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UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT
X
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dkt. Nos. 21-58, 21-770
Appellee,
GHISLAINE MAXWELL,
Defendant-Appellant.
x
AFFIRMATION IN OPPOSITION
TO DEFENDANT'S
RENEWED MOTION FOR
PRETRIAL RELEASE
STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
: ss.:
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK )
, pursuant to Title 28, United States Code,
Section 1746, hereby declares under penalty of perjury:
1.
I am an Assistant United States Attorney in the Office of Audrey
Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and I
represent the United States of America in this matter.
I submit this affirmation in
opposition to defendant-appellant Ghislaine Maxwell's renewed motion for pretrial
release following this Court's order, dated April 27, 2021, which denied Maxwell's
prior motion for bail or temporary pretrial release and affirmed the District Court's
orders denying such relief.
EFTA00091595
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
2.
Indictment 20 Cr. 330 (AJN) was filed on June 29, 2020,
charging Maxwell in six counts. On July 2, 2020, Maxwell was arrested. On July 8,
2020, Indictment S I 20 Cr. 330 (AJN) (the "Indictment") was filed containing the
same charges with ministerial corrections. (Dkt. 17 ("Ind.")),I Count One charges
Maxwell with conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Count Two charges Maxwell with enticing a minor
to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2422 and 2.
Count Three charges Maxwell with conspiracy to transport minors to participate in
illegal sex acts, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Count Four charges Maxwell with
transporting minors to participate in illegal sex acts, in violation of 18 U.S.C.
§§ 2423 and 2. Counts Five and Six charge Maxwell with perjury, in violation of
18 U.S.C. § 1623.
3.
On July 14, 2020, the Honorable Alison J. Nathan, United States
District Judge, held a lengthy bail hearing, at the conclusion of which she denied
"Br." refers to Maxwell's original brief on appeal; "Ex." refers to the exhibits to
Maxwell's original brief; "Gov't Ex." refers to the exhibit to the Government's prior
affidavit; "Mot." refers to Maxwell's May 17, 2021 renewed motion for pretrial
release in this appeal; "Mot. Ex." refers to the exhibits to Maxwell's renewed motion
for pretrial release; and "Dkt." refers to an entry on the District Court's docket for
this case. Unless otherwise noted, case text quotations omit all internal quotation
marks and alterations.
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Maxwell bail. (Ex. D). Maxwell twice renewed her bail application (Ex. E, I), which
motions Judge Nathan denied in written orders dated December 28, 2020 and March
22, 2021 (Ex. H, L). Maxwell filed notices of appeal from these two orders (though
not the original detention order).
4.
On April 27, 2021, this Court affirmed the orders denying
Maxwell's pretrial release that were entered by Judge Nathan on December 28, 2020
and March 22, 2021, and denied Maxwell's motion for bail, or in the alternative,
temporary pretrial release pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(i).
5.
On May 17, 2021, Maxwell filed a renewed motion for pretrial
release, seeking to relitigate this Court's ruling.
6.
Maxwell's trial is now scheduled to begin on November 29,
2021.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
7.
This Court is already familiar with the factual and procedural
background of this case, which were detailed in the Government's Affirmation in
Opposition to Defendant's Appeal of Orders Denying Pretrial Release, dated April
12, 2021. The Government respectfully incorporates by reference the facts and
arguments set forth in its April 12, 2021 opposition.
8.
In sum, the Indictment charges Maxwell with facilitating the
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sexual abuse of multiple minor victims by Jeffrey Epstein between approximately
1994 and 1997.2 (Ind. ¶ 1). During that period, Maxwell played a key role in
Epstein's sexual abuse of minor girls by helping to identify, entice, and groom minor
victims, who were as young as 14 years old, to engage in sex acts with Epstein.
(Id.). Together, Maxwell and Epstein conspired to entice and cause minor victims
to travel to Epstein's residences in different states, which Maxwell knew and
intended would result in their grooming for and subjection to sexual abuse. (Ind. ¶
2).
To conceal her crimes, Maxwell lied under oath during a civil deposition,
including when asked about her interactions with minor girls. (Id.).
9.
