State of Delaware v. Monroe.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
IN AND FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY
STATE OF DELAWARE, )
)
v. ) ID. No. 1404021032
)
RUSSELL S. MONROE, )
)
Defendant. )
ORDER
On this 18th day of February, 2015, IT IS ORDERED as follows:
Defendant’s Motion to Suppress is DENIED.
Jenna R. Milecki, Esq., and Joseph Grubb, Esq., Deputy Attorney Generals,
Delaware Department of Justice, Wilmington, Delaware. Attorneys for State of
Delaware.
Andrew G. Ahern, III, Esq., 1701 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19899.
Attorney for Defendant.
Scott, J.
1
Introduction
Before the Court is Defendant Russell Monroe’s (“Defendant”) Motion to
Suppress, brought by counsel. Defendant argues that there the probation officers
did not have reasonable grounds to conduct the administrative search. Defendant
also argues that the nighttime search warrant was defective because of its timing
and it was not supported by probable cause. The Court has reviewed the parties’
submissions and held a suppression hearing. For the following reasons, the
Defendant’s Motion to Suppress is DENIED.
Findings of Fact
On April 28, 2014, Probation Officers Scaramazza and White went to
Defendant’s residence at 319 Cobble Creek Curve in Newark, Delaware, to
conduct a home visit. The purpose for the home visit on that occasion was to do a
walk-through of the residence to determine where Defendant was sleeping, in
addition to checking his GPS equipment. While Officer Scaramazza was knocking
on the front door of the residence, Officer White observed movement in the front
bedroom located on the second floor of the residence, and subsequently observed a
light go off in that room. There was approximately a five minute delay between
when the probation officers began knocking until Defendant answered the door.
Once Defendant answered the door and the officers entered the residence,
the officers questioned Defendant about his delay in answering. Defendant
initially indicated that he had been asleep on the couch in the living room. When
2
the officers confronted Defendant regarding the movement Officer White had
observed on the second floor while they were knocking, Defendant then indicated
he was actually using the upstairs bathroom instead of sleeping on the couch. Upon
inspecting the living room, the officers observed piles of clothes, children’s toys
and what appeared to be garbage on the couch that Defendant said he was sleeping
on. The officers concluded that Defendant was not sleeping on that couch or in
that room, for purposes of the home visit. The officers were suspicious as to
whether Defendant had been in the room upstairs or if there was another person in
the residence. To resolve this conflict, the officers went upstairs to do a protective
sweep for officer safety.
When the officers went upstairs, they found the door to the room in which
they had previously seen movement and the light on, closed and locked.
Defendant denied having been in the room prior to their arrival and indicated there
were no other persons in the home. Further, Defendant indicated that he did not
have a key to access the room. At this time, Defendant became aggressive and
combative with the officers so the officers placed Defendant in handcuffs an
escorted him downstairs.
Officer White went back upstairs to complete the protective sweep for
officer safety and determine if any other individuals were in the residence. In
checking the second floor, Officer White pushed open the unsecured door to a
second bedroom, and was “hit in the face” by the odor of burnt marijuana. While
3
clearing that room, Officer White observed a bong located on a dresser next to the
television, partially concealed by a gray bag.
Furthermore, Defendant would not allow his probation officer to access
Defendant’s phone, which was a violation of his probation conditions that state that
Defendant is subject to a search of his living quarters and person at any time
without a warrant. In refusing to allow access to his phone, Defendant stated
“that’s a violation of probation, take me now.” This statement further raised both
officers’ suspicions because, based on their training and experience, they believed
Defendant wanted them out of the residence. At this time, Officer Scaramazza
contacted the Governor’s Task Force (“GTF”) to provide security and assist in the
home visit, relaying all of the officers’ observations and statements made by
Defendant to Probation Officer David Tuohey.
