Opinion ID: 452180
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Government Intimidation of Witnesses

Text: 27 In the court below, Garmany moved for a mistrial four days after commencement of the proceedings, claiming that Talladega prison officials decided to transfer an inmate, James Dennis, to a prison in Minnesota, by way of El Reno, Oklahoma, to prevent Dennis from testifying at Garmany's trial. 7 Garmany now seeks reversal of his convictions on this basis. Although government intimidation of defense witnesses can constitute a denial of due process, United States v. Pepe, 747 F.2d 632, 654 (11th Cir.1984), appellant here has failed to justify reversal. In order to substantiate his constitutional claim, appellant must establish, as a threshold matter, that the government's action worked to deprive him of a witness who could have testified on his behalf. See United States v. Henao, 652 F.2d 591, 592 (5th Cir.1981) (Unit B); 8 Freeman v. Georgia, 599 F.2d 65, 69 (5th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 1013, 100 S.Ct. 661, 62 L.Ed.2d 641 (1980). Although the record is not precise on this point, it appears that Dennis was transferred some time prior to commencement of Garmany's trial. The district court then issued a writ ordering that Dennis be brought to appear for Garmany's trial, at Garmany's request. Dennis apparently was prepared to testify, but was never called as a witness. There is no indication that this decision resulted from Dennis' fear of retaliation by prison officials; it appears to have been the product of a reasonable strategic decision not to offer his testimony. Given appellant's failure to make the requisite showing, we hold that there was no due process violation.