478
+ organizations , nor payments by such organizations for his livestreams ; indeed, he had admitted
479
+ just weeks earlier that “I don’t make money off it.”
480
+ The defendant would not have obtained footage inside the Capitol at all had he not
481
+ unlawfully breached and remained in the building. More fundamentally, t he defendant would
482
+ not have obtained the footage he got – with the proximity and front -line vantage points he
483
+ achieved , nor of the length and scope he captured – had he not engaged in the very conduct for
484
+ which he is being charged in Count One . The defendant exploite d the fact that he was filming in
485
+ the course of his obstructive acts . His footage showed him repeatedly invoking how he was
486
+ “recording” as he resisted and cajoled law enforcement officers to stand down: At one point, he
487
+ tells officers trying to usher him and others out of an exit, “we’re just recording, there’s too many
488
+ people to be acting like this. Like you’re not solving anything. I’m just recording events, it’s
489
+ not worth it; I’m just trying to record, I’m just filming. No freedom of press?” At ano ther point,
490
+ he tells someone by the main House Chamber entrance who is describing how others are getting arrested by law enforcement , “That’s why I’m a photographer. That’s why you gotta have ID.”
491
+ By the Speaker’s Lobby doors, he tells one of the law enf orcement officers guarding that doorway,
492
+ “We want you to go home. I’m recording and there’s so many people and they’re going to push
493
+ their way up here.” Moreover, the defendant evidently has his gimbal and recording device in
494
+ hand as he successfully winds his way to the front of multiple mobs (“Let me through”) throughout
495
+ the building. In short , the defendant ’s very actions underlying his § 1512 charge positioned him Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 24 of 2825
496
+ to get the footage he got , and the footage itself is inculpatory of that very crime .
497
+ Meanwhile, the commercial value of his footage was substantially the result of his
498
+ proximity as a front -line participant in the storming of the Capitol , including in the aggressive
499
+ onslaught on the Speaker’s Lobby doors that culminated in the shooting. One of his licensing
500
+ agreements specifically describes the footage as an “Eyewitness video of the shooting.” D.E. 14
501
+ at 2.
502
+ Beyond that, t he defendant ’s statements before, during, and after the Capitol attack support
503
+ the inference that he sought to encoura ge mayhem and capture it on film. The affidavit recounts
504
+ a video in which t he defendant , on January 6, said to a friend shortly after he exits the Capitol, “I
505
+ brought my megaphone to instigate shit. I was like, guys we're going inside, we're fucking shi t
506
+ up. … I’m gonna make these Trump supporters f -- all this shit up…. But I mean you’ll see. I
507
+ have it all, I have everything, everything on camera.”
508
+ The defendant also posted a livestream on social media on or about January 4, 2021, in
509
+ which he announc ed that he was in “DC for the January 6 protests, it’s going to be massively
510
+ insane… Trump people? Damn. Damn. If it’s a mixture of Trump people and Black Lives
511
+ Matter people, damn, that’s even more intense for me, that’s something I want to see. I’ll be a part of it, sure , I’ll be in it, but I don’t do illegal stuff guys. John’s a peaceful protester, I just
512
+ record and show you guys the world.” In that same video, t he defendant stated, “Yeah I record
513
+ the popo all the time, and guess what, guess what my lady, I got this nice new camera that shoots
514
+ very high quality video, and I have a gimbal for that too, so you’re gonna have steady shots. That being said I’ll be uploading to Twitter.” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 25 of 2826
515
+ As noted, moreover, t he defendant boasted at least twice upon leaving the Capitol on
516
+ January 6 that he would make “millions of dollars” from his footage. That the defendant was
517
+ immediately thinking about cashing in supports an inference that he recognized on January 6 that
518
+ the more disorder he captured around him, the b etter footage, and more money, he stood to get .
519
+ It bears mention that although this defendant’s proceeds happen to pertain to video footage
520
+ and to entail transactions with media organizations, the government’s theory of forfeiture is
521
+ content -neutral and serves content -neutral purposes. See Ward v. Rock Against Racism , 491 U.S.
522
+ 781, 791 (1989) (“Government regulation of expressive activity is content neutral so long as it is ‘justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech.’”). The seizure warrant and
523
+ Forfeiture Allegation rely on the ordinary legal mechanism for civil forfeiture, which authorizes
524
+ forfeiting “proceeds” of crimes wholly irrespective of their expressive or non- expressive nature.
525
+ 8
526
+ That mechanism could equally apply to, for instance, proceeds from a hypothetical riot shield
527
+ wrestled from a Capitol Police officer and then auctioned off on eBay, or the sale of information from a Representative’s stolen laptop , for $90,875 in profits – factual scenarios not present here.
528
+ The mechanism is not being deployed because of disagreement with the video’s content or
529
+ message; indeed, it has no bearing on the continued distribution of that video at all . The seizure
530
+ imposes no prior restraint on the defendant’s ability to engage in expressive activities; it simply seeks to head off any dissipation of proceeds that, by but -for causation , were traceable to his
531
+
532
+ 8 The seizure thus does not implicate any “Son of Sam” law – content -based laws t hat specifically
533
+ targeted proceeds from speech about crimes because of disagreement with its message, and have
534
+ been disfavored since Simon & Schuster, Inc. v. Members of New York State Crime Victims Board,
535
+ et al. , 502 U.S. 105 (1991). The Supreme Court it self has emphasized that First Amendment
536
+ concerns are misplaced where the forfeiture statute is “oblivious to the expressive or nonexpressive
537
+ nature of the assets forfeited.” Alexander v. United States , 509 U.S. 544, 551 (1993) . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 26 of 2827
538
+ violation of Count One.
539
+ In sum , should this Court reach the issue, there is ample probable cause supporting the
540
+ traceability of the defendant’s proceeds to the crime. By targeting the defendant’s $90,875 in
541
+ gross profits, t his case encapsulates the core purpose of forfeiture – to “help to ensure that crime
542
+ does not pay.” Kaley, 571 U.S. at 323. Where an indicted criminal defendant is enriched by
543
+ profits that he would not have obtained but for his charged crime , there is a strong governmental
544
+ interest in seizing those allegedly ill- gotten gains , and in ultimately removing the financial
545
+ incentives for this behavior. Seizure of this defendant’s profits from his obstructive acts on
546
+ January 6 reflects a straightforward attempt to remove the profits from the crime.
547
+ CONCLUSION
548
+ WHEREFORE, th e United States respectfully requests that the Court deny the Defendant’s
549
+ motion to release seizure order and forbid seizure of other accounts pending trial and deny a pretrial
550
+ evidentiary hearing at this time .
551
+
552
+ Respectfully submitted,
553
+
554
+ CHANNING D. PHILLIPS
555
+ ACTING UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
556
+
557
+
558
+
559
+ by: Candice C. Wong
560
+ D.C. Bar No. 990903
561
+ Assistant United States Attorney
562
+ 555 4th Street, N.W., room 4816
563
+ Washington, D.C. 20530 (202) 252-7849 Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
564
+
565
+
566
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 27 of 2828
567
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
568
+
569
+ I hereby certify that on May 21, 2021, I caused a copy of the foregoing motion to be served
570
+ on counsel of record via electronic filing.
571
+
572
+
573
+ ______________
574
+ Candice C. Wong
575
+ Assistant United States Attorney
576
+
577
+
578
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 29 Filed 05/21/21 Page 28 of 28
06-02-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO DISCHARGE John Earle Sullivan.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
 
 
1
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. 21-cr-78(EGS) JOHN SULLIVAN REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO DISCHARGE SEIZURE WARRANT I. Defendant’s Motion is Based Exclusively on the Fifth Amendment Right to Due Process and not the Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel Defendant does not seek discharge of the seizure Order in order for him to retain counsel. Thus, his motion is not based upon a claim pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Rather, his argument is based upon the Fifth Amendment right to due process of law. The government’s arguments concerning the Sixth Amendment should be disregarded. II. Defendant should have the benefit of a pretrial due process hearing to determine whether the seized assets should be released. In E-Gold v. United States 521 F. 3d 411 (D.C. 2008), the D.C. Circuit determined that “[i]n ascertaining the requirements of the due process clause in affording a hearing to those who whose assets are the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 1 of 92 subject of seizure,” the Court must “look first to the Supreme Court’s declarations in Matthews v. Eldridge.” (internal citations omitted).1 E-Gold, cited by the United States, involved corporate defendants charged with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Based upon the indictment, the government obtained an ex parte seizure warrant obtaining funds in accounts of the named defendants. A request was made to discharge the seizure order and a request for an evidentiary hearing was made. The grounds for the motion were based upon the Fifth Amendment and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The district court denied the requests. An interlocutory appeal was filed and the D.C. Circuit vacated the order of the district court. The E-Gold Court concluded that the issue was one of first impression in this jurisdiction and ruled that “[a] fundamental norm of the due process clause jurisprudence requires that before the government can constitutionally deprive a person of the protected liberty or property interest, it must afford him notice and hearing.” Id., 314, citing National Council of Resistance v. Dep’t of State, 251 F.3d 192, 205 (D.C. 2001); Matthews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 334-35 (1976). 1 Matthews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319 (1976) held that “Due Process is flexible and calls for such procedural protections as the particular situation demands.” citing Morrissey v. Brewer, 408 U.S. 471 (1972). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 2 of 93 Defendant acknowledges that a portion of E-Gold was abrogated by Kaley v. United States, 571 U.S. 320 (2014) wherein the Supreme Court concluded that a pretrial hearing is not necessary within the context of a Sixth Amendment claim and where probable cause has been established by an indictment. However, the Kaley opinion was limited to one area of inquiry when probable cause has been established. “This case raises the question whether an indicted individual has a constitutional tight to contest the grand jury’s prior determination of that matter.” Id. 324. In general, and specifically in this case, there is a two-part inquiry that must be satisfied including a determination of the source of the seized funds. That determination [related to pretrial forfeiture of assets] has two parts, reflecting the requirements for forfeiture under federal law. There must be probable cause to think (1) that the defendant has committed an offense permitting forfeiture, and (2) that the property at issue has the requisite connection to the crime. Id. 323-24. Kaley is therefore limited to situations involving challenges only to the first inquiry, probable cause. “[T]he Kaleys cannot challenge the grand jury’s conclusion that probable cause supports the charges against them.” Id. 341. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 3 of 94 Chief Judge Roberts, writing in dissent to the Kaley majority, noted that “[t]he Solicitor General concedes—and all Courts of Appeals to have considered the issue have held—that defendants are entitled to show that the assets that are restrained are not actually the proceeds of the charged criminal offense; that is, that the second prong of the required showing is not satisfied…If the Kaleys are to have any opportunity to meaningfully challenge that deprivation, they must have it before the trial begins.” Id. 357. Other federal circuits have resolved the issue in favor of a pretrial hearing related to seizure of assets. In United States v. Moss, a challenge was made to a pretrial seizure of assets for legal and living expenses. Citing Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319 (1976) the 10th Circuit held, To determine whether due process requires some form of a post-restraint, pretrial hearing we consider the private interest affected by the restraint; the risk of an erroneous deprivation of that interest through the procedures used, as well as the probative value of an adversarial hearing; and the government’s interest, including the administrative burden that an adversarial hearing would impose. 160 F.3d 641, 645 (10th Cir. 1998). Following consideration of the factors articulated above, the Moss Court ruled in favor of the defendant. “Also, of importance is [defendant’s] interest in paying for ordinary and necessary expenses (food, shelter, and Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 4 of 95 the like) until the conclusion of the trial. A restraining order that prevents a defendant from supporting herself and her family pending and during trial would likely work an injustice with constitutional implications.” Id. 646, citations omitted. III. Defendant has a particularized need for assets to pay for his personal necessities of life and should not be deprived access to his resources pending trial. This matter is by all accounts a complex proceeding with a vast amount of discovery to be produced and reviewed by defendant with counsel. There will be numerous pretrial motions that will require thorough briefing and argument. The government has indicated there are thousands of hours of videotape discovery as well as other discovery to be produced. Accordingly, it is not expected that this matter will be tried in the near future. Defendant is young man with no criminal record who has legally supported himself in the past. However, similarly to all adults, defendant has monthly expenses that he must meet. The continued restraint on defendant’s bank assets will prevent him from satisfying his monthly financial obligations. The following is a summary of defendant’s monthly financial responsibilities: 1. Rent: $2,100.00 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 5 of 96 2. Water: $100.00 3. Electric: $100.00 4. Automobile: $700.00 5. Automobile insurance: $150.00 6. Food: $600.00 7. Entertainment: $250.00 8. Shopping: $100.00 9. Subscription: $250.00 10. Savings: $150.00 11.Self care: $300.00 Total monthly expenses:4,800.00 Defendant’s sources of income other than from the sale of videotape of the January 6, 2021 event includes as follows: 1. Google deposits 2. 401 K Deposits 3. Severance pay from prior employer (Proofpoint) 4. Priority 1 Logistics payouts2 2 Attached to this pleading is Exhibit #1 which is an endorsed declaration from defendant confirming the monthly expenses and other sources of income described herein. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 6 of 97 IV. Chief Judge Beryl Howell ordered relief to a defendant who sought discharge of a pre-trial seizure of assets based upon household need The United States is correct in its assertion that “no decision of the Supreme Court or D.C. Circuit, or by any judge of this Court, has ever required a pretrial evidentiary hearing based on a claimed need to pay household expenses.” Gov’t opposition, page 14. However, Chief Judge Beryl Howell did order a partial discharge of a seizure warrant based upon a Fifth Amendment due process claimed need for household expenses.3 Michael Bikundi v. United States, 14-00030-BAH, 2016 WL 912169, was a multiple count, multiple indictment charging, inter alia, conspiracy to commit health care fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The case involved the misappropriation of 80 million dollars in funds from Medicaid. Defendant requested a pretrial hearing to challenge the seizure of his assets from multiple bank accounts. The Court denied the request for an evidentiary hearing but did partially grant the motion. Bikundi was not seeking funds to pay for counsel. Rather, as is the situation herein, his request was exclusively for release of funds to pay household expenses.4 BIkundi requested discharge of funds in order to pay 3 The Order was entered based upon the pleadings. A pre-trial hearing was not required. 4 Chief Judge Howell noted that Bikundi’s motion “squarely raises an issue left unresolved by the Supreme Court in both the Kaley and Monsanto opinions, and by the D.C. Circuit in E-Gold, regarding an indicted defendants’ entitlement to pre-trial review Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 7 of 98 utility bills and other household expenses. He had to rely on borrowed funds and was unable to pay his children’s preschool education. Citing Kaley v. United States, Chief Judge Howell determined, “[h]e has demonstrated a substantial need for the funds at issue to provide for household necessities. The Court is not persuaded that the defendant’s showing is insufficient to warrant some procedural safeguard to reduce the risk of erroneous deprivation.” Id. page 15. In Bikundi the Court made specific findings and ordered a sum certain of amount funds released in support of defendant’s claims that the funds were necessary for household expenses. In conclusion, defendant submits that has demonstrated an adequate and specific identification of funds that are necessary to be used for essential household expenses. In addition, defendant has sources of income that are independent of the events of January 6, 2021. Accordingly, Defendant respectfully prays this Honorable Court for an evidentiary hearing to determine whether to discharge the seizure warrant. of the forfeitability, or traceability, of assets seized pursuant to a probable cause warrant—which probable cause finding in this case is bolstered by a grand jury finding—when no Sixth Amendment right to counsel is implicated.” Id., page 12, (emphasis supplied). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 8 of 99 Respectfully submitted, ______/s/__________________ Steven R. Kiersh #323329 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 (202) 347-0200 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing was served upon Assistant U.S. Attorney, Candice Wong, Esquire, via the Court’s electronic filing system on this the 2nd day of June 2, 2021. ______/s/_________________ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31 Filed 06/02/21 Page 9 of 9
06-02-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION to Motion by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 25 MOTION for Release of Funds Motion.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
4
+ v. 21-cr-78(EGS)
5
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
6
+ Declaration of John Sullivan
7
+ I, John Sullivan, under the penalties of perjury, do hereby provide the
8
+ following summary of my monthly household needs and a partial listing of
9
+ sources of my income:
10
+ 1. Rent: $2,100.00
11
+ 2. Water: $100.00
12
+ 3. Electric: $100.00
13
+ 4. Automobile: $700.00
14
+ 5. Automobile insurance: $150.00
15
+ 6. Food: $600.00
16
+ 7. Entertainment: $250.00
17
+ 8. Shopping: $100.00
18
+ 9. Subscription: $250.00
19
+ 1Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31-1 Filed 06/02/21 Page 1 of 210. Savings: $150.00
20
+ 11.Self care: $300.00
21
+ Total monthly expenses:4,800.00
22
+ Defendant’s sources of income other than from the sale of videotape
23
+ of the January 6, 2021 event include as follows:
24
+ 1.Google ad sense deposits
25
+ 2. 401 K Deposits
26
+ 3. Severance pay from prior employer (Proofpoint)
27
+ 4. Priority 1 Logistics payouts
28
+ I acknowledge that some of my assets were obtained from sale of
29
+ videotape from January 6, 2021.
30
+ ______________________
31
+ John Sullivan
32
+ June 2, 2021
33
+ 2Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 31-1 Filed 06/02/21 Page 2 of 2
06-02-23 - Motions In Limine - USA Attorney Filing - John Sullivan Case.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,420 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ v. : Case No. 21-cr-78 (RCL)
8
+ :
9
+ JOHN SULLIVAN, :
10
+ :
11
+ Defendant. :
12
+
13
+ UNITED STATES’S OMNIBUS MOTIONS IN LIMINE
14
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for
15
+ the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this omnibus brief arguing motions in limine in
16
+ advance of the trial in this case scheduled for October 25, 2023. Judg e Emmet Sullivan had
17
+ previously ordered parties to file motions in limine by June 2, 2023. See ECF 83. Although the
18
+ Federal Rules of Evidence expressly contemplate motions in limine , the practice of allowing such
19
+ motions has developed over time “pursuant to the district court’s inherent authority to manage the
20
+ course of trials.” Luce v. United States , 469 U.S. 38, 41 n. 4 (1984). “Motions in limine are
21
+ designed to narrow the evidentiary issues for trial and to eliminate unnecessary trial interruptions.”
22
+ Barnes v. D.C., 924 F. Supp. 2d 74, 78 (D.D.C. 2013) (quoting Graves v. District of Columbia ,
23
+ 850 F.Supp.2d 6, 10 (D.D.C. 2011) ).
24
+ The United States offers the authorities and analys is below to promote efficiency and
25
+ reduce the need to argue objections midtrial. For each motion herein, the United States asks that
26
+ the Court grant the requested relief or, if the Court reserves ruling, to consider the below arguments
27
+ when the relevant i ssues arise during trial.
28
+ I. Motion in Limine to Limit Unnecessary Discussion of Security -Related Topics
29
+ Certain topics that could arise at trial—namely the exact locations of USCP CCTV cameras
30
+ and the protocols of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) —have little to no probative value but would Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 1 of 18 2
31
+ compromise significant security interests if needlessly disclosed to the public. The United States
32
+ does not intend to elicit any of the following topics in its case -in-chief and, therefore, cross -
33
+ examinat ion on such topics would be beyond the scope of direct and impermissible. Fed. R. Evid.
