United States v. Gonzalez

U NITED S TATES AIR F ORCE
C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
________________________
No. ACM 39125
________________________
UNITED STATES
Appellee
v.
John D. GONZALEZ
Senior Airman (E-4), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
________________________
Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
Decided 22 March 2018
________________________
Military Judge: Marvin W. Tubbs II.
Approved sentence: Bad-conduct discharge, confinement for 6 years,
and reduction to E-1. Sentence adjudged 21 April 2016 by GCM con-
vened at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
For Appellant: Major Mark C. Bruegger, USAF; Captain Patrick A.
Clary, USAF.
For Appellee: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Kubler, USAF; Major Mary
Ellen Payne, USAF; Major J. Ronald Steelman III, USAF; Gerald R.
Bruce, Esquire.
Before JOHNSON, MINK, and DENNIS, Appellate Military Judges.
Senior Judge JOHNSON delivered the opinion of the court, in which
Judge MINK and Judge DENNIS joined.
________________________
This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 18.4.
________________________
JOHNSON, Senior Judge:
A general court-martial composed of officer and enlisted members con-
victed Appellant, contrary to his pleas, of one specification of sexual assault
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
by causing bodily harm in violation of Article 120, Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. § 920. The court-martial sentenced Appellant to a
bad-conduct discharge, confinement for six years, total forfeiture of pay and
allowances, and reduction to the grade of E-1. The convening authority dis-
approved the adjudged forfeitures, approved the remainder of the sentence,
and waived mandatory forfeitures for the benefit of Appellant’s dependent
child.
Appellant raises nine issues for our consideration on appeal: (1) Whether
the military judge erred by admitting “consciousness of guilt” statements by
Appellant pursuant to Military Rule of Evidence (Mil. R. Evid.) 404(b); (2)
Whether the military judge erred by admitting Appellant’s recorded state-
ment to a civilian police detective who failed to administer a rights advise-
ment; (3) Whether Appellant’s conviction is factually sufficient; (4) Whether
trial defense counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) during
the trial; (5) Whether Appellant is entitled to sentence relief due to the Gov-
ernment’s failure to provide him adequate medical care during his post-trial
confinement; (6) Whether the military judge erred by permitting a Govern-
ment witness to testify as an expert in “medical legal examinations”; (7)
Whether the Government violated its discovery obligations by failing to dis-
close defects in the chain of custody of certain evidence; (8) Whether the mili-
tary judge erred by accepting trial counsel’s race-neutral explanation for ex-
ercising a peremptory challenge against a member of the court-martial panel;
and (9) Whether the military judge erred by failing to appropriately address a
question from one of the panel members during deliberations on findings. 1 In
addition, we address a separate question of IAC during the post-trial process
not initially raised by Appellant, and a facially unreasonable delay in the ap-
pellate review of Appellant’s case. We find no error with respect to the issues
initially raised by Appellant 2 and no relief warranted for the delay in appel-
1Appellant personally raises issues (2) through (9) pursuant to United States v.
Grostefon, 12 M.J. 431 (C.M.A. 1982).
2 We have carefully considered all of the issues raised by Appellant, but not all of
them require discussion in the opinion. With respect to issue (6), the witness in ques-
tion was highly experienced in conducting “medical legal examinations” and the mili-
tary judge did not abuse his discretion in recognizing her as an expert with regard to
performing such exams. With respect to issue (7), the Defense did not object or re-
quest relief at trial and we find no plain error by the military judge. With respect to
issue (8), trial counsel clearly explained the race-neutral basis for the peremptory
challenge—an arguably misogynistic Facebook post by the court member in ques-
tion—and the military judge did not abuse his discretion by accepting that explana-
tion. With respect to issue (9), counsel for both parties agreed to the military judge’s
(Footnote continues on next page)
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
late review; however, we find that IAC unaddressed by the staff judge advo-
cate (SJA) during the post-trial process requires a new post-trial process and
action by the convening authority.
I. BACKGROUND
Appellant was a tactical air controller stationed at Fort Campbell, Ken-
tucky, but who lived in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and young son.
Appellant and his family were good friends with EW, a female civilian who
lived next door with her boyfriend at the time, ME, and another male house-
mate, JS. The two households developed a close relationship after Appellant’s
family moved into their house in 2012. They would frequently socialize, and
EW had a key to Appellant’s house because she would often babysit Appel-
lant’s son as well as pick him up from daycare.
In early April 2013, EW’s then-boyfriend ME was out of town for work-
related travel. Appellant’s wife and son were also on a trip outside the state.
Before she left, Appellant’s wife asked EW to “watch over” Appellant while
she was gone to “make sure that he’d be okay.” Appellant had suffered a non-
combat back injury during a deployment to Afghanistan from which he re-
turned earlier in 2013, although the effects of the injury had not yet fully ap-
peared.
EW returned home from work on the evening of 4 April 2013. Although
she felt “exhausted” and “drained,” she invited Appellant to go out and “have
a drink.” Appellant accepted on the condition that EW drive because Appel-
lant had already been drinking alcohol. EW also invited a female friend, but
that friend did not join them. EW and Appellant visited two bars. EW drank
two mixed drinks at the first; at the second, Appellant ordered a beer for EW
but she did not drink it. They talked about EW’s frustrations with her work
and issues in Appellant’s marriage. The second bar had live music and EW
and Appellant danced “side-by-side” facing the band.
EW drove Appellant back to his house. Appellant said he wanted to con-
tinue drinking and went into his house to get beer. EW went into her house
and changed out of her work uniform and into pajama pants and a t-shirt.
Appellant came to EW’s house and they continued talking in EW’s kitchen.
Appellant continued to drink beer; EW had “a few sips.” There was no kissing
decision to re-read a portion of the instructions to answer the question, and the pres-
ident of the court affirmed that this answered the member’s question. We find these
issues do not require further discussion or warrant relief. See United States v. Mati-
as, 25 M.J. 356, 361 (C.M.A. 1987).
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
or other flirtatious behavior. EW felt cold, so she moved to sit over an air vent
on the floor of the kitchen. In that position, she fell asleep.
EW awoke in her bed. Her pajama pants were pulled “just below [her]
bottom.” Appellant was anally penetrating her. EW felt “confused” and “terri-
fied” and was “afraid of being hurt.” She later testified, “I laid there for a mi-
nute and then I said, ‘[ME], not right now,’ because I thought it was [ME] in
my bed. And then shortly after that it stopped. I heard a belt buckle and
there was movement. Then he got out of my bed.” Appellant departed the
room and the house without saying anything.
