Opinion ID: 171683
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reliance on False Information

Text: Parker failed to sufficiently support his due process claim regarding the board's reliance on allegedly false information. In Monroe v. Thigpen, the Eleventh Circuit held although the Alabama parole statute did not confer a liberty interest in parole, the parole board violated a prisoner's right to due process when -5- it relied upon admittedly false information in determining whether to grant parole. 932 F.2d 1437, 1442 (11th Cir. 1991). We have not adopted (and do not now adopt) the Eleventh Circuit's due process construction but, even if we were to do so, Parker has not alleged the necessary facts to support his claim. The false information alleged by Parker is the testimony of the State's expert, who has since been discredited. At Parker's trial, the expert averred the forensic evidence linked Parker to commission of his crime. Parker now seems to allege the Board's parole decision was based on his guilt, an improper consideration because the verdict was based on false testimony. We have previously considered and rejected Parker's claim that he was falsely convicted based upon tainted expert testimony. Parker v. Sirmons, 237 Fed. Appx. 334 (2007). That determination is not subject to reconsideration in this context. Not only has Parker failed to show the evidence of his guilt false, he has failed to allege any facts demonstrating the expert’s testimony was considered by the Board in denying his parole. Under Monroe, “prisoners do not state a due process claim by merely asserting that erroneous information may have been used during their parole consideration.” 932 F.2d 1442 (emphasis added). Other than connecting Parker to the crime for which he was convicted, he fails to allege how the expert testimony might be relevant to parole considerations. -6- We DENY Parker’s request for a COA and DISMISS his appeal. The “Petition for Writ of Extraordinary Writ of Habeas Corpus,” is DENIED. Entered by the Court: Terrence L. O’Brien