34
+ 611(b). To the extent that defendant Sullivan seeks to argue that any of the following topics are
35
+ relevant and within the scope of the direct examination, the United States requests an order under
36
+ Fed. R. Evid. 403 foreclosing unnecessary cross -examination on these topics.
37
+ It is well- established that a district court has the discretion to limit a criminal defendant’s
38
+ presentation of evidence and cross -examination of wi tnesses. See Alford v. United States , 282
39
+ U.S. 687 (1931) (“The extent of cross -examination [of a witness] with respect to an appropriate
40
+ subject of inquiry is within the sound discretion of the trial court.”); United States v. Whitmore ,
41
+ 359 F.3d 609, 615–16 (D.C. Cir. 2004) (“The district court . . . has considerable discretion to place
42
+ reasonable limits on a criminal defendant’s presentation of evidence and cross -examination of
43
+ government witnesses.”). A court has the discretion to prohibit cross -examination that goes
44
+ beyond matters testified to on direct examination. Fed. R. Evid. 611(b). This is particularly so
45
+ when the information at issue is of a sensitive nature. See, e.g., United States v. Balistreri , 779
46
+ F.2d 1191, 1216–17 (7th Cir. 1985) (upholding district court’s decision to prohibit cross -
47
+ examination of agent about sensitive information about which that agent did not testify on direct
48
+ examination and which did not pertain to the charges in the case), overruled on other grounds ,
49
+ Fowler v. Butts , 829 F.3d 788 (7th Cir. 2016).
50
+ The Confrontation Clause guarantees only “an opportunity for effective cross -examination,
51
+ not cross -examination that is effective in whatever way, and to whatever extent, the defense might
52
+ wish.” Delaware v. Fensterer , 474 U.S. 15, 20 (1985). Even evidence that may be relevant to an
53
+ affirmative defense should be excluded until the defendant sufficiently establishes that defense Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 2 of 18 3
54
+ through affirmative evidence presented during his own case -in-chief. See United States v. L in,
55
+ 101 F.3d 760, 768 (D.C. Cir. 1996) (acknowledging trial court has discretion to limit cross -
56
+ examination on prejudicial matters without reasonable grounding in fact); United States v. Sampol ,
57
+ 636 F.2d 621, 663–64 (D.C. Cir. 1980) (holding that trial court properly limited cross -examination
58
+ of alleged CIA murder scheme until defense put forth sufficient evidence of the affirmative defense
59
+ in its case -in-chief). Preventing defendant from exploring the topics identified above will not
60
+ infringe his Confrontation Clause right s, because the exact positions of cameras, the camera map ,
61
+ and U.S. Secret Service protocols, implicate national security concerns, are of margi nal probative
62
+ value, and any probative value can be addressed without compromising the protective functions of
63
+ government agencies.
64
+ A. Exact Locations of USCP Cameras
65
+ The United States seeks an order limiting the defense from probing, during cross -
66
+ examination , the exact locations of U.S. Capitol Police surveillance cameras or from using the
67
+ maps, which show each camera’s physical location, as an exhibit at trial. The United States
68
+ produced such information to defendant in discovery pursuant to the Highly Sens itive designation
69
+ of the Protective Order. Defendant has been able to make use of such information in order to
70
+ identify evidence and prepare for trial; however, none of the information serves to illuminate any
71
+ fact of consequence that is before the jury.
72
+ This lack of relevance must be balanced against the national security implications at stake
73
+ here. The U.S. Capitol Police’s surveillance system serves an important and ongoing function in
74
+ protecting Congress, and therefore, national security. Furthermore , the United States represents
75
+ that the maps that show the physical location of cameras have been designated as “Security Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 3 of 18 4
76
+ Information” under 2 U.S.C. § 1979, which generally requires approval of the U.S. Capitol Police
77
+ Board before they may be released.
78
+ Evidence about the exact locations of cameras, and the maps used to locate the cameras,
79
+ should be excluded in light of the ongoing security needs of Congress. Absent some concrete and
80
+ specific defense need to probe the camera’s location, there is nothing to be gained from such
81
+ questioning. A general description, and the footage from the camera itself, will make clear what
82
+ the camera recorded and what it did not. Additionally, presenting the map of all U.S. Capitol
83
+ Police cameras would risk compromising the se security concerns for no additional probative value:
84
+ the map contains numerous cameras installed in parts of the Capitol that the defendant did not
85
+ visit.
86
+ Here, the video footage itself reveals the general location and angle of the camera’s
87
+ positioning. Additional details as to the precise location of the cameras are not relevant to the
88
+ jury’s fact-finding mission. Even assuming the evidence that the United States seeks to exclude
89
+ is marginally relevant, such relevance is substantially outw eighed by the danger to national
90
+ security. The Supreme Court has recognized that trial courts’ balancing should account for
91
+ concerns extrinsic to the litigation, such as “witness’ safety.” Olden v. Kentucky , 488 U.S. 227,
92
+ 232 (1988) (quoting Delaware v. Van Arsdall , 475 U.S. 673, 679 (1986)) . Accordingly, courts
93
+ have properly balanced the sensitivity of national security- related information against the
94
+ probative value of such information to the case, excluding the evidence where its relevance is
95
+ slight. See, e.g., United States v. Marshall , 544 F. Supp. 3d 1032, 1042 (D. Mont. 2021); United
96
+ States v. Mohammed, 410 F. Supp. 2d 913, 918 (S.D. Cal. 2005); cf. United States v. Sarkissian,
97
+ 841 F.2d 959, 965 (9th Cir. 1988) (endorsing balancing test in context of Classified Information
98
+ Procedures Act). If a map that revealed the location of all Capitol cameras were introduced in this Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 4 of 18 5
99
+ trial, or in any trial, it would become available to the general public and foreign adversaries.
100
+ Immediately, anyone could lear n about the U.S. Capitol Police’s camera coverage as of January 6,
101
+ 2021, and, importantly , could learn about the parts of the Capitol where cameras were not installed.
102
+ Broader presentation of evidence about camera locations could compromise national secur ity
103
+ without adding any appreciable benefit to the determination of the truth, or the veracity or bias of
104
+ witnesses.
105
+ B. Secret Service Protocols
106
+ To meet its burden of proof at trial, the United States anticipates calling a witness from the
107
+ United States Secret Service to testify that at the time of the Capitol breach, Secret Service agents
108
+ were on duty to protect Vice President Mike Pence and his two immediate family members, all of
109
+ whom were present at the Capitol. The witness will further testify about the Capitol breach’s effect
110
+ on the Secret Service’s protection of Vice President Pence and his family members. The purpose
111
+ of this testimony will be to explain , in part , the bases for enhanced security controls at the Capitol
112
+ on January 6 as well as establish an element of the charge at Count Four , namely , that the civil
113
+ disorder at the Capitol on January 6 interfered with a federally protected function.
114
+ The very nature of the Secret Service’s role in protecting the Vice President and his family
115
+ implicates sensitive information related to that agency’s ability to protect high -ranking members
116
+ of the Executive branch and, by extension, national security. Thus, the United States seeks an
117
+ order limiting the cross -examination of the Secret Service witnesses to questioning about the
118
+ federally protected function performed by the Secret Service as testified to on direct exam, namely,
119
+ protecting the Vice President and his family. The United States further requests that such order
120
+ preclude cross examination that would elicit information that does not directly relate to whether
121
+ the Secret Service was performing that function at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Specifically, Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 5 of 18 6
122
+ cross -examination should not be permitted to extend to (1) S ecret Service protocols related to the
123
+ locations where protectees or their motorcades are taken at the Capitol or other government
124
+ buildings when emergencies occur, and (2) details about the nature of Secret Service protective
125
+ details, such as the number a nd type of agents the Secret Service assigns to protectees. These topics
126
+ have no relevance to any issue at controversy, and even if they did, any relevance would be
127
+ substantially outweighed by the danger of prejudicing the United States’ legitimate interes t in the
128
+ safety of senior government officials. See Fed. R. Evid. 403.
129
+ Cross -examination of Secret Service witnesses about extraneous matters beyond the scope
130
+ of direct examination should be excluded as irrelevant or unduly prejudicial. Specifically, the
131
+ Secret Service’s general protocols about relocation for safety should be excluded as irrelevant
132
+ because such evidence does not tend to make a fact of consequence more or less probable. See
133
+ Fed. R. Evid. 401. Similarly, evidence of the nature of Secret Service protective details is not
134
+ relevant in this case. The disorder on January 6 interfered with the Secret Service’s duties to
135
+ protectees in this case insofar as they were required to take evasive action of the mob. The number
136
+ or type of assigned agents on a protective detail is not relevant and could not alter the probability
137
+ that there was interference with the Secret Service. None of the other elements to be proven, or
138
+ available defenses, implicates further testimony from the Secre t Service.
139
+ Even assuming the evidence to be excluded is marginally relevant, such relevance is
140
+ substantially outweighed by the danger of confusion of the issues, undue delay, and waste of time.
141
+ Broader cross -examination of Secret Service witnesses could c ompromise national security
142
+ without adding any appreciable benefit to the determination of the truth, or the veracity or bias of
143
+ witnesses.1
144
+
145
+ 1 If the defense believes that it is necessary to present evidence or cross -examine witnesses about Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 6 of 18 7
146
+ II. Motion in Limine to Preclude Improper Defense Arguments
147
+
148
+ A. First Amendment
149
+ The United States moves this Court to admit in its case -in-chief statements that evince
150
+ defendant ’s motive or intent, or which go to prove an element of any offense with which he is
151
+ charged. In anticipation that defendant may seek to oppose introduction of defendant’s statements
152
+ on First Amendment grounds or may cite the First Amendment in arguments to the jury, t he United
153
+ States also moves in limine to preclude the defense from eliciting evidence or arguing to the jury
154
+ that his statements and actions were protected by the First Amendment.
155
+ 1. Admission of Defendant ’s Statements Does Not Violate the First
156
+ Amendment
157
+
158
+ The United States intends to introduce several statements, made by defendant, that will aid
159
+ the jury’s determination as to whether the United States has met the elements of the conspiracy
160
+ statutes at issue and to show motive and intent. See Wisconsin v. Mitchell, 508 U.S. 476, 489
161
+ (1993) (holding that the First Amendment “does not prohibit the evidentiary use of speech to
162
+
163
+ the exact locations of USCP cameras or USSS procedures, the United States requests that the Court
164
+ conduct a hearing in camera to resolve the issue. Courts have found that in camera proceedings
165
+ are appropriate in circumstances where security concerns like these are present. See United States
166
+ v. Nixon , 418 U.S. 683, 714 (1974) (affirming district court’s order for in camera inspection of
167
+ subpoenaed presidentia l materials); United States v. Kampiles , 609 F.2d 1233, 1248 (7th Cir. 1979)
168
+ (“It is settled that in camera . . . proceedings to evaluate bona fide Government claims regarding
169
+ national security information are proper.”); In re Taylor , 567 F.2d 1183, 1188 ( 2d Cir. 1977)
170
+ (finding that in camera proceedings “serve to resolve, without disclosure, the conflict between the
171
+ threatened deprivation of a party’s constitutional rights and the Government’s claim of privilege
172
+ based on the needs of public security”); Uni ted States v. Brown, 539 F.2d 467, 470 (5th Cir. 1976)
173
+ (per curiam) (“This Circuit, too, has repeatedly approved the use of in camera examinations as the
174
+ means for resolving the conflict between a defendant's need for evidence and the government's
175
+ claim of privilege based on the needs of public security.” ). At any such hearing, the defendant
176
+ should be required to make a specific proffer of some relevant purpose that is not substantially
177
+ outweighed by the prejudice that disclosure would inflict on the Unite d States’s security interests.
178
+ Cf. United States v. Willie , 941 F.2d 1384, 1393 (10th Cir. 1991) (explaining that a “proffer of
179
+ great specificity” was necessary to support admission of testimony that could have proper or
180
+ improper purposes). Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 7 of 18 8
181
+ establish the elements of a crime or to prove motive or intent”). “Evidence of a defendant’s
182
+ previous declarations or statements is commonly admitted in criminal trials subject to evidentiary rules dealing with relevancy, reliability, and the like.” Id. Accordingly, the United States asks
183
+ that the Court rule that the First Amendment does not bar admission at trial of any statement that the United States offers to establish defendant’s motive, intent, or an element of the crime.
184
+ Courts across the country , including this Court’s colleagues during January 6th cases, have
185
+ allowed evidence of defendants’ statements for the purposes sanctioned by Mitchell. As Judge Cooper ruled:
186
+ Nor does the Court find any First Amendment concerns in the government’s use of
187
+ Robertson’s statements to show intent. . . . If Robertson had expressed his views only
188
+ through social media, he almost certainly would not be here. But he also allegedly took action —entering the Capitol without lawful authority in an alleged attempt to impede the
189
+ Electoral College vote certification. His words remain relevant to his intent and motive for taking those alleged actions.
190
+
191
+ United States v. Robertson, 588 F. Supp. 3d 114, 124 (D.D.C. 2022) (internal citation omitted).
192
+ Outside of the context of January 6th, Mitchell has been cited to uphold the admission of a wide
193
+ range of statements, including but not limited to rap lyrics, terrorist materials, and speeches advocating civil disobedience. See United States v. Smith, 967 F.3d 1196, 1205 (11th Ci r. 2020)
194
+ (rap lyrics); United States v. Pierce , 785 F.3d 832, 841 (2d Cir. 2015) (rap lyrics and tattoos);
195
+ United States v. Salameh, 152 F.3d 88, 111–12 (2d Cir. 1998) (terrorist materials); United States v. Fullmer , 584 F.3d 132, 158 (9th Cir. 2009) (spee ches advocating civil disobedience).
196
+ 2
197
+
198
+ 2 The court i n Fullmer specifically noted that one particular defendant’s conduct —which included
199
+ writing an editorial and recruiting speakers to travel and advocate on behalf of his organization—
200
+ was not criminal, and that punishing him based on that conduct alone would be unconstitutional.
201
+ Fullmer , 584 F.3d at 158. The court nonetheless, citing Mitchell, held that this defendant’s
202
+ “conduct . . . does provide circumstantial evidence from which a jury could have reasonably
203
+ inferred that Harper was involved in a con spiracy.” Id. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 8 of 18 9
204
+ Defendant’s statements that shed light on the elements of the offenses, or motive or intent,
205
+ should be admitted in this case as expressly permitted by Mitchell, regardless of whether any of
206
+ those statements may otherw ise constitute speech protected by the First Amendment.
207
+ 2. Defendant Should B e Precluded from Raising a First Amendment Defense
208
+ to the Jury
209
+
210
+ The United States also moves in limine to preclude defendant from arguing to the jury that
211
+ his conduct was protected by the First Amendment. None of the offenses with which defendant is charged punish speech, as crimes such as threats or solicitation do. The crimes with which the defendant i s charged punish the corrupt obstruction, influence, or impediment of an official
212
+ proceeding (substantive violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2)); civil disorder (substantive violation of 18 U.S.C. §231) ; or actions taken during the riot.
213
+ If the United State s establishes the elements of any of the offenses with which defendant
214
+ is charged, the First Amendment provides him no defense, even if the evidence of defendant’s
215
+ crimes is intertwined with , political discussion and rhetoric. See United States v. Amawi , 695 F.3d
216
+ 457, 482 (6th Cir. 2012) (“[A]lthough the conspiracy was closely related to, and indeed proved by, many of the defendants’ conversations about political and religious matters, the conviction was based on an agreement to cooperate in the commission a crime, not simply to talk about it.”); see
217
+ also United States v. Hassan, 742 F.3d 104, 127–28 (4th Cir. 2014) (citing Amawi ). Furthermore,
218
+ the First Amendment affords no defense for social media enthusiasts who film their crimes . The
219
+ government antici pates the Defendant may argue he was simply a journalist documenting January
220
+ 6, 2021, and therefore cannot be found guilty. However, the only members of the media allowed
221
+ to remain in the Capitol, on January 6
222
+ th, were those who had been “vetted by their c ompany, by
223
+ the Capitol Police, and issued official badges by the Sergeants -at-Arms.” United States v. Jesus D.
224
+ Rivera, 607 F.Supp.3d, 2 (D.D.C. 2022) (rejecting a defendant’s “member of the media” defense, Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 9 of 18 10
225
+ the Court noted filming for social media and engaging in the charged crimes are not “mutually
226
+ exclusive” Id. at 10) . Here, the evidence will show, including the Defendant’s own admission,
227
+ that he is not a part of the press . Even if part of the Defendant’s motive was to record events for
228
+ later dissemination and public consumption, it does not provide an excuse for the criminal conduct
229
+ he engaged in on January 6, 2021.
230
+ Accordingly, any line of cross -examination or argument that the defendant may wish to
231
+ make regarding the First Amendment is irrelevant beca use it lacks a “tendency to make the
232
+ existence of [a] fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence,” Fed. R. Evid. 401, and because he is not entitled to a First Amendme nt defense as a matter of law. To the extent there is any relevance to the
233
+ defendant’s First Amendment claims, the Court should exclude any questioning and argument along those lines under Fed. R. Evid. 403. Any attempt to shift the jury’s attention to questions
234
+ about whether defendant’s statements were protected by the First Amendment, rather than the charged offenses risks confusing the issues, wasting time, and unfairly prejudicing the jury.
235
+ B. Jury Nullification
236
+ Defendant Sullivan should be prohibited from making arguments or attempting to
237
+ introduce irrelevant evidence that encourages jury nullification. As the D.C. Circuit has made clear:
238
+ A jury has no more “ right ” to find a “guilty” defendant “not guilty” than it has to find a
239
+ “not guilty” defendant “guilty,” and the fact that the former cannot be corrected by a court,
240
+ while the latter can be, does not create a right out of the power to misapply the law. Such
241
+ verdicts are lawless, a denial of due process and constitute an exerci se of erroneously seized
242
+ power.
243
+
244
+ Washington, 705 F.2d at 494. Evidence that serves only to support a jury nullification argument
245
+ or verdict has no relevance to guilt or innocence. See United States v. Gorham , 523 F.2d 1088, Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 10 of 18 11
246
+ 1097–98 (D.C. Cir. 1975); see also United States v. Funches , 135 F.3d 1405, 1409 (11th Cir. 1998)
247
+ (“No reversible error is committed when evidence, otherwise inadmissible under Rule 402 of the
248
+ Federal Rules of Evidence, is excluded, even if the evidence might have encouraged the jury t o
249
+ disregard the law and to acquit the defendant.”). In particular, the Court should permit no argument, evidence, or questioning regarding the following topics , which would serve only to
250
+ encourage jurors to decide the case based on factors other than the facts and the law.
251
+ C. Use of Federal Resources and the Volume and Timing of Discovery
252
+ The United States requests that the defendant be precluded from arguing or eliciting
253
+ testimony regarding the volume, nature, or timing of discovery or the volume and type of federal
254
+ resources used in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Any attempt by the defendant to comment on discovery or allocation of federal resources is irrelevant and unduly prejudicial. Fed. R. Evid. 401, 402, 403. Instead, such arguments and testimony invite the jury to improperly
255
+ consider its feelings towards the United States and the government’s decision making about how
256
+ to allocate resources.