EW waited “a little bit” before sending Appellant a text message to let
him know that she knew he was in her house. The message read, “How long
was I asleep? I woke up from what I thought was a dream.. [sic] I saw [ME]
nd [sic] all and he’s not here and you were..[sic]” Appellant did not respond
right away, but later in the morning he replied, “I putt [sic] you in your bed
and left you were drunk, I did not lock the door since I do not have a key so
that’s my bad[.]”
After she sent the text message, EW called ME. ME later testified EW
was “hysterical” and told him she had been raped. ME called their house-
mate, JS, who was also not home at the time. JS in turn called the police. The
police and JS arrived at EW’s house at approximately the same time. The po-
lice disarmed EW, who had armed herself with a handgun because she was
afraid Appellant would return. JS’s girlfriend, MM, also arrived at the house
and described seeing EW on the kitchen floor “sobbing uncontrollably” and
apparently “traumatized.” MM heard EW say, inter alia, that she was afraid
Appellant would “come back and hurt [EW] if he knew [EW] called the po-
lice.”
Eventually the police transported EW to a hospital where she consented
to a medical exam of her “rectal area.” No vaginal exam was performed be-
cause EW “was on [her] period and had a tampon in,” as she had throughout
the night. The exam and subsequent forensic analysis revealed the presence
of Appellant’s semen on swabs taken from the area of EW’s anus.
Appellant was interviewed by Sergeant (Sgt) JF of the Nashville Police
Department that morning. The interview took place in Sgt JF’s vehicle near
Appellant’s house. Sgt JF recorded the interview on a cell phone. At the out-
set, Sgt JF informed Appellant that Appellant was not under arrest, did not
have to talk to Sgt JF, and was free to leave. Sgt JF did not advise Appellant
of his Miranda 3 rights. During the interview, Appellant described going out
3 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
for drinks with EW the previous evening, returning, and continuing to talk
and drink in EW’s kitchen. He claimed that after EW fell asleep he was una-
ble to wake her, so he carried her upstairs and put her in her bed. Appellant
stated he then departed, leaving the front door unlocked because he did not
have a key. Appellant denied any sexual activity occurred. Appellant also ini-
tially denied there had been any flirtatious behavior; he later claimed EW
had been flirtatious, although he did not provide any specific examples when
Sgt JF prompted him. Toward the end of the interview, Sgt JF informed Ap-
pellant that EW had told the police Appellant “had sex” with her after she
passed out.
Shortly thereafter, Appellant sent a text message to his supervisor, Tech-
nical Sergeant (TSgt) TR, to report that Appellant would be arriving late for
duty that day. Appellant claimed the reason for his tardiness was that the
police had interviewed him about vandalism in his neighborhood. After Ap-
pellant arrived for duty, Appellant told another supervisor, TSgt JM, “some
stuff had been vandalized in his neighborhood” and his neighbor was “freak-
ing out.” He did not mention any allegation of sexual misconduct.
Before trial, the Government provided notice to the Defense pursuant to
Mil. R. Evid. 404(b) of its intent to introduce at trial Appellant’s statement to
TSgt TR “to show consciousness of guilt, motive, and intent to deceive.” The
Defense moved to exclude the evidence. The Defense contended that, in light
of the circumstances, the statement was not evidence of consciousness of guilt
or motive, and that any purported intent to deceive was not relevant to the
sole charged offense of sexual assault. The Defense further argued that, even
if the evidence were relevant for such a purpose, any legitimate probative
value did not substantially outweigh the danger of unfair prejudice. See Unit-
ed States v. Reynolds, 29 M.J. 105, 109 (C.M.A. 1989). The Government coun-
tered that these false statements were relevant circumstantial evidence of
Appellant’s consciousness of guilt of the charged offense because they were
intended to conceal Appellant’s crime from the military, and the probative
value was not outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.
The military judge denied the Defense motion in an oral ruling. Applying
the three-part test articulated in Reynolds, id., the military judge determined
the court members could find Appellant made an inaccurate statement to
conceal from his chain of command the reason for his being late to work,
which was relevant to show a consciousness of guilt. The military judge fur-
ther found the danger of unfair prejudice was “quite low” and did not sub-
stantially outweigh the probative value. Appellant’s statements to his super-
visors were subsequently admitted at trial in the form of a stipulation of ex-
pected testimony of TSgt TR and witness testimony from TSgt JM. Prior to
deliberations on findings, the military judge instructed the court members
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
they could consider this evidence “for the limited purpose of its tendency, if
any, to show [Appellant’s] awareness of his guilt of the offense charged,” but
not for any other purpose, and they “may not conclude from this evidence that
[Appellant] is a bad person or has general criminal tendencies and that he
therefore committed the offense charged.”
II. DISCUSSION
A. Mil. R. Evid. 404(b) Evidence
1. Law
Mil. R. Evid. 404(b) provides that evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act
by a person is generally not admissible as evidence of the person’s character
in order to show the person acted in conformity with that character on a par-
ticular occasion. However, such evidence may be admissible for another pur-
pose, including inter alia proving motive, intent, or consciousness of guilt.
Mil. R. Evid. 404(b)(2); United States v. Staton, 69 M.J. 228, 230 (C.A.A.F.
2010).
We review a military judge’s decision to admit evidence for an abuse of
discretion. Staton, 69 M.J. at 230. The United States Court of Appeals for the
Armed Forces (CAAF) has established a three-part test to review the admis-
sibility of evidence under Mil. R. Evid. 404(b):
1. Does the evidence reasonably support a finding by the court
members that [the] appellant committed prior crimes, wrongs
or acts?
2. What “fact . . . of consequence” is made “more” or “less prob-
able” by the existence of this evidence?
3. Is the “probative value . . . substantially outweighed by the
danger of unfair prejudice”?
Id. (quoting Reynolds, 29 M.J. at 109). “A military judge abuses his discretion
when: (1) the findings of fact upon which he predicates his ruling are not
supported by the record; (2) if incorrect legal principles were used; or (3) if his
application of the correct legal principles to the facts was clearly unreasona-
ble.” United States v. Ellis, 68 M.J. 341, 344 (C.A.A.F. 2010) (citing United
States v. Mackie, 66 M.J. 198, 199 (C.A.A.F. 2008)). In reviewing the military
judge’s decision to admit evidence, we consider the evidence in the light most
favorable to the prevailing party. United States v. Rodriguez, 60 M.J. 239,
246−47 (C.A.A.F. 2004).
2. Analysis
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
Appellant contends the proffered Mil. R. Evid. 404(b) evidence that he
misled his supervisors regarding his reason for being late for duty on 5 April
2013 fails the second prong of the Reynolds test. Specifically, he asserts these
statements had “no bearing on his exposure to the charged offense” but ra-
ther were motivated by a desire to “mitigate his failure to report to duty on
time.” Appellant contrasts these statements with his statements to Sgt JF
that he had no sexual contact with EW, which he concedes were logically rel-
evant false exculpatory statements that did evidence a consciousness of guilt.
