ORDER REFERRING MATTER TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL, DIRECTING PETITIONER TO FILE AN IN FORMA PAUPERIS APPLICATION AND TRUST FUND ACCOUNT STATEMENT, AND DIRECTING CLERK TO SEND FORM

J. DANIEL BREEN, District Judge.

On September 11, 2015, Petitioner, Edward Lee Robertson, filed a pro se motion to vacate, set aside, or correct his sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 ("Petition"). (Docket Entry ("D.E.") 1.)1 He claims, among other things, that he is entitled to a delayed direct appeal because his attorney ignored his explicit direction that he file a notice of appeal. (D.E. 1-1 at PageID 18.) In opposition to the request for a delayed appeal, Respondent, United States of America, has submitted defense counsel's affidavit in which he avers that his client never directed him to file a notice of appeal. (D.E. 27-1 at PageID 158-159.)

Under these circumstances, the Court must hold an evidentiary hearing to resolve the factual dispute. See Campbell v. United States, 686 F.3d 353, 360 (6th Cir. 2012) (holding a district court must provide an evidentiary hearing on disputed question of whether petitioner directed defense counsel to file a notice of appeal) (citing Arredondo v. United States, 178 F.3d 778, 782 (6th Cir. 1999)). Pursuant to Rule 8(c), counsel must be appointed to represent Petitioner at the hearing if he "qualifies to have counsel appointed under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A." Rules Governing Section 2255 Proceedings for the United District Courts, Rule 8(c).

Therefore, the matter is REFERRED to United States Magistrate Judge Edward G. Bryant to determine whether Petitioner qualifies for appointment of counsel. The inmate is ORDERED to file an in forma pauperis application and a copy of his inmate trust fund account statement within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of entry of this order.

The Clerk is DIRECTED to send Petitioner an in forma pauperis application form.

The date and time of the evidentiary hearing will be set by separate order.

IT IS SO ORDERED.