# United States v. Heilman

> Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit · April 21, 2010 · 377 F. App'x 157

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2165

## Case

- **Full name:** UNITED STATES of America, v. Thomas HEILMAN, A/K/A Fuzzy, William A. Johnson, A/K/A Tatoo Billy, John Napoli, A/K/A Junior, Appellants
- **Court:** Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- **Decided:** April 21, 2010
- **Citations:** 377 F. App'x 157
- **Precedential status:** Unpublished
- **Opinion:** Opinion
- **Judges:** Baery, Jordan, Van Antwerpen
- **Cited by:** 21 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

## Citator (automated)

- No negative treatment found by the automated citator. That is not the same as a confirmation that the case is good law; read the citing cases.
- Full citator and citing cases: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2165

## How later opinions describe it (automated extraction)

- explaining the Franks procedure

## Opinion text

NOT PRECEDENTIAL

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

Nos. 08-1056, 08-2112, 08-2195

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

v.

THOMAS HEILMAN,
a/k/a FUZZY,
WILLIAM A. JOHNSON,
a/k/a TATOO BILLY,
JOHN NAPOLI,
a/k/a JUNIOR,

Appellants

On Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
(D.C. Criminal Nos. 07-cr-00075-1, 07-cr-00075-002, 07-cr-00075-4)
District Judge: Honorable Harvey Bartle, III

Submitted Pursuant to Third Circuit LAR 34.1(a)
March 12, 2010

Before: BARRY, JORDAN, and VAN ANTWERPEN, Circuit Judges.

(Filed: April 21, 2010)

OPINION OF THE COURT
VAN ANTWERPEN, Circuit Judge.

In this consolidated appeal, we review myriad issues presented by Defendant-

Appellants John Napoli (“Napoli”), William A. Johnson (“Johnson”), and Thomas

Heilman (“Heilman) (collectively referred to herein as “Defendants”) ranging from

challenges to evidence presented at their trial to a variety of sentencing issues. For the

reasons set forth below, we will affirm the Defendants’ convictions on all counts, as well

as the sentences of Napoli and Heilman, but we will vacate Johnson’s sentence and

remand for re-sentencing.

I.

A.

The facts in this case are lengthy and complex. On July 26, 2007, a grand jury

returned a second superseding indictment against six individuals. Napoli, Johnson, and

Heilman were charged as follows:

(1) Napoli was charged with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of
crystal methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and
841(b)(1)(A) (Count I); three counts of violent crimes in aid of racketeering
(“VICAR”) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959 (a)(3) (Counts II through IV);
collection of credit by extortionate means, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 894
(Count V); one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a
convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Count IX); two counts
of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation 18 U.S.C. §
922(g)(1) (Counts X and XI); and unlawful possession of a machine gun, in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Count XII).1

(2) Johnson was charged with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of

1
The Government withdrew Count XII at trial.

2
crystal methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and
841(b)(1)(A) (Count I); one count of VICAR (Count IV); possession of a
firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C.
§ 924(c) (Count VI); and two counts of possession of a firearm and
ammunition by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
(Counts VII and VIII).

(3) Heilman was charged with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of
crystal methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and
841(b)(1)(A) (Count I).

Prior to trial, some of their co-defendants pled guilty to some or all of the counts

with which they were charged. Napoli, Johnson, and Heilman filed pretrial motions to

suppress evidence on various grounds, all of which were denied after the District Court

held suppression hearings on September 5 and 6, 2007. The court also denied Heilman’s

pretrial motion to sever his trial from his co-defendants.

The jury trial commenced on September 18, 2007. At the conclusion of the

evidence, Napoli and Johnson orally presented Rule 29 motions alleging there was

insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the alleged VICAR assaults and the

Breed outlaw motorcycle gang’s (the “Breed”) drug trafficking activities. Napoli

separately contended that the evidence was insufficient to prove he unlawfully possessed

firearms. The District Court denied these motions.

On October 4, 2007, the jury convicted Napoli of all counts charged, except Count

III, of which he was acquitted. It found Johnson guilty on all charges, and it found

Heilman guilty on Count I. In a special interrogatory, the jury determined that Napoli and

Johnson conspired to distribute over 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and that

3
Heilman conspired to distribute less than 500 grams, but more than 50 grams, of crystal

methamphetamine.

In separate sentencing hearings, the court sentenced: (1) Napoli to 432 months’

imprisonment,2 a term of five years of supervised release, forfeiture of specific tangible

property, and a special assessment of $700; (2) Johnson to 360 months’ imprisonment,3 a

five year term of supervised release, forfeiture of specific tangible property, and a special

assessment of $500; and (3) Heilman to 235 months’ imprisonment,4 a term of five years
2
Napoli’s crimes were divided into four groups of offenses. (R. at 665A-67A.) The
court calculated an offense level of forty-six (46) for Group 1, which consisted of the
drug conspiracy conviction. This offense level reflected a base of thirty-eight (38),
United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1(c)(1) (Nov. 2007); a two-level enhancement
for possession of a firearm, id. § 2D1.1(b)(1); a four-level enhancement for a leadership
role in an organization of at least five persons, id. § 3B1.1(a); and a two-level
enhancement for obstruction of justice, id. § 3C1.1. Because the offense levels for the
other groups were more than nine (9) points less serious, the court only considered the
level for Group 1. See id. § 3D1.4(c). With a criminal history category of V, after a one-
level departure for over-representation, see id. § 4A1.3(b), the Guidelines yield a
recommended sentence of life imprisonment, (R. at 668A.)

3
Johnson’s crimes fell into two groups of offenses. (R. at 597A.) For the first
group, the court calculated an offense level of thirty-nine (39), which consisted of a base
offense level of thirty-six (36), USSG § 2D1.1(c)(2), and a three-level enhancement for
performing a managerial or supervisory role, id. § 3B1.1(b). The court disregarded the
second group because its offense level was more than nine (9) levels less serious. See id.
§ 3D1.4(c). The court then determined that Johnson was a career offender and, therefore,
his criminal history category was VI. After a one-level departure for over-representation,
the Guidelines yield a recommended term of imprisonment ranging from 360 months to
life. (R. at 598A.)

4
The court calculated Heilman’s offense level at thirty-four (34), based on a base
offense level of thirty (30), USSG § 2D1.1(c)(5), and a two-level enhancement for
possession of a dangerous weapon in connection with a drug conspiracy, id. §
2D1.1(b)(1). The court, however, concluded that Heilman was a career offender and,
therefore, increased his offense level to thirty-four (34) in accordance with the

4
supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. The court also ordered the

Defendants jointly and severally liable for the proceeds derived from the drug conspiracy,

in the amount of six million dollars. All Defendants were sentenced in accordance with

the 2007 Guidelines, which were in effect at the time of sentencing.

Defendants each filed a timely notice of appeal. Each Defendant raises a diverse

set of issues on appeal and joins in those of his co-defendants. Napoli argues: (1) the

District Court erred by admitting wiretap evidence because the wiretap applications failed

to satisfy the necessity requirement; (2) the District Court improperly applied Fourth

Amendment principles to the wiretap applications; (3) the District Court erred by failing

to grant an evidentiary hearing; (4) the evidence was insufficient to support his

convictions for Counts II, IV, and V; (5) the jury instructions regarding VICAR were

erroneous; (6) joinder of Counts II through V for trial was prejudicial; (7) the admission

of evidence on Counts II through V violated Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b); (8) the

Government failed to timely disclose prior statements of testifying witnesses; (9) the

District Court erred by calculating the amount of forfeiture based on gross proceeds rather

than net income; (10) in determining his sentence, the District Court erred by finding the

drug quantity and enhancements by a preponderance of the evidence; and (11) the District

Court failed to consider the inequity of a sentence based on a 10:1 drug quantity disparity.

Guidelines. See id. § 4B1.1(b). For the same reason, Heilman’s criminal history category
was VI, which the court lowered by one-level for over-representation. See id. § 4A1.3(b).
Based on an offense level of thirty-four (34) and a criminal history category of V, the
Guidelines suggest a term of imprisonment of 235 to 293 months. (R. at 564A.)

5
Johnson makes the same first two arguments as Napoli, and also argues: (1) the

District Court erred by failing to grant a Franks hearing; (2) the District Court erred by

failing to suppress physical evidence; (3) the District Court violated his privilege against

self-incrimination by allowing the introduction of wiretap evidence; (4) the District Court

failed to grant a judgment of acquittal on Counts VI through VIII; (5) the District Court

erred by sentencing him as a career offender; (6) the District Court erred by imposing a

consecutive sentence under § 924(c)(1); and (7) the District Court violated his Fifth and

Sixth Amendment rights in sentencing determinations.

Heilman argues: (1) the District Court abused its discretion in failing to grant him

a separate trial; (2) the search of his home lacked probable cause; (3) the District Court

erred by applying a dangerous weapons enhancement; (4) the District Court erred by

departing only one criminal history category for over-representation and by believing it

could not reduce his offense level for over-representation; and (5) his sentence was

unreasonable.

B.

The Government prosecuted Defendants as members of the Breed, alleging they

were involved in a conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine.5 Put simply, the

5
Napoli, Johnson, and Heilman were arrested, along with ten others, pursuant to an
extensive investigation of the Breed by the Pennsylvania State Police. They were among
the seven of those arrested whose cases were adopted for federal prosecution in January
2007.