257
+ D. Defendant’s Claimed Good Character
258
+ 1. Character Generally
259
+ The Court should exclude evidence and a rgument from defendant introducing reputation
260
+ or opinion evidence that Defendant Sullivan is generous, charitable, family -oriented, religious, or
261
+ community participants. Evidence that a defendant possesses certain favorable character traits is
262
+ admissible only when the trait is “pertinent” to the offense charged . Fed. R. Evid. 404(a)(2)(A);
263
+ see, e.g. , United States v. Harris , 491 F.3d 440, 447 (D.C. Cir. 2007); United States v. Santana-
264
+ Camacho, 931 F.2d 966, 967–68 (1st Cir. 1991) (Breyer, C.J.). But defendant s may not provide
265
+ evidence of possessing a generally good character. See, e.g., United States v. Hill, 40 F.3d 164, Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 11 of 18 12
266
+ 168 (7th Cir. 1994) (court properly excluded “classic character evidence offered to prove that
267
+ [defendant] had a good character an d acted in conformity therewith”). Such evidence only
268
+ promotes jury nullification and is not allowable. See United States v. Joseph, 567 F. App’x 844,
269
+ 849 (11th Cir. 2014) (“[W]hen the district court restricted defense counsel’s comments about
270
+ [defendant ]’s honor and social contributions —comments that were part of his jury nullification
271
+ efforts —the court did not deny [defendant] the opportunity to make a legally tenable argument.
272
+ Instead, it kept him from making impermissible arguments.”). Because none of the above
273
+ characteristics are relevant to the charged offenses , the Court should exclude any evidence and
274
+ argument addressing these character traits.
275
+ 2. Specific Instances of Conduct
276
+ The Court should also exclude evidence and argument of specific instances of Defendant ’s
277
+ good character, including caring for family members, donations, attending religious services,
278
+ performing charitable or civic work, or other forms of generosity. Rule 405(b) makes clear that
279
+ unless a defendant’s character or character trait is “an essential element of a charge, claim, or
280
+ defense,” he may not offer evidence of specific instances of good conduct. Fed. R. Evid. 405(b).
281
+ Because none of the above instances of good conduct are relevant to an essential element of a
282
+ charge, claim, or defense in this case, evidence of such should be excluded. See United States v.
283
+ Bernard, 299 F.3d 467, 476 (5th Cir. 2002) (approving court’s sentencing instruction that jurors
284
+ should not “consider the religious views of the defendants”); Santana- Camacho, 931 F.2d at 967
285
+ (excluding evidence that defendant was a good family man and a kind man because it was not a
286
+ trait relevant to the offense); United States v. Nazzaro, 889 F.2d 1158, 1168 (1st Cir. 1989)
287
+ (holding evidence of “bravery, attention to duty, perhaps community spirit” were “hardly
288
+ ‘pertinent’ to the [charged] crimes”); United States v. Morison, 622 F. Supp. 1009, 10111 (D. Md. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 12 of 18 13
289
+ 1985) (holding “patriotism” was not a relevant trait to the charged offense).
290
+ E. Defendant ’s Claimed I gnorance of the L aw
291
+
292
+ The Court should exclude evidence and argument from Defendant that he was ignorant of
293
+ the illegality of the charged conduct . “The general rule that ignorance of the law or a mistake of
294
+ law is no defense to criminal prosecution is deeply rooted in the American legal system.” Cheek
295
+ v. United States , 498 U.S. 192, 199 (1991). While there is a “narrow exception,” United States v.
296
+ Brooks , 681 F.3d 678, 700 n.18 (5th Cir. 2012), that excepti on is “reserved . . . to limited types of
297
+ statutory violations involving ‘complex’ statutes —namely those governing federal tax law and
298
+ antistructuring transactions.” United States v. Kay , 513 F.3d 432, 448 (5th Cir. 2007) ; see Bryan
299
+ v. United States , 524 U.S. 184, 195 (1998) .
300
+ Because ignorance of the law is not a defense to any of the charged offenses, any evidence
301
+ and argument that defendant did not know that the charged conduct was illegal should be excluded
302
+ as irrelevant.
303
+ F. Penalties and Collateral Consequences
304
+ The Court should exclude evidence and argument of the potential penalties or
305
+ consequences defendant faces if he is convicted, including: (a) the maximum penalties; (b) that
306
+ defendant could be incarcerated; (d) that defendant would become a felon and could be prohibited
307
+ from obtaining some types of job or lose certain rights; and (e) any mention of defendant’s family.
308
+ The potential penalties faced by defendant is irrelevant to the jury’s determination of guilt
309
+ or innocence. See Shannon v. United States , 512 U.S. 573, 579 (1994) (“[A] jury has no sentencing
310
+ function, it should be admonished to ‘reach its verdict without regard to what sentence might be imposed.’” (quoting United States v. Rogers , 422 U.S. 35, 40 (1975))). “[P]roviding jurors
311
+ sentencing information invites them to ponder matters that are not within their province, distracts Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 13 of 18 14
312
+ them from their factfinding responsibilities, and creates a strong possibility of confusion.” Id. at
313
+ 579. Accordingly, the D.C. Circuit has held that “the jury is not to consider the potential
314
+ punishment which could result from a conviction.” United States v. Broxton , 926 F.2d 1180, 1183
315
+ (D.C. Cir. 1991); s ee, e.g., United States v. Greer , 620 F.2d 1383, 1384 (10th Cir. 1980) (“The
316
+ authorities are unequivocal i n holding that presenting information to the jury about possible
317
+ sentencing is prejudicial.”). Any discussion of possible penalties would serve no purpose beside
318
+ improperly inviting the jury to render a verdict based on sympathy for the defendant —that is, to
319
+ engage in jury nullification. See United States v. Bell , 506 F.2d 207, 226 (D.C. Cir. 1974)
320
+ (“[E]vidence which has the effect of inspiring sympathy for the defendant or for the victim . . . is
321
+ prejudicial and inadmissible when otherwise irrelevant.”) (quoting 1 Wharton’s Criminal Evidence 164 at 304 (13th ed. 1972)); United States v. White , 225 F. Supp. 514, 519 (D.D.C 1963) (“The
322
+ proffered testimony (which was clearly designed solely to arouse sympathy for defendant) was
323
+ thus properly excluded.”).
324
+ III. Motion in Limine to Preclude Defendant ’s Introduction of His Own Out -of-Court
325
+ Statements as Inadmissible Hearsay
326
+
327
+ A defendant’s own out -of-court statements are hearsay that cannot be admitted to prove
328
+ the truth of any matter asserted. Fed. R. Evid. 801, 802. Although the United States may offer the defendant’s statements as statements of a party opponent, Fed. R. Evid. 801(d)(2)(A), or other non-hearsay, the defendant has no corresponding right to admit his own statements without
329
+ subjecting himself to cross -examination.
330
+ A. The Rule of Completeness C annot C ircumvent the R ule A gainst H earsay
331
+ Nor does Federal Rule of Evidence 106, the “Rule of Completeness,” provide an end- run
332
+ around the prohibition against hearsay. That rule provides that, “[i]f a party introduces all or part of a writing or recorded statement, an adverse party may require the introduction, at that time, of Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 14 of 18 15
333
+ any other part —or any other writing or recorded statement —that in fairness ought to be considered
334
+ at the same time.” Fed. R. Evid. 106. Rule 106 directs the Court to “permit such limited portions
335
+ [of a statement] to be co ntemporaneously introduced as will remove the distortion that otherwise
336
+ would accompany the prosecution’ s evidence. ” United States v. Sutton, 801 F.2d 1346, 1369 (D.C.
337
+ Cir. 1986). The rule does not “empower[] a court to admit unrelated hearsay.” United States v.
338
+ Woolbright , 831 F.2d 1390, 1395 (8th Cir. 1987). “[T]he provision of Rule 106 grounding
339
+ admission on ‘fairness’ reasonably should be interpreted to incorporate the common- law
340
+ requirements that the evidence be relevant, and be necessary to qualif y or explain the already
341
+ introduced evidence allegedly taken out of context . . . . In almost all cases we think Rule 106 will
342
+ be invoked rarely and for a limited purpose.” Sutton, 801 F.2d at 1369.
343
+ In this case, many of defendant ’s statements to be offe red by the United States were made
344
+ using social media accounts that were active over extended periods of time. Rule 106 does not
345
+ make all statements within these groups and accounts admissible over a hearsay objection, but only those narrow portions that a re necessary to “correct a misleading impression.” Sutton, 801
346
+ F.2d at 1368 (quoting Rule 106 advisory committee notes ). By way of analogy, Courts of Appeals
347
+ have rejected the notion that “all documents contained in agglomerated files must be admitted into evidence merely because they happen to be physically stored in the same file.” Jamison v. Collins ,
348
+ 291 F.3d 380, 387 (6th Cir. 2002) (quoting United States v. Boylan, 898 F.2d 230, 257 (1st Cir.
349
+ 1990)).
350
+ Accordingly, at trial the Court should reject any effort by defendant to use the Rule of
351
+ Completeness as a backdoor to admit otherwise inadmissible hearsay. Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 15 of 18 16
352
+ B. Law E nforcement T estimony C annot C ircumvent the R ule A gainst H earsay
353
+ Another mechanism by which the United States anticipates that defendant may attempt to
354
+ introduce his own prior statements is through the testimony of law enforcement officers with
355
+ whom certain defendant had communications. Any such statements by defendant, if offered for
356
+ the truth of the matter ass erted, would be inadmissible hearsay.
357
+ An equally defective mechanism by which counsel might attempt to introduce defendant ’s
358
+ prior statements to the jury would be for defendant to elicit lay opinion testimony from the officers
359
+ or agents . As an initial matter, such testimony would likely be irrelevant and inadmissible on that
360
+ basis. Additionally, if such opinions are predicated on self -serving statements by defendant, the
361
+ opinion testimony is likewise inadmissible as a vehicle to admit defendant’ s hearsay. The Federal
362
+ Rules of Evidence allow only expert witnesses to offer opinions based on otherwise -inadmissible
363
+ evidence, Fed. R. Evid. 703, and even in that context, expert opinion testimony cannot be a
364
+ backdoor for hearsay. See Gilmore v. Pales tinian Interim Self- Government Authority , 843 F.3d
365
+ 958, 972 (D.C. Cir. 2016) (“The expert must form his own opinions by applying his extensive
366
+ experience and a reliable methodology to the inadmissible materials. Otherwise, the expert is
367
+ simply repeating hearsay evidence without applying any expertise whatsoever, a practice that
368
+ allows the [proponent] to circumvent the rules prohibiting hearsay”) ( internal quotation marks and
369
+ alterations omitted ) (quoting United States v. Mejia, 545 F.3d 179, 197 (2d Cir. 2008) ; DL v. D.C. ,
370
+ 109 F. Supp. 3d 12, 30 (D.D.C. 2015) (“An expert is entitled to rely on inadmissible evidence in
371
+ forming his or her opinion, though the expert ‘must form his or her own opinions by applying his
372
+ or her extensive experience and a reliable m ethodology to the inadmissible materials,’ rather than
373
+ simply ‘transmit��� the hearsay to the jury.” (alterations omitted) (quoting Mejia , 545 F.3d at 197) ). Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 16 of 18 17
374
+ At trial, the Court should reject any effort by defendant Sullivan to admit otherwise inadmissible
375
+ hearsay indirectly through a law enforcement officer or other percipient witness.
376
+ IV. Motion in Limine to Admit Certain Prior Bad Acts
377
+ On May 5, 2023, the government filed notice of intent to use Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b)
378
+ evidence. See ECF No. 87. Here, t he government incorporates its argument , from ECF No. 87, as
379
+ to the 404(b) evidence’s relevancy and admissibility.
380
+ V. Motion in Limine to Admit Certain Statutes and Records
381
+ A. Judicial Notice of the Federal Electoral College Certification La w
382
+ The proceedings that took place on January 6, 2021, were mandated by, and directed under
383
+ the authority of, several constitutional and federal statutory provisions. In fact, as Vice President
384
+ Pence gaveled the Senate to Order on January 6, 2021, to proce ed with the Electoral College
385
+ Certification Official Proceeding, he quoted directly from, and cited to, Title 3, United States Code,
386
+ Section 17.
387
+ The United States requests that the Court take judicial notice of, and admit into evidence,
388
+ copies of Article I I, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States, the Twelfth Amendment,
389
+ as well as 3 U.S.C. §§ 15 –18 relating to the Electoral College Certification Official Proceedings.
390
+ It is well established that district courts may take judicial notice of law “w ithout plea or proof.”
391
+ See United States v. Davila -Nieves , 670 F.3d 1, 7 (1st Cir. 2012) (quoting Getty Petroleum Mktg.,
392
+ Inc. v. Capital Terminal Co., 391 F.3d 312, 320 (1st Cir. 2004)). The United States makes this request even though “no motion is required in order for the court to take judicial notice.” Moore v. Reno , No. 00 -5180, 2000 WL 1838862, at *1 (D.D.C. Nov. 14, 2000). Further, “where a federal
393
+ prosecution hinges on an interpretation or application of state law, it is the district court’s function Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 17 of 18 18
394
+ to explain the relevant state law to the jury.” See United States v. Fazal -Ur-Raheman- Fazal , 355
395
+ F.3d 40, 49 (1st Cir. 2004).
396
+ B. Admission of the Congressional Record and S. Con. Res 1
397
+ The Congressional proceedings on January 6, 2021, were memorialize d in the
398
+ Congressional Record. The Congressional Record is a public record under Federal Rule of
399
+ Evidence 902(5). See MMA Consultants , 245 F. Supp. 3d at 503–04. The United States intends
400
+ to introduce portions of the Congressional Record at trial, including the bodies’ “concurrent resolution to provide for the counting on January 6, 2021, of the electoral votes for President and Vice P resident of the United States,” S. Con. Res. 1, 117th Cong. (2021).
401
+ CONCLUSION
402
+ For the foregoing reasons, the United States respectfully requests that the Court grant the
403
+ requested relief or, if the Court reserves ruling, to consider the above arguments when the relevant issues arise during trial.
404
+
405
+ Respectfully submitted,
406
+
407
+ MATTHEW M. GRAVES
408
+ UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
409
+ D.C. Bar No. 481052
410
+
411
+ By: /s/ Rebekah Lederer
412
+ Rebekah Lederer
413
+ Pennsylvania Bar No. 320922
414
+ Assistant United States Attorney
415
+ U.S Attorney’s Office for District of
416
+ Columbia 601 D S t. N.W, Washington, DC
417
+ 20530 (202) 252- 7012
418
+ rebekah.lederer@usdoj.gov
419
+
420
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 88 Filed 06/02/23 Page 18 of 18
06-11-21 - NOTICE Of DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+
3
+ U.S. Department of Justice
4
+ Channing D. Phillips
5
+ Acting United States Attorney
6
+ District of Columbia
7
+ Judiciary Center
8
+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
9
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
10
+
11
+ June 11, 2021
12
+
13
+ Via Email
14
+ Steven Kiersh
15
+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 skiersh@aol.com
16
+ Re: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
17
+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
18
+ Dear Counsel:
19
+ The enclosed letter memorializes the provision of the following discovery in this case , via
20
+ filesharing :
21
+
22
+ 1. Grand Jury transcript and exhibits A -1-P for Super seding Indictment
23
+ 2. Provo case documents ( x4)
24
+ 3. Defendant ’s Discord posts (x2)
25
+ 4. Defendant ’s Facebook posts (x4)
26
+ 5. Defendant ’s Tiktok videos (x2)
27
+ 6. Defendant ’s Youtube video of looting
28
+ 7. Social media posts of others regarding D efendant (x2)
29
+ 8. SEN SITIVE: 302 for Witness
30
+ 9. 302 for W -2 (redacted)
31
+ 10. 302 for W -3 (redacted)
32
+ 11. Reco rded conversation by W -3
33
+ 12. Open -source video of defendant ( “minuta dogman ”)
34
+
35
+ The discovery is unencrypted . Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
36
+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
37
+ This material is being provided pursuant to the Protective Order issued in this case.
38
+ Please adhere to sensitivity markings.
39
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 32-1 Filed 06/11/21 Page 1 of 22
40
+
41
+ I will forward additional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
42
+
43
+ Sincerely,
44
+
45
+ _______________________
46
+ Candice C. Wong
47
+ Assistant United States Attorney
48
+ 202-252-7849
49
+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
50
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 32-1 Filed 06/11/21 Page 2 of 2
07-14-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+
3
+ U.S. Department of Justice
4
+ Channing D. Phillips
5
+ Acting United States Attorney
6
+ District of Columbia
7
+ Judiciary Center
8
+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
9
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
10
+
11
+ July 14, 2021
12
+
13
+ Via Email
14
+ Steven Kiersh
15
+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 skiersh@aol.com
16
+ Re: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
17
+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
18
+ Dear Counsel:
19
+ The enclosed letter memorializes the provision of the following additional discovery in
20
+ this case, via filesharing, on July 14, 2021:
21
+
22
+ 1. Excerpts of Metropolitan Police Department body worn camera footage from Upper House Door exit (24 videos)
23
+ 2. Open -source videos of shooting ( 6 files):
24
+ a. ITV video
25
+ b. 2 videos of shooting
26
+ c. CSPAN video excerpt from https://www.c -
27
+ span.org/video/?507745- 1/protesters -breach -us-capitol -security
28
+ d. Rumble N emos News video
29
+ e. Unblocked video excerpt from Youtube link
30
+ https://www.youtube.com /watch?v=CSF5FHIGlbg
31
+ 3. MARKED SENSITIVE: Videos obtained from other Capitol
32
+ investigations (15 files):
33
+ a. D-2 – 3 photographs, 1 video
34
+ b. D-3 – 3 videos
35
+ c. D-4 – 1 video
36
+ d. D-5 – 1 video
37
+ e. D-6 – 1 video
38
+ f. D-7 – 1 video
39
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 36-1 Filed 07/14/21 Page 1 of 22 g. D-8 – 1 video
40
+ h. W-4 – 2 videosi.W-5 – 1 video
41
+ 4.MARKED SENS ITIVE: Officer interview transcripts (2 files)
42
+ The
43
+ discovery is unencrypted . Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
44
+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
45
+ Thi
46
+ s material is being provided pursuant to the Protective Order issued in this case.
47
+ Please adhere to sensitivity markings.
48
+ I
49
+ will forward additional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions,
50
+ please feel free to contact me.
51
+ Si
52
+ ncerely,
53
+ _______________________ C
54
+ andice C. Wong
55
+ Assistant United States Attorney
56
+ 202-252-7849Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
57
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 36-1 Filed 07/14/21 Page 2 of 2
08-01-22 - MEMORANDUM OPINION as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN..txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+
6
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
7
+
8
+ v.
9
+
10
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN,
11
+
12
+ Defendant.
13
+
14
+ Crim. Action No. 21-78 (EGS)
15
+
16
+ MEMORANDUM OPINION
17
+ Defendant John Sullivan (“Mr. Sullivan”) is charged in a
18
+ multi-count Superseding Indictment arising from his alleged
19
+ participation in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6,
20
+ 2021. See Superseding Indictment, ECF No. 56.1 Pending before the
21
+ Court is Mr. Sullivan’s Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s December 6, 2021 Denial of Motion to Release Seizure
22
+ Order and Supplement to Motion to Release Seizure Order. Def.’s Mot., ECF No. 61.
