JOSEPH H. L. PEREZ-MONTES, Magistrate Judge.
Defendant, Arthur Ndubuisi Ashbuogwu ("Ashbuogwu"), seeks release from his mandatory hospitalization pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4243(a). For the following reasons, and as explained more fully below, the Court finds that Ashbuogwu should be discharged under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, and/or psychological care.
On September 3, 2013, Ashbuogwu was charged by Complaint with one count of threatening the President of the United States under 18 U.S.C. § 871. (Doc. 1). The next day, during Ashbuogwu's initial appearance, Magistrate Judge James D. Kirk ordered that the Bureau of Prisons conduct a psychological evaluation of Ashbuogwu, and that further proceedings be held in abeyance pending the results of that evaluation. (Docs. 4, 5).
The Court received Ashbuogwu's first psychiatric evaluation on December 30, 2013. The evaluating psychologist concluded that Ashbuogwu had an extensive history of behavior exhibiting psychotic symptoms. The psychologist also concluded that, at the time of the evaluation, Ashbuogwu appeared to suffer from paranoid schizophrenia. Nonetheless, the psychologist concluded that Ashbuogwu was competent to stand trial and assist in his defense — at least to the extent that he complied with a prescribed medication regimen.
On February 5, 2014, Magistrate Judge Kirk conducted a competency hearing. Ashbuogwu appeared and was represented by appointed counsel. (Doc. 21). Based upon Ashbuogwu's first psychiatric evaluation — and both parties' agreement to the findings therein — Magistrate Judge Kirk found Ashbuogwu competent to stand trial, and accepted Ashbuogwu's pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to the pending charge. (Docs. 21, 24). Ashbuogwu waived his detention hearing and was therefore detained pending further proceedings. (Doc. 22).
On March 6, 2014, under 18 U.S.C. § 4243 and Fed. R. Crim. P. 12.2(c), the United States of America (the "government") moved to conduct a pre-trial mental health examination of Ashbuogwu to determine his potential dangerousness to the community. The Court granted the government's motion, and received a second psychiatric evaluation on August 13, 2014, more than five months later. (Docs. 31, 33). In this second report, a three-member panel of evaluating psychologists concluded that Ashbuogwu met the diagnostic criteria for paranoid schizophrenia, and that Ashbuogwu presented a danger to persons and property in the community. The panel recommended civil commitment under § 4243, pending Ashbuogwu's continued compliance with mental health treatment, ongoing mental health treatment, resolution of financial disputes regarding Ashbuogwu's military benefits, and application for disability benefits. The panel recommended conditional release pending satisfaction of those conditions and the establishment of a firm release plan.
On August 22, 2014, Ashbuogwu moved for an evidentiary hearing. (Doc. 34). Magistrate Judge Kirk denied that motion as premature based upon the second psychiatric evaluation. (Doc. 36). Three months later, on November 25, 2014, Chief Judge Dee D. Drell conducted an evidentiary hearing. (Doc. 42). Chief Judge Drell found Ashbuogwu not guilty only by reason of insanity, and ordered that Ashbuogwu be committed to the custody of the United States Attorney General for hospitalization under § 4243. (Docs. 42, 44). Ashbuogwu was transferred to the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri (the "Medical Center"). Ashbuogwu remained at the Medical Center for approximately 15 months.
On January 8, 2016, Ashbuogwu moved for a second evidentiary hearing. (Doc. 46). Chief Judge Drell granted his motion, and instructed the Director of the Medical Center to file a report compliant with 18 U.S.C. § 4247(e). (Doc. 47). Chief Judge Drell further ordered that the undersigned conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine if Ashbuogwu's continued hospitalization is necessary.
On February 17, 2016, the Court received a Forensic Psychological Report (Doc. 49) (the "Report") researched by a three-person panel of psychologists and social workers at the Medical Center, and prepared by Dr. Chad Brinkley. The Court initially scheduled an evidentiary hearing for March 15, 2016, and later moved that hearing to be conducted on April 15, 2016. (Doc. 55) (the "Hearing"). The Court conducted the Hearing and heard arguments from counsel and testimony from two witnesses, Ashbuogwu and Dr. Randy Brandt, Ashbuogwu's treating psychologist at the Medical Center. The Court also reviewed four exhibits introduced by Ashbuogwu, including the Report. No additional evidence was offered or, the Court presumes, available.