While en route to the residence, Officer Tuohey contacted his supervisor,
Robert Willoughby, relaying the information learned from Officer Scaramazza,
including the observations of second floor before the officers entered the residence,
Defendant’s inconsistent statements, the locked bedroom, and the odor of
marijuana and observation of drug paraphernalia within the residence. Based on
that information, Officer Willoughby authorized the probation officers to conduct
an administrative search of Defendant’s residence. That information was also the
basis for Officer Willoughby authorizing entry into the locked bedroom on the
second floor.
4
Authorization to conduct an administrative search of the residence and to
access the locked second floor bedroom had been acquired upon GTF arrival.
Probation officers, along with Corporal Dudzinski of the Delaware State Police,
went upstairs to the locked bedroom, where Cpl. Dudzinski defeated the lock on
the door and entered the room along with Officer Tuohey to do a protective sweep
for officer safety. Upon entering the locked bedroom, officers observed in plain
view Defendant’s identification and social security cards, photographs of
Defendant, a letter written by Defendant for a modification of sentence, and a letter
addressed to “Mr. Bun,” which is a nickname of Defendant.
During the administrative search of the locked bedroom small rubber bands
located under a mattress and several hundred dollars of United States currency
were found. A subsequent K-9 “sniff” of the currency alerted for the presence of
drugs. In the common areas of the residence, the following items were found: a
Lexus car key and parking ticket for a Lexus, which matched the white 2002 Lexus
300 located outside the residence. While conducting an exterior inspection of the
vehicle, the probation officers observed an open trap secret compartment in the
Lexus. The K-9 also conducted an exterior “walk-around” and alerted for the
presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.
In the early hours of April 29, 2014, Cpl. Dudzinski referenced the above
items, discovered as a result of the administrative search by the probation officers,
in his affidavit as probable cause for the nighttime search warrant for residence at
5
319 Cobble Creek Curve, Newark, Delaware and white Lexus 300. The nighttime
warrant was issued by the Justice of the Peace Court 11, and executed at
approximately 12:45AM by members of the GTF. The Court finds that the
nighttime search warrant was properly granted and GTF officers notified prior to
the search being executed.
Defendant was arrested and later indicted on charges of Aggravated
Possession, Drug Dealing, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, and
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Parties Contentions
The Defendant seeks to have all evidence seized as a result of the
administrative and nighttime searches of his residence and vehicle suppressed on
the grounds that the administrative search and nighttime search warrant were
defective, and violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
Defendant argues that authorization of the administrative search because
Officer Tuohey initiated a search beyond the scope allowed under and
administrative search and without supervisor approval, as required by Department
of Corrections procedure. Specifically, Defendant argues that the bong found in
the second bedroom by Officer Tuohey should be excluded from consideration
when evaluating whether there were reasonable grounds for the administrative
search because there was nothing to indicate that Defendant exercised control over
that room. In other words, without supervisor approval, Officer Tuohey was not
6
permitted to search that room and the bong cannot properly be considered for
establishing reasonable grounds for the administrative search. Defendant asserts
that without considering the bong, the Court is left with minimal facts that could
reasonably support suspicion of unlawful activity: (1) Defendant was slow to
answer the door but he provided a reasonable explanation, and (2) the door to the
bedroom that was not his was locked and Defendant did not have a key. Approval
for the administrative search was given before the officers gained entry to the
locked bedroom. Therefore, nothing found inside the locked bedroom may be
considered for establishing reasonable grounds for the administrative search.
Finally, Defendant argues that the execution of the administrative search
substantially violated DOC Procedure 7.19 because there was no pre-approved
arrest/search checklist, and the officers completed their paperwork subsequent to
the search later than “one duty day” after the administrative search.
Defendant also argues that the nighttime search warrant is defective because
it is not supported by probable cause. Specifically, the basis for probable cause
referenced in the nighttime search warrant is the illegally seized items from the
defective administrative search. Because the items illegally seized from the
administrative search cannot be considered in the determination of probable cause
for the search warrant, the remaining grounds referenced in the affidavit are not
sufficient to show probable cause. Therefore, the nighttime search warrant was
7
defective. Moreover, nighttime search warrants require a showing of exigent
circumstances, which Defendant argues were not shown in this case.