23
+ Upon careful consideration of the motion and opposition
24
+ thereto, the applicable law, and the entire record herein, the
25
+ Court hereby DENIES Mr. Sullivan’s motion for reconsideration.
26
+
27
+ 1 When citing electronic filings throughout this Memorandum
28
+ Opinion, the Court cites to the ECF page number, not the page
29
+ number of the filed document. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 1 of 122
30
+ I. Background
31
+ As described in the Court’s December 6, 2021 Memorandum
32
+ Opinion, on April 28, 2021, a magistrate judge approved two sealed warrants authorizing the government’s seizure of $89,875
33
+ in Mr. Sullivan’s bank account ending in 7715 and $1,000 in the
34
+ Venmo account linked to Mr. Sullivan’s bank account. See Mem.
35
+ Op., ECF No. 60 at 2-3; Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 29 at 10. The
36
+ magistrate judge found probable cause to believe that the assets
37
+ were forfeitable based on the supporting affidavit stating that
38
+ the “funds Sullivan obtained by filming and selling footage of
39
+ the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots . . . would not have existed
40
+ but for Sullivan’s illegal participation in and encouragement of
41
+ the riots, property destruction, and violence inside the U.S.
42
+ Capitol in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c).” Mem. Op., ECF No.
43
+ 60 at 2-3; Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 29 at 10. The warrants were
44
+ served on April 29, 2021, and the government seized a balance of
45
+ $62,813.76 from the bank account ending in 7715. Mem. Op., ECF No. 60 at 2-3; Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 29 at 10.
46
+ On May 7, 2021, Mr. Sullivan filed a motion to release the
47
+ seizure order related to his bank account in Utah and to forbid
48
+ seizures of other accounts. See Def.’s Mot., ECF No. 25. Mr.
49
+ Sullivan requested that the Court issue an order “discharging
50
+ the seizure of his bank account in Utah and to prevent any
51
+ further seizures of other bank accounts belonging to defendant.” Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 2 of 123
52
+ Id. at 1. In conjunction with the motion, Mr. Sullivan also
53
+ requested a “post-deprivation, pretrial hearing” to challenge
54
+ the sufficiency of the government’s evidence supporting the
55
+ seizure of assets. Id. at 4. The government filed its opposition
56
+ on May 21, 2021, see Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 29; and Mr. Sullivan
57
+ filed his reply brief on June 2, 2021, see Def.’s Reply, ECF No.
58
+ 31.
59
+ On December 6, 2021, the Court denied Mr. Sullivan’s
60
+ motion. First, the Court held that a pretrial hearing was not warranted in this case because Mr. Sullivan had not made the
61
+ threshold showing that he could not pay for rent or other
62
+ household necessities without access to the seized assets.
63
+ 2 See
64
+ Mem. Op., ECF No. 60 at 10. Second, the Court held that, even if Mr. Sullivan had met the threshold showing and the Court
65
+ proceeded to “ascertaining the requirements of the due process
66
+
67
+ 2 In so holding, the Court assumed without deciding that the
68
+ reasoning in United States v. Bikundi, 125 F. Supp. 3d 178
69
+ (D.D.C. 2015), applied in this case. In Bikundi, the district
70
+ court found that Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2 did not
71
+ “preclude[] an indicted defendant from invoking his due process rights before trial to test the sufficiency of probable cause for the forfeitability of seized property.” 125 F. Supp. 3d at
72
+ 187-88. Though the defendant’s request was based upon the
73
+ alleged need to access seized funds to pay for household necessities, and not the alleged need to obtain counsel, the
74
+ court weighed the Mathews v. Eldridge factors and found that due
75
+ process required it to provide “pretrial judicial review of the challenged seizure warrants,” even though the defendant raised “no Sixth Amendment claim that the seizure of the Disputed Funds
76
+ implicates his right to counsel.” Id. at 183, 191. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 3 of 124
77
+ clause by looking to the Supreme Court’s declarations in Mathews
78
+ v. Eldridge,” the Mathews factors would not weigh in his favor.
79
+ Mem. Op., ECF No. 60 at 14 (cleaned up). The Mathews factors
80
+ require a court to weigh “(1) the burdens that a requested
81
+ procedure would impose on the Government against (2) the private
82
+ interest at stake, as viewed alongside (3) the risk of an
83
+ erroneous deprivation of that interest without the procedure and
84
+ the probable value, if any, of the additional procedural
85
+ safeguard.” Kaley v. United States, 571 U.S. 323, 333 (2014)
86
+ (quoting Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 335 (1976))
87
+ (internal quotations and alterations omitted). The Court found
88
+ that the first Mathews factor weighed against Mr. Sullivan
89
+ because, though courts have found that the government’s
90
+ interests may be “outweighed by a criminal defendant’s interest
91
+ in obtaining the counsel of his or her choice,” Sunrise Academy
92
+ v. United States, 791 F. Supp. 2d 200, 207 (D.D.C. 2011) (citing
93
+ United States v. E-Gold, Ltd., 521 F.3d 411, 419 (D.C. Cir. 2008)), here, Mr. Sullivan’s interest in acquiring access to the
94
+ seized funds for rent and household necessities was “obviously
95
+ far less pressing” than a defendant’s exercise of his Sixth
96
+ Amendment right, see id. The Court also found that the second
97
+ factor weighed against Mr. Sullivan because he had not “provided
98
+ any evidence demonstrating that he [was] unable to pay for rent
99
+ or other household necessities without the seized assets.” Mem. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 4 of 125
100
+ Op., ECF No. 60 at 15. And finally, the Court found that the
101
+ third factor did not weigh in Mr. Sullivan’s favor because
102
+ “[w]hile there may inevitably be ‘some risk’ that the ‘probable
103
+ cause finding reached in a non-adversarial context by a
104
+ magistrate judge’ is erroneous, Sunrise Academy, 791 F. Supp. 2d
105
+ at 206; Mr. Sullivan’s conclusory allegation that the proceeds
106
+ of the seized bank account are not the product of the criminal
107
+ activity alleged in the indictment carries little weight.” Mem.
108
+ Op., ECF No. 60 at 15. Indeed, Mr. Sullivan had “acknowledge[d]
109
+ that some of [his] assets were obtained from the sale of
110
+ videotape from January 6, 2021.” Id. at 16.
111
+ Mr. Sullivan filed a motion for reconsideration of the
112
+ Court’s Order and a “supplement” to his initial motion on
113
+ December 17, 2021. See Def.’s Mot., ECF No. 61. The government
114
+ filed its opposition on January 3, 2022. See Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF
115
+ No. 63. The motion is ripe for adjudication.
116
+ II. Legal Standard
117
+ “Although the Federal Rules do not specifically provide for
118
+ motions for reconsideration in criminal cases, the Supreme Court
119
+ has recognized, in dicta, the utility of such motions.” United
120
+ States v. Ferguson, 574 F. Supp. 2d 111, 113 (D.D.C. 2008)
121
+ (citing United States v. Dieter, 429 U.S. 6, 8 (1976)). Courts
122
+ in this District have “adopted such a philosophy by regularly
123
+ entertaining motions for reconsideration in a criminal context, Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 5 of 126
124
+ applying the analogous Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.” In re
125
+ Extradition of Liuksila, 133 F. Supp. 3d 249, 255 (D.D.C. 2016);
126
+ see also United States v. Sunia, 643 F. Supp. 2d 51, 60 (D.D.C.
127
+ 2009) (listing criminal cases applying standards from Federal
128
+ Rules of Civil Procedure in reconsideration context).
129
+ Motions for reconsideration of interlocutory orders may be
130
+ granted at any time before the entry of a final judgment “as
131
+ justice requires.” Cobell v. Jewell, 802 F.3d 12, 25 (D.C. Cir.
132
+ 2015). This “abstract phrase” is generally interpreted
133
+ “narrowly” to permit reconsideration “only when the movant
134
+ demonstrates: (1) an intervening change in the law; (2) the
135
+ discovery of new evidence not previously available; or (3) a
136
+ clear error in the first order.” King & Spalding LLP v. U.S.
137
+ Dep’t of Health & Hum. Servs., 395 F. Supp. 3d 116, 119–20
138
+ (D.D.C. 2019); see also United States v. Sutton, No. 21-598
139
+ (PLF), 2021 WL 5999407, at *2 (D.D.C. Dec. 20, 2021) (“In
140
+ evaluating what ‘justice requires,’ the Court considers ‘whether it patently misunderstood a party, has made a decision outside
141
+ the adversarial issues presented to the Court by the parties,
142
+ has made an error not of reasoning but of apprehension, or
143
+ [whether] a controlling or significant change in the law or
144
+ facts [has occurred] since the submission of the issue to the
145
+ Court.’”). Further, “for justice to require reconsideration,
146
+ logically, it must be the case that[] some sort of ‘injustice’ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 6 of 127
147
+ will result if reconsideration is refused. That is, the movant
148
+ must demonstrate that some harm . . . would flow from a denial
149
+ of reconsideration.” Cobell v. Norton, 355 F. Supp. 2d 531, 540
150
+ (D.D.C. 2005).
151
+ “Beyond these circumstances, a motion for reconsideration
152
+ should not be used as a vehicle for relitigating issues on which
153
+ the court already ruled because the party disagrees.” United
154
+ States v. Worrell, No. 21-cr-292-RCL, 2021 WL 2366934, at *10
155
+ (D.D.C. June 9, 2021). Moreover, “[a]rguments that could have
156
+ been, but were not, raised previously and arguments that the
157
+ court has already rejected are not appropriately raised in a
158
+ motion for reconsideration.” United States v. Booker, 613 F.
159
+ Supp. 2d 32, 34 (D.D.C. 2009).
160
+ III. Analysis
161
+ Mr. Sullivan does not argue that the Court’s December 6,
162
+ 2021 ruling included legal error or that there has been an
163
+ intervening change in the law. Instead, he offers for the Court’s consideration additional facts regarding his financial
164
+ situation and financial outlook. See Def.’s Mot., ECF No. 61.
165
+ Specifically, Mr. Sullivan’s motion for reconsideration includes
166
+ further details regarding the vehicles he owns; the salary he
167
+ earned while working for his father in 2021; his monthly rent;
168
+ the approximate amount of money his parents give him to assist
169
+ in paying his expenses; the approximate amount of money he has Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 7 of 128
170
+ in his bank accounts; and the current status of his car
171
+ insurance and health insurance. Id. at 3-4, 15-17. In addition,
172
+ he provided the Court with a notice of eviction he received on
173
+ November 17, 2021; credit score reports; credit card statements;
174
+ a declaration from his father including information about Mr.
175
+ Sullivan’s salary and the extent to which he and his wife assist
176
+ Mr. Sullivan with additional resources; and a declaration from
177
+ Mr. Sullivan summarizing his monthly expenses. Id. at 8-17.
178
+ Mr. Sullivan, however, offers no explanation for why he
179
+ could not have presented these additional facts to the Court
180
+ prior to the entry of judgment. See Miller v. Rosenker, No. 05-
181
+ 2478 (GK), 2008 WL 11403193, at *1 (D.D.C. Sept. 4, 2008) (“A
182
+ fact is not ‘new’ simply because the [party] has neglected to
183
+ use it as the basis for an argument in a previous filing.
184
+ Rather, to be considered ‘new,’ a previously unavailable fact
185
+ must become available.”); Hentif v. Obama, 883 F. Supp. 2d 97,
186
+ 100 (D.D.C. 2012) (“Evidence is not ‘newly discovered’ if a party had the ability to present it to the finder of fact prior
187
+ to entry of judgment.”). Nor does Mr. Sullivan assert that the
188
+ additional information he wishes the Court to consider was
189
+ previously unavailable despite the exercise of due diligence.
190
+ See Ctr. for Pub. Integrity v. FCC, 515 F. Supp. 2d 167, 169 n.1
191
+ (D.D.C. 2007) (“Plaintiff’s failure to investigate a possible
192
+ argument prior to the judgment does not make the results of its Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 8 of 129
193
+ research ‘new evidence’ . . . .”). Because it is well-
194
+ established that a party may not use a motion for
195
+ reconsideration to introduce additional facts not raised prior
196
+ to the entry of judgment—and because there is no argument that
197
+ the Court committed error or that there has been a significant
198
+ change in the law—Mr. Sullivan’s arguments are not appropriately
199
+ before the Court in a motion for reconsideration. See, e.g.,
200
+ Carter v. Wash. Metro. Area Transit Auth., 503 F.3d 143, 145 n.2
201
+ (D.C. Cir. 2007) (“Reconsideration is not an appropriate forum
202
+ for rehashing previously rejected arguments or arguing matters
203
+ that could have been heard during the pendency of the previous
204
+ motion.” (quoting Caisse Nationale de Credit Agricole v. CBI
205
+ Indus., Inc., 90 F.3d 1264, 1270 (7th Cir. 1996)).
206
+ Moreover, even if the Court accepted that the additional
207
+ details constituted new evidence not previously available, Mr.
208
+ Sullivan’s arguments would still fail.
209
+ As the government points out, there are multiple
210
+ inconsistencies or unexplained gaps in the financial information provided. See Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 63 at 3. For example, it is
211
+ unclear why Mr. Sullivan reported his monthly expenses to be
212
+ “$2,000-$2,250” on January 14, 2021, but in his most recent
213
+ motion for reconsideration, he reports that his monthly
214
+ household expenses have increased substantially to “$6,018.44.”
215
+ See id. (noting that Mr. Sullivan’s current expenses are “over Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 9 of 1210
216
+ three times what he reported upon arrest”); see also Def.’s
217
+ Mot., ECF No. 61 at 16. In addition, Mr. Sullivan’s motion for
218
+ reconsideration excludes, without explanation, sources of income
219
+ that he had previously reported, such as his Google ad deposits,
220
+ 401K deposits, and freight broker contracts. See Def.’s Mot.,
221
+ ECF No. 61 at 3 (claiming that Mr. Sullivan “has no other
222
+ sources of income” other than the money he earns while working
223
+ with his father and the money he borrows from his family);
224
+ Gov’t’s Opp’n, ECF No. 63 at 4 (noting the sources of income
225
+ that have been “dropped” from the motion for reconsideration).
226
+ And even assuming that the new information Mr. Sullivan
227
+ provides in his motion is credible and meets the threshold
228
+ showing of financial need, thereby addressing the Court’s first
229
+ holding in its December 6, 2021 Memorandum Opinion, the motion
230
+ for reconsideration still fails address the Court’s alternative
231
+ holding that the Mathews balancing test3 does not weigh in Mr.
232
+ Sullivan’s favor. At most, the details in Mr. Sullivan’s motion
233
+ would impact the Court’s analysis of the second Mathews factor,
234
+ which concerns the private interest at stake. However, Mr.
235
+
236
+ 3 As stated in Section II, the Mathews factors require a court to
237
+ weigh “(1) the burdens that a requested procedure would impose
238
+ on the Government against (2) the private interest at stake, as
239
+ viewed alongside (3) the risk of an erroneous deprivation of
240
+ that interest without the procedure and the probable value, if any, of the additional procedural safeguard.” Kaley, 571 U.S. at 333 (quoting Mathews, 424 U.S. at 335) (internal quotations and
241
+ alterations omitted). Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 10 of 1211
242
+ Sullivan has not provided any arguments or case law casting
243
+ doubt on the Court’s finding that the first and third Mathews
244
+ factors—the burden on the government and the risk of erroneous
245
+ deprivation, respectively—weigh against him. Thus, the new
246
+ information provided in the motion for reconsideration would not
247
+ change the result of the balancing inquiry.
248
+ In view of the above, the Court shall deny Mr. Sullivan’s
249
+ request for a post-deprivation, pretrial hearing to challenge
250
+ the seizure of his assets. In line with the Federal Rules of
251
+ Criminal Procedure, Mr. Sullivan’s arguments shall therefore be
252
+ addressed at a post-trial or post-plea hearing. See United
253
+ States Bikundi, 125 F. Supp. 3d 178, 184 (D.D.C. 2015) (“Once
254
+ the government has obtained a seizure warrant pursuant to 21
255
+ U.S.C. § 853(f), the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure provide
256
+ for no further inquiry into the property’s forfeitability until
257
+ disposition of the criminal charges on which the forfeiture is
258
+ predicated.” (citing Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2(b)(1)(A))).
259
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 11 of 1212
260
+ IV. Conclusion
261
+ For the reasons stated above, the Court DENIES Mr.
262
+ Sullivan’s motion for reconsideration. An appropriate Order
263
+ accompanies this Memorandum Opinion.
264
+ SO ORDERED.
265
+ Signed: Emmet G. Sullivan
266
+ United States District Judge
267
+ August 1, 2022 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 81 Filed 08/01/22 Page 12 of 12
08-01-22 - ORDER denying 61 Motion for Reconsideration as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
6
+
7
+ v.
8
+
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN,
10
+
11
+ Defendant.
12
+
13
+ Crim. Action No. 21-78 (EGS)
14
+
15
+ ORDER
16
+ For the reasons stated in the accompanying Memorandum
17
+ Opinion, it is hereby
18
+ ORDERED that Mr. Sullivan’s motion for reconsideration of
19
+ the Court’s December 6, 2021 denial of motion to release seizure
20
+ order and supplement to motion to release seizure order, ECF No.
21
+ 61, is DENIED.
22
+ SO ORDERED.
23
+ Signed: Emmet G. Sullivan
24
+ United States District Judge
25
+ August 1, 2022
26
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 80 Filed 08/01/22 Page 1 of 1
08-03-21 - STATUS REPORT Status report concerning conditions of release by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ STATUS REPORT CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF
13
+ PRETRIAL RELEASE
14
+
15
+ Undersigned counsel does hereby submit the following status rep ort
16
+
17
+ concerning the conditions of defendant’s release:
18
+
19
+ 1. Defend ant, his Utah pro bation officer, Mr. Cahoon , and
20
+ undersigned counsel had a three way telephone conference on August 2,
21
+ 2021. De fendant and Mr. Cahoon agreed as follows:
22
+ a. Employment: Defend ant’s father/employer wil l submit to Mr.
23
+ Cahoon a once a month e -mail confirming the work hours of defendant .
24
+ Defend ant will also keep track of his work hours and will provide notice of
25
+ his hours to Mr. Cahoon. This is bei ng done in order to provide Mr. Cahoon
26
+ with verification of employment and defend ant’s work schedule.
27
+ b. Home visits : Mr. Cahoon will conduct random home visits which
28
+ will occur periodically every couple of months. At the visit, Mr . Cahoon will Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 40 Filed 08/03/21 Page 1 of 32
29
+ not have any disc ussion wi th defendant about the status of his pending
30
+ case.
31
+ c. Contact with probation office : Defendant will telephone, e -mail or
32
+ have text contact with Mr. Cahoon on a weekly basis. The com municati ons
33
+ will contai n substantive in formation and provide updates on employment
34
+ activities. On e time every other mon th defendant will have an in -person
35
+ meeting with Mr. Cahoon at his office
36
+ d. Computer monitoring : When Mr. Cahoon reaches out to
37
+ defendant conc erning monitoring issues, defend ant will reply in a
38
+ reasonable amo unt of time to address the issues . Defend ant will initiate
39
+ contact with Mr. Cahoon if he believes there are any additional issues with
40
+ computer monitoring.
41
+ 2. The parties ag ree to cooperate with each other going forward an d
42
+ will advi se each other i f there are any conc erns or questions regarding
43
+ pretrial release.