6
evidence offered at trial indicated that the Pennsylvania Chapter6 of the Breed was subject

to Napoli’s control, who became president of the chapter in early 2004. Between January

2003 and June 2006 the organization allegedly distributed over 125 pounds of

methamphetamine.

The Breed has a hierarchical structure with many members. As president, Napoli

had the ultimate authority over the Breed enterprise. Breed officers have authority over

regular members, hang-arounds, and prospects. Napoli appointed Johnson to be an

executive member of the Pennsylvania Chapter. The evidence indicated that Johnson was

a principal methamphetamine supplier to the Breed drug enterprise, and obtained

methamphetamine, in turn, from his supplier Robert Traverse. Heilman served as a

regular member in the Breed, and would sell drugs to the enterprise’s retail customers.

The Breed has a club house at 3707 Spruce Street in Bristol, Pennsylvania, where it holds

weekly meetings to discuss club business, a practice referred to as going to “church.”

In light of the diversity of Defendants’ claims, we will organize the facts in

relation to those claims.

1.

Napoli’s and Johnson’s principal issue on appeal is that law enforcement violated

their rights by electronically intercepting communications on their phones. The

Pennsylvania State Police sought and obtained wiretaps for two phones used by Johnson

6
The Breed organization also has chapters in New Jersey and Ohio.

7
and one phone used by Napoli pursuant to their investigation. On April 13, 2006,

Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Jack A. Panella authorized a thirty-day wiretap for

cellular telephone (215) 647-3165, registered to John Smith but used by Johnson

(“Johnson 1”). Judge Panella also signed a thirty-day extension order for Johnson 1; all

monitoring ended June 7, 2006. On May 3, 2006, Judge Panella authorized two more

wiretaps for: (1) cellular number (215) 768-4612 registered to Bridget Dale and used by

Johnson (“Johnson 2”), and (2) cellular number (215) 397-8074 registered to, and used

by, Napoli. Judge Panella signed a thirty-day extension for both on June 2, 2006.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General applied for each wiretap. With each

application, he incorporated an affidavit from Agent Kirk Schwartz 7 attesting to the

probable cause and necessity for each wiretap. The affidavits contain a lot of similar

information, and were likely modeled after each other, but each one was modified to

reflect probable cause and necessity for each individual phone.

The wiretap affidavits, particularly the affidavit in support for a wiretap on

Johnson 1, rely principally on the information provided by two informants. The

investigation of the Breed commenced in 2005 while law enforcement agents were

investigating another outlaw motorcycle gang, the Warlocks. Pursuant to that

investigation, law enforcement arrested David Serviolo (“Serviolo”). To avoid

7
At the time of the investigation and trial, Agent Schwartz was employed by the
Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, in the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation
and Drug Control.

8
prosecution, Serviolo agreed to cooperate and provide information regarding the Breed’s

drug trafficking activities.

Serviolo became a confidential informant (“CI”), and is referred to as CI#1 in the

wiretap affidavits. In each affidavit, Agent Schwartz details how Serviolo provided a

substantial amount of information about the Breed, due in part to his several-year

relationships with both Napoli and Johnson, which commenced prior to his cooperation.

In each affidavit, Agent Schwartz indicated that the information Serviolo provided was

independently verified using surveillance, interviews, and information from other law

enforcement. Law enforcement contended in the affidavits that Serviolo refused to

testify. He did not change his mind until the federal prosecutor adopted this case in

January 2007 and agreed to provide funding to protect Serviolo and his wife. Serviolo,

however, apparently agreed to have his phone communications intercepted because law

enforcement determined the interceptions would be necessary to corroborate any

testimony he might offer.

In August 2005, Serviolo made controlled purchases from Jeffrey Grady

(“Grady”), who was a Breed hang-around. In January 2006, Grady agreed to cooperate

with the state investigation. At that point, he had already disassociated from the Breed.

Grady admitted to storing and distributing large quantities of drugs and money for

Napoli. Grady said that during the summer of 2005 he served as a drug runner for Napoli

by picking up pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine from Napoli, and then either

9
storing it for Napoli or running it to another Breed member. He also kept over $100,000

in cash at his house for Napoli.

Grady also alleged that Napoli threatened to extort $25,000 from him. Beginning

in mid-2005, Grady and Napoli started a construction business together and completed

several jobs together. In late 2005, after Grady ended his Breed membership, and after

Napoli and Grady ended their professional relationship, Napoli alleged that Grady owed

him $25,000, which Grady contends he did not owe. Grady testified that Napoli gave him

one month to come up with the money, and when he did not pay Napoli kicked his back

door and said, “[I]f this is the way you want to play, then we’ll play this way.” (Supp.

App. at 564.) In response, Grady turned state’s evidence.

The affidavit also detailed how Serviolo made a series of other controlled drug

purchases while acting as a CI. On January 9, 2006, he participated in a controlled

purchase of one gram of crystal methamphetamine from Breed member Brian Jones.

Between February 7, 2006 and April 6, 2006, Serviolo made a series of small crystal

methamphetamine purchases from Johnson. He made those purchases from, among other

places, Johnson’s residence at 3632 Morrell Street and The House of 1000 Tattoos.8

After each purchase, Serviolo would turn over the drugs purchased. Serviolo testified at

trial that he also bought additional small quantities of crystal methamphetamine from

Johnson for his own personal use.

8
The House of 1000 Tattoos is a business co-owned by Napoli and Johnson.

10
On June 3, 2006, Serviolo participated in a controlled purchase of crystal

methamphetamine from Heilman at Heilman’s residence at 813 Pine Street, Bristol,

Pennsylvania. This event was surveyed by Agent Schwartz. The police provided

Serviolo buy money. Serviolo entered Heilman’s residence and emerged two hours later.

When he emerged, he had spent the money and turned over three and one-half grams of

crystal methamphetamine purchased.

The affidavits also detailed other evidence that law enforcement gathered by

surveillance and other investigatory techniques. The affidavits for the wiretap on Johnson

2 and Napoli are much more elaborate because they include the evidence gathered against

Napoli and Johnson through electronic interception on Johnson 1.

In the Johnson 2 and Napoli wiretap affidavits, Agent Schwartz indicates that

Napoli was Johnson’s ultimate source for methamphetamine. In the affidavit for Napoli’s

wiretap, Agent Schwartz elaborates, explaining that Napoli may not actually hand

Johnson the methamphetamines but approves acquisition of the product. Agent Schwartz

also testified to a grand jury that Johnson acquired methamphetamine from someone

named Robert Traverse.

In each affidavit, Agent Schwartz included a section entitled “Need for

Interception” to explain why wiretap interception was necessary and why normal

investigative tools precluded law enforcement from obtaining sufficient evidence to

prosecute. In all three affidavits, Agent Schwartz acknowledges that investigators were

11
able to get some information from Serviolo, Grady, and other cooperating witnesses, but

suggests that the informants’ access to information was limited.

Specifically, Agent Schwartz indicates that Serviolo was unable to get sufficient

information about the full scope of the organization or about sources of the

methamphetamine. (See R. at 906A-907A (noting “he . . . could not provide direct

testimony regarding the full scope of Johnson’s involvement in the crystal

methamphetamine enterprise . . . . The confidential informant does not have the ability to

approach any of Johnson’s sources for crystal methamphetamine.”); R. at 982A (noting

“[a]lthough the confidential informant was able to supply some information . . .[he or she]

is not able to supply enough information concerning persons involved in the higher

echelon of the organization, including the acquisition and/or manufacture of crystal

methamphetamine”); R. at 1064A (same).) The affidavit does not mention that Serviolo

was offered, but declined, an opportunity to become a prospective member of the Breed.

Agent Schwartz also asserted that investigators had limited success with physical

surveillance, without an accompanying wiretap, because Breed members are very aware

of their surroundings and practice counter-surveillance measures. Agent Schwartz lists

what he characterizes as “[t]wo very good examples of their counter surveillance

abilities” in all three affidavits: (1) during a surveillance on Old Route 13, a Breed

member indicated that he was aware of the surveillance by brandishing a bowie knife, and

(2) while an undercover officer was photographing a residence of a Breed member, the

12
member immediately noticed the agent and followed him. (R. at 908A-909A; 984A-

985A; 1066A-1067A.) These circumstances arose when law enforcement were surveying

Breed members other than Napoli or Johnson.

In both applications for the Johnson wiretaps, Agent Schwartz expresses concern

that frequent physical surveillance would be noticed by Breed members because it would

require law enforcement to survey the same locations repeatedly. In the Napoli

application, Agent Schwartz also expresses concern, based on intercepted

communications, that Napoli has sources for confidential police information which would

aid in the Breed’s counter-surveillance tactics.

Agent Schwartz indicated that video surveillance has its limitations because it can

only to be used to determine that people visited particular locations, not the purpose of

those visits. He found the use of search warrants or grand jury indictments problematic

because they would notify the targets of the investigations. He acknowledges that “the

use and installation of an active pen register, trap and trace device alone will not provide

information that will fully define the scope” of the organization. (R. at 1072A.)

Although it will reveal call patterns, it will not aid law enforcement in getting information

about who is supplying drugs, or enable successful prosecutions.

2.

