PATRICK A. WHITE Magistrate Judge.
This matter is before the Court on the movant's pro se petition for writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to United States Code Title 28, Section 2241, attacking his sentence in case number 04-CR-20705-SEITZ.
The Court has reviewed Richardson's petition for writ of habeas corpus and supporting memorandum (Cv-DE# 1), the Government's response and appendix of exhibits (Cv-DE# 8), Richardson's reply (Cv-DE# 9), all pertinent portions of the underlying criminal file, and the file in case number 09-CV-22349-SEITZ.
Construing the pro se movant's arguments liberally, he appears to raise the following claim:
(Cv-DE# 1).
Richardson was charged with conspiracy to distribute a five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of United States Code Title 21, Sections 841(b)(1)(A)(ii) and 846. (Cv-DE# 8-1 at 1). The penalty sheet notes that the maximum penalty for the offense is life imprisonment. (Cv-DE# 8-1 at 4). A jury found him guilty as charged, and specifically found that the cocaine weighed five kilograms or more. (Cv-DE# 8-2). The Court sentenced him to 360 months' imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. (Cr-DE# 187). The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction and sentence.
On August 3, 2009, Richardson filed a Section 2255 motion to vacate raising sixteen claims. (Cv-DE# 8-3). It was docketed in a separate civil case, number 09-CV-22349-SEITZ. The Court denied the motion to vacate on the merits. (09-22349 DE# 66). On June 10, 2013, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted a certificate of appealability as to only the following issue: "Whether Richardson's counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate and obtain the necessary documents to adequately argue for a downward departure, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 4A1.3(b)(1), on the basis that his conviction listed in paragraphs 34 and 36 of the presentence investigation report substantially overstates the seriousness of his criminal history." (09-22349 DE# 75). The Eleventh Circuit affirmed on April 30, 2014, finding that Richardson failed to show that the Court erred by concluding that counsel did not render ineffective assistance with regards to his motion for a downward departure sentence. (09-22349 DE# 79).
Meanwhile, on December 31, 2013, Richardson filed the instant habeas corpus petition filed pursuant to Section 2241.
Where an inmate challenges the execution of his sentence, a writ of habeas corpus under Section 2241 is the appropriate remedy.
A petition attacking custody resulting from a federally-imposed sentence may be filed under Section 2241 instead of Section 2255 where the petitioner establishes the remedy provided under Section 2255 is "inadequate or ineffective to test the legality of his detention." 28 U.S.C. § 2255(e). The petitioner bears the burden of presenting evidence that affirmatively shows the Section 2255 remedy is inadequate or ineffective.
In the instant case, Richardson has failed to demonstrate that the savings clause applies. As to the third prong of
This petition is an unauthorized second or successive motion to vacate. Richardson previously sought Section 2255 relief which was denied on the merits in case number 09-CV-22349-SEITZ, and was affirmed on appeal. Richardson filed the instant petition pursuant to Section 2241 while the appeal in his first Section 2255 case was pending. This is therefore an unauthorized second or successive Section 2255 motion to vacate over which the Court lacks jurisdiction.
Even if Richardson had sought permission from the Eleventh Circuit to file a second or successive Section 2255 motion, it appears unlikely that such permission would have been granted because he has not identified any newly discovered evidence and, for the reasons already stated,
Notwithstanding, if the movant intends to pursue this case, he should forthwith apply to the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the authorization required by Section 2244(b)(3)(A). The movant will be provided with a form to apply for such authorization with this report.
Section 2255 Rule 11(a) provides that "[t]he district court must issue or deny a certificate of appealability when it enters a final order adverse to the applicant," and if a certificate is issued "the court must state the specific issue or issues that satisfy the showing required by 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c)(2)." "Before entering the final order, the court may direct the parties to submit arguments on whether a certificate should issue." 28 U.S.C. § 2255, Rule 11(a). A timely notice of appeal must be filed even if the court issues a certificate of appealability. 28 U.S.C. § 2255, Rule 11(b).
After review of the record, the undersigned finds no substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right as to movant's claims.
Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the petition for writ of habeas corpus be construed as a Section 2255 motion to vacate, that it be dismissed as successive, a certificate of appealability not be issued, and this case be closed.
Objections to this report, including any objection with regards to the recommendation regarding the certificate of appealability, may be filed with the District Judge within fourteen days of receipt of a copy of the report.