44
+
45
+
46
+
47
+
48
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 40 Filed 08/03/21 Page 2 of 33
49
+ Respectfully submitted,
50
+
51
+ _______/s/_______________
52
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
53
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
54
+ Suite 440
55
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
56
+ (202) 347 -0200
57
+
58
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
59
+
60
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
61
+ was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this the
62
+ ____ 3rd____day of August , 2021 upon counsel of record, Candice Wong,
63
+ Esquire, Assistant U.S. Attorney
64
+
65
+
66
+ ______ /s/____________________
67
+ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 40 Filed 08/03/21 Page 3 of 3
08-18-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ RESPONSE TO M INUTE OR DER OF COURT
13
+ (Receipt of search warrants )
14
+
15
+ Defend ant, by and through undersigned counsel , pursuant to the
16
+
17
+ August 16, 2012 Minute Order of tis Court, does hereby state as follows :
18
+
19
+ Defend ant has received al l relevant information related to the Motion
20
+
21
+ to Release Seizure Order.
22
+
23
+
24
+ Respectfully submitted,
25
+
26
+ _______/s/_______________
27
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
28
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
29
+ Suite 440
30
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
31
+ (202) 347 -0200
32
+
33
+
34
+
35
+
36
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 42 Filed 08/18/21 Page 1 of 22
37
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
38
+
39
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
40
+ was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this the
41
+ ____ 18th____day of August , 2021 upon all counsel of record, Candic e
42
+ Wong, Esquire, Assistant U.S Attorney.
43
+
44
+
45
+ ______ /s/____________________
46
+ Steven R. Kiersh
47
+
48
+
49
+
50
+
51
+
52
+
53
+
54
+
55
+
56
+
57
+
58
+
59
+
60
+
61
+
62
+
63
+
64
+
65
+
66
+
67
+
68
+
69
+
70
+
71
+
72
+
73
+
74
+
75
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 42 Filed 08/18/21 Page 2 of 2
08-19-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion to Exclude.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ RESPONSE TO ORDER OF COURT
13
+ (Availability of the parties for status hearing)
14
+
15
+ Undersigned counsel respond to the August 16, 2020 Minute Ord er of
16
+
17
+ the Court conce rning the availability of the parties for the next status
18
+
19
+ hearing.
20
+
21
+ The parties are available o n the f ollowing da tes: 9/20/21; 9/22/21;
22
+
23
+ 9/24/ 21.
24
+
25
+ Counsel for defendant notes as follows: Counsel is schedul ed to start
26
+ a length y trial before the H onorable Milton Lee in the Superior Court of the
27
+ District of Columbia on September 8, 2021. At the present time, the
28
+ expect ation is that because of the anticipated length of the trial proceedings
29
+ the Court wil l try to sit on Fridays. Howeve r, it is not at all yet clear t hat th e
30
+ Court will be able to sit on Fridays. Accordingly, counsel for defendant Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 43 Filed 08/19/21 Page 1 of 22
31
+ believes that the best date for a status hearing in this case is Friday,
32
+ September 24, 202 1.1
33
+
34
+
35
+
36
+
37
+
38
+ Respectfully submitted,
39
+
40
+
41
+ ______ /s/_____________
42
+ Candice Wong # 990903
43
+ Assistant U.S. Attorney
44
+ 555 4th Street, N.W.
45
+ Washington, D.C. 20530
46
+ (202) 252-7849
47
+
48
+ _______/s/_______________
49
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
50
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
51
+ Suite 440
52
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
53
+ (202) 347 -0200
54
+
55
+
56
+
57
+ 1 Counsel for defendant believes that Judge Lee will accommodate a
58
+ request with advance notice that is made for the scheduling of a status
59
+ hearing in this matter. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 43 Filed 08/19/21 Page 2 of 2
08-22-22 - Joint STATUS REPORT and Proposed Pretrial Deadlines by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ v. : Criminal No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
8
+ :
9
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN, :
10
+ :
11
+ Defendant. :
12
+
13
+ JOINT STATUS REPORT AND PROPOSED PRETRIAL DEADLINES
14
+
15
+ The United States of America , with concurrence of defense counsel, hereby respectfully
16
+ submits this status report to the Court regarding the above -captioned case.
17
+ A. Background
18
+ The grand jury returned on November 10, 2021, a Superseding Indictment charging
19
+ Defendant with violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding) in
20
+ addition to other charges including 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3)(Civil Disorder), 1752( a)(1) and
21
+ (b)(1)(A)(Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Dangerous Weapon), 1752(a)(2) and (b)(1)(A) (Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building with a Dangerous Weapon) and 1001(a)(2)(False Statement or Represe ntation to an Agency of
22
+ the United States) and 40 U.S.C. §§ 5104(e)(1)(A)(i)(Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on Capitol Grounds or Buildings), 5104(e)(2)(D)(Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building), and 5104(e)(2)(D)(Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building).
23
+ The defendant is not in custody. Additionally, the parties note that there are numerous
24
+ substantive motions pending before the Court that toll the speedy trial clock. These include
25
+ Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment and Motion to Adopt and
26
+ Join Motion in 21- cr-28 [DE 62] and a Supplemental Motion to Dismiss Count [71], Motion to Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 82 Filed 08/22/22 Page 1 of 4
27
+ Dismiss Count Eight of the Superseding Indictment as Being Void for Vagueness [DE 47], and a
28
+ Motion to Suppress C ustodial Statements [DE 46].
29
+ The Court set a trial date of October 25, 2023, and directed the parties to propose a
30
+ pretrial deadlines for (1) expert disclosure; (2) grand jury and Jenks Act disclosures at to each witness the Government expects to call in i ts case -in-chief; and (3) Brady materials not already
31
+ disclosed by August 23, 2022. The parties propose the below accordingly.
32
+ B. Proposed Pret rial Deadlines
33
+ 1. The United States shall make any required expert disclosures pursuant to
34
+ Rule 16(a)(1)(G) by July 17, 2023; any reciprocal expert disclosure by Defendant
35
+ pursuant to Rule 16(b)(1)(C) shall be made by July 31, 2023.
36
+ 2. The United States will endeavor to make grand jury and Jencks Act disclosures
37
+ as to each witness it expects to call in its case- in-chief on or before September
38
+ 2, 2023. Any Brady material not already disclosed also must be disclosed by this
39
+ date.
40
+ C. Additional Pre trial Deadlines
41
+ To assist the Court further, the parties also proposed the following pretrial deadlines for
42
+ the Court’s consideration.
43
+ 1. The United States shall notify Defendant of its intention to introduce any Rule 404(b) evidence not already disclosed on or before May 5, 2023.
44
+ 2. Motions in limine shall be filed on or before June 2 , 2023; oppositions shall be
45
+ filed on or June 16, 2023; and replies shall be filed on or before June 23, 2023.
46
+
47
+ If the United States wishes to file a motion in limine with respect to any defense
48
+ expert, it may do so by filing a motion by August 25 , 2023; any opposition to Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 82 Filed 08/22/22 Page 2 of 4
49
+ such motion shall be filed by September 1 , 2023.
50
+ 3. Defendant shall satisfy his reciprocal discovery obligations, if any, under
51
+ Rule 16(b) (except as to experts, as noted above) by July 3, 2023. The court
52
+ will consider any motion in limine with respect to reciprocal discovery after
53
+ such discovery is received. Any such motion shall be filed by August 25, 2023;
54
+ any opposition to such moti on shall be filed by September 1 , 2023.
55
+ 4. The parties request that a hearing be scheduled to present argument as to any
56
+ motions filed pursuant to paragraph s 2and 3 the week of September 11 , 2023.
57
+ 5. On or before October 1 3, 2023, counsel shall file a Joint Pre trial Statement that
58
+ contains the following:
59
+ a. Proposed voir dire questions .
60
+
61
+ b. Proposed jury instructions .
62
+
63
+ c. List of witnesses .
64
+
65
+ d. Exhibit lists.
66
+
67
+ e. Stipulations .
68
+
69
+ f. Proposed verdict form .
70
+
71
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 82 Filed 08/22/22 Page 3 of 4
72
+
73
+
74
+ Respectfully submitted,
75
+ COUNSEL FOR THE GOVERNMENT
76
+ MATTHEW GRAVES
77
+ United States Attorney
78
+ DC Bar No. 4 81052
79
+
80
+
81
+ By: /s/ Joseph H. Huynh
82
+ JOSEPH H. HUYNH
83
+ D.C. Bar No. 495403
84
+ Assistant United States Attorney (Detailed)
85
+ 405 East 8th Avenue, Suite 2400
86
+ Eugene, Oregon 97401- 2708
87
+ Telephone: (541) 465 -6771
88
+ Joseph.Huynh@usdoj.gov
89
+
90
+
91
+ COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENDANT
92
+ /s/ Steven Roy Kiersh
93
+ STEVEN ROY KIERSH
94
+ DC Bar # 323329 Law Offices of Steven R. Kiersh
95
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
96
+ Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Telephone (202) 347- 0200
97
+ skeirsh@aol.com
98
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-RCL Document 82 Filed 08/22/22 Page 4 of 4
09-23-21 - RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re Order on Motion to Exclude.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ MOTION TO SUPPRESS CUSTODIAL STATEMENT S
13
+
14
+ Defendant , John Sulli van, by and through undersigned counsel, does
15
+ hereby move to suppress the oral custodial statemen ts provided to Special
16
+ Agent F.B.I. Agent Matt Foulger on January 11, 2021. In support thereof,
17
+ defendant respectfully sets for th as follows:
18
+ I. FA CTUAL BACKGROUND
19
+ This prosecution arises out of the events that occurred at the United
20
+ States Capitol on January 6, 2021. A ma ssive and organized investigation
21
+ arose that in cluded law enforcement agents f rom virtually every state in the
22
+ country. In fact, this was one of the mo st intensive and large scale criminal
23
+ investigations ever co nducted in the United States.
24
+ Special Agent Matt Foulger with the F.B.I. Office in Salt Lake City,
25
+ Utah was assigned to the case of John Sullivan and had the responsibility
26
+ of over seeing all the investigative ste ps in the case against Mr. Sullivan. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 1 of 82
27
+ Special Agent Fouler was experienced in investigating domestic terrorism
28
+ and weapons of mass destruction.
29
+ Special Agent Foulger was familiar with defendant’s 39 minute video
30
+ that was po sted on his YouTube channel and was familiar with ce rtain
31
+ statemen ts allegedly made by defendant during the video . According to
32
+ testimony el icited from Spec ial Agent Foulger, defendant purportedly stated
33
+ to the crowd inside the Uni ted States Capitol that h e had a knife and
34
+ requested that the crowd let hi m go forward. Special Agent Fo ulger has
35
+ testified that he could not see defendant in the video but that he recognized
36
+ defendant’s voice and was familiar with defendant’s voice.1
37
+ Special Agent Fo ulger descr ibed defendant in the video h e viewed as
38
+ having black hair, a black goatee and wearing a black jacket while inside
39
+ the United States Capitol. The Agent has further testified that another
40
+ witness who allegedly was with defendant was interviewed by F.B.I. ag ents
41
+ in Washington, D.C. The witness provided information from her cellphone
42
+ as well as some CD cards that she had from footage taken on January 6,
43
+ 2021.
44
+
45
+ 1 It was elicited on multiple occasions that Agent Foulger recognized
46
+ defendant’s voice. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 2 of 83
47
+ Special Agent Fo ulger inter rogated defendant at his home on January
48
+ 11, 2021, five days after the ev ents at the United States Capitol . By the
49
+ time five days had passed there was an enormous and coordinated effort
50
+ involved in the investigation of crimes committed at the United States
51
+ Capitol.
52
+ Special Agent Foulger unquestionably was actively investigating the
53
+ criminal liability of John Sullivan prior to the questioning at defendant’s
54
+ home on January 11, 2021 . Agent Fo ulger had reviewed tapes of the
55
+ events inculpating defendant and interviewed at least one witness who was
56
+ with defendant at the time of the events th at formed the basis for the
57
+ criminal investigation. Agent Fo ulger had seen vide o foo tage and believed
58
+ defendant was both present in the United States Ca pitol and possessed a
59
+ prohibited weapon while in the United States Capitol .
60
+ The interrogation of defendant on January 11, 2021 at his home was
61
+ unannounced and defendant was informed that Foulger had spok en with
62
+ agents in the District of Columbia about the interview. The interview took
63
+ place over 40 minutes and defendant was not advised of rights pursuant t o
64
+ Miranda v. Arizona.
65
+ Defend ant was specifically asked whether he was carrying a kni fe on
66
+ Januar y 6, 20 21 because, according to Agent Fo ulger, “It was important to Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 3 of 84
67
+ our potential charges.” According to Agent Fo ulger, defendant said he was
68
+ trying to fit in with the cr owd but denied having a knife. The interview on
69
+ January 11, 2021 was recorded by a body worn camera . Upon information
70
+ and belief there were other members of law enforcement who acco mpanied
71
+ Agent Foulger to defend ant’s home on January 11, 2021. I n addition ,
72
+ defendant was not warned by Fo ulger that lying about a knife could bring
73
+ crimi nal charges.
74
+ II. ARGUMENT
75
+ ALL STATEMEN TS MA DE BY JOIHN SULLIVAN DURING TH E
76
+ JANUARY 11, 2021 INTERROGATION WITH SPECIAL AGENT MATT
77
+ FOULGER MUST BE SUPPESSED BECAU SE THEY WERE OBTAINED
78
+ WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF MIRANDA WARNINGS
79
+
80
+ If, as expected, the United States will argue that the sta tements of
81
+ defendant were voluntary, suppression of the statements is still required
82
+ because defendant was not advised o f his right against self -incrimination
83
+ prior to undergoing custodial interrogation. See, e.g., Pennsylvania v.
84
+ Muniz , 496 U.S. 582 (1990). A person is in “custody” under Miranda when
85
+ he “has been…deprived of freedom of action in any significant way.”
86
+ Miranda v. Arizona , 384 U.S. 436,444 (1966). Whether a person is in
87
+ custody depends “how a reasonable man in the suspect’s position would
88
+ have understood his situation.” Berkemer v. McCarty , 468 U.S. 420, 442
89
+ (1980). “[T]he term interrogation under Miranda refers no t only to express Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 4 of 85
90
+ questioning, but also to any words or actions on t he part of the police (other
91
+ than those normally attendant to arrest and custody) that the police should
92
+ know are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response from the
93
+ suspect.” Rhode Isla nd v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291,301 (1980).
94
+ The Supreme Court has noted that being in custody need not include
95
+ questioning in a police facility and may even be found to exist in one’s
96
+ home or bedroom if the conduct of the law enforcement officers turned the
97
+ otherwise comfortable and familiar surroundings of the home into a police -
98
+ dominated environment. See Orozco v. Texas , 394 U.S. 324, 326 -27
99
+ (1969).
100
+ The following facts cannot be disputed.
101
+ 1. The Special Agent reviewed videotape of the events at the United St ates
102
+ Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021 prior to the interrogation on
103
+ January 11, 2021 ;
104
+ 2. The Special Agent identified Jo hn Sulliv an as a participant in the events
105
+ of January 6, 2021 and speci fically identified him as being in possession of
106
+ a knife prior to the interrogation on January 11, 2021 ;
107
+ 3. A witness and defendant were interviewed by the F.B.I in Washington
108
+ D.C. the day after January 6, 2021; Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 5 of 86
109
+ 4. The Special Agent showed up unannounced at defendant’s home in Salt
110
+ Lake City on January 11, 2021 in the company of at least one other law
111
+ enforcement official;
112
+ 5. Defendant was questioned for approximately 40 minutes on January 11,
113
+ 2021 and was never given Miranda rights;
114
+ 6. The Spec ial Agent was investigating the events at the United States
115
+ Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021 and believed defendant wa s a
116
+ criminally liable participant in the events:
117
+ 7. The Spec ial Agent specifically questioned defendant about being in
118
+ possession of a knife knowing that a denial could lead to a charge of
119
+ making a f alse statement.
120
+ The Special Agent unquestionably was conduct ing an active
121
+ investigation into the events of January 6, 2021 and specifically targeted
122
+ defendant as a subject of his investigation . The Agent was questioning
123
+ defendant about poss ession of a kni fe after already having concluded that
124
+ defendant possessed a knife. The unannounced entry into def endant’s
125
+ home by multiple law enforcement officers was not designed as a benign
126
+ conversation to further an invest igative purpose. Rather, the purpose of the
127
+ 40 minute interrogation was to incriminate defendant. Accordingly, Miranda
128
+ warnings were a necessary prer equisite to any questioning on Jan uary 11, Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 6 of 87
129
+ 2021. “ Miranda announced that police officers must warn a suspect prior to
130
+ questioning that he has a right t o remain si lent, and the right to the
131
+ presence of an attorney.” Maryla nd v. Shatzer , 559 U.S. 98, 103 (2010).
132
+ III. REQUEST FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING
133
+ Defendant request s an evidentiary hearing to examine Special Agent
134
+ Foulger and the other law enfor cement officials who participated in the
135
+ January 21, 2021 interrogation in order to complete his record related to
136
+ the legal issue raised herein.
137
+ IV. CONCLUSION
138
+ A massive and unprecedented investigation wa s conducted into the
139
+ events o f January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol and defendant was
140
+ specifically targeted by an experienced Special Agent of the F.B.I. as being
141
+ a participant in illegal activity on that date. A primary purpose of the
142
+ unannounced interrogation on January 11, 2021 was to obtain incriminating
143
+ information from defendant. That is the reason why the Special Agent
144
+ interrogated defendant about possession of a knife when the Special Agent
145
+ had already concluded that defendant possessed a knife from a review of
146
+ the vide otape. A s such , defendant should have been provided with Miranda
147
+ warnings before the interrogation commenced. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 7 of 88
148
+ WHEREFORE, for the reasons stated herein, and for any other
149
+ reasons that may be adduced at an evidentiary hearing, defendant prays
150
+ this Honorable Court suppress as evidence any statements made during
151
+ the January 11, 2021 interrogation at this home.
152
+
153
+
154
+ Respectfully submitted,
155
+
156
+ _______/s/_______________
157
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
158
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
159
+ Suite 4 40
160
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
161
+ (202) 347 -0200
162
+
163
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
164
+
165
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
166
+ was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this the
167
+ ____ 23rd____day of Septemb er, 2021 upon Assistant U.S. Attorney
168
+ Candice Wong, Esquire.
169
+
170
+
171
+ ______ /s/____________________
172
+ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 46 Filed 09/23/21 Page 8 of 8
09-24-21 - MOTION to Dismiss Count Eight of Superseding Indictment as Being Void for Vagueness by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6
+
7
+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+ JOHN SULLIVAN
11
+
12
+ MOTION TO DISMISS COUNT EIGHT OF THE SUPERSEDING
13
+ INDIC TMENT AS BEING VOID FOR VAGU ENESS
14
+
15
+ Defendant , John Sullivan, by and through undersigned counsel, does
16
+ hereby move to Dismiss Count Eight of the superseding indictment. In
17
+ support thereof, defendant respectfully sets for th as follows:
18
+ I. FACTUA L BACKGROUND
19
+ This prosecution arises out of the events that occurred at the United
20
+ States Capitol on January 6, 2021. A ma ssive and organized investigation
21
+ arose that in cluded law enforcement agents f rom virtually every state in the
22
+ country. In fact, th is was one of the mo st intensive and large scale criminal
23
+ investigations ever co nducted in the United States.