The Indictment contains detailed speaking allegations which
describe: the means and methods of Maxwell's criminal conduct (Ind. ¶ 4);
Maxwell's interactions with three minor victims (Ind. ¶¶ 7(a)-(c)); specific overt acts
performed by Maxwell (Ind. ¶¶ 11(a)-(d)); and specific false statements that form
the basis of the perjury charges (Ind. ¶¶ 21, 23).
2 After Judge Nathan's bail decisions were issued, Superseding Indictment S2 20
Cr. 330 (AJN) (the "Superseding Indictment") was filed, charging Maxwell in eight
counts. In addition to the original six charges, the Superseding Indictment also
charges Maxwell with sex trafficking conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371,
and sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1591. Among other
things, the Superseding Indictment expanded the scope of the conspiracies charged
in Counts One and Three from 1994 through 2004 and identified a fourth victim of
those conspiracies.
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10.
As the Government has explained in oral and written proffers,
the allegations in the Indictment are supported by the detailed, credible testimony of
three different victim-witnesses.
(See, e.g., Ex. A at 5; Ex. F at 9-10).
Each
victim-witness's testimony is not only corroborated by that of the other victim-
witnesses, but also by the testimony of other witnesses and documentary evidence,
including flight records, diary entries, and other evidence. (See Ex. A at 5; Ex. F
at 10-12).
11.
Maxwell has made three separate bail applications to the District
Court, each of which was thoroughly briefed.
Judge Nathan denied all three
applications in careful and thorough decisions.
12.
First, after receiving extensive written submissions from the
parties (Ex. A, B, C), Judge Nathan held a bail hearing on July 14, 2020, at which
she heard lengthy oral argument and received statements from two victims. Judge
Nathan ultimately ordered Maxwell detained on the basis of risk of flight and
explained her reasoning in a detailed oral ruling. (Ex. D at 79-91). In reaching
this decision, Judge Nathan found that "the nature and circumstances of the offense
here weigh in favor of detention" (id. at 82), "[t]he government's evidence at this
early juncture of the case appears strong" (id), and Maxwell's history and
characteristics demonstrate that she poses a risk of flight (id. at 83). Among other
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things, Judge Nathan emphasized Maxwell's "substantial international ties,"
including "multiple foreign citizenships," "familial and personal connections
abroad," and "at least one foreign property of significant value." (Id.). Judge
Nathan further noted that Maxwell "possesses extraordinary financial resources,"
lacks "any dependents, significant family ties or employment in the United States,"
and made representations to Pretrial Services about her finances that "likely do not
provide a complete and candid picture of the resources available." (Id. at 83-84).
Accordingly, Judge Nathan found that the Government had carried its burden of
demonstrating that Maxwell "poses a substantial actual risk of flight" and that "even
the most restrictive conditions of release would be insufficient" to ensure Maxwell's
appearance, especially in light of her "demonstrated sophistication in hiding [her
financial] resources and herself."
(Id. at 86-87).
Judge Nathan also rejected
Maxwell's arguments about the difficulty of preparing a defense while incarcerated,
finding that measures in place were sufficient to ensure Maxwell's access to her
counsel.
Judge Nathan directed the Government to work with the defense "to
provide adequate communication between counsel and client" and invited the
defense to make specific applications to the District Court for further relief if the
process was "inadequate in any way." (Id. at 90-91).
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EFTA00091600
13.
Second, on December 8, 2020, Maxwell renewed her request for
bail, presenting a revised bail package with additional financial restrictions. (Ex.
E). After considering multiple written submissions (Ex. E, F, G), Judge Nathan
denied Maxwell's application in a detailed written opinion (Ex. H). Judge Nathan
found that the arguments presented "either were made at the initial bail hearing or
could have been made then" and the new information "only solidifies the Court's
view that [Maxwell] plainly poses a risk of flight and that no combination of
conditions can ensure her appearance." (Ex. H at 1-2).
