Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-02216/USCOURTS-caed-2_07-cv-02216-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1331(a) Fed. Question: Real Property

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MICHAEL H. KEEHN,

Plaintiff, No. CIV S-07-2216 FCD DAD PS

vs.

UNITED STATES, ORDER

Defendant.

 /

Plaintiff, proceeding pro se, has filed a motion to suppress evidence seized

pursuant to a search warrant that was executed on September 7, 2007. In the alternative, plaintiff

requests a hearing pursuant to Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154 (1978). In addition to filing

plaintiff’s motion as an application for hearing in case No. SW S-07-0252 DAD, the Clerk of the

Court opened the above-captioned civil action and direct-assigned it to the magistrate judge who

issued the search warrant. The proceeding has also been referred to the undersigned pursuant to

Local Rule 72-302(c)(21) and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).

Plaintiff asserts that the search warrant in question was issued on the basis of false

facts, there would be no probable cause if the false facts are excluded, and the warrant is overly

broad and must be suppressed. Plaintiff asks the court to suppress the search warrant in its 

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entirety and return his property to him or, in the alternative, to order a Franks hearing on the

matter.

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure provide that “[a] defendant may move to

suppress evidence in the court where the trial will occur.” Fed. R. Crim. P. 41(h). Franks

requires that a hearing be held at a defendant’s request where the defendant makes a substantial

preliminary showing that a false statement knowingly and intentionally, or with reckless

disregard for the truth, was included by the affiant in a search warrant affidavit, and the allegedly

false statement was necessary to the finding of probable cause. Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. ,

154, 171-72 (1978). The court’s records do not reflect that plaintiff is a defendant in a criminal

proceeding in this court. Plaintiff’s pending motion to suppress or, in the alternative, for a

Franks hearing will therefore be denied without prejudice.

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure provide for the return of property seized

pursuant to a search warrant as follows:

A person aggrieved by an unlawful search and seizure of property

or by the deprivation of property may move for the property’s

return. The motion must be filed in the district where the property

was seized. The court must receive evidence on any factual issue

necessary to decide the motion. If it grants the motion, the court

must return the property to the movant, but may impose reasonable

conditions to protect access to the property and its use in later

proceedings.

Fed. R. Crim. P. 41(g). If plaintiff wishes to file a motion pursuant to Rule 41(g), the motion

should be captioned for filing in this civil case and should be noticed for hearing and briefed in

accordance with all applicable provisions of Local Rule 78-230. The motion should be set for

hearing before the undersigned on a regularly scheduled civil law and motion calendar. Plaintiff

may obtain information about available law and motion dates by calling Pete Buzo, courtroom

deputy to the undersigned, at (916) 930-4128. Plaintiff’s motion must be served on the United

States Attorney, and proof of such service must be attached to plaintiff’s motion when it is

submitted to the court for filing.

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IT IS ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s October 12, 2007 motion to suppress or for a Franks hearing is

denied without prejudice to the filing of a motion for return of property pursuant to Rule 41 of

the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure;

2. Any Rule 41 motion shall be filed and served in accordance with this order

within fifteen days after this order is served; failure to file such a motion will result in a

recommendation that the district judge dismiss this civil case without prejudice;

3. The Clerk is directed to terminate the motion filed in case No. SW S-07-0252

DAD; and 

4. The Clerk is directed to serve this order on the office of the United States

Attorney for the Eastern District of California.

DATED: November 5, 2007.

DAD:kw

Ddad1\orders.prose\keehn2216.motden

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