Opinion ID: 790646
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dismissal of the Indictment and Suppression of Evidence

Text: 9 Ellerman first argues that the government acted in bad faith by charging him with conspiracy after he cooperated with local police and by using evidence gained from his cooperation and not requesting a downward departure. Ellerman contends that the district court erred in refusing to dismiss the indictment or suppress the evidence obtained from his cooperation. Critical to this argument, is Ellerman's allegation that he had a cooperation agreement with the government. The only agreement that Ellerman signed was with COMET, a non-federal entity. United States v. Glauning, 211 F.3d 1085, 1087 (8th Cir.2000) (state and local government officials have no power to bind the federal government). Assuming arguendo that COMET could have bound the government, Ellerman's lack of full cooperation would excuse any non-performance on the government's part. The COMET agreement specified: 10 I understand that if it becomes apparent, for whatever reason or from whatever source, that I have not fully cooperated as required by this agreement, this agreement will become null and void and law enforcement authorities may immediately present evidence, including information provided by me pursuant to this agreement, to a federal and/or state prosecuting authority for charge(s) on all known violations of the law. 11 The benefits under this agreement were contingent upon Ellerman's full cooperation. Part of that cooperation required that Ellerman refrain from drug use. Ellerman does not dispute that he illegally used drugs at the time that he was cooperating with COMET. COMET officers, during their investigation, not the government during its prosecution, terminated the agreement with Ellerman for his misconduct. Because the government had no agreement with Ellerman, there is no basis for suppressing evidence. 4