13
Law enforcement conducted several searches pursuing its investigation. On June 5,

2006, Judge Panella issued three, sealed, nighttime search warrants for: (1) 3632 Morrell

Street, (2) 4648 Bergen Street, and (3) 8609 Jackson Street.9

The evidence at trial indicated that Johnson shared the 3632 Morrell Street

residence with his girlfriend, Jennifer Wozack, but does not indicate whether Johnson

owned or leased this residence. Agent Schwartz indicated that this warrant was executed

on June 6, 2006 at 1:15 a.m. A special operations group approached the front door and

knocked. After forty seconds with no answer, the officers forcibly entered the house.

Johnson, who was in the residence at the time, was placed under arrest.

The warrant indicated that the items to be searched for and seized included:

“Methamphetamine, other controlled substances, items used to package,
weigh, use, manufacture, store, and cut controlled substances, United States
currency, documents, including owe sheets, customer lists, indicia, and/or
other items which by themselves are indicative of drug trafficking and/or
manufacturing, any weapons used as part of the drug trafficking trade and/ or
items which are indicative of membership in a corrupt organization.”

(R. at 1247A-1248A.)

During the search officers recovered various items from the dining room. From

shelving, officers found a blue Adidas shoe box containing five individually wrapped

containers of crystal methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found a nine millimeter

handgun, which was loaded, on top of a dining room hutch. The gun contained thirteen

rounds of ammunition. The agent testified, “[f]rom where I was sitting, if I took one step

9
The search of 8609 Jackson Street is not subject to this appeal.

14
to my right I could grab the shoebox [containing methamphetamine]. From where I was

sitting if I make one step to my left I could reach up and grab the 9 millimeter off the

dining room hutch.” (Supp. App. at 164.)

From a strong box found in the front hallway, police recovered two ounces of

methamphetamine, two vehicle titles, some unopened syringes, a leather case containing a

digital scale and a small packet of cocaine. Police also found a black and silver case

containing seven explosive devices, some edged weapons, some steroids, and a sandwich

bag with several nine millimeter rounds. Law enforcement also recovered Breed

paraphernalia, various records for Johnson and Wozack, jewelry, a photo, and other

miscellaneous items.

Agent Jeffery Aster led the search of the Morrell Street residence. He testified that

while at the residence, he listed all of the items seized in a rough inventory, which he re-

copied in a more legible form. He testified that he left all the legible copies of the

inventory at the residence, as well as the face sheet of the search warrant. As a result,

Agent Aster only took the rough inventory list with him and asked another agent to

update that inventory with any additions only included on the legible inventory.

Law enforcement also searched Johnson’s other residence that night, 4648 Bergen

Street, which he shared with his wife, Stacy Johnson. The record is unclear as to whether

Johnson did or did not own this residence.

15
Officers executed this warrant at 2:30 a.m. on June 6, 2006. Agent Schwartz did

not accompany officers on this search, but testified that he was told by the lead officer,

Samuel Nieves, what transpired. The officers knocked on the door. Stacy Johnson

answered and permitted the officers to enter. After completing the search, the officers

left an inventory receipt detailing everything taken, as well as the face sheet of the search

warrant.

At the Bergen Street residence, the police recovered a revolver located in the

upstairs bedroom. They found the gun in a dresser drawer which contained “female

clothing, underwear, socks, so on and so forth.” (Supp. App. at 192.) The police also

recovered a shotgun from a closet in the same bedroom, next to Johnson’s Breed colors.10

At 7:19 a.m. that morning, police intercepted a call between Stacy Johnson and Napoli,

during which she told him, “I have the paper of the stuff [taken].” (R. at 220A.)

Johnson alleges that the officers took numerous items outside the scope of the

warrant from his two residences. Specifically, he contends officers seized confidential

attorney client materials and private medical records.

On June 6, 2006, Judge Panella issued an additional search warrant for Heilman’s

residence at 813 Pine Street in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The warrant affidavit included a

description of the controlled purchase committed by Serviolo at that address, three days

earlier. From Heilman’s residence, law enforcement recovered 7.29 grams of crystal

10
Breed “colors” are patch insignias. They often adorn the back of denim vests.

16
methamphetamine. They found a small plastic bag of crystal methamphetamine in a blue

eye-glasses case that was located in the living room on a desktop, as well as additional

bags on a table in the kitchen. Police discovered a .22 caliber rifle in the first-floor

bedroom, under a couch. Police also recovered five knives and one dagger in a second-

floor bedroom, some of which was under a chair. They found five swords and a pick axe

in a second-floor bedroom. In addition, they recovered assorted ammunition, various

pieces of Breed paraphernalia including photos, decals, and business cards, and over two

dozen weighted batons.

Law enforcement also searched Napoli’s residence at 268 Appletree Drive,

Levittown, Pennsylvania.11 During the search the police discovered a Ruger Model nine

millimeter pistol, loaded with fourteen rounds, and a Kel-Tech Model nine millimeter

pistol, loaded with eleven rounds, from a safety deposit box on the left-hand side of the

bed in the first-floor master bedroom. The police also recovered a Federal Box with a

separate magazine loaded with thirteen rounds of nine millimeter ammunition.

The police seized other items pertaining to the Breed. For example, law

enforcement recovered a computer which contained records of Breed club laws,

prospective laws, and funeral bylaws. Police also found photos and documents relating to

the Breed.

3.

11
Napoli did not challenge the search of his house at 268 Appletree Drive in
Levittown, Pennsylvania. This search also occurred on June 6, 2006.

17
With regard to the gun possession charges, law enforcement recovered guns in

Johnson’s two residences, along with drugs and other proceeds. In addition, Serviolo

testified that, in March 2006, he went to Johnson’s Morrell Street residence to buy

methamphetamine for his personal use. When Serviolo entered, he saw Johnson, with a

handgun in one hand, stuffing cash into a portable safe with the other. Serviolo also

testified that, on May 11, 2006, Johnson asked Serviolo to help him move several large

firearms, dynamite, and about one pound of methamphetamine from Morrell Street to

Johnson’s Bergen Street residence. Another witness testified that when he accompanied

Johnson to a Hooters Bike night, Johnson had a gun in his vehicle.

In addition to the two nine millimeter handguns recovered from Napoli’s

Appletree Drive residence, Agent Schwartz testified that Napoli controlled eighteen

firearms and one machine gun stored in two storage lockers. Both lockers were registered

to John Wilson, a roommate of cooperating witness, Eric Loebsack (“Loebsack”).

Loebsack testified that he rented the lockers at Napoli’s direction. Napoli instructed him

to obtain the lockers in someone else’s name to avoid detection. Loebsack testified that

most of the weapons had come from Bobby Freedberger, a former Breed member who

was ousted by the Breed.

Another witness, David Frenier (“Frenier”), testified that he was aware that Napoli

kept the two nine millimeter firearms in his residence. He said Napoli originally kept the

weapons in a cabinet, but moved them to the safe in the bedroom. Frenier said he never

18
saw Napoli open the safe, but did see Napoli hold one of the weapons in his hand one

evening while attempting to load it. Frenier also testified that he saw Napoli pull an AR-

15 firearm out of his car. On another occasion, he testified that he helped pack up a steel

box full of fifteen different firearms and ammunition at Napoli’s direction. He said the

box ended up in a storage facility.

4.

The Government also presented evidence of various actions it characterized as

“violent enforcement.” (Gov’t Br. 19.) One witness testified that before the Breed would

discipline or oust a member, the executive board would vote on the proposition. Frenier

indicated that Napoli had ultimate authority on everything, including intra-club discipline.

A former Breed member, Christopher Quattrocchi (“Quattrocchi”), testified that in March

2003, Napoli and others participated in beating Thomas “Schnozz” Burke (“Burke”) at

Napoli’s residence on Appletree Drive. Burke was a prospective member of the Breed.

Apparently several members of the club, including Napoli and Quattrocchi, did not trust

Burke because he was acting strangely due to an over-indulgent cocaine habit. Napoli,

Quattrocchi, and others took Burke to a bar and then back to Napoli’s residence. Napoli

took out a drill with a Phillips head attachment and screwed it into Burke’s arm.12 Napoli

later brutally beat Burke. After the beating, Burke fell asleep while still wearing his

12
It is unclear if this act was merely punishment. Prior to putting the screw in
Burke’s arm, Napoli used the screwdriver on his own arm. Then, he challenged Burke to
do the same. It was only after Burke refused to screw his arm that Napoli drilled a hole in
his arm.

19
Breed colors. The Breed has a tradition where they will set on fire anyone who falls

asleep wearing Breed colors. Quattrocchi testified that Napoli tried to set Burke on fire

pursuant to this tradition, but he dissuaded Napoli from doing it because they were inside

Napoli’s residence. Burke sustained a fractured eye-socket and facial bone, among other

injuries. Medical professionals had to insert a metal plate to mend the wounds. This

assault formed the basis for Count II.

On November 24, 2005, Napoli, Johnson, Quattrocchi, and other associates

allegedly beat the Breed’s past-president, James Graber. Quattrocchi testified that others

in the Breed clubhouse caught Graber attempting to steal money from a game machine in

the clubhouse. At the next “church” meeting, the Breed executive board unanimously

voted to oust Graber from the organization. One week later, at the following “church”

meeting, Breed members assaulted Graber in various ways including: (1) Quattrocchi

picked up Graber from behind and “slammed him down on the pool table”; (2) Johnson

allegedly stomped on Graber’s chest “like an accordion”; and (3) Napoli kicked, punched,

and hit Graber with a pool stick. (Supp. App. at 298-99.) Napoli had requested that

Loebsack bring his emergency medical equipment to the Breed meeting that night.

