Opinion ID: 66276
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Application for Search Warrant

Text: After receiving information from a confidential source (“CS”), special agent Victor D. Washington started an investigation into the unlawful possession of firearms by Deering, a convicted felon.1 As part of the investigation, Agent Washington spoke with the CS on “several occasions” between April 2, 2007, and April 30, 2007. The CS told Agent Washington she had observed firearms and ammunition inside Deering’s residence on several occasions during the prior three months and as late as February 15. The CS described one firearm as a rifle with a brown wooden stock and a dark colored barrel. The CS stated that this rifle was kept against a wall by the front door and that Deering described the rifle as a “‘.22 caliber rifle.’” The CS saw a second firearm on the couch in the living room, which the CS described as a “‘stainless steel,’” bottom-loading firearm “‘with a black handle.’” The CS stated that Deering described this firearm as a “‘Russian .380 caliber pistol.’” The CS observed a third firearm in the bedroom that had a 1 The CS requested anonymity based on fear of reprisal or injury. The record contains Agent Washington’s detailed affidavit of what occurred. 2 brown wooden stock and a gray barrel that had been cut down to approximately eight or ten inches in length. Deering described this firearm to the CS as a “‘rifle.’” From a firearms manual procured by Agent Washington, the CS subsequently identified two firearms as firearms similar to the ones the CS saw in Deering’s residence. The CS also observed several boxes containing various sizes of ammunition inside Deering’s residence. The CS heard Deering target shooting at the residence and saw shell casings in the front and back yards. The CS described the premises as large enough to target shoot without disturbing, or being seen by, neighbors. The CS provided Agent Washington with this information: (1) Deering’s birthdate, Social Security number, physical description, address and telephone number; (2) his wife’s name and description; and (3) a description of his residence, his dog (including the dog’s name), and his vehicles. The CS told Agent Washington that Deering: (1) had a prior conviction for aggravated battery; (2) had been arrested for battery, kidnaping, and possession of marijuana; (3) had physically abused his wife; (4) claimed he had served in the Army and been employed as a deputy with the Levy County Sheriff’s office; and (5) had his driver’s license revoked. Another law enforcement officer informed Agent Washington that 3 information matching Deering’s date of birth, general description, and address indicated Deering had an expired driver’s license, as well as two vehicles and a motorcycle registered in his name. In investigating the information provided by the CS, Agent Washington learned Deering: (1) had been arrested for, inter alia, battery, kidnaping, possession of marijuana, and battery domestic violence; (2) had worked as a deputy with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office; (3) had domestic problems with his wife, Patricia S. Deering; (4) had been arrested for domestic violence, violation of a no-contact order, and violation of probation, and adjudicated guilty of aggravated battery; (5) had been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; (6) worked for two years as a military police officer in the army; (7) was wanted for failure to pay child support; (8) subscribed to the same telephone number as the one provided by the CS; and (9) had not had his right to possess firearms restored. On April 17, 2007, Agent Washington met with the CS, and the CS identified Deering from a print-out of his driver’s license. The CS directed Agent Washington to Deering’s residence and identified Deering’s dog, “‘Tank.’” Taken together, the information gathered confirmed much of what the CS provided to Agent Washington. Consequently, Agent Washington concluded that there was probable cause to believe Deering had firearms and ammunition in his residence. 4 On May 10, 2007, Agent Washington prepared an application for a search warrant to search Deering’s home and attached an affidavit detailing the information gathered. In addition, Agent Washington averred that he had participated in the execution of numerous search warrants for firearms violations and that, in his experience, people who own firearms, including convicted felons, commonly store firearms and ammunition in their residences. Based on this information, a search warrant was issued and executed the same day. The search resulted in the seizure of three firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition from Deering’s residence.