The State argues that the administrative search of Defendant’s residence is
valid because it there were reasonable grounds for the probation officers to be
granted verbal authorization for a warrantless search. There were reasonable
grounds for authorization of the administrative search based on: the drug
paraphernalia (i.e. the bong) in the second bedroom, the odor of marijuana coming
from the second bedroom, the officers’ observations on the second floor while
knocking, Defendant’s delay in answering the door and his inconsistent statements,
the locked bedroom, and Defendant’s refusal to allow the officers to look at his
phone. Moreover, Officers Scaramazza and White’s additional knowledge of
Defendant regarding his prior convictions for drug distribution and weapons
charges, and their training and experience as to the activity of an offender
indicating the offender might possess contraband, the sudden change in
Defendant’s demeanor when brought upstairs, and Defendant’s statement to “just
take [him] now” were additional considerations for evaluating reasonable grounds
for authorizing the administrative search.
The State also contends that the administrative search was not defective
because it substantially complied with DOC Probation and Parole guidelines. As
stated above, there were reasonable grounds to justify the verbal authorization of a
warrantless administrative search, and therefore an arrest/search checklist was not
8
necessary. Further, the officers substantially complied with DOC guidelines in
completing their reports subsequent to the administrative search. Therefore, the
administrative search was properly executed and supported by reasonable grounds.
The State contends that the nighttime search warrant is valid because it is
supported by probable cause and the items seized as a result of the administrative
search are properly considered. Moreover, exigent circumstances to justify the
need for a nighttime search were shown by the affidavit’s reference to the officer’s
training and experience in paragraph 18 and specifically, the officers’ observations
of the individual who, upon his arrival at the residence, made several phone calls in
the presence of DSP officers informing other individuals of the police presence at
319 Cobble Creek Curve. Therefore, the affidavit articulated sufficient probable
cause and the exigency of preventing the removal or destruction of potentially
incriminating evidence from that location.
Discussion
I. Administrative Search
Probationers do not enjoy the same liberties as ordinary citizens.1 However,
they do not surrender all of their privacy rights, and searches can only be
conducted by probation officers when they have a reasonable basis to do so. 2
Restrictions on warrantless searches are relaxed due to the State’s special interest
1
Sierra v. State, 958 A.2d 825, 827 (Del. 2008).
2
Id. at 832.
9
and the supervisory nature of probation. 3 Delaware case law provides that
warrantless searches of a probationer’s residence are valid when the search is
prompted by the probation officer’s reasonable suspicion and is conducted in
accordance with Department of Corrections (“DOC”) procedure. 4
Probation and Parole Procedure Section 7.19 5 of the DOC regulations
provides the procedure and considerations for an officer to follow for a warrantless
search of a probationer. Absent exigent circumstances, the officer and his
supervisor must hold a case conference using a search checklist as a guideline.
Section 7.19 provides the factors to be considered when deciding whether to
search:
(1) Knowledge or sufficient reason to believe the offender possesses
contraband.
(2) Knowledge or sufficient reason to believe the offender is in
violation of probation or parole.
(3) Information from a reliable informant, indicating offender
possesses contraband or is violating the law.
(4) Information from the informant is corroborated.
(5) Approval for the search had been obtained from a Supervisor.
Knowledge and reason to believe must be personal to the officer. 6
3
Griffin v. Wisconsin, 483 U.S. 868, 874 (1987).
4
State v. Reese, 2010 WL 3707793, at *2 (Del. Super.); State v. Watson, 2009 WL 1228569, at
*4 (Del. Super.).
5
The legislative authority behind the Department’s regulations is 11 Del. C. 4321(d), which
states, in part:
Probation and parole officers shall exercise the same powers as constables under
the laws of this State and may conduct searches of individuals under probation
and parole supervision in accordance with Department procedures while in the
performance of the lawful duties of their employment . . . .