Quattrocchi testified that he stopped the beating when it looked as if Graber could go into

a coma or die, and called in Loebsack to treat him. After Loebsack treated him, Napoli

directed Loebsack and others to go to Graber’s house and take anything related to

20
motorcycles or the Breed. As a result of the assault, Graber spent four or five days in an

intensive care unit at a hospital.

The government also produced evidence that Napoli stabbed a local bar patron,

John Mauck (“Mauck”), at the bar of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. A witness

testified that several men walked in the bar with Breed emblems on their jackets. Napoli

was among the men. The bartender asked the men to leave because the bar owners

prohibit patrons from wearing motorcycle colors in the bar. The men looked ready to

leave, but asked if they could finish their drinks. The bartender told them to leave right

away, and the Breed members started fighting with the bartender. Napoli was swinging a

knife around. Mauck tried to pick up Napoli and remove him from the bar. In the

process, Napoli stabbed Mauck.

II.

The District Court had jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 3231. We exercise appellate

jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 18 U.S.C. § 3742.

III.

After a review of the parties’ exhaustive briefs and the record, we will affirm all

but Johnson’s sentence, which we vacate and remand for re-sentencing consistent with

the reasons below. Because the parties raise a variety of issues, some of which are

unrelated to others, we will begin by addressing the Government’s investigation and

21
collection of evidence, proceed to matters related to trial, and conclude by reviewing

Defendants’ sentences.

A. Wiretaps and Franks

Defendants Johnson and Napoli assert that the District Court erred when it refused

to suppress evidence obtained through three wiretaps on the basis that the wiretap

affidavits did not establish that electronic surveillance of the Defendants was necessary.

Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safety Street Act of 1968 empowers a judge

to authorize wire, oral, or electronic communication interceptions upon compliance by

law enforcement agents with statutory prerequisites. 18 U.S.C. § 2510 et seq.13 Under

federal law, a judge is permitted to authorize a wiretap if he or she finds the application

for the wiretap, submitted by law enforcement, establishes that:

“(a) there is probable cause for belief that an individual is committing, has
committed, or is about to commit a particular offense . . .;
(b) there is probable cause for belief that particular communications
concerning that offense will be obtained through such interception;
(c) normal investigative procedures have been tried and have failed or
reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried or to be too dangerous;
(d) . . . there is probable cause for belief that the facilities from which, or
the place where, the wire, oral, or electronic communications are to be
intercepted are being used, or are about to be used, in connection with the

13
All three of the wiretaps in this case were originally sought under Pennsylvania’s
Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 5701-5781
(1978). The Defendants argue that the wiretap affidavits violate federal, rather than state,
law because the federal requirements apply to state-authorized wiretaps admitted into
federal court. See United States v. Rickus, 737 F.2d 360, 363-64 (3d Cir. 1984) (noting
“evidence obtained in accordance with federal law is admissible in federal court – even
though it was obtained by state officers in violation of state law”).

22
commission of such offense, or are leased to, listed in the name of, or
commonly used by such person.”

18 U.S.C. § 2518(3).

We have determined that § 2518(3)(c) requires that an application for a wiretap

include a showing of necessity. United States v. Hendricks, 395 F.3d 173, 180 (3d Cir.

2005). To make this showing, the affidavit must contain “a full and complete statement

as to whether or not other investigative procedures have been tried and failed or why they

reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried or to be too dangerous.” 18 U.S.C. §

2518(1)(c). This means the affidavit must completely explain why “normal investigative

techniques would be of no avail.” Hendricks, 395 F.3d at 180 (quoting United States v.

Adams, 759 F.2d 1099, 1114 (3d Cir. 1985)). The Supreme Court indicated that the

necessity requirement exists to ensure that wiretaps are not resorted to where traditional

investigative techniques could be effective. United States v. Kahn, 415 U.S. 143, 153

n.12 (1974); United States v. Vento, 533 F.3d 838, 849 (3d Cir. 1976).

We exercise de novo review to determine whether the application contained the

requisite statement, and if we determine such a statement is present, we review the court’s

determination of necessity for abuse of discretion. United States v. Phillips, 959 F.2d

1187, 1189 (3d Cir. 1992). Here, the affidavits unquestionably contained statements of

necessity entitled “Need for Interception,” (R. at 906A, 981A, 1061A); therefore, our

inquiry is whether those statements are complete and whether the District Court abused its

discretion by finding necessity in these circumstances.

23
We have characterized the government’s burden of proof for showing compliance

with the necessity requirement as “not great.” United States v. Armocida, 515 F.2d 29, 38

(3d Cir. 1975). The Government’s burden is minimal because we have adopted a

pragmatic approach toward the necessity requirement, and will test the Government’s

showing in a “practical and commonsense fashion.” Vento, 533 F.2d at 849 (quoting

Armocida, 515 F.2d at 37). Thus, “the government need not prove to a certainty that

normal investigative techniques will not succeed, but rather need only show that such

techniques reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried.” Armocida, 515 F.2d at

38 (quotation marks and citation omitted). The Government must fully explain, however,

the basis for such a conclusion. Vento, 533 F.2d at 848. We have concluded that the

Government has satisfied its burden if it shows a “‘factual predicate’ sufficient to inform

the judge why other methods of investigation are not sufficient.” United States v.

Williams, 124 F.3d 411, 418 (3d Cir. 1997) (quoting United States v. McGlory, 968 F.2d

309, 345 (3d Cir. 1992)).

Defendants Napoli and Johnson offer several arguments challenging the District

Court’s determination that the wiretap applications and affidavits established necessity.

First, they contend that the wiretap affidavits contain many material misstatements and

omissions that could have misled an issuing judge and, therefore, the District Court erred

in failing to hold an evidentiary hearing to evaluate the applications and affidavits.

Second, Napoli and Johnson argue that the District Court committed legal error by

24
assessing the wiretap applications and affidavits under probable cause rather than Title III

standards. Finally, they assert that the wiretap applications and affidavits are facially

insufficient to establish necessity.14 Napoli additionally argues that the District Court

erred by failing to suppress evidence gathered from the wiretap placed on Napoli’s phone,

because there was no independent showing of necessity for Napoli. We address these

arguments in turn.

1.

a.

Defendants’ assertion that the District Court erred by failing to grant them an

evidentiary hearing to consider any material misstatements or omissions in the wiretap

affidavits raises two sub-questions: (1) whether the District Court erred in failing to grant

them a Franks hearing, and (2) whether the District Court erred in failing to grant them a

necessity hearing. We answer both questions in the negative.

14
In his Reply Brief, Johnson asserts the Government incorrectly characterizes his
and Napoli’s challenge under the necessity requirement as facial. He asserts that
Defendants’ attempt to obtain an evidentiary hearing on necessity belies this claim.
Napoli, however, explicitly makes a facial argument in his Opening Brief: “Appellant
Napoli submits that the government failed to make a facial showing, within the four
corners of the affidavits, to establish the necessity for the Johnson 1, Johnson 2, and
Napoli affidavits.” (Napoli Br. 35.) Johnson joined this argument when he joined all his
co-defendants’ arguments. Regardless, Defendants made, and we considered, non-facial
challenges to the wiretap affidavits as well.

25
Napoli and Johnson argue in their opening briefs that the District Court committed

error by failing to grant them a Franks hearing.15 In Franks v. Delaware, the Supreme

Court determined that a criminal defendant has the right to challenge the truthfulness of

factual statements made in an affidavit of probable cause supporting a warrant if the

defendant can make the requisite preliminary showing. 438 U.S. 154, 155-56 (1978);

United States v. Yusuf, 461 F.3d 374, 383 (3d Cir. 2006). We have extended this right to

permit challenges based on factual omissions from the warrant affidavit. See Yusuf, 461

F.3d at 383; Wilson v. Russo, 212 F.3d 781, 787 (3d Cir. 2000). The preliminary-showing

requirement is intended to “prevent the misuse of a veracity hearing for purposes of

discovery or obstruction.” Franks, 438 U.S. at 170-71.

To obtain a Franks hearing, the defendant must make a “substantial preliminary

showing that a false statement knowingly and intentionally, or with reckless disregard for

the truth, was included by the affiant in the warrant affidavit, and if the allegedly false

statement is necessary to the finding of probable cause.” Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56;

Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 383. To meet this threshold, a challenger must present more than

conclusory statements that the affidavit contains false statements or omissions. Franks,

438 U.S. at 171; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 383 n.8. The challenger must specifically identify

15
Notably, in his Reply Brief, Napoli contends, to the contrary, that analysis under
Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154 (1978), is inapplicable to “wiretap challenges based
upon necessity.” (Napoli Reply Br. 12-13.) He argues instead that the District Court
should have granted Defendants some other sort of evidentiary hearing to assess
necessity. We address this argument in the next section.

26
allegedly false statements or omissions in the affidavit and provide a statement of reasons

supporting the argument. Franks, 438 U.S. at 171. The challenger must also provide an

offer of proof or give a satisfactory explanation for the absence of proof. Id. Sworn

affidavits or reliable statements from witnesses are examples of offers of proof sufficient

to satisfy the substantial preliminary showing. Id.; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 383 n.8. When

demonstrating that the affiant omitted a material fact or included a false statement with

the requisite mens rea, it is insufficient to prove the affiant acted with negligence or made

an innocent mistake. Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 383. If the challenger provides sufficient proof

and obtains a Franks hearing, the challenger must prove by a preponderance that (1) the

affiant made false statements or omissions intentionally, knowingly, or with reckless

disregard for the truth, and (2) such statements were material to the probable cause

determination. Id. If the challenger satisfies this burden, we will excise the false

statements and omissions from the affidavit and assess whether the corrected affidavit

establishes probable cause.

