Opinion ID: 2982742
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Search of the Safe Deposit Box4

Text: Libretti argues that Woodson did not have probable cause to search his safe deposit box. Probable cause exists when the sworn facts of an affidavit establish “a fair probability that evidence of a crime will be located on the premises of the proposed search.” United States v. Frazier, 423 F.3d. 526, 531 (6th Cir. 2005) (internal quotation marks omitted). This fair probability arises from “reasonable grounds for belief, supported by less than prima facie proof but more than mere suspicion.” United States v. Padro, 52 F.3d 120, 122–23 (6th Cir. 1995) (internal quotation marks omitted). Probable cause is not determined by formula; instead, we take a practical approach. United States v. Abboud, 438 F.3d 554, 571 (6th Cir. 2006). Therefore, we look to the totality of circumstances in deciding whether a warrant is supported by probable cause. United States v. Miggins, 302 F.3d 384, 393 (6th Cir. 2002). Evidence of drug trafficking activities uncovered during a previous search of an individual’s home can provide probable cause to subsequently search a safe deposit box associated with the homeowner. See United States v. Thomas, 878 F.2d 383 (6th Cir. 1989) (per curiam). A recent indictment may also factor into the probable cause determination. See United States v. Remble, No. 1:05-CR-113-001, 2006 WL 462451, at  (S.D. Ohio Feb. 22, 2006). 4 Woodson contends that Libretti has improperly raised this claim on appeal. This argument is absolutely without merit. At the district court, Libretti argued that “probable cause would not exist [to search his safe deposit box] if the search warrant affidavit had not contained false statements and stale information, and not omitted relevant information.” (R. 34, Plaintiff’s Br. in Opp. to the Mot. to Dismiss, PageID #515.) The district court considered the omissions, weighed the staleness, and accepted as true that Woodson made false statements, but concluded, even “absent the alleged misrepresentations, [that] there was still probable cause to believe that evidence of criminal activity would be located . . . in [Libretti’s] safe deposit box.” Libretti v. Woodson, No. 1:13CV932, 2013 WL 6634249, at  (N.D. Ohio, Dec. 17, 2013). On appeal, Libretti still contests probable cause, but reshapes his argument in light of the district court’s analysis. 9 No. 14-3266 And, association with suspected and known drug traffickers is another appropriate consideration. See United States v. Davidson, 936 F.2d 856, 859 (6th Cir. 1991). Woodson had substantial experience in drug trafficking investigations. He averred to knowledge that it was common for drug traffickers to store drug proceeds in safe deposit boxes. Woodson specifically noted that Libretti was known to “frequently [use] bank safety deposit boxes” throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, prior to his conviction for operating a criminal enterprise.5 (R. 29-2, Search and Seizure Warrant, PageID # 419.) A search of Libretti’s Wyoming home resulted in the seizure of spice and the discovery of currency hidden in the heating ducts. The day Libretti’s Wyoming home was searched, he accessed a safe deposit box at his Wyoming bank. The account for the safe deposit box was subsequently closed. At the time Woodson obtained his search warrant, Libretti had just been indicted for his suspected involvement for the trafficking of methamphetamine. The indictment was based, in part, on Libretti’s connections to and communications with the two individuals caught in the act of transporting methamphetamine from Phoenix to Wyoming. Considering these circumstances, in totality, probable cause existed to search Libretti’s safe deposit box. Thus, Libretti’s Fourth Amendment rights were not violated, and Woodson is entitled to qualified immunity.