Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_18-cv-02700/USCOURTS-casd-3_18-cv-02700-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1442 Notice of Removal - Suit against Federal Officer

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18cv2700-LAB (LL)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF 

CALIFORNIA,

Plaintiff,

v.

FRANCISCO E. SCHARFF,

Defendant.

Case No.: 18cv2700-LAB (LL)

VERDICT AND ORDER OF 

DISMISSAL

U.S. Border Patrol Agent Francisco Scharff, removed this criminal case from 

state court under 28 U.S.C. '1442(a). He alleged that his actions that led to the 

state criminal charges pending against him were performed in the course of his 

federal job duties, and he raised the federal defense of official immunity first 

articulated in In re Neagle, 135 U.S. 1 (1890). The Court determined it had 

jurisdiction. 

After receiving briefing on the defense, the Court held an evidentiary hearing 

today, February 8, 2019. Based on the testimony presented at the hearing and 

the joint statement of uncontested facts, the Court finds that Agent Scharff is 

entitled to the protection of official immunity because his actions were reasonably 

necessary to carry out his federal duties. See Clifton v. Cox, 549 F.2d 722, 728 

Case 3:18-cv-02700-LAB-LL Document 16 Filed 02/08/19 PageID.<pageID> Page 1 of 2
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18cv2700-LAB (LL)

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(9th Cir. 1977). Specifically, exigent circumstances justified his decision to drive 

faster than the speed limit so he and other agents could interdict suspected alien 

smugglers. 

After the Court announced its finding, the parties agreed the proper 

procedure was for the Court to acquit Agent Scharff, rather than remand the case 

to state court and enjoin further prosecution. The Court therefore ACQUITS Agent 

Scharff of the charge of violating California Vehicle Code ' 22356(b) (traveling 

faster than 70 mph on the highway). 

Plaintiff, the People of the State of California, moved to dismiss the remaining 

charge, under California Vehicle Code ' 12951(a) (not possessing a valid 

California driver’s license while driving), and the Court granted the motion. That

charge is DISMISSED.

No charges or other issues remain pending in this case. The Clerk is directed 

to enter judgment in this case in favor of Defendant, and to close the docket.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 8, 2019

Hon. Larry Alan Burns

United States District Judge

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