Although we have not addressed the issue, most appellate courts have held that

Franks hearings are also appropriate when a defendant is challenging whether there are

false statements or omissions in an affidavit for a wiretap application that speak to the

necessity requirement. E.g., United States v. Green, 175 F.3d 822, 828 (10th Cir. 1999);

United States v. Guerra-Marez, 928 F.2d 665, 670 (5th Cir. 1991); United States v. Cole,

807 F.2d 262, 267-68 (1st Cir. 1986); United States v. Ippolito, 774 F.2d 1482, 1484 (9th

27
Cir. 1985). We need not decide today, however, whether a defendant is entitled to a

Franks hearing to challenge misstatements or omissions related to a necessity finding in a

wiretap application because the Defendants cannot make the requisite preliminary

showing to obtain such a hearing.

We also need not decide today what standard of review to employ when reviewing

the District Court’s refusal to permit a Franks hearing. Normally, we review the denial of

a motion for suppression for clear error as to the underlying facts and exercise plenary

review as to its legality. See United States v. Agnew, 407 F.3d 193, 196 (3d Cir. 2005).

We have not stated a precise standard of review where a District Court denied a Franks

hearing, and other circuits are split on this matter. See United States v. Stewart, 306 F.3d

295, 304 (6th Cir. 2002). Three circuits employ clear-error review, United States v.

Skinner, 972 F.2d 171, 177 (7th Cir. 1992), United States v. Hadfield, 918 F.2d 987, 992

(1st Cir. 1990); United States v. One Parcel of Property, 897 F.2d 97, 100 (2d Cir. 1990);

two circuits review de novo, United States v. Hornick, 964 F.2d 899, 904 (9th Cir. 1992);

United States v. Mueller, 902 F.2d 336, 341 (5th Cir. 1990); and one circuit reviews for

abuse of discretion, United States v. Fairchild, 122 F.3d 605, 610 (8th Cir. 1997).

Because the most demanding standard articulated by any court is de novo, and because

the de novo standard of review is satisfied here, we need not determine the applicable

standard today.

28
Even when reviewing the District Court’s refusal to hold a Franks hearing de

novo, it is clear the court did not err because neither Napoli nor Johnson made the

requisite preliminary showing. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56. Johnson did not offer

before the District Court a single argument that even approximates this showing, nor does

he offer one on appeal.16 On appeal, Johnson contends that the District Court failed to

hold a Franks hearing to assess any material misrepresentations or omissions in the

wiretap affidavits, but does not offer a single example of a material misrepresentation or

omission in support of his argument.17 In Johnson’s motion to suppress before the

District Court, Johnson requested a Franks hearing because the initial affidavit relied

almost exclusively on a CI who is a “known methamphetamine user and trafficker who

16
Johnson does not specify in his Opening Brief whether the District Court erred in
not holding a Franks hearing to assess whether there were false statements or omissions
material to its finding of necessity or its finding of probable cause. It appears that
Johnson only sought an evidentiary hearing to assess false statements or omissions
regarding necessity. First, Johnson failed to point out any examples of false statements
or omissions relating to a finding of probable cause in this section of his Opening Brief.
Johnson did point out alleged false statements and omissions relating to a finding of
necessity in a previous section of his argument, but does not suggest they are material to,
or preclude, a finding of probable cause. Second, Johnson only discussed an evidentiary
hearing in relation to establishing necessity in his Reply Brief.
Because Johnson does not expressly argue the District Court erred by not holding
a Franks hearing to determine whether the wiretap affidavits contained misstatements or
omissions material to a probable cause determination, and does not offer any examples or
arguments of statements that negate a probable cause finding, we will not address this
argument here.

17
Johnson did point out alleged material misstatements and omissions in an earlier
section of his brief arguing that the affidavit did not support necessity. We analyze
whether these false statements or omissions are sufficient to constitute a preliminary
showing below.

29
has a myriad of reasons to provide false information to law enforcement.” (R. at 761A.)

Johnson contended that a Franks hearing “will demonstrate the nature and extent of the

falsifications and law enforcement’s intentional and/or reckless reliance upon same.” (R.

at 764A.)

The fact that the CI in question is a methamphetamine user does not, in and of

itself, indicate that any testimony he gave was false or unreliable. Moreover, Johnson

neither explained the absence of nor offered any evidence in the form of an affidavit,

witness testimony, or otherwise, that proves the CI was a drug user, explains why his drug

use would encourage him to provide false information, or describes what sort of false

information he believed the CI had given. Franks, 438 U.S. at 171; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at

383 n.8. Therefore, his allegation that the CI provided false statements which were used

in the affidavit is exactly the sort of conclusory statement that is insufficient to meet the

Franks preliminary threshold. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 171.

Napoli’s arguments regarding a Franks hearing are inconsistent. In his motion

before the District Court, Napoli lists examples of various misstatements in the affidavit,

which he claims would negate a finding of probable cause. (R. at 795A-796A.) Napoli

did not expressly argue, however, that the affidavit contains misstatements or omissions

related to a necessity finding. (R. at 795A (noting the “Affidavit of Probable Cause

contains material mis-statements of fact or excluded information relevant to the

determination of probable cause”).) Nevertheless, Napoli asserts in his Opening Brief on

30
appeal that a Franks “hearing would have been appropriate to evaluate appellants’

claims” because the affidavits contain material misstatements or omissions relevant to a

necessity finding. (Napoli Br. 40.) Napoli changes course in his Reply Brief, arguing

that “Franks analysis is inapplicable to wiretap challenges based on necessity.” (Napoli

Reply Br. 12-13.)

“Generally barring exceptional circumstances, like an intervening change in the

law or the lack of representation by an attorney, this Court does not review issues raised

for the first time at the appellate level.” Gleason v. Norwest Mortgage, Inc., 243 F.3d

130, 142 (3d Cir. 2001). Because Napoli arguably did not assert entitlement to a Franks

hearing to inquire into the affidavit statements relevant to necessity before the District

Court, his claim to this effect in his Opening Brief may be waived. Even if his argument

is taken on the merits, however, he cannot prevail. Napoli and Johnson have not

identified any allegedly false statement or omissions that warrant a Franks hearing in any

event. Napoli’s and Johnson’s strongest arguments are that the section of the wiretap

affidavits discussing the usefulness of CIs has material misstatements and omissions.

Defendants argue: (1) that the affidavit misrepresents the CIs’ ability to acquire

information about the full scope of the organization because it omits the fact that Serviolo

was offered Breed membership; (2) Johnson takes issue with the affidavits’ suggestion

that the CIs cannot approach Johnson’s sources of methamphetamine; and (3) Napoli

asserts that the affiant’s claim that Serviolo would not testify is false.

31
Regarding the first claim, Defendants point to the memorandum discussing an

interview between Serviolo and Agent Schwartz, pre-dating the wiretap application,

which indicates that Serviolo informed Agent Schwartz that he had been invited, but

declined, to join the Breed as a prospective member. (R. at 1322A-1323A.) Agent

Schwartz did not mention Serviolo’s invitation in the wiretap affidavits. Defendants

contend the fact that Serviolo was invited to join the Breed “completely contradicts all the

of [sic] assertions made by Agent Schwartz in both the Johnson and Napoli wiretap

applications regarding the impossibility of infiltrating the Breed organization,” or that a

CI could access information about the scope of the organization. (Napoli Br. 16.)

Johnson argues the omission of this information seems deliberate because the affiant

incorporated the remainder of the interview with Serviolo into the wiretap affidavit.

A memorandum of Serviolo’s pre-affidavit interview with Agent Schwartz, penned

by Agent Schwartz himself, is precisely the kind of evidence one must put forward to

make a substantial showing for a Franks hearing. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 171 (indicating

an affidavit or sworn statement is the sort of offer of proof that must accompany a

substantial showing). This memorandum demonstrates that Agent Schwartz knew, but

omitted from his wiretap affidavit, the fact that Serviolo was invited to join the Breed.

This showing, however, is insufficient to meet the Franks threshold because Defendants

have not persuaded us that it was material. See id at 155-56 (indicating a substantial

showing requires that the challenge make a “substantial preliminary showing” that a false

32
statement was made, that statement was made knowingly, intentionally, or with reckless

disregard for the truth, and is “necessary” to the finding). Because Serviolo declined

Breed membership, he would not have access to more details about the organization’s

operations.18 Thus, law enforcement could not pursue this line of investigation and,

therefore, this fact is not material to a necessity finding.19

Johnson contends that Agent Schwartz’s assertion in the wiretap affidavit that

“[t]he confidential informant does not have the ability to approach any of Johnson’s

sources for crystal methamphetamine” is also false. (R. at 907A.) He bases his assertion

on the fact that the wiretap affidavit indicates that law enforcement surveyed Serviolo

talking with Napoli on several occasions. Because Agent Schwartz knew that Napoli is

18
Had Serviolo been willing to infiltrate the Breed, that would not have necessarily
negated the necessity for obtaining wiretaps in this case. The Government persuasively
points out that Breed prospects have “lowly” status. (Appellee’s Br. 86-87.) Prospects are
not admitted in weekly club meetings, let alone exposed to the full extent of Napoli’s
drug operation. Instead, they are subjected to months of loyalty tests at the risk of
violence to themselves if they are deemed unworthy. (Id.)