Among other things,
Judge Nathan concluded that the case against Maxwell "remains strong" in light of
the Government's proffer of evidence. (Id. at 10). Judge Nathan further found
that Maxwell still had "substantial international ties," "multiple foreign
citizenships," "familial and personal connections abroad," and "extraordinary
financial resources" that would still "provide her the means to flee the country and
to do so undetected." (Id. at 11-13). Judge Nathan emphasized that Maxwell's
"pattern of providing incomplete or erroneous information to the Court or to Pretrial
Services bears significantly" on her assessment of Maxwell's history and
characteristics. (Id. at 15). Judge Nathan therefore again concluded that Maxwell
presented a risk of flight and that Maxwell's proposed bail package "cannot
reasonably assure her appearance." (Id. at 16). Additionally, Judge Nathan was
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EFTA00091601
"unpersuaded" by Maxwell's argument "that the conditions of her confinement are
uniquely onerous, interfere with her ability to participate in her defense, and thus
justify release."
(Id. at 20).
In particular, Maxwell did not "meaningfully
dispute" that she has received more time than other inmates at the Metropolitan
Detention Center ("MDC") to review discovery and as much, if not more, time to
communicate with her lawyers. (Id.).
14.
Third, on February 23, 2021, Maxwell filed yet another bail
application, proposing two additional bail conditions. (Ex. I). After considering
multiple written submissions (Ex. I, J, K), Judge Nathan denied Maxwell's request
in another written opinion (Ex. L). Judge Nathan reiterated that detention was
warranted in light of the proffered strength and nature of the Government's case,
Maxwell's "substantial international ties, familial and personal connections abroad,
substantial financial resources, and experience evading detection," and Maxwell's
"lack of candor regarding her assets" at the time of her arrest. (Id. at 7).
Judge
Nathan noted, "If the Court could conclude that any set of conditions could
reasonably assure the Defendant's future appearance, it would order her release.
Yet while her proposed bail package is substantial, it cannot provide such reasonable
assurances." (Id. at 11).
15.
Throughout the pendency of this case, Judge Nathan has closely
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EFTA00091602
monitored Maxwell's conditions of confinement, including by ordering the
Government to submit regular updates regarding that topic (see Gov't Ex. A
(compiling update letters and relevant court orders)), and by reviewing and
addressing defense motions regarding Maxwell's conditions of confinement (see,
e.g., id at 10-11).
16.
Maxwell appealed Judge Nathan's latter two bail decisions. In
connection with that appeal, Maxwell also moved for pretrial release pending appeal.
After receiving briefing and hearing oral argument, this Court affirmed Judge
Nathan's bail decisions and denied Maxwell's motion for pretrial release on April
27, 2021.
(Mot. Ex. A).
Responding to claims about Maxwell's sleeping
conditions that had been raised in her briefing and at oral argument, this Court's
order noted that any request for "relief specific to [Maxwell's] sleeping conditions"
at the MDC "should be addressed to the District Court." (Id.).
17.
At no point after this Court's bail decision did Maxwell file a
renewed motion for pretrial release in the District Court.
18.
Following the issuance of this Court's decision, on April 29,
2021, Maxwell submitted a letter to Judge Nathan asking the District Court "to
address Ms. Maxwell's sleeping conditions by directing the MDC to cease 15-
minute light surveillance of Ms. Maxwell or justify the need for the disruptive
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EFTA00091603
flashlight surveillance." (Mot. Ex. C at 2). That same day, Judge Nathan directed
the Government to confer with MDC legal counsel and provide the District Court
with an explanation of what flashlight surveillance the MDC conducts on Maxwell
at night, the basis for such surveillance, and the availability of an appropriate eye
covering for Maxwell's use at night. (Dkt. 257).
19.
On May 5, 2021, the Government submitted a letter to Judge
Nathan conveying MDC legal counsel's answers to the District Court's questions.
(Mot. Ex. D). First, the Government confirmed that all inmates at the MDC are
subject to some form of flashlight checks throughout the night for their safety and
security. In particular, MDC staff point a flashlight at the ceiling of each cell in
order to illuminate the cell enough to confirm that each inmate "is present in the cell,
breathing, and not in distress." (Id. at 1). MDC staff conduct such checks every
30 minutes in the Special Housing Unit ("SHU"), and approximately once per hour
for inmates housed in general population.