6
Id.
10
The Delaware Supreme Court has held that officers are not required to
follow each of the technical requirements under the Department regulations.7 A
warrantless administrative search of a probationer’s residence is justified if the
search “comported with the state regulation requiring that probationers be searched
only for reasonable grounds.”8 Therefore, the officers must have “reasonable
suspicion” or “reasonable grounds” for the search.9 “Reasonable suspicion exists
where the totality of the circumstances indicates that the officer had a
particularized and objective basis for suspecting legal wrongdoing.”10 In
Pendleton v. State,11 the Delaware Supreme Court reiterated that Delaware
precedent only requires substantial compliance with the department regulations and
upheld a search when the Officer phoned his supervisor and they orally analyzed
the information gathered, despite the checklist not physically being filled out. In
other words, so long as the probation officers substantially comply with DOC
regulations and have reasonable suspicion to search a probationer’s dwelling, the
search will be valid. 12
7
Fuller v. State, 844 A.2d 290, 292 (Del. 2004).
8
Fuller v. State, 844 A.2d 290, 292 (Del. 2004). Similarly, the United States Supreme Court has
held that “a warrantless administrative search of probationer’s residence requires the probation
officer to have “reasonable suspicion” or “reasonable grounds for the search.” Sierra, 958 A.2d
at 827 (citing Griffin v. Wisconsin, 483 U.S. 868, 872-73 (1987). See also, Donald v. State, 903
A.2d 315, 318-19 (Del. 2006).
9
Sierra, 958 A.2d at 827.
10
Id.
11
2010 WL 625826 (Del. Feb. 23, 2010).
12
Sierra v. State, 958 A.2d 825, 828 (Del. 2008); Pendleton v. State, 990 A.2d 417, 420 (Del.
2010).
11
The scope of an administrative search should be limited to the areas of the
residence that are actually occupied by the probationer, including common areas,
and the probationer’s property. 13 This scope also extends to areas which the
officer has reason to believe is owned, possessed, or controlled by the probationer,
even if it later turns out that the area or item searched was in exclusive possession
of a non-probationer.14
In this case, the administrative search was valid because the probation
officers obtained verbal authorization from Supervisor Willoughby prior to
conducting the search, which was properly executed and supported by reasonable
grounds. Defendant’s refusal to allow probation officers to search his phone, plus
the drug paraphernalia and the odor of marijuana observed within the residence are
enough to establish reasonable grounds for authorizing the administrative search of
the residence. One factor demonstrating reasonable grounds is where the officer
has sufficient reason to believe the offender is in violation of his probation.15
Here, a condition of Defendant’s probation was to allow his probation officer
access to Defendant’s phone upon request. Thus, Defendant’s refusal to comply,
particularly considered in conjunction with his statement that such refusal was a
violation and to “just take me now,” provided the officers with reasonable grounds
for an administrative search. Other factors such as, Officers Scaramazza and
13
State v. Redden, 2003 WL 22853419, *3 (Del. Super. Oct. 22, 2003).
14
State v. Tucker, 2007 WL 1065134, *3 (Del. Super. Apr. 10, 2007).
15
11 Del. C. § 4321; see King v. State, 984 A.2d 1205, 1208 (Del. 2009).
12
White’s knowledge of Defendant’s prior convictions for drug distribution and
weapons charges, as well as their training and experience as to the activity of an
offender indicating the offender might possess contraband and Defendant’s sudden
change in demeanor when brought upstairs are additional considerations
supporting reasonable grounds for the administrative search.
