Opinion ID: 50973
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion to Reveal the Identity of the Confidential Informant

Text: Ibarra next appeals the denial of his motion to disclose the identity of the informant who alerted authorities that the tractor-trailer at the Freightliner facility contained a large quantity of drugs. Ibarra believes that this information would have aided him in his defense by providing a witness who could confirm that Ibarra had no knowledge of the drugs. A district court's decision to grant or deny disclosure of an informant's identity is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. United States v. De Los Santos, 810 F.2d 1326, 1332 (5th Cir.1987). This Court uses a three factor test to determine whether the identity of an informant should be revealed: (1) the level of the informant's activity; (2) the helpfulness of the disclosure to the asserted defense; and (3) the Government's interest in nondisclosure. Id. at 1331. The court held an in camera hearing regarding the informant, and prior to the hearing, Ibarra's counsel met with the district judge to discuss Ibarra's theory of the case so that the court could determine whether there was any information of value to the defense. After the hearing, the court concluded (1) the confidential informant in this case was a mere tipster and not involved in the activities leading up to Ibarra's arrest; (2) there was no information provided by the confidential informant that would aid Ibarra in his defenses; and (3) the Government had a substantial interest in nondisclosure because there could be a real risk to the safety of the informant and his family and because disclosure could also jeopardize other ongoing criminal investigations. After reviewing the transcripts of the in camera hearing, we find that the district court properly applied the three-factor test and did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion to reveal the confidential informant's identity. This order is AFFIRMED.