(Id.).
Because Maxwell is on an
enhanced security schedule, MDC staff conduct these nighttime checks on her every
15 minutes.
(Id.).
Second, the Government conveyed that the MDC has
determined that, although Maxwell is not on suicide watch, increased frequency of
nighttime monitoring is warranted in her case due to several factors that "raise
heightened safety and security concerns," including the charges she faces, the
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increased stress of a high-profile case, and her sleeping situation in a cell by herself
without a cellmate. (Id. at 2). Third, the Government noted that the MDC would
not permit Maxwell to have an eye mask because such an item is not available in
commissary and is not issued to inmates. (Id.). MDC staff do, however, permit
Maxwell to cover her eyes at night using other items that are available in commissary
or that are issued to inmates. (Id.).
20.
In response, on May 7, 2021, Maxwell filed a reply letter
disputing the MDC's explanation for the implementation of an enhanced security
schedule for Maxwell and raising additional concerns regarding conditions at the
MDC beyond Maxwell's sleeping conditions but without seeking particular relief as
to those conditions. (Mot. Ex. E). At no point did Maxwell file an affidavit in
support of her claims regarding the conditions of her confinement.
21.
On May 14, 2021, Judge Nathan issued a written decision
denying Maxwell's request for an order directing the MDC to modify its nighttime
monitoring schedule.
(Mot. Ex. B).
In reaching this decision, Judge Nathan
noted that Maxwell's claim that MDC staff was shining a flashlight directly into her
eyes and disrupting her sleep was "unsupported by affidavit or other factual
showing." (Id. at 1). Judge Nathan emphasized that all MDC inmates are subject
to nighttime flashlight checks and found that "there are a number of neutral reasons"
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EFTA00091605
justifying the MDC's decision to monitor Maxwell more frequently at night than
other inmates. (Id.). With respect to eye coverings, Judge Nathan noted that the
prohibition on eye masks "is a generally applicable policy," but Maxwell is
nevertheless permitted to "use other non-contraband items to cover her eyes" at
night. (Id. at 2). Judge Nathan concluded that "nothing in the record plausibly
establishes that current protocols interfere with Maxwell's ability to prepare for her
trial and communicate with her lawyers." (Id.). Consistent with the attention she
has paid to Maxwell's conditions of confinement throughout the pendency of this
case, Judge Nathan instructed the Government and the MDC "to continue to ensure
that Maxwell is subjected to only those security protocols" that are "necessary for
her safety and security, based upon neutral and applicable factors, and consistent
with the treatment of similarly situated pre-trial detainees." (Id.).
ARGUMENT
Maxwell's Motion Should Be Denied
22.
This Court has already affirmed Judge Nathan's orders denying
bail or temporary pretrial release to Maxwell and accordingly denied her motions
seeking such relief on appeal.
The instant motion, which Maxwell styles as a
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EFTA00091606
"renewed motion for pretrial relief," is both procedurally improper and substantively
meritless. It should be denied.
A.
Applicable Law
23.
When seeking pretrial detention, the Government bears the
burden of showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant poses a
risk of flight, and that no condition or combination of conditions would reasonably
assure her presence in court. See 18 U.S.C. § 3142(1); United States v. Sabhnani,
493 F.3d 63, 75 (2d Cir. 2007).
24.
Where the defendant is charged with certain offenses, including
offenses involving a minor victim under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2422 or 2423, a statutory
presumption arises "that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably
assure the appearance of the person as required . . . ." 18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)(3)(E).
In such a case, the defendant "bears a limited burden of production—not a burden
of persuasion—to rebut that presumption by coming forward with evidence that he
does not pose . . . a risk of flight." United States v. Mercedes, 254 F.3d 433, 436
(2d Cir. 2001).
25.
Where the Government seeks detention based on flight risk, the
court must consider: (1) "the nature and circumstances of the offense charged"; (2)
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EFTA00091607
"the weight of the evidence against the person"; and (3) the "history and
characteristics of the person." 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g).
26.