19
Napoli also challenges the affiant’s claims that law enforcement misrepresented its
ability to infiltrate the Breed because Agent Schwartz testified that he entered a bar that
serves as a Breed hang out and was not identified. Napoli offers Agent Schwartz’s
testimony in front of the Pennsylvania grand jury about his trip to the bar as proof of this
misrepresentation. Franks, 438 U.S. at 171. Napoli contends that this testimony belies
the affiant’s claim that the Breed cannot be infiltrated. We agree with the Government’s
characterization of Napoli’s claim as “absurd[].” (Gov’t Br. 89.) The fact that an officer
can enter a bar without being identified does not negate, in any way, the law enforcement
officer’s characterization that it would be hard to infiltrate the Breed. Therefore, despite
presenting evidence on this issue, Napoli did not make a substantial preliminary showing
that the affiant made a false statement. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56; Yusuf, 461 F.3d
at 378.

33
one of Johnson’s sources, Johnson contends this evidence indicates that a CI could, in

fact, approach Johnson’s sources – contrary to the affiant’s assertion.

Even if Agent Schwartz’s statement that Serviolo cannot approach Johnson’s

sources is technically false, it does not entitle Defendants to a Franks hearing.

Surveillance evidence of Serviolo talking to Napoli is sufficient to demonstrate that the

assertion that CIs could not approach Johnson’s sources is inaccurate. See Franks, 438

U.S. at 171 (indicating affidavit or sworn statement is the sort of offer of proof that must

accompany a substantial showing). But, Johnson has offered no evidence that Agent

Schwartz intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly wrote this statement to mislead the judge

regarding Serviolo’s access to Johnson’s sources. Id. at 155-56. In fact, Napoli asserted

in his brief that Agent Schwartz knew that Napoli was not Johnson’s ultimate source for

methamphetamine because he knew Robert Traverse was the ultimate source. Therefore,

it is possible that Agent Schwartz negligently suggested Serviolo could not approach

Johnson’s sources, meaning that he could not approach Traverse. See Yusuf, 461 F.3d at

383 (indicating that proof an affiant included a false statement or omission in the wiretap

affidavit negligently or by innocent mistake is insufficient to a Franks hearing). Because

Defendants do not persuade us that there is evidence that Agent Schwartz wrote this

statement knowingly, intentionally, or with reckless disregard for the truth, they have not

made the substantial preliminary showing required for a Franks hearing. See Franks, 438

U.S. at 155-56; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 378.

34
Napoli contends that the affiant’s assertion that Serviolo would not testify before a

grand jury was false because, prior to engaging in consensual interceptions, Senior

Deputy Attorney General Kishan Nair (“Nair”) wrote a memorandum suggesting that

Serviolo consented to interceptions to “corroborate his testimony.” (Napoli Br. 24.)

Although Nair’s memorandum indicates that law enforcement felt “it necessary to

consensually [sic] intercept the conversations which Mr. Serviolo has with the above

individuals in order to effectively corroborate his testimony,” nothing in the memorandum

suggested that Serviolo consented to interceptions for that purpose. (R. at 1325A.) In

fact, nothing in the memorandum suggests that Serviolo agreed to testify in this case. To

the contrary, the record establishes that Serviolo refused to testify until the federal

government took the case and agreed to provide Serviolo and his family protection. As

such, we find this evidence insufficient to suggest the affiant made a false statement;

therefore, it does not meet the Franks threshold. Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56; Yusuf, 461

F.3d at 378.

Johnson also takes issue with the affiant’s statements about the CI, claiming that

the information is “boilerplate,” i.e. the affiant copied phrases about the CI’s access to

information and sources from a prior wiretap affidavit. Johnson offers as proof the

wiretap affidavit from another investigation. (See R. at 1331A-1382A.) When compared,

the necessity sections in each wiretap affidavit are noticeably similar. Evidence that two

wiretap affidavits are similar, however, is not sufficient to warrant a Franks hearing

35
because it does not speak to whether these statements are false. Therefore, Johnson has

not met the first prong of the preliminary showing for a Franks hearing, i.e.

demonstrating that there is a false statement or omission. Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56;

Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 378.

Defendants also raise several complaints regarding the affiant’s representation of

law enforcement’s success with physical, video, and aerial surveillance. Defendants (1)

assert that the wiretap affidavits omitted successful video and aerial surveillance, and (2)

challenge statements regarding law enforcement’s success with physical surveillance.

Defendants’ complaint regarding the video and aerial surveillance is unavailing

because there was no information to omit. Napoli indicates that law enforcement engaged

in video surveillance on April 15, 26, and 28, 2006 and May 3, 2006; however, he points

us to no place in the record which indicates law enforcement conducted video

surveillance and our review suggests law enforcement conducted physical surveillance on

those dates. Further, as the Government points out, the only aerial surveillance occurred

after the last wiretap application was submitted. Therefore, the lack of information about

these forms of surveillance is not an omission.20

20
The fact that law enforcement used aerial surveillance after applying for the
wiretap, and not before, is of no moment. We have held that “[t]here is no requirement
that every investigative methodology be exhausted prior to an application for” wiretap
interception. Vento, 533 F.2d at 849. All law enforcement must do is to show that other
“normal” investigative techniques are impractical. Armocida, 515 F.2d at 37. Because
aerial surveillance is expensive and invasive, it is not the type of normal investigatory
technique that law enforcement must consider prior to applying for a wiretap. See id.
(listing visual and aural surveillance, interrogating people with immunity, the use of

36
Defendants further challenge statements in all three wiretap affidavits concerning

physical surveillance. The affidavits stated that law enforcement had limited success with

physical surveillance, when unaccompanied by wiretap interceptions, because Breed

members are “extremely aware of their surroundings” and practice counter-surveillance

measures. (R. at 908A, 984A, 1067A.) It further described two circumstances when

Breed members exhibited awareness that law enforcement were surveying them. Napoli

contends that this statement misrepresents the government’s successes with physical

surveillance. Johnson, in contrast, argues that the two examples the government offers

are problematic because neither occurred when law enforcement was surveying Napoli or

Johnson.

Neither Defendant offers substantial evidence that these statements are

misrepresentations. Napoli points to myriad circumstances when law enforcement did

conduct physical surveillance, but nothing he points to proves that law enforcement could

meet its investigatory objectives through physical surveillance, or that Breed members did

not practice counter-surveillance. Johnson points to evidence that the examples listed in

the affidavit related to investigations of Breed members other than either Napoli or

Johnson. Moreover, he points out that there is no evidence that surveillance of Johnson

has ever failed. But again, that evidence does not indicate that Agent Schwartz

misrepresented the usefulness of physical surveillance. It merely calls into question the

warrants, and confidential informants as normal investigative techniques, but not aerial
surveillance).

37
value of the examples offered. Therefore, even if the Defendants’ assertions are taken at

face value, they do not satisfy the preliminary showing requirement because they do not

demonstrate the existence of a false statement or omission in the wiretap affidavit, or that

the affiant made false statements or omissions with the requisite mens rea. See Franks,

438 U.S. at 155-56; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 378.

Napoli makes a general complaint that Agent Schwartz misrepresented the extent

of law enforcement’s knowledge about the Breed when it applied for the wiretaps. As

proof of this assertion, Napoli points to the fact that the affiant stated that Napoli was

Johnson’s ultimate source for methamphetamine in the Johnson 2 and Napoli affidavits,

(R. at 943A, 1020A), but provides Agent Schwartz’s grand jury testimony wherein he

identifies Robert Traverse, rather than Napoli, as Johnson’s ultimate source, (R. at

1311A-1312A). Napoli also points to the fact that the affiant referred to Robert Traverse

as Bob LNU, suggesting law enforcement did not know his identity, when the grand jury

testimony indicates his identity was known.

Regarding Napoli’s first example, the Government points out that following the

affiant’s suggestion that Napoli is Johnson’s ultimate source, he explains that “although

Napoli may not actually hand the methamphetamine to Johnson, he is, however, giving

his ‘blessing’ to the acquisition of the product.” (R. at 1020A.) Therefore, the affiant’s

knowledge that Robert Traverse was Johnson’s source, and the statement that Napoli is

the ultimate source, are not inconsistent. Because Napoli did not demonstrate that the

38
affiant’s statement was false, he has not made the requisite showing for a Franks hearing.

See Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56; Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 378.

Napoli’s second example is equally unpersuasive. Napoli points out that Agent

Schwartz discussed Robert Traverse in testimony in October 2006. Napoli contends that

Agent Schwartz’s testimony about Robert Traverse is evidence that Agent Schwartz

knew, but did not disclose Robert Traverse’s identity in the wiretap affidavits, when he

referred to Traverse as Bob LNU. He asserts that the affiant did this to misrepresent that

fact that he knew Robert Traverse’s true identify. However, Agent Schwartz’s testimony

occurred after the completion of all three wiretap applications and after Robert Traverse

had been arrested and identified. This evidence, therefore, does not prove that Agent

Schwartz knew the identity of Bob LNU when he penned the wiretap affidavits, but only

demonstrates that he eventually learned Bob LNU’s identity. As a result, Napoli has not

presented a substantial showing that Agent Schwartz misrepresented his knowledge

regarding this information.

Napoli also characterizes as untrue Agent Schwartz’s assertion that “active

members of an [outlaw motorcycle gang] rarely, if ever, cooperate against one another.”