24
+ On February 23, 2021 , the United States returned an initial indictment
25
+ against defendant charging as follows: Obstruction of an Official
26
+ Procee ding, 18 U.S.C. §§1512 (c) (2); Civil Disorder, 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3); Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 1 of 72
27
+ Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds, 18 U.S.C. §
28
+ 1752 (a)(2); Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Buildin g or
29
+ Grounds, 40 U.S.C. § 5104 (e)(2)(D ); Paradi ng, Demonstrating, or
30
+ Picketin g in a Capitol Building,§ 5104 (2)(G); Aiding and Abetting, 18
31
+ U.S.C. § 2. The indictment was superseded on May 19, 2021 adding a
32
+ charge of False Statement or Representation to an Agency of the United
33
+ States in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (a)(2), Count Eight .
34
+ II. THE VOID FOR VAGUENESS DOCTRINE
35
+ “The consti tutional requirement of definiteness is vi olated by a
36
+ criminal statute th at fails to give a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice
37
+ that his contemplated conduct is forbidden by statute. The underl ying
38
+ principle is that no man shall be held criminally responsible for which h e
39
+ could not reasonably underst and to be proscribed.” United States v. Harris,
40
+ 347 U.S. 612, 617 ( 1954).
41
+ “The void -for-vagueness doctrine…gener ally holds that criminal
42
+ statutes must be sufficiently specific that the y provide ‘fair warning’ of the
43
+ conduct that is proscribed.” United States v. Kim , 808 F. Supp.2d 44, 50
44
+ (D.D.C. 20110 (Kollar -Kotelly, J.) Judge Kollar -Kotelly added, “The Fif th
45
+ Amend ment ’s guarantee of due process bars enforcement of a statute
46
+ which either forbids or r equires the do ing of an act in terms so vague that Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 2 of 73
47
+ men of common intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and
48
+ differ as to its applicati ons.” Id. at 50, quotin g United States v. Lanier , 520
49
+ U.S. 259, 266 (1977).
50
+ The void -for-vagueness doctrine “requires legislatures to set
51
+ reasonably clear guidelines for law enforcement officials and triers of fact in
52
+ order to prevent ‘arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. ’’’ Smith v.
53
+ Georgia , 415 U.S. 566, 572 -73 (1974), citations omitted. “[T]he touchstone
54
+ is whether the statute, either standing alone or as construed, made it
55
+ reasonably clear at the relevant time that the defendant’s conduct was
56
+ criminal.” Lanier , 520 U.S. at 267.
57
+ Defendant further notes that the constitutional validity of an
58
+ indictment must be raised by motion before trial pursuant to Federal Rule of
59
+ Criminal Procedure 12 (b)(3)(B). See United States v. Brown , No. CRIM.07
60
+ 75 CKK, 2007 WL 2007513, at *2 ( D.D.C. July 9, 2007 (Kollar -Kotelly, J.).
61
+ III. 18 USC § 1001
62
+ The subject statute states in relevant part as follows:
63
+ (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter
64
+ within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislat ive, of judicial branch of the
65
+ Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully — Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 3 of 74
66
+ (1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by tri ck, scheme, or device a
67
+ material fact;
68
+ (2) makes any materi ally false, fictitious, or fraudulen t statement or
69
+ representat ion; or
70
+ (3) makes or uses and false writing or document knowing the same
71
+ to cont ain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;
72
+ Shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years….
73
+ In order to sustain a conviction for violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2)
74
+ the government must prove five elements: (1) a statement was made; (2)
75
+ the statement was false; (3) the statement was made with specific intent;
76
+ (4) the statement was material; and (5) there was government agency
77
+ jurisdiction. United States v. Jian g, 476 F.3d 1026, 1029 (9 th Cir. 2007);
78
+ United States v. Robinson , 505 F. 3d 1208, 1226 (11th Cir. 2007).
79
+ The question of the materiality of the alleged statement is one that
80
+ should be clear and unambiguous in or der to pass constitutional scru tiny.
81
+ “Since materiality is an element of this offense [18 U.S.C. §1001] the
82
+ prosecution carries the burden of proof.” United States v. Talkington , 589
83
+ F.2d 415, 417 (9th Cir. 1978); “A district court may not determine the
84
+ materiality of a statement as a matter of law. See United States, v. Gaudin,
85
+ 515 U.S. 506, 512 (1995)”. Rather, “the question of materiality should be Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 4 of 75
86
+ submitted to the trier of fact to determine whether the statement has the
87
+ propensity to influence agency action.” Unite d States v. Facchini, 874 F. 2d
88
+ 638, 643 (9th Cir. 1989) (en banc).
89
+ In Kungys v. United States , the Supreme Court provided some
90
+ guidance concerning the definition of materiality in the context of
91
+ misrepresentations within the meaning of a statute providin g for
92
+ denat uraliz ation of citizens whose citizenship orders were procured by
93
+ conc ealment of a material fact. The Court concluded that “the test of
94
+ whether Kung ys’ concealments or misrepresent ations were material is
95
+ whether they h ad a natural tendency to in fluen ce the deci sions of the
96
+ Immigration and Nat uralization Service.” 485 U.S. 759, 772 (1988) .
97
+ Defend ant submits that th e term “materiality” in the context of the
98
+ subject statute is vague and there fore void. T he inve stigation of this case
99
+ was 100 percent centered around the invasion of the United States Capitol
100
+ on Janu ary 6, 2021 . The investigation involved the alleged acti ons of
101
+ defendant related t o his presence on the grounds of the United States
102
+ Capitol on January 6, 2021. The investigation had absolut ely nothing to do
103
+ with defend ant’s possession of a knife. Whether or not defendant was in
104
+ possession of a kni fe on January 6, 2021 h as absolu tely no bearing on the
105
+ investigation or the involvement of John S ullivan in the invasion. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 5 of 76
106
+ United States v. Bedore , a 9th Circuit opinion related to 18 U.S.C. §
107
+ 1001 is instructive. The case involved an F.B.I agent who went to Bedore’s
108
+ home to serve a subpoena directing Bedore to appear at a court
109
+ proceeding. The F.B.I agent knocked on the door and Bedore identified
110
+ himself as someone else. Following a convict ion for making a false
111
+ statement, the Bedore Court ruled that “Congress did not intend section
112
+ 1001 to apply to Bedore’s g iving a false name to [F.B.I. Agent] Henry,
113
+ beca use his response was not within the class of false statemen ts that
114
+ section 1001 was designed to proscribe.” 455 F.2d1109,1110 (9th Cir.
115
+ 1972) .
116
+ The Bedore Court explained the types of statements contemplated by
117
+ the statute.
118
+ From the statutory history. It is evident that section 1001
119
+ was not intended to reach a ll false statements made to
120
+ Governmental agencies and departments, but only those
121
+ false statements that might support fraudulent claims against
122
+ the Government, or that might pervert or corrupt the authorized
123
+ functions of those agencies to whom the statements were
124
+ made. Typical of the kind of statements that are within the
125
+ purview of section 1001 are false reports of crime made to
126
+ federal law enforcement agencies that may engender
127
+ groundless federal investigations.
128
+
129
+ Id., 1111.
130
+
131
+ 18 U.S.C. § 1001 does not adequately define “materiality” in general
132
+ and specifically does any provide any guidance whether a statement that is Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 6 of 77
133
+ outside the scope of the alleged crime that is being investigated comes
134
+ within the inten ded purpose of the statute. Accordingly, the statute is void
135
+ for vaguen ess.
136
+ Wherefor e, the foregoing considered, defendant prays this Ho norable
137
+ Court f or dismiss al of Count Eight of the Superseding Indictment as it is
138
+ void for vagueness.
139
+
140
+
141
+ Respectfully submitted,
142
+
143
+ _______/s/_______________
144
+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
145
+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
146
+ Suite 440
147
+ Washington, D.C. 20015
148
+ (202) 347 -0200
149
+
150
+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
151
+
152
+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
153
+ was served, via the Court’s electronic fili ng system, on this the 24thday of
154
+ September, 2021 upon Assistant U.S. Attorney Candice Wong, Esquire.
155
+
156
+
157
+ ______ /s/____________________
158
+ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 47 Filed 09/24/21 Page 7 of 7
10-06-22 - PRETRIAL ORDER as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN. Signed by Judge Emmet G. Sullivan.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,335 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
2
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3
+
4
+
5
+
6
+
7
+ Criminal No. 21-cr-0078 (EGS)
8
+
9
+
10
+
11
+
12
+
13
+ PRETRIAL ORDER
14
+
15
+ It is by the Court hereby
16
+ ORDERED that the United States shall make any required expert
17
+ disclosures by no later than July 17, 2023; and it is further
18
+ ORDERED that Defendant shall make any required reciprocal
19
+ expert disclosure by no later than July 31, 2023; and it is
20
+ further
21
+ ORDERED that the United States shall notify Defendant of its
22
+ intention to introduce any Rule 404(b) evidence not already
23
+ disclosed by no later than May 5, 2023; and it is further
24
+ ORDERED that the United States shall make grand jury and
25
+ Jenks Act disclosures as to each witness it expects to call in its
26
+ case-in-chief by no later than September 2, 2023. Any Brady
27
+ material not already disclosed must also be disclosed by this
28
+ date; and it is further
29
+ ORDERED that the parties shall file their pretrial motions by
30
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
31
+
32
+ v.
33
+
34
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN,
35
+
36
+ Defendant. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 1 of 122 no later than June 2, 2023; oppositions shall be filed by no later
37
+ than June 16, 2023; and replies shall be filed by no later than June 23, 2023. If the United States wishes to file a motion in
38
+ limine with respect to any defense expert, it may do so by filing
39
+ a motion by no later than August 25, 2023; any opposition to such motion shall be filed by no later than September 1, 2023; and any reply by no later than September 7, 2023; and it is further
40
+ ORDERED that Defendant shall satisfy his reciprocal discovery
41
+ obligations, if any, under Rule 16(b) (except as to experts, as noted above) by July 3, 2023. The Court will consider any motion in limine with respect to reciprocal discovery after such discovery is received. Any such motion shall be filed by no later
42
+ than August 25, 2023; any opposition to such motion shall be filed by no later than September 1, 2023; and any reply by no later than September 7, 2023; and it is further
43
+ ORDERED that the Court will hold a motions hearing and
44
+ pretrial conference on September 14, 2023 at 10:30 am. In light of the public health emergency, the hearing shall take place via ZOOM, and the parties shall contact Mr. Mark Coates, the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, for the dial-in information; and it is further
45
+ ORDERED that jury selection shall commence on October 25,
46
+ 2023 at 9:00 am in Courtroom 24A and trial shall commence on
47
+ October 25, 2023 at 10:00 am in Courtroom 24A; and it is further
48
+ ORDERED that the parties are directed to review the jury voir Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 2 of 123 dire questions attached hereto as Attachment A and confer in good
49
+ faith in an effort to submit a joint list of any additional voir
50
+ dire questions that they wish to propose. Additional voir dire
51
+ questions shall be filed via electronic case filing (“ECF”), with
52
+ an additional copy submitted via email to
53
+ sullivan_chambers@dcd.uscourts.gov in Word or Word Perfect format
54
+ (not PDF), by no later than September 7, 2023. In the event that
55
+ counsel are unable to agree on a joint list of additional voir
56
+ dire questions, counsel shall file individual lists of additional
57
+ voir dire questions via ECF, with an additional copy submitted via
58
+ email in Word or Word Perfect format (not PDF), by no later than
59
+ September 7, 2023. The parties shall also inform the Court if
60
+ there are any of the listed standard voir dire questions in
61
+ Attachment A that they do not wish the Court to use or that they
62
+ wish to change in some way and propose alternatives, as appropriate; and it is further
63
+ ORDERED that the parties are directed to confer in good faith
64
+ in an effort to file a joint, concise, neutral statement of the
65
+ case to the Court via ECF, with an additional copy submitted via
66
+ email in Word or Word Perfect format (not PDF), by no later than September 7, 2023. If counsel are unable to agree on a statement
67
+ of the case, counsel shall file individual proposed statements of
68
+ facts, including a preliminary jury instruction regarding the defendant’s theory of the case, via ECF, with an additional copy submitted via email in Word or Word Perfect format (not PDF), by Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 3 of 124 no later than September 7, 2023; and it is further
69
+ ORDERED that the Court uses standard preliminary instructions
70
+ that will be provided to the parties in advance of trial. For final
71
+ jury instructions, the Court uses the latest edition (September
72
+ 2018 - Release 16) of the Criminal Jury Instructions for the
73
+ District of Columbia (the “Red Book”). A list of the Court’s standard final jury instructions is attached to this Order as Attachment B. The parties are directed to confer in good faith in
74
+ an effort to file a joint list of any additional proposed final
75
+ jury instructions to the Court via ECF, with an additional copy submitted via email in Word or Word Perfect format (not PDF), by
76
+ no later than September 7, 2023. If counsel are unable to agree on
77
+ a joint list of proposed jury instructions, counsel shall file
78
+ individual proposed jury instructions via ECF, with an additional
79
+ copy submitted via email in Word or Word Perfect format (not PDF),
80
+ by no later than September 7, 2023. The parties may list any additional standard Red Book instructions by the Red Book instruction number in their submission to the Court. The parties
81
+ are directed, however, to include the full text of all substantive
82
+ offense instructions and any additional proposed standard
83
+ instructions not found in the Red Book. The parties shall also inform the Court if there are any of the listed standard instructions in Attachment B that they do not wish the Court to use
84
+ or that they wish to change in some way and propose alternatives,
85
+ as appropriate; and it is further Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 4 of 125 ORDERED that the parties shall file a list of proposed trial
86
+ exhibits by no later than September 7, 2023. Each party’s numbered
87
+ list of trial exhibits, other than impeachment exhibits, shall set
88
+ forth a description of each exhibit the party may offer in
89
+ evidence (other than those created at trial), separately
90
+ identifying those which the party expects to offer and those which
91
+ the party may offer if the need arises, and should identify
92
+ concisely the evidentiary basis for admissibility. The parties shall include a brief proffer of the specific evidentiary basis
93
+ for any objections to an opposing party’s exhibit. In noting the
94
+ objections, if any, the following codes should be used:
95
+ A- Authenticity I- Contains inadmissible matter
96
+ R- Relevancy
97
+ H- Hearsay
98
+ UP- Unduly prejudicial- probative value outweighed by undue
99
+ prejudice.
100
+ Other abbreviations may be used provided counsel identifies
101
+ such codes in the exhibit listing them. The parties shall submit
102
+ their exhibit lists in the format provided in Attachment C to this
103
+ Order; and it is further
104
+ ORDERED that the parties shall file a witness list
105
+ identifying the names of the witnesses they will call, or may
106
+ call, to testify at trial by no later than September 7, 2023. The
107
+ parties shall designate each witness as one they "will call" or Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 5 of 126 "may call." The parties shall also include in their notices the
108
+ constitutional issues, if any, implicated by the testimony of any
109
+ particular witness. The parties are advised of their obligation to
110
+ update the notices if a new potential witness is discovered after
111
+ the date of the filing; and it is further
112
+ ORDERED that the Court will utilize the Jury Evidence
113
+ Recording System (JERS) to provide the jury with electronic access
114
+ to the evidence in this case during their deliberations. The
115
+ parties are directed to contact Daniel Barrett at (202) 354-3217
116
+ for more information and training on the use of JERS; and it is
117
+ further
118
+ ORDERED that to the extent the parties raise objections in
119
+ the joint pretrial statement or to the proposed substantive
120
+ offense jury instructions, the parties shall state the basis for each objection and include citations to the controlling principles
121
+ and legal authorities.
122
+ Prior to the commencement of trial in this case, the Court
123
+ will issue a further Order containing information regarding COVID-19 protocols in the courtroom.
124
+ SO ORDERED.
125
+ Signed: Emmet G. Sullivan
126
+ United States District Judge
127
+ October 6, 2022 Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 6 of 12 ATTACHMENT A – LIST OF STANDARD VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS
128
+
129
+ 1. Have you heard about the alleged offenses that are charged
130
+ in this case?
131
+
132
+ 2. Do you live or work near the immediate area where the
133
+ offenses are alleged to have occurred or are you familiar
134
+ with that area for some other reason?
135
+
136
+ 3. As I stated, I am Judge Emmet Sullivan. My courtroom clerk
137
+ is Mr. Mark Coates. The Court Reporter is [Name]. My law clerk is [Name]. Do you know me or any member of my staff?
138
+ Do you know any of the attorneys or the defendant in this
139
+ case?
140
+
141
+ 4. The Assistant U.S. Attorney in this case is [AUSA’s name].
142
+ Do you know or recognize [AUSA’s name]?
143
+
144
+ 5. The defendant in this case is [defendant’s name]. He is
145
+ being represented by attorney [defense counsel’s name]. Do
146
+ you know or recognize [defendant’s name] or [defense
147
+ counsel’s name]?
148
+
149
+ 6. [The government will then introduce its witnesses followed
150
+ by the defendant introducing his witnesses. Law enforcement
151
+ witnesses will be identified by their name, rank, and duty assignment. Lay witnesses will be identified by their name,
152
+ address, and place of employment. Expert witnesses will be
153
+ identified by their name, title, and place of employment.] Do you know any of the witnesses that have just been
154
+ introduced to you?
155
+
156
+ The next several questions apply to each of you, members of your
157
+ immediate family, and close friends.
158
+
159
+ 7. Is anyone in that group either presently or previously
160
+ employed by any law enforcement agency, or currently have
161
+ pending at such an agency an application for employment? Law enforcement agencies include any police department, in or outside the District of Columbia, special police officers, prosecutors’ offices, Park Police, FBI, Department of Justice, Sheriffs’ Departments, Secret Service, Department of Corrections, or any other law enforcement
162
+ agency.
163
+ 8. Is any member of that group either presently or previously
164
+ employed by a public defender office or by a criminal Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 7 of 12 defense attorney or group of criminal defense attorneys or
165
+ investigators, or currently have pending an application for
166
+ employment with such a person or organization?
167
+
168
+ 9. Is any member of that group a lawyer or has any member of
169
+ that group studied law in a law school or worked for or with
170
+ a lawyer?
171
+
172
+ 10. Has any member of that group been the victim of, witness to,
173
+ or accused of, whether convicted or not, a criminal offense?
174
+
175
+ 11. Have you or a member of your immediate family – either
176
+ personally or in connection with a business – been involved in any legal action or dispute with the United States, or
177
+ any officers, employees, or agents of the United States?
178
+
179
+ 12. (If law enforcement officer testimony expected.) I will be
180
+ instructing the jury at the end of the trial that the
181
+ testimony of a law enforcement officer should be treated the
182
+ same as the testimony of any other witness and that the jury should not give either greater or lesser weight to the testimony of a witness simply because the witness is a law enforcement officer. Do you have such strong feelings about
183
+ law enforcement, either positive or negative, that you would
184
+ have difficulty following that instruction?
185
+
186
+ 13. This is a case about . Would the nature of th e
187
+ charges themselves make it difficult for you to render a
188
+ fair and impartial judgment in this case?
189
+
190
+ 14. (If a drug crime.) Are you now or have you in the past been
191
+ a member of any group which advocates either for or against the legalization of drugs?