This Court applies "deferential review to a district court's order
of detention." United States v. Watkins, 940 F.3d 152, 158 (2d Cir. 2019). It
reviews for clear error the district court's findings regarding risk of flight and
whether the proposed bail package would reasonably assure the defendant's
appearance in court, see United States v. English, 629 F.3d 311, 319 (2d Cir. 2011);
United States v. Shakur, 817 F.2d 189, 196 (2d Cir. 1987), and will reverse only if
"on the entire evidence," it is "left with the definite and firm conviction that a
mistake has been committed," Sabhnani, 493 F.3d at 75.
27.
Once a defendant has been ordered detained, a judicial officer
may "permit the temporary release of the person, in the custody of a United States
marshal or another appropriate person, to the extent that the judicial officer
determines such release to be necessary for preparation of the person's defense or
for another compelling reason." 18 U.S.C. § 3142(i). The defendant bears the
burden of showing that temporary release is necessary.
See United States v.
Scarborough, 821 F. App'x 598, 600 (6th Cir. 2020); United States v. Belardo, No.
20 Cr. 126 (LTS), 2020 WL 1689789, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 7, 2020). This Court
has not resolved whether it reviews a district court's temporary release decision for
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EFTA00091608
abuse of discretion or clear error. See United States v. McCloud, 837 F. App'x 852,
853 n.3 (2d Cir. 2021).
B.
Discussion
28.
This Court has already affirmed Judge Nathan's bail
determinations and denied Maxwell's application for pretrial release. The only
changed circumstance since this Court rendered that decision—Judge Nathan's
determination that the MDC's nighttime security protocols do not interfere with
Maxwell's ability to prepare for trial—does nothing to alter the conclusion that
Judge Nathan did not clearly err or abuse her discretion when denying Maxwell's
prior bail applications.
29.
As an initial matter, it bears noting that Maxwell did not docket
a new appeal from any order entered by Judge Nathan. Instead, she filed her
"renewed motion" under the same docket as her initial appeal, thereby effectively
asking the same panel of this Court to reconsider its earlier decision. To the extent
this motion is construed as one for panel reconsideration, it is untimely under Federal
Rule of Appellate Procedure 40(a)(1) and Local Rules 40.1 and 40.2.
30.
In addition, since this Court denied Maxwell's bail appeal,
Maxwell has not filed a renewed motion for bail or temporary release in the District
Court based on any alleged changed circumstances. As this Court has explained in
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the context of post-conviction bail proceedings, "given the findings that must be
made in order to warrant release, it is generally more appropriate that the motion be
made initially in the district court." United States v. Hochevar, 214 F.3d 342, 344
(2d Cir. 2000) (per curiam); see Fed. R. App. P. 9(a) (providing for appeals from
detention orders); cf. generally Stack v. Boyle, 342 U.S. 1, 6 (1951) (explaining,
before passage of the Bail Reform Act, that "[t]he proper procedure for challenging
bail as unlawfully fixed is by motion for reduction of bail and appeal to the Court of
Appeals from an order denying such motion"). The Order Maxwell annexes to her
motion—an Order regarding security checks at the MDC (Mot. Ex. B)—is not a bail
determination, and Maxwell has not taken an appeal from that Order. See Fed. R.
App. P. 9(a) (requiring that a party appealing a detention order must file "a copy of
the district court's order . . . as soon as practicable after filing the notice of appeal").
No bail determination is properly before this Court.
31.
In any event, Maxwell's "renewed motion" is substantively
meritless. This Court has already held that Judge Nathan did not commit clear error
in finding, three times, that the Government established by a preponderance of the
evidence that Maxwell is a risk of flight and no bail conditions could reasonably
assure her appearance in court. This Court has also concluded that Judge Nathan
did not abuse her discretion or clearly err in determining that Maxwell's conditions
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of confinement do not warrant temporary release. Nothing in Maxwell's renewed
motion alters that conclusion.
32.