Appellant further contends the military judge abused his discretion by find-
ing these statements did not unfairly prejudice Appellant when, he asserts,
evidence that he lied to his supervisors had the “potential to generate conclu-
sions about [Appellant’s] character, veracity, or criminal disposition general-
ly.” We are not persuaded.
Applying the first prong of the Reynolds test, we find the evidence did
reasonably support a finding Appellant committed a prior crime, wrong, or
act, specifically that he intentionally misled his supervisors about the reason
he was late for duty on 5 April 2013. The stipulation of expected testimony of
TSgt TR and testimony of TSgt JM both supported such a finding. The De-
fense neither elicited nor offered any evidence to contradict this stipulation
and testimony.
As to the second prong, despite Appellant’s argument to the contrary, this
evidence did make a fact of consequence to the court-martial more probable.
Relevance is a “low threshold.” United States v. Roberts, 69 M.J. 23, 27
(C.A.A.F. 2010). Evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make the ex-
istence of a fact more probable or less probable than it would be without the
evidence. Mil. R. Evid. 401(a). Pretrial conduct, including misleading or false
statements, may give rise to negative inferences. United States v. Stadler, 47
M.J. 206, 211 (C.A.A.F. 1997). In particular, “[a]dmitting evidence tending to
show the accused’s consciousness of guilt is an accepted principle of military
jurisprudence.” United States v. Borland, 12 M.J. 855, 857 (A.F.C.M.R. 1981)
(citing United States v. Hurt, 27 C.M.R. 3 (C.M.A. 1958)). The CAAF has rec-
ognized that evidence of consciousness of guilt may properly be admitted pur-
suant to Mil. R. Evid. 404(b). Staton, 69 M.J. at 230. Viewing the facts of this
case in the light most favorable to the Government, the court members could
infer from these false statements that Appellant wanted to hide the sexual
assault allegation from the Air Force because he feared prosecution based on
a credible allegation of sexual assault. 4 By the end of his interview by Sgt JF,
4The irony of Appellant’s claim that these false statements to his military superiors
had “no bearing on his exposure to the charged offense”—because the civilian police
(Footnote continues on next page)
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Appellant was aware not only of the events of the previous night but also that
EW had told the police that Appellant “had sex” with her after she passed
out. If, as the Defense suggests, Appellant merely sought to explain his fail-
ure to report on time, he could have told his supervisors that he was inter-
viewed by the police without inventing the fictional vandalism. His efforts to
deceive his supervisors can reasonably be inferred to reflect a consciousness
of guilt.
Finally, we are not persuaded that the probative value of these state-
ments was substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Appel-
lant lied to two different supervisors about the reason he was interviewed by
civilian police, evidently in an effort to prevent the Air Force from learning
about a sexual assault allegation against him. Coupled with his false state-
ments to Sgt JF that same morning, these lies were substantial evidence of a
consciousness of guilt. On the other hand, the danger of unfair prejudice from
this evidence was relatively low. Appellant was not charged with making a
false official statement or similar offense, removing the prospect that evi-
dence of these statements would be misused as character evidence similar to
a charged offense. In addition, the military judge provided the members an
appropriate limiting instruction on the proper use of this evidence. Therefore,
the risk that the court members would misuse this information was relatively
low.
Accordingly, we conclude the military judge did not abuse his discretion in
admitting this evidence, and Appellant is entitled to no relief on this basis.
B. Appellant’s Statements to Sgt JF
1. Additional Background
At trial, the Government moved to pre-admit Appellant’s recorded inter-
view by Sgt JF as Prosecution Exhibit 1. The Defense objected specifically on
the grounds that its probative value was outweighed by the danger of unfair
prejudice under Mil. R. Evid. 403. Appellant’s civilian defense counsel, JP,
argued that the probative value was low because, given the context that Sgt
JF had not yet informed Appellant he was accused of any crime, his denial of
sexual contact was not indicative of a consciousness of guilt. The unfair prej-
udice, the Defense contended, was that Appellant’s false statements during
the interview portrayed him as a liar when his credibility was not yet in issue
because he had not testified before the court members. When the military
were aware of the allegation—is that the Air Force prosecuted him for sexually as-
saulting EW after the civilian authorities elected not to prosecute the case.
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
judge inquired whether the Defense objected based on Sgt JF’s failure to ad-
vise Appellant of his rights, JP responded “No, sir. It’s not that he should
have been read his rights; that’s not what I’m purporting at all, sir.”
The military judge overruled the objection, finding that Appellant’s ex-
planation regarding his activities on the night in question was relevant, and
the possibility that contradictory evidence might be introduced did not create
a danger of unfair prejudice. The military judge then asked if there were any
other objections to Prosecution Exhibit 1. Appellant’s counsel stated there
were not. The military judge admitted the exhibit, which was subsequently
played in court for the members.
2. Law
In general, we review a military judge’s decision to exclude or admit evi-
dence for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Freeman, 65 M.J. 451, 453
(C.A.A.F. 2008) (citing United States v. Ayala, 43 M.J. 296, 298 (C.A.A.F.
1995)). This means the military judge’s findings of fact are reviewed for clear
error but his conclusions of law are reviewed de novo. United States v.
Keefauver, 74 M.J. 230, 233 (C.A.A.F. 2015) (citation omitted). “[T]he abuse of
discretion standard of review recognizes that a judge has a range of choices
and will not be reversed so long as the decision remains within that range.”
United States v. Gore, 60 M.J. 178, 187 (C.A.A.F. 2004) (citation omitted).
Whether an appellant has waived an issue is a question of law we review
de novo. United States v. Ahern, 76 M.J. 194, 197 (C.A.A.F. 2017). “Whereas
forfeiture is the failure to make the timely assertion of a right, waiver is the
intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right.” United States
v. Gladue, 67 M.J. 311, 313 (C.A.A.F. 2009) (internal quotation marks and
citations omitted). When an appellant has “intentionally waive[d] a known
right at trial, it is extinguished and may not be raised on appeal.” Id. Forfeit-
ed objections to evidence are reviewed for plain error, which exists where: (1)
an error was committed; (2) the error was plain, clear, or obvious; and (3) the
error resulted in material prejudice to substantial rights. United States v.
Hardison, 64 M.J. 279, 281 (C.A.A.F. 2007) (citing United States v. Powell, 49
M.J. 460, 463–65 (C.A.A.F. 1998)).
3. Analysis
Appellant now contends the military judge erred by admitting Appellant’s
recorded interview because Sgt JF did not administer a rights advisement
and Appellant did not feel free to leave, despite Sgt JF informing him that he
was not under arrest and was free to go. In addition, Appellant asserts that
during the interview he was still too intoxicated from drinking alcohol the
night before to give valid consent to the interview. As a result, Appellant as-
serts the findings and sentence should be set aside. We are not persuaded.