192
+
193
+ 15. Have you formed special opinions concerning defense
194
+ attorneys, prosecutors, or accused persons that would affect you in deciding this case?
195
+
196
+ 16. Do you feel that the defendant has to testify or present
197
+ evidence before you could find him not guilty?
198
+
199
+ 17. If selected as a juror, would you have difficulty accepting
200
+ and applying the rule of law that the defendant is presumed Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 8 of 12 innocent unless the government proves guilt beyond a
201
+ reasonable doubt?
202
+
203
+ 18. There has been an indictment in this case. An indictment
204
+ is not evidence of a crime. It merely initiates a case and
205
+ is a formal way of presenting the charges. The indictment here informs [defendant], the Court, and the members of the jury of the charge against him. Would the fact that an
206
+ indictment charged [defendant] with a crime lead you to
207
+ believe that he is guilty or make it difficult for you to apply the presumption of innocence?
208
+
209
+ 19. The law requires that jurors weigh the evidence in a case
210
+ and reach a verdict based solely upon the admitted evidence
211
+ and instructions of law, without regard whatsoever for what
212
+ the potential punishment might or might not be. Would you
213
+ have any difficulty at all following this principle?
214
+
215
+ 20. Do you have such strong moral or religious convictions that
216
+ it would prevent you from passing judgment on another person?
217
+
218
+ 21. Do you know any of the other members of the jury panel from
219
+ before today?
220
+
221
+ 22. Are you suffering from any sight, hearing, or health
222
+ problems that would make it difficult for you to give your full time and attention to this trial, and render a fair and
223
+ impartial verdict?
224
+
225
+ 23. Have you ever served as a grand juror or juror in the trial of a criminal case in federal court, a District of Columbia Court, or in a court located in another state?
226
+
227
+ 24. I expect this case to take approximately [number of days]
228
+ to try. Do you have any pressing commitment that would make sitting on this jury an extreme hardship?
229
+
230
+ 25. Is there any reason you can think of, whether or not it has
231
+ been covered by a previous question, why you could not sit fairly, attentively, or impartially as a juror in this case? Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 9 of 12 ATTACHMENT B – LIST OF STANDARD FINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS
232
+
233
+ These instructions are taken from the current edition (September
234
+ 2018 - Release 16) of the Criminal Jury Instructions for the District of Columbia (the “Red Book”).
235
+
236
+ General Instructions
237
+
238
+ 2.101 Function of the Court
239
+ 2.102 Function of the Jury
240
+ 2.103 Jury’s Recollection Controls
241
+ 1.105(B) Final Instruction When Notetaking is Permitted
242
+ 2.107 Burden of Proof - Presumption of Innocence
243
+ 2.108 Reasonable Doubt
244
+ 2.110 Nature of Charges Not to Be Considered
245
+ 2.104 Evidence in Case [testimony, exhibits, stipulations]
246
+ 1.104 Question Not Evidence
247
+ 2.105 Statements of Counsel
248
+ 2.106 Indictment or Information Not Evidence
249
+ 2.112 Inadmissible and Stricken Evidence
250
+
251
+ Evaluation of Testimony and Other Evidence
252
+
253
+ 2.109 Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
254
+ 2.200 Credibility of Witnesses
255
+ 2.207 Police Officer’s Testimony (if applicable)
256
+ 2.208 Right of Defendant Not to Testify (if applicable)
257
+ 2.209 Defendant as Witness (if applicable)
258
+
259
+ Definitions, Proof, Offenses, Defenses
260
+
261
+ 3.103 “On or About” - Proof Of
262
+ 3.101 Proof of State of Mind
263
+
264
+ Substantive Offense Instructions
265
+ [To be submitted by the parties.]
266
+
267
+ Closing Remarks
268
+
269
+ 2.505 Possible Punishment Not Relevant
270
+ 2.502 Selection of Foreperson
271
+ 2.405 Unanimity of Verdict
272
+ 2.509 Communications Between Court and Jury During
273
+ Jury’s Deliberations
274
+ 2.501 Exhibits During Deliberations
275
+ 2.100 Furnishing the Jury with a Copy of the Instructions
276
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 10 of 12Objections: (A) - Authenticity, (I)- Contains inadmissible matter, (R) - Relevancy, (H) - Hearsay, (UP) - Unduly prejudicial- probative value
277
+ outweighed by undue prejudice ATTACHMENT C – SAMPLE EXHIBIT LIST
278
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
279
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
280
+
281
+
282
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
283
+
284
+ v.
285
+ [DEFENDANT]
286
+ Case No. XX- cr-XXXX (EGS)
287
+
288
+
289
+ [PARTY’S] EXHIBIT LIST
290
+
291
+ U.S.
292
+ No. Def.
293
+ No. Description /Basis for Admissibility Doc
294
+ Date Objections Use (Will
295
+ or May) Marked Admitted Witness
296
+
297
+
298
+
299
+
300
+
301
+
302
+
303
+
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+
305
+
306
+
307
+
308
+
309
+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 11 of 12Objections: (A) - Authenticity, (I) - Contains inadmissible matter, (R) - Relevancy, (H) - Hearsay, (UP) - Unduly prejudicial - probative value
311
+ outweighed by undue prejudice U.S.
312
+ No. Def.
313
+ No. Description /Basis for Admissibility Doc
314
+ Date Objections Use (Will
315
+ or May) Marked Admitted Witness
316
+
317
+
318
+
319
+
320
+
321
+
322
+
323
+
324
+
325
+
326
+
327
+
328
+
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+
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+
331
+
332
+
333
+
334
+
335
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 83 Filed 10/06/22 Page 12 of 12
10-07-21 - Memorandum in Opposition by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 46 MOTION to Suppress Motion to Suppress Custodial Statements.txt ADDED
@@ -0,0 +1,278 @@
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
+ 1
2
+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
3
+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
4
+
5
+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :
6
+ :
7
+ v. :
8
+ : No. 21- CR-78-EGS
9
+ :
10
+ JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN :
11
+ :
12
+ Defendant. :
13
+
14
+ GOVERNMENT’S OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO SUPPRESS
15
+
16
+ The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for
17
+ the District of Columbia, respectfully opposes the defendant’s “Motion to Suppress Custodial
18
+ Statements .” The defendant, John Earle Sullivan, specifically seeks to suppress pre -arrest
19
+ statements he voluntarily made to an FBI agent while at his own home on January 11, 2021 – days
20
+ before Sullivan was charged – when the agent asked him some questi ons during a visit to obtain
21
+ video footage that Sullivan had previously offered to provide the FBI . Specifically, Sullivan made
22
+ statements acknowledging that while he knew he could be heard stating that he had a knife in the
23
+ publicly posted video of himse lf inside the Capitol Building, he did not in fact have a knife or
24
+ weapon; Sullivan alternately claimed that he was just responding to something the person next to
25
+ him had said, that he was joking, and that he was trying to fit in with the crowd when he so stated .
26
+ The defendant now seeks suppression on grounds that he should have been Mirandized
27
+ because his January 11, 2021 statements were “custodial .” This contention is unsupported by both
28
+ the facts and the law. The circumstances of the defendant’s statements, as reflected on a recording
29
+ of the entire visit, refute the defendant’s claim of “custodial interrogation” as a factual matter, and
30
+ the defendant’s argument s run contrary to established caselaw . No evidentiary hearing is Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 1 of 142
31
+ warranted as the entire visit was captured on video, which is hereby proffered to the Court as an
32
+ exhibit for its review. The defendant’s motion to suppress should be denied on the briefs.
33
+ FACTUAL BACKGROUND
34
+ On January 7, 2021, the defendan t, John Earle Sull ivan, participated in a voluntary
35
+ interview with an FBI agent in Washington, D.C. The defendant stated that he was at the U.S.
36
+ Capitol on January 6, 2021, followed the crowd as it pushed past Capitol Police, and entered the U.S. Capitol Building with othe rs through a broken window. The defendant stated he was wearing
37
+ a ballistics vest and gas mask. The defendant further stated that he had been present at the shooting of a woman by a Capitol Police officer and that he had filmed the incident. The defenda nt showed
38
+ the interviewing agent the footage he had taken, which he stated that he had uploaded to the Internet. At the conclusion of the interview, the defendant stated that he was willing to voluntarily provide a copy of all footage he recorded within t he U.S. Capitol to law enforcement authorities.
39
+ On January 9, 2021, an other FBI officer made contact with Sullivan at one of the phone
40
+ numbers Sullivan provided during his interview to follow up on Sullivan’s offer to voluntarily
41
+ provide his footage. Sullivan sent a link to download a single video that he had taken on January 6. The video was similar to a video Sullivan had publicly posted on his YouTube account.
42
+ As recounted at greater length in the charging documents and previous pleadings, the video
43
+ captured the defendant saying at various points: “There are so many people. Let’s go. This shit is
44
+ ours! Fuck yeah,” “We accomplished this shit. We did this together. Fuck yeah! We are all a part of this history,” and “Let’s burn this shit down.” It showed the defendant extending his hand to
45
+ help pull up an individua l climbing a wall to reach a plaza just outside the Capitol Building
46
+ entrance, saying “You guys are fucking savage. Let’s go!” T he defendant’s ballistics gear and
47
+ gas mask was visible, and the defendant was captured climbing through a broken window to enter Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 2 of 143
48
+ the Capitol Building. The video further recorded several encounters between the defendant and
49
+ law enforcement officers, inclu ding ones where the defendant told the officers that “you are putting
50
+ yourself in harm’s way,” “the people have spoken,” and “there are too many people, you gotta stand down, the people out there that tried to do that shit, they got hurt, I saw it, I’m car ing about
51
+ you.” At a later point, after someone lunges their body against a door, the defendant can be heard
52
+ saying, “That’s what I’m sayin’, break that shit.”
53
+ As relevant here, the video showed the defendant joining a crowd gathered before the main
54
+ entrance to the House Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. There, t he defendant could be heard telling
55
+ other individuals, “there’s officers at the door ,” and then could be heard – but not seen – saying,
56
+ “Hey guys, I have a knife. I have a knife. Let me up.” Later in the video, t he defendant then
57
+ approaches the doorway to the Speaker’s Lobby, a hallway which connects to the House Chamber. There too, t he defendant can be heard – but again not seen – saying, “I have a knife…. Let me
58
+ through I got a knife, I got a kni fe, I got a knife.”
59
+ On January 11, 2021, FBI Special Agent Matt hew Foulger from the Salt Lake City Field
60
+ Office – the defendant’s home district – sought to visit the defendant to receive the remaining
61
+ footage. Agent Foulger called the defendant on his two numbers multiple times between 12:28pm
62
+ and 1:03pm before heading to Sullivan’s home : Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 3 of 144
63
+
64
+ Agent Foulger also texted the defendant at 12:30 pm – a text that the defendant himself
65
+ later posted on his Twitter account, “realjaydenx,” redacting the agent’s name :
66
+
67
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 4 of 145
68
+ As reflected on the recording,1 Agent Foulger and a colleague, an FBI T ask F orce Officer ,
69
+ knocked on the defendant’s door and waited for him to open it before greeting him and identifying
70
+ themselves as law enforcement officials. Defendant immediately and repeatedly invited Agent
71
+ Foulger and his colleague in:
72
+ John Sullivan (“ JS”): Hello?
73
+ Agent Foulger (“ AF”): John Sullivan?
74
+ JS: Yeah.
75
+ AF: How are you?
76
+ JS: Good, how are you?
77
+ AF: I’m Matt Foulger with the FBI.
78
+ JS: Well, come on in.
79
+ AF: This is Jen.
80
+ JS: Yeah, come on in.
81
+ AF: Do you know why we’re here?
82
+ JS: Probably. Capitol stuff?
83
+ AF: Yeah. So, last week you spoke with our colleagues in D.C., right? And, they said you
84
+ had additional video.
85
+ JS: I do, yeah.
86
+ AF: Do you mind if we come in?
87
+ JS: Yeah, yeah. [ Defendant motions them in .]
88
+ See Exh, A (approx. 5: 14-5:40). Once inside, they exchanged pleasantries . Agent Foulger asked,
89
+ “Do you mind if we ask you a couple questions?” and the defendant agreed (“Yeah.”) . See Exh.
90
+ A (approx. 8:05). The ensuing conversation lasted approximately 35 minutes.
91
+ Throughout the approximately 35-minute dialogue , the tone and demeanor of all parties
92
+ was cordial and the defendant readily answered the agent’s questions while copying his video files
93
+ onto a thumb drive the agent had brought .
94
+
95
+ 1 See Exh . A (1 -11-2021 Recording), transmitted to the courtroom deputy through USAFx. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 5 of 146
96
+ In the course of the interview , the agent asked the defendant whether he had a weapon on
97
+ January 6, 2021, while inside the Capitol Building:
98
+ AF: Did you have a wea —a gun on you or anything?
99
+ JS: No, I had no gun. No guns, no weapons
100
+ AF: No knife or anything like that?
101
+ JS: It is illegal to carry that—all of that stuff.
102
+ AF: Oh, for sure. I just want —I mean, if I’m not a pro -Trumper, and, you know,
103
+ I’m going into— the lion’s den, I would wanna, you know, at least feel secure, so.
104
+ JS: Yeah. I mean, I flew in so, like, I can’t bring a gun on the plane — or anything
105
+ like that, so yeah.
106
+
107
+ AF: Okay. Um, I just ask the weapons question cause I think you sent a link to one
108
+ of our agents —um, of a fifty- minute clip when you guys go in. I think in there —I
109
+ wanna say, uh—
110
+ JS: I know what you’re talking about.
111
+ AF: —it was probably your voice —about having a knife.
112
+ JS: Yeah, I do know what you’re talking about. So, I’m talking to the person next
113
+ to me, like, words you can’t hear because, like, all the camera can hear is my voice.
114
+ You really can’t hear anybody outside or around me. So, he’s talking to me about
115
+ something like that. But, I do remember that part of, like, me saying like, “Oh, yeah, I have a knife on me.” I think it was more in a joking manner, like, not literally have a knife on me. Like, at no point do I plan to, like, stab somebody. Um, so like I just don’t have a knife on me on that —in that instance.
116
+ AF: Okay.
117
+ JS: But it was more like —I mean I said a lot of things throughout that entire video.
118
+ AF: Yeah.
119
+ JS: But it was only, like, to relate to the person next to me, so that they don’t feel
120
+ the need to, like, just start fucking me up.
121
+ See Exh. A (approx. 14: 45-16:35).
122
+ The defendant and Agent Foulger remained cordial as they parted ways:
123
+ AF: Thank you, sir.
124
+ JS: Let me know if you need anything else.
125
+ AF: Okay.
126
+ JS: I’ll be happy to— Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 6 of 147
127
+ AF: Awesome.
128
+ JS: Thank you guys.
129
+ Task force officer: Appreciate it.
130
+ AF: Yeah, thank you guys.
131
+ JS: Take care.
132
+ AF: Likewise.
133
+ See Exh. A (approx. 43:45-44:00).
134
+ On January 13, 2021, the defendant was charged by complaint with violations of 18 U.S.C.
135
+ §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders); 18 U.S.C. § 1752(a) (Knowingly Entering or Remaining in a
136
+ Restricted Building or Grounds without Lawful Authority); and 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2) (Violent
137
+ Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds) , and the defendant was arrested the following
138
+ day. The defendant was not charged with any weapons count.
139
+ On February 3, 2021, a grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a n indictment
140
+ against the defendant charging violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) & 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders and
141
+ Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) (Entering or Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds) and 1752(a)(2) (Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds); and 40 U.S.C. §§ 5104(e)(2)(D) (Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building) and 5104(e)(2)(G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building). Again, the defendant was not indicted on any weapons count.
142
+ Subsequent to that date, law enforcement obtained and reviewed video from an individual
143
+ present at the scene whe n Sullivan stood before the main entrance to the House Chamber and was
144
+ heard – but not seen – saying, “Hey guys, I have a knife. I have a knife. Let me up.” The
145
+ individual’s video showed the defendant holding up the black handle to a knife at the very moment
146
+ that he made the statement about having a knife . Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 7 of 148
147
+ On May 19, 2021, based on that video as well as additional evidence gathered in the course
148
+ of the investigation, a grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment that added, inter alia , weapons
149
+ charges and a false statements charge against the defendant. The Superseding Indictment charges
150
+ violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2) & 2 (Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and Aiding and
151
+ Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 231(a)(3) & 2 (Civil Disorders and Aiding and Abetting); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) and 1752(b)(1)(A) (Entering or Remaining in a Restricted Building or G rounds with a
152
+ Dangerous Weapon); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(2) and 1752(b)(1)(A) (Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Dangerous Weapon); 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(1)(A)(i) (Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on Capitol G rounds or Buildings);
153
+ 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(D) (Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building); 40 U.S.C. § 5104(e)(2)(G) (Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building); and 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) (False Statement or Representation to an Agency of the United States).
154
+ ARGUMENT
155
+ The defendant’s motion argues that his statements denying having a knife , and justifying
156
+ why he had stated that he had a knife despite not having a knife, should be suppressed because
157
+ they were obtained in violation of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966) . Specifically, the
158
+ defendant’s motion contends that he made the statements in the course of a “ custodial
159
+ interrogation” on January 11, 2021 by Agent Foulger at his home. ECF 46, at 4. The claim is
160
+ meritless and should be denied. Moreover, because the entire visit was captured on a recording that leaves no significant factual issues as to what transpired, the defendant’s motion does not require an evidentiary hearing .
161
+ I. The Defendant Did Not Undergo “Custodial Interrogation ” on January 11, 2021.
162
+ As is well -established, Miranda warnings are only required “where a suspect in custody is
163
+ subjected to interrogation.” United States v. Vinton, 594 F.3d 14, 26 (D.C. Cir. 2010) (emphasis Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 8 of 149
164
+ added). The protections offered by Miranda only apply in the instance of “ custodial
165
+ interrogation,” which is when a reasonable person in the defendant’s position would have
166
+ understood that he was subject to a “formal arrest or restraint on freedom of movement of the
167
+ degree associated with a formal arrest.” Stansbury v. California, 511 U.S. 318, 322 (1994) (quoti ng California v. Beheler , 463 U.S. 1121, 1125 (1983)). As the Supreme Court has
168
+ explained, “[v]olunteered statements of any kind are not barred by the Fifth Amendment” and “any
169
+ statement given freely and voluntarily without any compelling influences is, of course, admissible in evidence” without Miranda warnings. Miranda, 384 U.S. at 478; see also United States v.
170
+ Sheffield, 799 F. Supp. 2d 22 (D.D.C. 2011), aff'd, 832 F.3d 296 (D.C. Cir. 2016); United States
171
+ v. Samuels, 938 F.2d 210, 214 (D.C. Cir. 1991). The crux of the issue is thus whether , given the
172
+ circumstances, “a reasonable person [would] have felt he or she was not at liberty to terminate the interrogation.” Thompson v. Keohane , 516 U.S. 99, 112 (1995). “Relevant factors include the
173
+ location of the questioning, its duration, statements made during the interview, the presence or absence of physical restraints during the questioning, and the release of the interviewee at the end of the questioning.” Howes v. Fields , 565 U.S. 499, 509 (2012) (internal citations omitted).