"As a general matter, this Court will adhere to its own decision
at an earlier stage of the litigation." United States v. Plugh, 648 F.3d 118, 123 (2d
Cir. 2011). The "law of the case doctrine is subject to limited exceptions made for
compelling reasons," such as where there is "an intervening change of controlling
law, the availability of new evidence, or the need to correct a clear error or prevent
manifest injustice." Id. at 123-24; see also United States v. Tenzer, 213 F.3d 34,
39 (2d Cir. 2000) ("We have stated that we will not depart from this sound policy
absent cogent or compelling reasons."). Maxwell has offered no persuasive reason,
let alone a "compelling" reason, Plugh, 648 F.3d at 123, for this Court to reverse its
prior decision.
33.
The only new events that Maxwell cites as justification for her
request that this Court reverse itself is additional letter briefing before the District
Court regarding MDC's nighttime security checks. Nothing about that briefing or
Judge Nathan's most recent written order suggests that Judge Nathan clearly erred
when finding Maxwell poses a flight risk or abused her discretion when determining
that temporary release is not warranted.
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34.
Consistent with her practice throughout the pendency of this
case, Judge Nathan carefully considered Maxwell's most recent complaint that
nighttime security checks by MDC staff interfere with her ability to prepare for trial.
When Maxwell asked Judge Nathan to direct the MDC either to modify its nighttime
surveillance procedures or to justify those procedures, Judge Nathan solicited a
response from the MDC and evaluated the explanation provided.
In so doing,
Judge Nathan focused on whether the MDC implemented the contested protocol
based on neutral factors that justify any deviation from the ordinary practice.
35.
Maxwell faults Judge Nathan for not "tell[ing] the Bureau of
Prisons what to do." (Mot. at 2). But even assuming that it were proper for a
District Court to instruct the Bureau of Prisons regarding the details of operating a
jail, Maxwell fails to explain why it was unreasonable to conclude that an increase
of nighttime checks from the 30-minute intervals applicable in the SHU to the 15-
minute intervals applied to Maxwell was warranted given the specific factors that
heighten safety and security concerns for Maxwell. Unlike most other inmates,
Maxwell does not have a cellmate who could alert staff if she was in distress, and
Maxwell faces very serious charges under the glare of a high-profile case, the stress
of which increases the possibility that she may self-harm. Moreover, as Judge
Nathan noted, Maxwell offered no evidence to support the notion that those
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nighttime checks involve shining a flashlight directly into her eyes (as opposed to
the ceiling), that the checks in fact disturb her sleep, or that the checks prevent her
from being able to prepare her defense?
36.
It bears emphasis that Maxwell's appeal ostensibly concerns a
motion for pretrial release, such that the conditions of her confinement are relevant
only insofar as they affect her ability to prepare for trial. As this Court previously
recognized, the appropriate avenue for Maxwell to raise concerns about her ability
to prepare for trial is through an application to the District Court. Maxwell availed
herself of that process, but in so doing offered no evidence that the MDC's security
protocols are unjustified or interfering with her preparation for trial. Tellingly,
3 Maxwell repeatedly accuses the Government of making misrepresentations during
the course of this case. It is correct that the MDC informed the Government that
Maxwell wore an eye mask at night, when in fact she uses other non-contraband
items to cover her eyes. The Government conveyed the MDC's imprecise language
in an April 6, 2021 letter to Judge Nathan but has since recognized and
acknowledged the inaccuracy.
The remaining accusations, however, are
unfounded. For example, Maxwell takes Government counsel's statement at oral
argument about nighttime checks being "routine" out of context when claiming that
it involved some representation that all inmates experience flashlight checks every
15 minutes. To the contrary, when asked whether the nighttime checks were
conducted at that interval for every inmate, Government counsel clarified, "I can't
speak to what is done as to all inmates." Only after conferring with the MDC did
the Government convey to Judge Nathan, and now this Court, the MDC's procedures
for nighttime checks of all inmates. The Government has and will continue to
accurately represent the information it receives from the MDC when necessary to
respond to Maxwell's complaints or inquiries from the Court.
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Maxwell did not couch her most recent request to the District Court as an application
for pretrial release; instead, she sought an order directing the MDC to modify its
operations or justify its procedures. In the absence of any evidence that the MDC's
protocols interfered with Maxwell's trial preparation, Judge Nathan acted well
within her discretion in declining to order the MDC to alter its security measures.