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
At trial, Appellant’s counsel explicitly disavowed any objection to Prosecu-
tion Exhibit 1 based on Sgt JF’s failure to advise Appellant of his rights. In
context, it is apparent the trial defense counsel did not believe Appellant’s
interview by Sgt JF was a custodial interrogation, and therefore the require-
ment for a rights advisement was not triggered. See Miranda, 384 U.S. at467–71. We find Appellant waived this issue at trial. Recognizing our author-
ity to decline to apply waiver and take corrective action when warranted, we
find no such exercise of our authority under Article 66(c),UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §
866(c), is appropriate in this case. See United States v. Chin, 75 M.J. 220, 223
(C.A.A.F. 2016).
As to whether Appellant was too intoxicated to give a voluntary state-
ment, assuming arguendo that the Defense merely forfeited, rather than
waived, this issue, we find no plain error by the military judge. Involuntary
statements are generally inadmissible, see Freeman, 65 M.J. at 453, but there
is little evidence of involuntariness here. Appellant’s answers to Sgt JF’s
questions during the interview were generally clear and responsive. Appel-
lant’s voice on the recording is not slurred or otherwise suggestive of someone
significantly impaired by alcohol. On cross-examination, Sgt JF testified he
could not recall for certain whether he smelled alcohol on Appellant, but he
believed he did not. Furthermore, the questioning itself was neither overbear-
ing nor particularly manipulative. Accordingly, we find the military judge did
not commit plain error by failing to exclude sua sponte Appellant’s interview
by Sgt JF as involuntary due to intoxication.
C. Factual Sufficiency of the Evidence
1. Law
We review issues of factual sufficiency de novo. Article 66(c), UCMJ, 10
U.S.C. § 866(c); United States v. Washington, 57 M.J. 394, 399 (C.A.A.F.
2002). Our assessment of factual sufficiency is limited to the evidence pro-
duced at trial. United States v. Dykes, 38 M.J. 270, 272 (C.M.A. 1993) (cita-
tions omitted).
The test for factual sufficiency is “whether, after weighing the evidence in
the record of trial and making allowances for not having personally observed
the witnesses, [we are] convinced of the [appellant]’s guilt beyond a reasona-
ble doubt.” United States v. Turner, 25 M.J. 324, 325 (C.M.R. 1987); see also
United States v. Reed, 54 M.J. 37, 41 (C.A.A.F. 2000). In conducting this
unique appellate role, we take “a fresh, impartial look at the evidence,” apply-
ing “neither a presumption of innocence nor a presumption of guilt” to “make
[our] own independent determination as to whether the evidence constitutes
proof of each required element beyond a reasonable doubt.” Washington, 57
M.J. at 399.
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
2. Analysis
As the military judge instructed the court members, the elements of the
offense charged in this case included:
(1) That on or about 5 April 2013 at or near Nashville, Tennes-
see, [Appellant] committed a sexual act upon [EW], to wit: pen-
etration of [EW’s] anus with his penis;
(2) That [Appellant] did so by causing bodily harm to [EW], to
wit: penetrating [EW’s] anus with his penis; and
(3) That [Appellant] did so without the consent of [EW].
See Article 120(b)(1)(B), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 920(b)(1)(B).
Appellant contends EW’s testimony regarding the sexual assault itself
was unreliable for two reasons. First, EW testified that when she awoke she
initially thought her then-boyfriend ME was in her bed, rather than Appel-
lant. Second, although EW testified she was anally penetrated “[a]t least two
or three times,” she acknowledged on cross-examination that when she was
interviewed by the Defense the day before trial, she did not say it occurred
two or three times. In addition, Appellant argues the DNA evidence does not
confirm anal penetration occurred because the internal anal swab and the
swab from the external “rectal area” were packaged and tested together.
Having weighed the evidence in the record of trial and having made al-
lowances for not having personally observed the witnesses, we are convinced
of Appellant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. EW testified Appellant anally
penetrated her without her consent while she was asleep in her bed. Appel-
lant’s DNA was found on swabs from EW’s rectal area. EW’s initial confusion
upon being awoken by Appellant’s sexual assault is understandable, but her
allegation that Appellant anally penetrated her was consistent, immediately
reported, and powerfully corroborated by the DNA evidence. Appellant’s
statements to Sgt JF generally corroborate EW’s testimony up to the point
that she unexpectedly fell asleep in her kitchen. He further confirmed that he
knew she was asleep and did not consent because he carried her upstairs and
she did not awaken. The DNA evidence belies Appellant’s claims to Sgt JF
that no sexual activity occurred at all. We find Appellant’s conviction factual-
ly sufficient.
D. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel at Trial
1. Law
The Sixth Amendment guarantees Appellant the right to effective assis-
tance of counsel. United States v. Gilley, 56 M.J. 113, 124 (C.A.A.F. 2001). In
assessing the effectiveness of counsel we apply the standard set forth in
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United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984), and begin with the pre-
sumption of competence announced in United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648,
658 (1984). See Gilley, 56 M.J. at 124 (citing United States v. Grigoruk, 52
M.J. 312, 315 (C.A.A.F. 2000)). Accordingly, we “will not second-guess the
strategic or tactical decisions made at trial by defense counsel.” United States
v. Mazza, 67 M.J. 470, 475 (C.A.A.F. 2009). We review allegations of IAC de
novo. United States v. Gooch, 69 M.J. 353, 362 (C.A.A.F. 2011) (citing Mazza,
67 M.J. at 474).
We utilize the following three-part test to determine whether the pre-
sumption of competence has been overcome:
1. Are [A]ppellant’s allegations true; if so, “is there a reasona-
ble explanation for counsel’s actions”?
2. If the allegations are true, did defense counsel’s level of ad-
vocacy “fall measurably below the performance . . . [ordinarily
expected] of fallible lawyers”?
3. If defense counsel was ineffective, is there “a reasonable
probability that, absent the errors,” there would have been a
different result?
Gooch, 69 M.J. at 362 (quoting United States v. Polk, 32 M.J. 150, 153
(C.M.A. 1991)).
2. Analysis
Appellant contends his trial defense counsel, JP and Captain (Capt) AH,
were constitutionally ineffective in two respects. First, he argues trial defense
counsel failed to use over 100 pages of information gathered from EW’s social
media accounts to rebut factual assertions in EW’s unsworn statement to the
court members about the impact of Appellant’s crime. Second, he argues trial
defense counsel failed to call four potential sentencing witnesses who would
have been “beneficial” to his case. Appellant submitted a declaration to this
court in support of these contentions, which essentially indicates that he
wanted this rebuttal evidence used and these witnesses called, and he did not
know why they were not.