174
+ As far as the location of questioning, interviews in a suspect ’s home are generally non-
175
+ custodial. Beckwith v. United States , 425 U.S. 341 (1976) ; see also 2 WAYNE R. LAFAVE,
176
+ CRIMINAL PROCEDURE § 6.6(e) (3d ed. 2007) (“courts are much less likely to find the
177
+ circumstances custodial when the interrogation occurs in familiar or at least neutral surroundings ”); United States v. Faux , 828 F.3d 130, 135- 36 (2d Cir. 2016) (“[C] ourts rarely
178
+ conclude, absent a formal arrest, that a suspect questioned in her own home is ‘ in custody.’”); see
179
+ also United States v. Mitchell , 966 F.2d 92, 98–99 (2d Cir. 1992) (reversing district court where
180
+ in–home interview was “cooperative” and there was no speech or action that could reasonably be Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 9 of 1410
181
+ taken as intimidating, coercive, or restricting defendant's freedom of action) . In Faux , for instance,
182
+ the Second Circuit found the circumstances to be noncustodial because the tone of the questioning
183
+ was largely conversational; there was no indication that the agents raised their voices, showed
184
+ firearms, or made threats ; the individual’s movements were monitored but not restricted, certainly
185
+ not to the degree of a person under formal arrest ; and she was thus never “completely at the mercy
186
+ of” the agents in her home. 828 F.3d at 139; see also United States v. Luck , 2017 WL 1192899
187
+ (6th Cir. Mar. 3 1, 2017) (agents did not brandish weapons or block exits, encounter calm and
188
+ relatively short); United States v. Lamy , 521 F.3d 1257 (10th Cir. 2008) (questioning in the
189
+ “common area of his home, during which his mother came and went from the room ” was not
190
+ custodial) . Courts in this jurisdiction have similarly found, in situations where the interview takes
191
+ place in a familiar or neutral setting, that defendants were not “in custody.” See, e.g., Vinton, 594
192
+ F.3d at 27 (“Most of the statements Vinton claims were improperly admitted were made by him while he was sitting in his car…. At the time he made these statements, Vinton was not ‘in custody’
193
+ and faced an ‘ordinary,’ ‘noncoercive’ traffic stop.”); United States v. Robinson, 256 F. Supp. 3d 15, 26 (D.D.C. 2017) (interview setting “was not a police statement or any other characteristically
194
+ police -dominated or coercive location, but was instead an office inside of Defendant’s own place
195
+ of work”) .
196
+ Here, a reasonable person in the defendant’s position “ would have understood that he was
197
+ not subject to a formal arrest or restraint of the degree associated with a formal arrest, and would have felt free to terminate the interview.” Robinson, 256 F. Supp. 3d at 25. At the outset, the
198
+ defendant had himself created the opening for such a visit by previously offering to provide his footage. Agent Foulger did not arrive wholly “unannounced,” ECF 46, at 6, but rather call ed and
199
+ texted the defendant in advance – calls that the defendant appeared to ackno wledge receiving Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 10 of 1411
200
+ (“Was that you calling me?”) and a text the defendant admitted receiving by later posting it on
201
+ Twitter. In any event, when the two agents arrived in the afternoon of January 11, 2021, they clearly identified themselves as law enforcement , and the defendant chose to invite and wave them
202
+ in, repeatedly, into his own home. The defendant himself appeared unsurprised by the visit and posited that they must be there for “Capitol stuff.” T he presence of the two agents, moreover, one
203
+ of whom re mained largely silent throughout, cannot be characterized as transforming the
204
+ defendant’s home into a “police -dominated environment.” ECF 46, at 5. There were no threats ,
205
+ intimidating conduct, promises, or brandishing of weapons by the two agents , and the defendant’s
206
+ motion does not suggest otherwise .
207
+ 2 No physical restraints were imposed on the defendant, and
208
+ the defendant was not placed under arrest at the end of the interview. The defendant does not
209
+ contend otherwise.
210
+ As in Robinson – a case where an interview at the suspect’s workplace was deemed non -
211
+ custodial, even as authorities were executing a search warrant at that time – the defendant was not
212
+ “ordered to submit to an int erview” but rather “asked .” Id. (emphasis in original). The defendant
213
+ here not only agreed to proceed when the agent asked, “Do you mind if we ask you a couple
214
+ questions?” but he appeared, as in Robinson, “willing, even eager, to engage in the interview,”
215
+ responding with some enthusiasm and giving answers of substantial length with little prompting.
216
+ Id. at 26. The parties were amicable in tone , “calm and patient throughout the interview.” Id. The
217
+ defendant “had a thorough opportunity to reconsider his decision to be interviewed” but stayed. Id. The 35-minute interview was “not particularly long.” See id. (“ The interview was not
218
+
219
+ 2 The defendant himself stated that he was armed : “There’s a gun right here by the way. Just so
220
+ you know. So that you don���t feel too concerned.” The agent responded, “Thanks. Okay. We’re
221
+ also armed but…” The defendant stated, “Oh, you’re armed, too? Okay, cool.” The agent stated, “Yeah, we have t o be,” and the defendant said, “Yeah, of course.” Exh. A (approx. 7:40).
222
+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 11 of 1412
223
+ particularly long, lasting somewhere between 45 minutes and a little over an hour….”) ; United
224
+ States v. Levenderis , 806 F.3d 390, 400 (6th Cir. 2015) (defendant was not in custody; “the length
225
+ of questioning during the first interview was relatively brief, approximatel y thirty minutes”)
226
+ compare United States v. Patterson, 393 F. Supp. 3d 456, 469 (E.D. La. 2019) (hours -long
227
+ interview by agents was still non- custodial due to ability of defendant to leave, among other
228
+ factors). And at the conclusion of the questions, the defendant thanked the agents and told them to
229
+ let him know if they needed anything else.
230
+ To be sure, as the defendant states, courts hav e found in certain exceptional cases that in-
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+ home interviews have had sufficient indicia of compulsion to be rendered “custodial.” E .g., United
232
+ States v. Savoy , 889 F.Supp.2d 78, 106–10 (D.D.C. 2012) (finding custody wherein 16 armed law
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+ enforcement in “tactical gear” forcibly entered defendant’s home in early morning and proceeded
234
+ to handcuff defendants and his family); Orozco v. Texas , 394 U.S. 324 (1969) ( finding custody
235
+ when four officers entered defendant’s bedroom at 4:00 a.m. after being told he was asleep and
236
+ instructed him that he was “not free to go where he pleased but was ‘under arrest’”). But those
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+ circumstances are wholly inapposite and distinguishable to the facts of this case.
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+ Nor is it significant if the agent – in addition to his bona fide interest in following up on
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+ the defendant’s offer to provide additional footage – had already “identified John Sullivan as a
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+ participant in the events of January 6, 2021” ( based on video that Sullivan himself had already
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+ posted online and voluntarily provided to the FBI ). ECF 46, at 5. As the Supreme Court has said,
242
+ “‘It was the compulsive aspect of custodial interrogation, and not the strength or content of the government's suspicions at the time the questioning was conducted, which led the court to impose the Miranda requirements with regard to custodial questioning.’” Beckwith , 425 U.S. at 346–47
243
+ (emphasis added) ; see also Oregon v. Mathiason, 429 U.S. 492, 495 (1977) (“Nor is the Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 12 of 1413
244
+ requirement of war nings to be imposed simply … because the questioned person is one whom the
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+ police suspect. Miranda warnings are required only where there has been such a restriction on a
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+ person’ s freedom as to render him ‘ in custody.’”). Here, however “active” the “investigation into
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+ the events of January 6, 2021,” ECF 46, at 6, and whatever suspicions were harbored, the hallmarks
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+ of custodial interrogation were not present.
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+ II. No Evidentiary Hearing is Warranted.
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+ The defendant’s requested evidentiary hearing is not warranted because for more than fifty
251
+ years, the law in this Circuit has been that “[a] defendant is entitled to an evidentiary hearing on his motion to suppress ‘only upon factual allegations which, if established, would warrant relief.’” United States v. Thornton , 454 F.2d 957, 967 n. 65 (D.C. Cir. 1971) ; accord United States v. Law ,
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+ 528 F.3d 888, 903–04 (D.C. Cir. 2008). T he entirety of the d efendant’s engagement with the two
253
+ agents was recorded, leaving no significant factua l issues as to what transpired. The facts as
254
+ reflected on that video recording make plain that no Miranda violation occurred .
255
+ CONCLUSION
256
+ WHEREFORE, the United States respectfully requests that the defendant’s Motion to
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+ Suppress be denied.
258
+ Respectfully submitted,
259
+ CHANNING D. PHILLIPS
260
+ United States Attorney
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+ D.C. Bar No. 415793
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+
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+ /s/ Candice C. Wong
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+ By: Candice C. Wong
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+ D.C. Bar No. 990903
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+ 555 4th Street, N.W., R oom 4816
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+ Washington, D.C. 20530
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+ (202) 252- 7849
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+ candice.wong@usdoj.gov Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 13 of 1414
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+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
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+ I hereby certify that on October 7, 2021, I caused a copy of the foregoing motion to be
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+ served on counsel of record via electronic filing.
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+ /s/ Candice C. Wong
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+ Candice C. Wong
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 48 Filed 10/07/21 Page 14 of 14
10-13-21 - NOTICE OF DISCOVERY by USA as to JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
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+
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+
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+ U.S. Department of Justice
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+ Channing D. Phillips
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+ Acting United States Attorney
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+ District of Columbia
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+ Judiciary Center
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+ 555 Fourth St., N.W.
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+ Washington, D.C. 20530
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+
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+ October 13, 2021
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+
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+ Via Email
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+ Steven Kiersh
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+ Counsel for John Earle Sullivan 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 skiersh@aol.com
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+ Re: United States v. John Earle Sullivan
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+ Case No. 1:21- cr-00078- EGS
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+ Dear Counsel:
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+ The enclosed letter memorializes the provision of the following additional discovery in
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+ this case, via filesharing, on October 13, 2021:
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+
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+ 1. Intuit subpoena returns (41 files)
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+ 2. YouTube search warrant and return
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+ 3. MARKE D SENSITIVE: Videos obtained from other Capitol
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+ investigations ( 8 files):
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+ a. D-9 – 1 video
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+ b. D-11 – 2 videos
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+ c. D-12 – 4 videos
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+ d. D-13 – 1 video
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+ 4. MARKED SENSITIVE: Officer interview transcripts (2 files)
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+ 5. FBI e xhibits used in February 10, 2021 officer interviews (2 files)
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+ 6. Deseret article with interview of defendant
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+ 7. Petitio n by defendant
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+ 8. Open -source CSPAN video excerpt from Statuary Hall
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+
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+ The discovery is unencrypted . Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the
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+ information, and to confer regarding pretrial discovery as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 16.1.
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 50-1 Filed 10/13/21 Page 1 of 22
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+ This material is being provided pursuant to the Protective Order issued in this case.
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+ Please adhere to sensitivity markings.
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+ I will forward additional discovery as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
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+
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+ Sincerely,
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+
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+ _______________________
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+ Candice C. Wong
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+ Assistant United States Attorney
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+ 202-252-7849
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+ Candice.wong@usdoj.gov
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 50-1 Filed 10/13/21 Page 2 of 2
10-20-21 - Joint MOTION to Continue October 28, 2021 Status Hearing for Sixty Days by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN.txt ADDED
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+ 1
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+ UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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+ FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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+
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+ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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+
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+ V. Case No.: 21 -cr-78 (EGS)
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+
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+
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+ JOHN SULLIVAN
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+
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+ JOINT MOTION TO CONTINUE OC TOBER 28, STATUS HEARING
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+
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+ The parties hereby respectfully request the Court to continue the
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+ October 28, 2021 status hearing for approximately 60 days . In support
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+ thereof, the pa rties set forth as follows:
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+ 1. This case involves a multi -count indictment with a vast amount of
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+ discovery. The process of receiving and reviewing the discovery is
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+ proceeding in an orderly and cooperative fashion
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+ 2. There have recently been very large files of di scovery produced
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+ consisting of , among other items , thousa nds of hours of videotapes. The
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+ files require a very signi ficant amount of time to be reviewed and evaluated.
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+ 3. While the process of discovery review is on -going , the parties do
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+ not presently have additional informati on to present to the Court at a formal
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+ status hearing. Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 51 Filed 10/20/21 Page 1 of 42
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+ 4. Counsel for th e respective parti es have conferred and believe that
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+ an approximately 60 -day continua nce of the October 28, 2021 status
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+ hearing is the best way in which to proceed.
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+ 5. The parties rel y upon the discretionary powers of this H onorable
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+ Court in seek ing the r elief requested here in.
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+ WHEREFORE, the foreg oing considered, the parti es pray this
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+ Honorable Court to continue the Octob er 28, 2021 statu s hearing for
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+ approximately 60 days .
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+
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+ Respectfully submitted ,
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+
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+ _______/s/_______________
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+ Steven R. Kiersh #323329
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+ 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
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+ Suite 440
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+ Washington, D.C. 20015
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+ (202) 347 -0200
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+
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+ _______ /s/__________________
45
+ Candice C. Wong #990903
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+ Assistant U.S. Attorney
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+ 555 4th Street, N.W.
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+ Washington, D.C. 20530
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+ (202) 252 -7849
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 51 Filed 10/20/21 Page 2 of 43
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+
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+
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+ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
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+
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+ I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing
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+ was served, via the Court’s electronic filing system, on this 20th day of
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+ October , 2021 upon all counsel of record, including Candice Wong,
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+ Esquire, Assistant U.S Attorney.
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+
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+
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+ ______ /s/____________________
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+ Steven R. Kiersh
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 51 Filed 10/20/21 Page 3 of 44
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+ Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 51 Filed 10/20/21 Page 4 of 4
10-26-21 - REPLY TO OPPOSITION to Motion by JOHN EARLE SULLIVAN re 46 MOTION to Suppress Motion to Suppress.txt ADDED
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+ 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. 21-cr-78(EGS) JOHN SULLIVAN REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO SUPPRESS Defendant, by and through undersigned counsel, in reply to the Government’s Opposition to Motion to Suppress Statements, does hereby state as follows: Defendant agrees that the relevant chronology of interaction with law enforcement commences with an interview on January 7, 2021 in Washington, D.C. and consists of another interview with the F.B.I. in Salt Lake City on January 11, 2021. However, the purpose of the second interview was simply to provide video footage to law enforcement taken by defendant of events at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. It was not the intention of defendant to submit to interrogation during the second interview on January 9, 2021. As set forth in the Government’s Opposition, “On January 11, 2021, FBI Special Agent Mathew Foulger from the Salt Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 1 of 6 2 Lake City Filed Office, -the defendant’s home district-sought to visit the defendant to receive the remaining footage.” ECF 48, page 3. Defendant emphasizes the specific dialogue between the two FBI agents and defendant while inside his home. FBI: Do you know why we’re here? JS: Probably Capitol Stuff? FBI: Yeah. So. Last week you spoke with our colleagues in DC., right? And, they said you had additional video. JS. I do, yeah. The “Capitol stuff” that was discussed in the District of Columbia on January 7, 2021 was exclusively related to the filming of events that occurred inside the United States Capitol. The interrogation that occurred in the District of Columbia had absolutely nothing to do with whether defendant had a weapon in his possession on January 6, 2021. The dialogue on January 11, 2021 in Salt Lake City lasted approximately 35 minutes and initially related to the videotape. At one point during the conversation, the FBI switched topics and asked defendant an intentionally incriminating statement concerning whether he had a weapon in his possession. The question was intentionally incriminating for the following reasons: Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 2 of 6 3 The FBI had previously seen video footage and supposedly heard defendant speaking about possessing a knife. Therefore, there was no reason to ask the question about a weapon other than to have defendant make a potentially incriminating statement by agreeing to possessing a weapon or by making an incriminating statement denying he had a knife as that could lead to the additional charge of making a false statement to law enforcement. The latter is precisely what happened as defendant’s response to interrogation initiated by the F.B.I. resulted in the superseding indictment and the addition of Count 8 in the superseding indictment. It is absolutely clear that the multiple FBI agents who went to defendant’s home on January 11, 29021 did not arrive with the sole intent of acquiring a videotape. They went with the specific intent and purpose to obtain an incriminating statement from defendant. Defendant was under the very reasonable belief that he was a target of the investigation of criminal activities that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. He was interrogated in Washington, D.C. on January 7, 2021 and then interrogated by other law enforcement officials in Salt Lake City on January 11, 2021. He was confronted my multiple FBI agents at his home on January 11, 2021 and was not informed he could deny speaking with the FBI agents. Defendant was under the impression Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 3 of 6 4 that the agents were at his home to acquire a videotape and the agents initiated the conversation about a weapon. The conversation that the FBI initiated regarding weapons was not spontaneous. It was a planned out decision designed to obtain incriminating evidence from defendant. Custody is an acknowledged predicate for the requirement of Miranda warnings. However, it is well established that custody is not limited to formal arrests but includes “restraints on freedom of movement that are the functional equivalent of a formal arrest.” California v. Beheler, 463 U.S. 1121, 1125 (1983). The Supreme Court has phrased the inquiry as “whether a reasonable person [would] have felt he or she was not at liberty to terminate the interrogation and leave.” Thompson v. Keohane, 516 U.S. 99, 112 (1995). Further, it is established that questioning in one’s own home can constitute a custodial interrogation., See Orozco v. Texas, 394 U.S. 324,(1969). The fact that the questioning took place in defendant’s home is significant. The 2nd Circuit has noted, “The home is ‘the most constitutionally protected place on earth; thus the right to terminate the interrogation and be free to leave is hollow if one place that the individual cannot retreat to, or exclude law enforcement from, is her home.” United Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 4 of 6 5 States v. Faux, 828 F.3d 130,13 (2nd Cir. 2016), citing United States v. Craighead, 539 F.3d 1073, 1082-83 (9th Cir. 2008). In Howes v. Fields, the Supreme Court sought to define custody for purposes of Miranda and concluded in part that, “in order to determine how a suspect would have gauged his freedom of movement, courts must examine all of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation.” 566 US 499, 509 (2012). In sum, custody is to be decided on a case-by-case basis. Several factors suggest that defendant reasonably believed he was in custody at the second interview: a. This was his second interrogation that went beyond the agreed upon reason for the meeting to turn over a videotape; b. Defendant was alone at the time of interrogation which involved two experienced F.B.I. agents; c. Turning over a videotape would ordinarily take a matter of seconds. The questioning went on for 35 minutes; d. Defendant was not on verbal notice the agents were going to arrive at his house; Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 5 of 6 6 e. The purpose of the interview was to obtain incriminating information from defendant with the Agent asking: “Did you have a wea—a gun or anything on you?” and “No knife or anything like that?” For the foregoing reasons, and for those set forth in defendant’s opening Motion to Suppress Statements, defendant seeks suppression of all statements made to the F.B.I. in his home on January 11, 2021. Respectfully submitted, _______/s/_________________ Steven R. Kiersh#323329 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 440 Washington, D.C. 20015 (202) 347-0200 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a truce and accurate copy of the foregoing was served via the Court’s electronic system, on this the 26th day of October, 2021 upon the Office of the U.S. Attorney, Candice Wong, Esquire, Assistant U.S. Attorney. _______/s/_______________ Steven R. Kiersh Case 1:21-cr-00078-EGS Document 53 Filed 10/26/21 Page 6 of 6