(R. at 1066A.) He offers Agent Schwartz’s testimony as evidence that this statement is

untrue, because Agent Schwartz identified several members of the Warlocks, another

gang, who cooperated against each other. Again, Agent Schwartz’s testimony is not

inconsistent with his assertion in the wiretap affidavits – just because he testified that

39
several members of an outlaw motorcycle gang cooperated against one another does not

undermine his assertion that such cooperation is rare. Therefore, Napoli’s showing is

insufficient to even establish that Agent Schwartz’s assertion is false and, thus, obviously

falls short of what is required for a Franks hearing. See Franks, 438 U.S. at 155-56;

Yusuf, 461 F.3d at 378.

Although there may be minor inconsistencies between the wiretap affidavits and

other evidence, Defendants have not successfully identified any true material

misstatements or omissions, nor have they offered sufficient accompanying proof.

Moreover, neither Napoli nor Johnson offers any evidence indicating that the affiant

knowingly, intentionally, or with reckless disregard of the truth included these alleged

misstatements or omissions in the wiretap affidavits. Therefore, we will affirm the

District Court’s denial of a Franks hearing regarding evidence related to proving

necessity for a wiretap because, even reviewing this decision de novo, it is clear the

Defendants did not meet the requisite preliminary threshold. See Franks, 438 U.S. at

155-56; see also Stewart, 306 F.3d at 304 (noting circuit split on proper standard of

review for denial of Franks hearing).

b.

In his Reply Brief, and contrary to his Opening Brief, Napoli submits that Franks

analysis is “inapplicable to wiretap challenges based on necessity.” (Napoli Reply Br. 12-

13.) Instead, he suggests that he is entitled to a “necessity” hearing. (See id. at 11 (citing

40
argument wherein Napoli differentiated between a Franks and a necessity hearing).)

Napoli does not describe what this necessity hearing would entail, except to suggest that it

includes an inquiry into any material misstatements or omissions regarding necessity as

part of the reviewing court’s duty to assess necessity. His argument raises the issue of

whether a defendant is entitled to an evidentiary hearing, distinct from a Franks hearing,

if he or she challenges the factual statements or omissions in a wiretap application related

to a finding of necessity. We answer this argument in the negative.

We have never recognized a necessity hearing, separate from a Franks hearing, to

assess whether a wiretap affidavit contained factual misstatements or omissions material

to a necessity finding. Napoli does not cite any precedent to support the existence of such

a hearing, save for the text of 18 U.S.C. § 3504. This statute, however, does not provide

the relief that Napoli seeks.

Section 3504 provides that if any party claims that evidence is inadmissible because

it was the product of an unlawful act, including unlawful use of a wiretap, the opponent

of the claim must confirm or deny the occurrence of the unlawful act. Congress passed §

3504 out of recognition that it can be difficult for defendants to prove that they have

standing to challenge evidence discovered due to previous, unlawful electronic

surveillance. See United States v. Williams, 580 F.2d 578, 583 (D.C. Cir. 1978).

Pursuant to § 3504, if defendants claim that evidence against them was acquired as a

result of prior, unlawful surveillance, the Government must confirm or deny whether that

41
unlawful surveillance occurred. Id. Napoli interprets the Government’s statutory

obligation to confirm or deny the existence of the unlawful surveillance as to mandate a

necessity hearing. This interpretation, however, is completely divorced from a plain

reading of the text. Nothing in the text indicates that defendants are entitled to a hearing

if they allege that the Government illegally searched them by electronic means. We are

not persuaded that Napoli is entitled to a necessity hearing under this statute, and are not

inclined to create new precedent on this issue. We are also not inclined to accept

Napoli’s invitation to deem Franks inapplicable to challenges to wiretap applications

based on necessity. Though we need not determine whether a Franks hearing is

appropriate when parties make a necessity challenge to a wiretap affidavit, based on the

weight of extra-circuit authority, it would be inappropriate and mere dicta to rule it out at

this time. See Green, 175 F.3d at 828; Guerra-Marez, 928 F.2d at 670; Cole, 807 F.2d at

267-68; Ippolito, 774 F.2d at 1484.

2.

Napoli and Johnson contend that the District Court committed legal error because it

analyzed whether the wiretap affidavits established necessity under probable cause, rather

than Title III, principles. Specifically, Johnson and Napoli assert that the District Court

erred because it relied on the “good faith exception” set out in United States v. Leon, 468

U.S. 897 (1984), when determining the wiretap affidavits established legal necessity.

They base this assertion on the District Court’s statement at the suppression hearing that

42
“[n]ow, so I will then, of course, I will review the affidavits to determine whether the

Leon standard has been met. And I will do so not only for a probable cause but also for

necessity with respect to the wiretaps.” (R. at 251A.) This statement, admittedly, seems

to support their argument.

It is clear from the record, however, that regardless of what the District Court said

at the suppression hearing, it did not apply the good faith exception in its ruling. When

ruling on Defendants’ various motions to suppress, the District Court first determined that

the affidavits supported probable cause and noted “[t]he determination of a judicial

officer that an affidavit establishes probable cause deserves great deference.” (R. at 277A

(citing Leon, 468 U.S. at 915).) Then, the District turned to the question of whether the

affidavits established necessity to conduct the wiretaps. The District Court set forth

appropriate legal standards and stated that the affidavits “describe the inability of normal

police surveillance techniques to uncover the complex web of relationships between

members of the Breed motorcycle organization. . . . We find that the statements and the

affidavits of Agent Schwartz were sufficient to establish the inadequacy of normal

investigative procedures, thus necessitating the use of wiretaps.” (R. at 280A-281A.)

There were two pages between the District Court’s cite to Leon and its ruling on

necessity. We find that the record makes clear that the District Court did not rely on the

good faith exception announced in Leon when handing down its necessity finding, and

43
did not use any language suggesting it applied the good faith exception. We are

persuaded the court did not apply the Leon test to its necessity analysis.21

3.

Napoli and Johnson “submit[] that the government failed to make a facial showing,

within the four corners of the affidavits, to establish necessity for the Johnson 1, Johnson

2, and Napoli” wiretaps. (Napoli Br. 35; Johnson Br. 19-32.) 22 Pursuant to this

challenge, Defendants raise two issues: (1) whether the application contained boilerplate

recitations about the limitations of certain normative investigative techniques, and (2)

whether the affidavits misrepresented the success law enforcement had when using

21
Notably, it is not clear that relying on Leon when assessing necessity amounts to
legal error. In Leon, the Supreme Court held that the exclusionary rule should not be
applied to bar the use of evidence obtained pursuant to an invalid warrant if the officers
had an objective, reasonable belief that the warrant was valid. 468 U.S. at 922. This
modification to the exclusionary rule applies to Supreme Court’s Fourth Amendment
jurisprudence. Because the exclusionary rule is a judicial remedy, it is within the
judiciary’s province to determine when it applies. We have never addressed whether
Leon’s good faith exception applies to wiretaps, but other circuits are split on this issue.
Compare United States v. Moore, 41 F.3d 370, 376 (8th Cir. 1994), United States v.
Malekzadesh, 855 F.2d 1492, 1497 (11th Cir. 1988), and United States v. Vest, 842 F.2d
1319, 1334 (1st Cir. 1988); with United States v. Rice, 478 F.3d 704, 711-12 (6th Cir.
2007). We need not decide today whether Leon applies to necessity because the District
Court did not rely on it.

22
Defendants’ facial argument is intertwined with their non-facial challenges. For
example, when explaining why the wiretap affidavits’ statements of necessity are facially
insufficient, Napoli and Johnson allege that the affidavits contain false statements and
omissions by comparing the affidavits to other documents. Relying on outside evidence
to establish an argument is the definition of a non-facial argument. Further, we have
already considered and disposed of the non-facial arguments. Here, we consider only
whether the wiretap affidavits establish necessity on their face.

44
normal investigative techniques when discussing the need for wiretap surveillance. We

exercise de novo review to determine whether the application contained the requisite

statement of necessity, and if we determine such a statement is present, we review the

court’s determination of necessity for abuse of discretion. Phillips, 959 F.2d at 1189.

When applying for a wiretap, the affiant must provide a full and complete

statement of why an affidavit is necessary. 18 U.S.C. § 2518 (1)(c). The Government

does not have a “great” burden in proving necessity, because it “need not prove to a

certainty that normal investigative techniques will not succeed, but rather it needs only to

show that such techniques reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed if tried.”

Armocida, 515 F.2d at 38. The affidavit need only establish a “factual predicate” for why

other investigative techniques are not sufficient. McGlory, 968 F.2d at 345 (quoting

Armocida, 515 F.2d at 38).

That said, we have acknowledged that applications which use “general

declarations and conclusory statements” or “‘boiler plate’ [statements] and the absence of

particulars” do not meet the full and complete statement requirement. Vento, 533 F.2d at

849-50. Such generalized wiretap applications must be denied to prevent wiretapping

from becoming a “routine investigative recourse.” Id. at 850. In facial determinations,

the issuing court should take into account affirmations based on the specialized training

and experience of law enforcement officers. Armocida, 515 F.2d at 38.

45
Defendants’ first argument, that the application contained boilerplate recitations

about the limitations of certain investigative techniques, goes to whether the affiant made

a full and complete statement of necessity. See United States v. Blackmon, 273 F.3d

1204, 1210 (9th Cir. 2001). The District Court found that the affidavits did contain a

statement “sufficient to establish the inadequacy of normal investigative procedures, thus

necessitating the use of wiretaps.” (R. at 280A-281A.)