Moreover, the bong located in the second bedroom, and odor of marijuana
emanating from that room, are properly considered in evaluating the reasonable
grounds for the search. Defendant’s mischaracterization of the events causes his
argument for exclusion of the bong to fail. It was Officer White, not Officer
Tuohey, who located the bong in the second bedroom. More importantly, prior
authorization for entry into the second bedroom was not required, nor was it
outside the scope of the officers’ authority to search because Officer White was
merely conducting a protective sweep of the residence for officer safety when he
located the bong in the second bedroom. The officers had reasonable grounds to
conduct a protective sweep of the residence for officer safety based on the
conflicting information resulting from the officers’ observations on the second
floor while they were knocking, Defendant’s statements that he was the only
person in the residence and Defendant’s assertion that he did not have access to the
locked room. 16 A protective sweep for officer safety extends beyond only those
16
See State v. Hunter, 2004 WL 2744513, *1 (Del. Super. Sept. 10, 2004) (The purpose for clearing the apartment
was strictly to determine who was present in the dwelling for reasons of officer safety.
13
areas over which Defendant exercises control.17 It is irrelevant that Defendant did
not exercise control over the second bedroom because the bong was located in
plain view 18 pursuant to a valid protective sweep conduct by Officer White to
determine whether any other persons were in the residence. Therefore, the bong is
properly considered in evaluating the reasonable grounds for the search because it
was found as a result of a valid protective sweep for officer safety.
Furthermore, the locked bedroom was properly within the scope of the
administrative search because the officers reasonably believed that Defendant
exercised control over the locked bedroom based on the information available to
they had at the time the administrative search was authorized. The scope of the
administrative search extends to areas that probation officers have reason to
believe is controlled by the probationer. 19 The officers had reason to believe
Defendant exercised control over the locked room based on the light and
movement observed in the locked bedroom while the officers were knocking on
the door, the delay in Defendant opening the door to the residence, Defendant’s
inconsistent statements as to what he was doing during that delay and Defendant’s
denial that he had been in the room or that anyone else was in the residence.
There was no defect in the execution of the administrative search because
the officers substantially complied with the procedures under 11 Del. C. § 4321
17
See Id.
18
Though the there was a plastic bag partially covering the bong, it was in plain view such that it was immediately
recognizable and visible to Officer White by mere observation.
19
State v. Tucker, 2007 WL 1065134, at *3 (Del. Super. Apr. 10, 2007).
14
and Probation and Parole Procedure No. 7.19. In this case, the probation officers
alone conducted the administrative search of the locked bedroom and common
areas of the residence without the assistance of the GTF officers. The State makes
clear that only the probation officers conducted the administrative search and any
“visual search” by the GTF officers does not constitute a search because they could
have only located items in plain view. Moreover, the search did not require
checklist completed prior to the search because it was unplanned. 20 Where a
checklist is not filled out prior to an administrative search, the form must be filled
out one “duty day” after the search. Supervisor Willoughby testified that a “duty
day” does not necessarily mean the next day, depending on whether the officer is
in the officer or in the field. Here, the Court finds that the report completed by
Officer Scaramazza and the checklist completed by Officer Tuohey approximately
three days after the administrative search substantially complied with DOC
procedures.
II. Nighttime Search Warrant
An affidavit of probable cause must contain the facts sufficient to establish
probable cause within the four corners of the affidavit.21 The facts set forth must
be adequate “for a neutral judicial officer to form a reasonable belief that an
offense has been committed and that seizable property would be found in a
20
See Pendleton, 990 A.2d at 420; King, 984 A.2d at 1208-09.
21
Dorsey v. State, 761 A.2d 807, 811 (Del. 2000) (citation omitted).