In response to these allegations, we ordered and received declarations
from JP and Capt AH. JP’s declaration in particular contradicts Appellant’s
declaration in that JP asserts Appellant was informed and understood why
this evidence and these witnesses were not used. Because we are presented
with conflicting declarations, we have considered whether a post-trial eviden-
tiary hearing is required. See United States v. Ginn, 47 M.J. 236, 248
(C.A.A.F. 1997); United States v. DuBay, 37 C.M.R. 411, 413 (C.M.A. 1967).
In this case, we are convinced such a hearing is unnecessary. The contradic-
12
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
tions do not involve the substantive decisions the counsel made or the rea-
sons for those decisions, but only Appellant’s purported awareness of those
reasons. Even if we accepted Appellant’s assertion that he was not aware of
the reasons, the alleged errors would not result in relief. See Ginn, 47 M.J. at
248.
Turning to the substance of Appellant’s claims, we find JP and Capt AH
provide a reasonable explanation why they did not attempt to rebut EW’s un-
sworn victim impact statement with her social media information. The mate-
rial did not particularly rebut EW’s unsworn statement, and Appellant pro-
vides no examples of specific contradictions. Even if it were admissible as re-
buttal evidence, the material, including “ordinary pictures of someone going
on with their life” as JP put it, was unremarkable and unlikely to impress the
court in Appellant’s favor. In addition, JP and Capt AH reasonably feared us-
ing such material to challenge whether EW suffered negative emotional im-
pact from the sexual assault—of which the court members had just convicted
Appellant—risked depicting Appellant as unrepentant and vindictive.
Similarly, trial defense counsel’s decisions not to call the four potential
sentencing witnesses were also reasonable. Two of the potential witnesses,
Staff Sergeant JW and TSgt SO, were a former co-worker and a former su-
pervisor of Appellant. JP explained that after he initially made contact with
each, they failed to respond to his repeated subsequent efforts to contact
them again. As to their potential testimony, Appellant relates only that they
“knew [him] well and had first-hand knowledge about [his] character, work
ethic, and personal life.” He does not cite any specific or unique information
they might have provided that would have substantially enhanced the De-
fense’s sentencing case.
JP and Capt AH considered having the third potential witness, the de-
fense expert psychologist, testify in sentencing, and they had the expert con-
duct certain testing on Appellant related to recidivism risk to prepare for that
possibility. However, after the defense expert was interviewed by trial coun-
sel and the Government’s expert in forensic psychology, the defense expert
advised JP and Capt AH that his testimony might be more harmful than
beneficial in light of the anticipated cross-examination. Specifically, the de-
fense expert’s potentially favorable testimony regarding Appellant’s risk of
recidivism was based on Appellant’s revised version of what occurred on the
night in question, which was that he and EW engaged in consensual sex.
That version of events was discredited, to put it mildly, by the evidence pre-
sented and the findings of the court. Not only would cross-examination have
gravely undermined the basis for the defense expert’s opinion, but it would
have given the Government another opportunity to highlight Appellant’s lies
13
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
and portray him as unrepentant. In this light, we find the decision not to put
the defense expert on the stand more than reasonable.
Finally, Appellant complains JP and Capt AH did not have the fourth po-
tential witness, Appellant’s treating mental health provider, testify in sen-
tencing about his medical problems. JP and Capt AH agreed that calling the
provider as a witness risked exposing detrimental information in Appellant’s
mental health profile, to include the results of his sanity board. Having Ap-
pellant’s provider testify risked opening the door to this information, which
could have damaged the Defense sentencing case. Appellant was able to pro-
vide a general overview of his then-existing medical problems to the court
members in his unsworn statement, without the provider’s testimony. Under
these circumstances, we find JP and Capt AH’s decision not to call the pro-
vider was reasonable and did not fall measurably below the performance ex-
pected of fallible lawyers. See Gooch, 69 M.J. at 362. Assuming arguendo that
it was deficient, Appellant has not shown what specifically the provider
would have testified to or how it would have added to the unrebutted infor-
mation in his unsworn statement. Accordingly, even if JP and Capt AH had
been deficient, we cannot discern a reasonable probability the outcome of the
court-martial would have been more favorable to Appellant absent the error.
Id.
E. Post-Trial Medical Care
1. Additional Background
Prior to Appellant’s court-martial, he had received extensive medical
treatment for the deployment injury to his back and a variety of other ser-
vice-related medical problems. On 22 April 2016, the day following his trial,
Appellant was examined at Fort Campbell and found medically fit for con-
finement. He arrived at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar (NCBM) on 12
May 2016 to continue his sentence to confinement.
A letter dated 7 June 2016, signed by Appellant’s stepfather, HL, and
mother, JL, and addressed to the NCBM commanding officer, described Ap-
pellant’s medical problems and treatment history in some detail. 5 The letter
complained that his treatments had not been continued following his arrival
5 The letter described the treatment Appellant had been receiving prior to his court-
martial as follows: “physical therapy 3–4 times a week, psychiatry 1–2 times a
month, psychology 1–2 times a week, aqua therapy 3–5 times a week, yoga 2–3 times
a week, constant cranial electrotherapy stimulation (device), stimulation-ultrasound
for his back 3–5 times a week, acupuncture, heat therapy, cold therapy, music-waves
relaxation, stretching table, Lidocaine Patch 5% daily and [nerve blockers].”
14
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
at NCBM, and expressed concern Appellant’s condition was “deteriorating
drastically.” Appellant’s parents specifically complained about a particular
incident on 25 May 2016 when they alleged Appellant was denied adequate
medical care and ended up being taken to an emergency room. Appellant’s
parents requested an investigation of this incident, and more generally that
Appellant receive “proper and rapid medical, mental and physical treatment.”
This letter was included in the clemency materials Appellant submitted to
the convening authority pursuant to Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 1105.
Appellant’s declaration to this court dated 21 August 2017 contains a very
general statement that he has not received the medical care that he has re-
quested, but also asserts his parents’ 7 June 2016 letter “accurately captures
what [he has] been experiencing in terms of medical care.”
In response to Appellant’s declaration, the Government submitted a dec-
laration from the NCBM commanding officer dated 2 November 2017. The
declaration generally describes the medical care available to prisoners. With
respect to Appellant, it notes that since his arrival at NCBM, Appellant had
“attended 72 medical appointments, to include specialty care at Naval Medi-
cal Center San Diego and physical therapy,” and received medication as “de-
termined as part of his medical treatment plan and monitored by a licensed
physician and psychiatrist.” The declaration addresses the 25 May 2016 inci-
dent, describing how Appellant apparently suffered a significant medical epi-
sode that exceeded the NCBM medical clinic’s capabilities and did result in
his transportation to the Naval Medical Center San Diego emergency room.