The Hearing, and the Court's analysis, is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 4243(f):
It is clear that the defendant bears the burden of proving he presents no substantial risk to persons or property.
It is less clear, however, what standard of proof should apply. If the underlying offense involves "bodily injury to, or serious damage to the property of, another person, or . . . a substantial risk of such injury or damage," the defendant must satisfy a clear and convincing evidence standard.
In this case, the underlying offense — threats to the President — presents a challenge in determining the appropriate standard of proof under § 4243(d). In
However, the
The Fifth Circuit has not squarely addressed this issue. However, in
At least one district court in another circuit, however, has disagreed. In
The Court does not read
At the Hearing, neither attorney offered additional or contradictory authority. The Court has uncovered none. Accordingly, the Court applies
Ashbuogwu offered four exhibits at the Hearing: (1) the Report dated February 3, 2016 (Docs. 49, 57-1); (2) a Certificate of Conditional Release signed by the Warden of the Medical Center; (3) the curriculum vitae of Dr. Brandt; and (4) a list of his current medications. Ashbuogwu also offered testimony from two witnesses at the Hearing: himself and Dr. Brandt. Because the government concurs with Dr. Brandt's recommendations, the government did not offer countervailing evidence. The evidence indicates the following.
Ashbuogwu suffers from schizophrenia. Although Ashbuogwu's symptoms appeared well into his adulthood, and he has apparently experienced long asymptomatic periods, Ashbuogwu will most likely suffer from, and require treatment for, his mental illness for the rest of his life.
Ashbuogwu's stability is most directly related to two factors: (1) medical and psychiatric treatment, particularly medication; and (2) residential and social stability. Stated otherwise, when Ashbuogwu is not taking prescribed medication and is not living in an environment of relative stability, Ashbuogwu is far more likely to exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia. Conversely, the Report and the testimony establish that Ashbuogwu presents a very low risk of injury to persons or property when he is taking psychiatric medication, receiving ongoing psychiatric treatment, and living in a stable environment. Ashbuogwu was apparently a model resident at the Medical Center and an active participant in his treatment plan.
It also bears mentioning that Ashbuogwu has no history of substance abuse, violent crime, or intellectual disability. In fact, Ashbuogwu obtained a college degree in Nigeria, served in the United States Army, and appears to be a calm, reasonable, and intelligent person while taking his prescribed medication.
Further, Ashbuogwu has developed a firm understanding of his mental illness, and the need to treat his illness with medication and therapy. In so doing, Ashbuogwu realizes his prior erratic behavior — including the behavior giving rise to the offense underlying this case — is directly related to his mental illness. Ashbuogwu agrees that he must take medication and maintain a stable living environment.
However, Ashbuogwu has no contact with his ex-wife or other family members in the United States or his native country, Nigeria. The Court is concerned that, if socially isolated or unstable, Ashbuogwu may encounter difficulty in continuing any release plan. As such, and as a veteran, Ashbuogwu must look to facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") for medical and social support.
Through notably good work, the attorneys, United States Probation Officers, and other officials involved in this case have developed a firm release plan for Ashbuogwu. The plan includes housing, supervision, and psychiatric treatment arranged through the VA. Ashbuogwu expressed a clear desire to comply with the release plan in all respects. The Court may monitor Ashbuogwu's progress in periodic hearings conducted pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 4243. And the Court may augment Ashbuogwu's supervision, treatment requirements, and life conditions as necessary. Therefore, Ashbuogwu is an appropriate candidate for conditional release.
Ashbuogwu has established, by clear and convincing evidence, that if conditionally released, he will not pose a substantial risk of harm to persons or property. Therefore, under 18 U.S.C. § 4243(f)(2), the Court orders that Ashbuogwu be immediately released pursuant to the conditions set forth in the accompanying Order of Conditional Release.