Opinion ID: 3065476
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Benjamin Bright

Text: Benjamin Bright separately argues that he was not in contempt of the enforcement order, contending that he had produced all responsive documents in his custody or control. However, Benjamin waited until six months after entry of the enforcement order to assert that only Cherie had custody or control of the documents. Lack of custody or control is a defense to enforcement and “may not be raised for the first time in a contempt proceeding.” Rylander, 460 U.S. at 757. [12] Even if we construe Benjamin’s argument as a claim of present inability to comply, however, he remained in contempt. The Brights defended this action jointly until a change in strategy during contempt proceedings (and even now have filed joint briefs on appeal). Their joint defense provided a substantial basis for the finding that Benjamin could comply with the enforcement order, even if Cherie maintained primary possession of the documents. Moreover, Cherie’s declaration that she is “solely responsible for compliance, or lack thereof with the summons in this case” does not absolve Benjamin of his responsibility to comply with his separate summons. Nor does her declaration that Benjamin was not involved in the activities that generated the requested docuUNITED STATES v. BRIGHT 3151 ments demonstrate a present inability to produce those documents. Finally, the district court had the discretion to discredit Cherie’s self-serving affidavit in light of the history of joint litigation. Cf. FTC v. Publ’g Clearing House, Inc., 104 F.3d 1168, 1171 (9th Cir. 1997) (“A conclusory, self-serving affidavit, lacking detailed facts and any supporting evidence, is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact.”).