The declaration addresses the medical reasons why Appellant’s regular medi-
cations were changed upon his arrival at NCBM, and asserts he “has not re-
quested any additional evaluations or additional medications for pain man-
agement” beyond those he currently receives. Finally, the declaration sum-
marizes the types of specialty medical care he had received since the 25 May
2016 incident, including treatment for traumatic brain injury, physical ther-
apy, speech therapy, neurology, spine adjustment, post-traumatic stress dis-
order, and the provision of an electrical nerve stimulation device kept by Ap-
pellant for his use as needed.
2. Law
“Both the Eighth Amendment and Article 55, UCMJ, prohibit cruel and
unusual punishment. In general, we apply the Supreme Court’s interpreta-
tion of the Eighth Amendment to claims raised under Article 55, UCMJ, ex-
cept where legislative intent to provide greater protections under Article
55 . . . is apparent.” United States v. Gay, 74 M.J. 736, 740 (A.F. Ct. Crim.
App. 2015) aff’d, 75 M.J. 264 (C.A.A.F. 2016). To demonstrate a violation of
the Eighth Amendment, an appellant must show:
15
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
(1) an objectively, sufficiently serious act or omission resulting
in the denial of necessities; (2) a culpable state of mind on the
part of prison officials amounting to deliberate indifference to
[his] health and safety; and (3) that [he] has exhausted the
prisoner-grievance system . . . and that he has petitioned for re-
lief under Article 138, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 938.
United States v. Lovett, 63 M.J. 211, 215 (C.A.A.F. 2006). Pursuant to our
broad authority and mandate under Article 66(c), UCMJ, to approve only so
much of the sentence as we find appropriate in law and fact, we may grant
sentence relief due to an appellant’s post-trial treatment even in the absence
of an Eighth Amendment or Article 55, UCMJ, violation. Gay, 74 M.J. at
742–43; see United States v. Tardif, 57 M.J. 219, 223 (C.A.A.F. 2002).
3. Analysis
Appellant has failed to demonstrate he suffered cruel or unusual punish-
ment in violation of the Eighth Amendment or Article 55, UCMJ. We
acknowledge that the provision of adequate medical care is a necessity. In
addition, we do not question that Appellant has significant, chronic medical
problems, or that on 25 May 2016 he suffered acute medical distress that was
dangerous, painful, and frightening. However, it does not appear that event
was triggered by any dereliction on the part of confinement authorities, and
it is apparent those authorities treated the event as a medical emergency and
secured emergency care for Appellant. It is also apparent NCBM authorities
have gone to significant lengths to secure appropriate care for Appellant’s
chronic health problems. Although Appellant complains that he has not re-
ceived the same amount of care he was receiving prior to his confinement,
and that he “feel[s] like” he is “going backwards in terms of treatment,” Ap-
pellant has provided no medical evidence that his health has declined since
25 May 2016.
On the record before us, we find Appellant has failed to demonstrate ei-
ther “an objectively, sufficiently serious act or omission resulting in the deni-
al of necessities” or “a culpable state of mind on the part of prison officials
amounting to deliberate indifference to [his] health and safety.” Lovett, 63
M.J. at 215. In addition, we have considered whether the conditions of Appel-
lant’s confinement warrant sentence relief under our Article 66(c), UCMJ,
authority even in the absence of cruel or unusual punishment. See Gay, 74
M.J. at 742–43. We find they do not.
F. Post-Trial Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
1. Additional Background
On 3 May 2016, Capt AH submitted a request that the convening authori-
ty defer Appellant’s forfeitures of pay and allowances and reduction in grade
16
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
until action, and waive mandatory forfeitures for six months for the benefit of
Appellant’s dependent son, pursuant to Articles 57(a)(2) and 58b(b), UCMJ,
10 U.S.C. §§ 857(a)(2), 858b(b). On 9 May 2016, in accordance with the advice
of the SJA, the convening authority deferred forfeitures until action, post-
poned a decision on waiver of mandatory forfeitures until action, and declined
to defer Appellant’s reduction in grade.
On 27 June 2016, the SJA prepared a written recommendation (SJAR)
advising the convening authority to approve the court-martial findings and
the bad-conduct discharge, confinement for six years, and reduction to E-1,
and to waive mandatory forfeitures for six months for the benefit of Appel-
lant’s son. This recommendation was served on Appellant and trial defense
counsel.
On 3 August 2016, Appellant’s civilian trial defense counsel, JP, delivered
a voluminous clemency submission to the convening authority on behalf of
Appellant pursuant to R.C.M. 1105 and requested that the “charges be dis-
missed” or in the alternative that Appellant be administratively discharged
in place of the court-martial conviction and sentence. JP’s memorandum af-
firmed that he continued to represent Appellant. It referred to many of the
numerous documents Appellant wanted the convening authority to consider,
including Appellant’s own memorandum. However, JP did not refer to any
allegations that he or Capt AH had provided ineffective assistance during
Appellant’s trial, nor to any potential conflict of interest regarding his con-
tinued representation of Appellant.
As part of the clemency submission, Appellant provided a lengthy memo-
randum (signed by his mother exercising power of attorney) dated 3 August
2016. Therein, Appellant specifically criticized JP’s performance as his trial
defense counsel in several respects and stated, “The sum of all the actions
and the statements above seem to reflect ineffective and insufficient repre-
sentations by my attorney.”
Appellant’s stepfather, HL, a lawyer who observed and briefly testified at
Appellant’s trial, also provided a lengthy memorandum for the convening au-
thority dated 25 July 2016. Among other complaints, HL extensively criti-
cized JP’s performance at Appellant’s trial and specifically accused JP of
providing IAC. In addition, HL asserted JP “is specifically and well aware
that I am totally displeased with his performance, and specifically invited me
through my wife to state my full critique and present it to the Convening Au-
thority.”
Appellant’s mother, JL, provided a memorandum for the convening au-
thority dated 3 August 2016 that asserted, inter alia, JP provided ineffective
assistance to Appellant. JL’s memorandum criticized JP’s performance in
17
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
several respects and repeatedly asserted JP “failed” her son. She further as-
serted that after the trial, JP “invited us to place in our letters for clemency
any criticism.”
On 8 August 2016, the SJA prepared an addendum to the SJAR that ad-
vised the convening authority, inter alia, as follows:
[Appellant] alleges legal error in the form of ineffective assis-
tance of counsel. Specifically, [Appellant] alleges his civilian de-
fense counsel failed to introduce certain evidence and call cer-
tain witnesses at trial that would have been helpful to his case.