15
particular place or on a particular person.”22 Probable cause exists in the affidavit
when there is “a logical nexus between the items sought and the place to be
searched.”23 The nexus “can be inferred from the type of crime, the nature of the
items sought, the extent of an opportunity for concealment and normal inferences
as to where a criminal would hide evidence of a crime.” 24 The affidavit must be
viewed under the totality of the circumstances as a whole. 25 “A determination of
probable cause by the issuing magistrate will be paid great deference by a
reviewing court and will not be invalidated by a hypertechnical, rather than a
common sense, interpretation of the warrant affidavit.” 26 Additionally, the
affidavit of probable cause must be based on current, not stale information. 27
Under Delaware law, individuals are afforded an even greater protection
against the nighttime search of a home, even where a warrant is obtained.28
Specifically, a search warrant in Delaware does not authorize the search of a
dwelling at night “unless the judge, justice of the peace or magistrate is satisfied
that it is necessary in order to prevent the escape or removal of the person of thing
22
Id. (citing 11 Del. C. § 2306 which states in relevant part:
It shall designate the house, place, conveyance or person to be searched and the
owner or occupant thereof (if any), and shall describe the things or persons sought
as particularly made or the offense committed by or in relation to the persons or
things searched for, and shall state that the complainant suspects that such persons
or things are concealed in the house, place, conveyance or person designated and
shall recite the facts upon which such suspicion is founded.)
23
Id.
24
State v. Ivins, 2004 WL 1172351 (Del. Super.) (citations and internal quotations omitted).
25
Sisson v. State, 903 A.2d 288, 297 (Del. 2006).
26
Jensen v. State, 482 A.2d 105, 111 (Del. 1984) (citations omitted).
27
Sisson, 903 A.2d at 297.
28
11 Del. C. § 2308.
16
to be searched for, and then the authority shall be expressly given in the warrant.” 29
A nighttime search warrant is appropriate where executing said warrant at night is
“‘necessary’ to prevent the removal or destruction of potentially incriminating
evidence.”30 Thus, a nighttime search warrant requires a “showing of exigent
circumstances which make it necessary to conduct the search at night.”31 There is,
however, “no requirement that a nighttime warrant contain specific language so
long as it expressly provides authority to conduct the search during the
nighttime.” 32
In this case, the affidavit submitted in support of the nighttime search
warrant articulated sufficient facts within its “four corners” to support probable
cause for a nighttime search of the residence and the exigency of preventing the
removal or destruction of potentially incriminating evidence from that location.
The items seized as a result of the administrative search are properly considered in
the facts supporting probable cause for the nighttime search warrant because, as
discussed above, there was no defect in the administrative search of the residence.
With all factors referenced in the affidavit properly considered, there was sufficient
probable cause to issue the search warrant. Moreover, the GTF officers were
properly notified of the authorization of the search warrant prior to executing the
29
Id.
30
Jensen, 482 A.2d at 112-13.
31
Hanna v. State, 591 A.2d 158, 162 (Del. 1990).
32
Scott v. State, 2007 WL 539650 (Del. 2007).
17
search. The Court is satisfied that the time stamp indicating the 12:55am Justice of
the Peace time received is when the signed search warrant was docketed.
The exigency was articulated in paragraph 18 of the affidavit, that based on
Cpl. Dudzinski’s training and experience, he reasonably believed that if one
member of this drug organization were arrested or detained by law-enforcement
officers, other members of the organization would be immediately notified and
would attempt to destroy, remove or conceal narcotics, contraband, assets and/or
any evidence of drug activity from any of the vehicles, residences or drug stash
locations known to members of the drug organization, not yet identified by
investigators. The officer believed that evidence could be located in the residence
that may lead investigators to other locations or vehicles controlled or influenced
by Defendant, and that timely securing of such evidence was critical in preventing
evidence from being removed or destroyed at other places not yet identified.
Further, the officer articulated in the affidavit that an individual, who arrived at the
residence subsequent to the entry into the locked bedroom, made several phone
calls in the presence of a DSP officer informing other individuals of the police
presence at 319 Cobble Creek Curve.
These factors, together with the items seized from the residence as a result of
the administrative search, are sufficient to establish probable cause and exigency
for a nighttime search warrant.
18
Conclusion
For the aforementioned reasons, Defendant’s Motion to Suppress is
DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/Calvin L. Scott
Judge Calvin L. Scott, Jr.
19