EFTA00214570.pdf

From: " To: ' . (USAFLS)" Subject: RE: Appointment of counsel for victims? Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:04:40 +0000 Importance: Normal I know about the guardian ad litem provision but it is specifically limited to victims who are currently minors. Have you ever done this for a minor-victim who is now an adult? Would you mind sending a sample? Thank you! Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 From: (USACT) Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:02 AM To: . (USAFLS) Subject: RE: Appointment of counsel for victims? I routinely get CA counsel appointed for victims. I don't know how it is done in your district but we talk to the victims about whether they want counsel and then write a letter (especially if they are minors or in their late teens). There is a provision in the criminal code for appointing a guardian ad litem. From: (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:27 AM To: Subject: Appointment of counsel for victims? Good morning, everyone. Sorry to bother. I am investigating a child exploitation case with a large number of victims. They were teenagers when they were victims and many are now over the age of 18. Investigators for the defense are following them around, showing up on campus, and making visits to their parents' homes. (Many victims' parents do not know about the conduct under investigation.) The victims have told the investigators that they do not want to talk, but they continue to be harassed. The case has not yet been indicted, so I can't simply ask the assigned district judge to rein in the defense. Does anyone have any experience or advice on getting counsel appointed for such victims? The guardian ad litem statute seems to be limited to victims who are currently minors and the material witness statute seems to be limited to situations where there is a strong possibility of flight. Any help and samples would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all. EFTA00214570 Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach. FL 33401 EFTA00214571