[Appellant] also believes he did not receive a fair trial. I have
carefully considered these allegations, and find them to be
without merit.
The addendum did not address any potential conflict arising from JP’s con-
tinued representation of Appellant during the clemency process in light of the
allegations that JP provided ineffective assistance at trial. The SJA advised
the convening authority his prior recommendation remained unchanged. The
memoranda from JP, Appellant, HL, and JL described above were all among
the numerous clemency documents listed as attachments to the addendum
and provided to the convening authority.
On 10 August 2016, consistent with the SJA’s advice, the convening au-
thority approved the findings and the bad-conduct discharge, confinement for
six years, and reduction to E-1; did not approve the adjudged forfeitures; and
waived the mandatory forfeitures for six months for the benefit of Appellant’s
son.
Appellant did not raise the issue of post-trial IAC in his assignments of
error. On 31 January 2018, this court issued an order to the Government to
show good cause as to why a new post-trial process and action were not re-
quired due to JP’s apparent conflict of interest. In response, the Government
obtained additional declarations from JP and Capt AH.
JP stated, inter alia, he was aware Appellant and Appellant’s family were
“not happy” with the results of the court-martial. He stated that when he met
with Appellant after the trial, he asked Appellant whether Appellant wanted
him to continue to represent Appellant. Appellant said he wanted JP to stay
on as his counsel for his post-trial clemency matters. In a separate post-trial
meeting with Appellant’s mother, JL, who had a power of attorney from Ap-
pellant, JP advised her that “if there was a problem” Appellant could termi-
nate JP and use only Capt AH, or Appellant could obtain new counsel. JL
told JP that JP would remain on the case. JP further asserted that he felt no
conflict of interest, that “[n]ot agreeing with trial tactics does not mean that I
18
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
have a conflict of interest,” and that he did “not resent clients being critical of
their results.”
Capt AH stated, inter alia, that before trial she advised Appellant of his
rights to counsel, including his right to terminate herself or JP at any point.
At no point did Appellant express a desire to terminate her or JP. Capt AH
did not recall Appellant expressing dissatisfaction with their performance
when she spoke with Appellant after trial. She was aware Appellant’s par-
ents were dissatisfied with JP’s performance at trial and there had been a
verbal confrontation between HL and JP during the trial. However, following
this confrontation, JP confirmed with Appellant that Appellant wanted JP to
continue to represent Appellant.
In response to these declarations, Appellant provided a declaration from
JL, his mother. JL stated, inter alia, that JP “never spoke to us” about any
conflict of interest that arose from the dissatisfaction of Appellant and his
parents with JP’s performance. In addition, JL asserted that she “did most of
the work during clemency” because “[t]here was no Clemency strategy” and
Appellant’s “attorneys provided minimal useful and constructive help.”
2. Law
We review questions of IAC de novo. Gooch, 69 M.J. at 362. A military ac-
cused has a fundamental right to effective assistance of counsel after his tri-
al. United States v. Knight, 53 M.J. 340, 342 (C.A.A.F. 2000) (citing United
States v. Palenius, 2 M.J. 86 (C.M.A. 1977)). “This right to the effective assis-
tance of counsel means the right to effective assistance of conflict-free coun-
sel.” United States v. Carter, 40 M.J. 102, 105 (C.A.A.F. 1994). “Where an ac-
cused attacks the competence of trial defense counsel, a conflict of interest
may arise because it raises the question of whether trial defense counsel is
‘mentally free of competing interests.’” United States v. Cornett, 47 M.J. 128,
133 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (quoting United States v. Cornelious, 41 M.J. 397, 398
(C.A.A.F. 1995)); see also United States v. Cavan, 48 M.J. 567, 569 (A.F. Ct.
Crim. App. 1998) (SJA has obligation to address apparent conflict of interest
for defense counsel representing accused post-trial in light of accused’s com-
plaint of ineffective assistance by that defense counsel).
3. Analysis
It is apparent JP had a conflict of interest in continuing to represent Ap-
pellant during the post-trial process, given the specific allegations by Appel-
lant, HL, and JL of JP’s ineffectiveness at trial. Appellant sought relief from
the convening authority in part based on JP’s allegedly deficient performance
at trial. For JP’s part, he had an obvious personal interest in defending his
performance at trial. Both this court and the CAAF have recognized that con-
tinued representation by allegedly ineffective counsel in the shadow of such a
19
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
conflict raises the specter of IAC. See Carter, 40 M.J. at 105; Cavan, 48 M.J.
at 569. As a result, Appellant now asserts a new post-trial process and con-
vening authority action are required.
However, the Government argues there is no error here. It contends Ap-
pellant and his family made an informed decision to have JP continue to rep-
resent Appellant for clemency purposes, despite their dissatisfaction with
JP’s trial performance. The Government also relies on JP’s affirmation that
he was not offended by the complaints of Appellant and Appellant’s family,
and that his interests remained aligned with Appellant’s. We are not per-
suaded.
The Government misconstrues the nature of the problem, which is that a
conflicted counsel is a constitutionally inadequate counsel for purposes of
post-trial representation of an accused. Under both the Sixth Amendment 6
and Article 27, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 827, an accused is entitled to effective
counsel—meaning conflict-free counsel—at the post-trial stage. Carter, 40
M.J. at 105 (citations omitted). Securing an accused’s agreement to continue
the complained-of counsel’s representation in spite of the conflict does not re-
solve the conflict. Similarly, the counsel’s assurance that he is not offended by
the allegation of ineffectiveness does not resolve the conflict. In Carter, the
CAAF explained that once a defense counsel becomes aware of an allegation
of ineffectiveness,
[d]efense counsel should advise the client as to the consequenc-
es of the termination of the relationship . . . and determine if
the client wants to discharge the attorney or is merely making
the allegation out of frustration. . . . If [the] appellant and his
counsel are able to resolve that issue, then there could be con-
tinued representation by the same counsel.
Id. (citations omitted) (emphasis added). Contrary to the Government’s posi-
tion that it is sufficient to inform Appellant of his right to secure new counsel
and to obtain Appellant’s agreement to retain the allegedly ineffective coun-
sel, Carter articulates two possible resolutions to the situation, both of which
eliminate the conflict itself. First, the conflicted counsel may cease to repre-
sent the accused. Second, if the accused was merely speaking “out of frustra-
tion” and counsel and client are able to “resolve” the issue such that no alle-
gation of IAC persists, there “could be continued representation.” Id.
6 U.S. CONST. amend. VI.
20
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
Neither resolution was achieved here. Despite JP’s evident awareness of
the IAC allegations in the clemency submission, JP continued to represent
Appellant for clemency purposes. Meanwhile, Appellant continued to assert,
both to the convening authority and on appeal, that JP rendered ineffective
assistance at trial. JP’s memorandum to the convening authority was notably
silent regarding Appellant’s assertion of IAC, and, as described above, JP
provided a declaration to this court that contradicted and rebutted Appel-
lant’s allegation of IAC on appeal. Thus the conflict persisted.