Even in so doing, Judge Nathan reiterated her commitment to monitoring Maxwell's
conditions of confinement and ensuring that they do not interfere with preparation
for trial. This series of events simply does not suggest that Judge Nathan abused
her substantial discretion when denying Maxwell's prior applications for bail or
temporary release.
37.
To the extent Maxwell now raises new complaints about
conditions at the MDC before this Court, such issues should be presented to the
District Court and reviewed by Judge Nathan. In any event, as was the case with
her concerns about nighttime security checks, Maxwell has offered no evidence to
support her claim that these additional complaints are true or prevent her from
preparing for trial. There is simply no evidence in the record beyond the bare
assertions of counsel that MDC's water is undrinkable, that the MDC provides
inadequate food, that the MDC audio records legal visits, or that sewage overflows
20
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into Maxwell's unit."
Maxwell tries to point to the case of Tiffany Days as
corroboration of supposed sewage flooding, but she critically omits that the flooding
described in the Days case occurred at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (the
"MCC"), not the MDC. (See United States v. Days, 19 Cr. 619 (CM) (S.D.N.Y.
Apr. 29, 2021), Sentencing Tr. at 13-16 (describing incidents Tiffany Days
experienced while at the MCC, including flooding of sewage, before being
transferred to the MDC)). There is no evidence in the record from the Days case
or this case that there has been any such flooding or sewage backup at the MDC
during Maxwell's incarceration there. To the extent Maxwell suggests that any
such issue exists and interferes with her ability to prepare for trial, she can and should
seek relief before the District Court. Similarly, Maxwell's new complaints about
her ability to review discovery are best raised in the first instance before Judge
Nathan.'
Although Maxwell complains that she has been "in solitary confinement" (Mot. at
3), she does not dispute that it would be unsafe for her to be housed in general
population. Indeed, Maxwell has never specifically requested a transfer to general
population. Nor does she dispute that the MDC has made accommodations so that
she is not housed in the SHU while in protective custody. Rather, Maxwell has
access to a day room outside of her cell every day for thirteen hours per day, during
which she has exclusive access to a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a
telephone, a television, and a shower. (See Dkt. 196 at 2).
5 As the Government has noted in the District Court, the Government and MDC
have gone to significant lengths to ensure that Maxwell has ample time and resources
21
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38.
The only question even arguably before this Court at this juncture
is whether Judge Nathan committed clear error when detaining Maxwell as a flight
risk or abused her discretion when denying Maxwell temporary release. Nothing
in the renewed motion undermines Judge Nathan's conclusion that Maxwell poses a
real risk of flight.
Nor does the renewed motion explain how Judge Nathan's
careful consideration of the MDC's nighttime security protocols and continued
monitoring of Maxwell's ability to access her discovery and communicate with
counsel transforms the denial of pretrial release into an abuse of discretion. Simply
put, the renewed motion fails to present any "compelling" reason for this Court to
reverse its prior decision in this case. Plugh, 648 F.3d at 123.
to review her discovery. (See, e.g., Dkt. 235 at 7 n.4; Dkt. 196 at 1-2). Among
other things, Maxwell has exclusive access to both a desktop and a laptop computer
on which to review her discovery, thirteen hours per day, seven days per week. She
is also able to review discovery with her attorneys during the 25 hours of legal video-
teleconference calls she receives each week. (See Dkt. 196 at 1-2).
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CONCLUSION
39.
For the foregoing reasons, Maxwell's motion should be denied.
Dated:
New York, New York
May 27, 2021
Assistant United States Attorneys
Southern District of New York
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CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 32(g), the undersigned counsel
hereby certifies that this opposition complies with the type-volume limitation of
the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. As measured by the word processing
system used to prepare this opposition, there are 5,164 words in this opposition.
Is'
Assistant United States Attorney
Southern District of New York
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Extracted Information
Document Details
| Filename | EFTA00091595.pdf |
| File Size | 1542.5 KB |
| OCR Confidence | 85.0% |
| Has Readable Text | Yes |
| Text Length | 32,771 characters |
| Indexed | 2026-02-11T10:33:17.838417 |