We further note the SJA erred in failing to ensure this issue was properly
addressed. In Cavan we found, similar to the facts here, the “SJA was clearly
on notice of [the] appellant’s complaint against his defense counsel from [the]
appellant’s clemency letter.” 48 M.J. at 569. We held the “SJA erred in not
advising defense counsel of the apparent dissatisfaction of his client, and in
proceeding with the post-trial process before this issue was properly re-
solved.” Id. We then set aside the convening authority’s action and directed a
new clemency process, with conflict-free defense counsel to represent the ap-
pellant. Id. Similar corrective action is required here. See United States v.
Wheelus, 49 M.J. 283, 289 (C.A.A.F. 1998) (stating a colorable showing of pos-
sible prejudice arising from SJAR error requires either meaningful relief or
new post-trial process and action).
G. Delayed Appellate Review
Appellant’s case was docketed with this court on 24 August 2016, more
than 18 months before a decision was rendered. In United States v. Moreno,
our superior court established a presumption of facially unreasonable delay
when a service Court of Criminal Appeals does not take action within 18
months of docketing. 63 M.J. 129, 142 (C.A.A.F. 2006).
Because there is a facially unreasonable delay, we examine the four fac-
tors set forth in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 530 (1972): (1) the length of
the delay; (2) the reasons for the delay; (3) the appellant’s assertion of his
right to a timely review; and (4) prejudice to the appellant. Moreno, 63 M.J.
at 135 (citing United States v. Jones, 61 M.J. 80, 83 (C.A.A.F. 2005); United
States v. Toohey, 60 M.J. 100, 102 (C.A.A.F. 2004)). “No single factor is re-
quired for finding a due process violation and the absence of a given factor
will not prevent such a finding.” Id. at 136 (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 533).
However, where an appellant has not shown prejudice from the delay, there
is no due process violation unless the delay is so egregious as to “adversely
affect the public’s perception of the fairness and integrity of the military jus-
tice system.” United States v. Toohey, 63 M.J. 353, 362 (C.A.A.F. 2006).
As to the first factor—the length of the delay—the appellate review of Ap-
pellant’s case has exceeded the Moreno standard of 18 months by less than
21
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
one month. Accordingly, this factor weighs in Appellant’s favor, but only
slightly.
As to the second factor—the reasons for the delay—Appellant filed his as-
signments of error on 21 August 2017 after securing six enlargements of
time. On 31 August 2017, the Government requested an order to compel dec-
larations from JP and Capt AH responsive to the IAC allegations, and an en-
largement of time until 30 days after the Government received such declara-
tions in order to file its answer. This court granted both. The Government re-
ceived the initial declarations in October 2017 and filed its answer on 13 No-
vember 2017, at which point the case was joined before this court. Upon re-
view of the record of trial, this court identified the issue of JP’s conflict of in-
terest involving his representation of Appellant during the post-trial process,
which neither party had addressed or identified. Accordingly, on 31 January
2018 this court issued a show cause order to the Government, which led to
the procurement of additional declarations from JP and Capt AH as described
above. The Government filed its response to the show cause order on 28 Feb-
ruary 2018, and Appellant replied to the Government’s answer on 7 March
2018. In summary, the delays in this case were primarily attributable to Ap-
pellant’s requests for enlargements of time, the Government’s need to obtain
declarations from trial defense counsel to respond to allegations of IAC at tri-
al, and the need for this court to adjudicate a substantial issue of post-trial
IAC, which Appellant failed to raise but for which he now seeks relief and
which requires corrective action. In addition, a total of 11 distinct issues were
before the court for decision. Under these circumstances, we find the reasons
for delay weigh moderately against a finding of a due process violation.
As to the third factor—Appellant’s assertion of his right to timely re-
view—Appellant has lately asserted his right to timely review. Accordingly,
this factor weighs slightly in Appellant’s favor.
Turning to the fourth factor—prejudice—we note Moreno identified three
types of prejudice arising from post-trial processing delay: (1) oppressive in-
carceration; (2) anxiety and concern; and (3) impairment of the appellant’s
ability to present a defense at a rehearing. 63 M.J. at 138–39. Where, as here,
an appellant does not prevail on the substantive grounds of his appeal, there
is no oppressive incarceration. Id. at 139 (citing Cody v. Henderson, 936 F.2d
715, 720 (2d Cir. 1991)). Similarly, where Appellant’s substantive appeal
against his conviction fails, his ability to present a defense at a rehearing is
not impaired. See id. at 140–41. Furthermore, we do not discern any “particu-
larized anxiety or concern that is distinguishable from the normal anxiety
experienced” by appellants awaiting an appellate decision. See id. at 140. Ac-
cordingly, this factor weighs substantially against Appellant. See Toohey, 63
M.J. at 362.
22
United States v. Gonzalez, No. ACM 39125
Considering all the factors together we do not find a violation of Appel-
lant’s due process right to timely post-trial processing and appeal.
Recognizing our authority under Article 66(c), UCMJ, we have also con-
sidered whether relief for excessive post-trial delay is appropriate in this case
even in the absence of a due process violation. See United States v. Tardif, 57
M.J. 219, 225 (C.A.A.F. 2002). After considering the factors enumerated in
Gay, 74 M.J. at 744, 7 we conclude it is not.
III. CONCLUSION
The record of trial is returned to The Judge Advocate General for remand
to the convening authority for a new post-trial process and action consistent
with this opinion. We further direct Appellant be provided new, conflict-free
counsel to represent him in responding to the SJAR and submitting clemency
matters to the convening authority pursuant to R.C.M. 1105. Article 66(e),
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(e). Thereafter, the record of trial will be returned to
this court for completion of appellate review under Article 66, UCMJ, 10
U.S.C. § 866.
FOR THE COURT
CAROL K. JOYCE
Clerk of the Court
7 These factors include: (1) how long the delay exceeded the standards set forth in
Moreno; (2) what reasons, if any, the Government set forth for the delay, and wheth-
er there is any evidence of bad faith or gross indifference to the overall post-trial pro-
cessing of this case; (3) whether there is evidence of harm to the appellant or institu-
tionally caused by the delay; (4) whether the delay has lessened the disciplinary ef-
fect of any particular aspect of the sentence, and whether relief is consistent with the
dual goals of justice and good order and discipline; (5) whether there is any evidence
of institutional neglect concerning timely post-trial processing; and (6) given the pas-
sage of time, whether this court can provide meaningful relief in this particular situ-
ation.
23