Defendants complain that the affidavits do not have full and complete statements

of necessity because the affidavits rely on boilerplate recitations and “conclusory

language [or] circumstances” about the limitations of pen registers and trap and trace

devices that apply to problems in investigating with certain tools in every case. (Napoli

Br. 44.) Defendants point to language in all three affidavits that “analysis of data derived

from telephone toll records, cellular call details, subscriber information, pen register and

trap and trace devices, etc. is of limited use because it only provides the telephone

numbers and subscriber information of telephones.” (R. at 911A, 988A, 1072A.) They

characterize these statements as conclusory.

A plain reading of the affidavits reveals that the affiant offered a detailed

description of why the inherent limitations of pen registers, tracing devices, and similar

investigatory tools would be insufficient in this case. The affiant explains that these tools

would be insufficient to aid law enforcement in obtaining the information it needed,

specifically, the location of co-conspirators, information about the Breed’s source, or how

46
deliveries occur, in order to prosecute these individuals. This sort of detail is precisely

what Title III requires. See Vento, 533 F.2d at 849-50 (noting boilerplate statements

which lack particulars are insufficient for a full and complete statement, implying that the

statement is full if officers include particulars).

Defendants similarly complain that the affidavits contain boilerplate language

regarding the futility of using search warrants and video surveillance. Again, a plain

reading of the record reveals that the affiant explained thoroughly why the use of search

warrants would potentially compromise this entire case by tipping off the suspects to the

investigation before sufficient evidence was collected. He also explained why video

surveillance is insufficient in this investigation, by referencing where law enforcement

would likely engage in physical surveillance and detailed why that would not render

sufficient evidence. Thus, we agree with the Government that a plain reading of the

affidavits belies Defendants’ claims that the affidavits did not contain a full and complete

statement of necessity.

Napoli also argues that the affidavits are facially insufficient to establish necessity

because the normal investigative tools used, including surveillance, informants, and pen

registers, had been “extremely successful.” (Napoli Br. 40.) Therefore, he contends that

the affidavits do not actually establish it was necessary to use a wiretap because law

enforcement could have used more extensive surveillance instead. Napoli’s question

47
relates to whether these wiretap affidavits establish necessity, and we review a District

Court’s finding on this matter for abuse of discretion. Phillips, 959 F.2d at 1189.

Napoli elaborates that law enforcement had great success conducting physical

surveillance because it observed meetings between individual Breed members and

informants and performed controlled purchases. Napoli contends that evidence of these

successful surveillance opportunities contradicts the affiant’s claim that it is hard to

physically survey Breed members because they are “extremely aware of their

surroundings.” (R. at 908A, 984A, 1067A.) The fact that law enforcement had some

success using physical surveillance does not render a wiretap per se unnecessary. The

affiant contended that physical surveillance is somewhat dangerous because Breed

members are aware of their surroundings and Breed members practice counter-

surveillance measures. Therefore, the affiant explains that it is likely the Breed is able to

identify undercover vehicles used for surveillance. We do not require law enforcement to

prove that a certain investigative approach is useless to pursue a wiretap; it is only

obligated to give a full explanation as to why a technique is “impractical under the

circumstances and that it would be unreasonable to require pursuit of those avenues.”

Vento, 533 F.2d at 849. The affiant’s explanation for why physical surveillance alone is

impractical to investigate the Breed, due to the Breed members’ specific characteristics, is

sufficient to meet that obligation. Therefore, the District Court did not abuse its

discretion by finding necessity on these facts.

48
Similarly, Johnson points out that law enforcement successfully conducted

extensive physical surveillance after the wiretap was granted and quips that Breed

members became unaware of their surroundings after the wiretap was in place. Evidence

that law enforcement was more successful with physical surveillance after the wiretaps

were installed does not necessarily suggest that the affiant misrepresented law

enforcement’s ability to obtain sufficient evidence with surveillance alone – wiretap

interceptions may have facilitated more effective physical surveillance. Therefore, the

District Court did not abuse its discretion by finding necessity despite evidence that law

enforcement did have some success with physical surveillance, particularly after the

wiretaps were installed.

Napoli also explains that law enforcement had success using pen registers and toll

records because, by documenting calls from Napoli’s and Johnson’s phones, they were

able to learn the identities of who they were calling. (Napoli Reply Br. 4.) He suggests

that had law enforcement followed all the leads it found on these lines, it would have

discovered “critical information.” (Id. at 5.) The Government affidavit need only

establish a “factual predicate” for why an investigative technique is not sufficient. See

McGlory, 968 F.2d at 345. The affiant explained in detail that use of pen registers and

toll devices had limited utility, in this investigation, because it would not permit access to

the content of the calls, which was paramount for success. (R. at 911A.) Because the

49
affiant laid a factual predicate about why use of pen registers and related devices was

unlikely to succeed, the District Court did not abuse its discretion by finding necessity.

Johnson also offers a slightly different boilerplate argument in his Opening and

Reply Briefs – that the wiretap affidavits contain boilerplate statements because they

contain language copied from a wiretap affidavit submitted in a previous investigation.

As proof, Johnson invites us to compare the affidavits subject to this appeal to the prior

wiretap affidavit. We will decline such an invitation because Johnson never presented

this argument to the District Court.23
23
Johnson did not argue or present any evidence to the District Court suggesting that
the wiretap affidavits did not contain a full and complete statement because they copied
statements from a wiretap affidavit in a previous case. Instead, Johnson offers this
argument and the prior wiretap affidavit for the first time on appeal. “Generally barring
exceptional circumstances, like an intervening change in the law or the lack of
representation by an attorney, this Court does not review issues raised for the first time at
the appellate level.” Gleason, 243 F.3d at 142. Because Johnson raised this argument for
the first time on appeal, and the District Court had no opportunity to consider this
argument, it is waived.
Johnson offers three arguments that this issue was raised to the court below, none
of which are persuasive: (1) he alleges that Defendants alluded to this issue below; (2) he
alleges the prior wiretap affidavit is incorporated by reference into the record; and (3) he
implies that review is not precluded based on United States v. Gonzales, 927 F.2d 139,
144 (3d Cir. 1991).
Johnson asserts that Defendants alluded to Agent Schwartz’s comments made in
the previous wiretap affidavit before the District Court. He points first to Napoli’s
attorney’s statement that “the agent brings in information of circumstances and facts
which have absolutely nothing to do with Napoli or any of these individuals.” (R. at
104A.) Johnson contends this statement suggests that Defendants have evidence
indicating the affiant made statements unrelated to any Breed members in the wiretap
affidavits. Nothing about this statement, however, suggests that the affiant copied
language from another wiretap affidavit and incorporated it into the wiretap affidavits

50
subject to the Breed investigation. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to construe this
statement as raising a claim that the affiant used copied language in this affidavit.
Johnson also points to argument at trial where counsel chastised the Government for not
providing Defendants’ attorneys with copies of exhibits. This conversation, however,
related to the Government failing to have a copy of a search warrant for Defendants at the
suppression hearing; it did not relate in anyway to evidence of prior wiretap affidavits or
the lack thereof. Therefore, this statement in no way suggests that the affiant copied
language from another affidavit.
Johnson also relies on the Government’s failure to produce the search warrant to
suggest that it failed to produce Agent Schwartz’s past wiretap affidavits, despite many
requests. However, this comment refers to the Government’s failure to have a copy of a
search warrant, and in no way establishes that the Government failed to produce the
document at issue. Moreover, after a review of Defendants’ various motions to compel,
there is no indication that any of them repeatedly requested production of prior wiretap
affidavits penned by Agent Schwartz. Thus, Johnson has not persuaded us that
Defendants alluded to this claim below.
Similarly, Johnson argues that the prior wiretap affidavit was not improperly
inserted into the record by claiming it became part of the “scope of the record” due to the
fact Agent Schwartz and the Government repeatedly reference it in the record. Although
Agent Schwartz discussed the Warlock investigation in the wiretap affidavits filed in this
case, he never referenced the wiretap affidavits filed in the Warlock investigation, and the
Government never incorporated those affidavits by reference. Moreover the record on
appeal is limited to the “(1) the original papers and exhibits filed in the district court; (2)
the transcript of proceedings, if any; and (3) a certified copy of the docket entries
prepared by the district clerk.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 10(a). Because the prior wiretap affidavit
was not included in these documents, it is not part of the appellate record. Instead, it was
improperly included in the record submitted to this Court.
Johnson also asserts that we are not precluded from considering this argument
because it is a due process claim not raised prior to trial because the evidence material to
the motion was not available until after trial. He cites Gonzales, 927 F.2d 139 (3d Cir.
1991), for this proposition. This case, however, is not on point. In Gonzales, we
considered whether a defendant should be completely barred from raising a claim that
could defeat prosecution because the claim was not raised prior to trial. Id. at 143. We
determined that it was unfair to completely bar a due process claim that should have been

51
4.

Napoli additionally argues that the District Court erred by not granting his motion

to suppress the wiretap affidavits for failing to comport with the necessity requirement

because (1) the court did not independently assess whether necessity was established in

each affidavit, and (2) law enforcement did not conduct an independent investigation to

establish necessity to tap Napoli’s phone.

Napoli asserts that the District Court did not distinguish between any of the

wiretap applications when it found necessity and summarily denied Defendants’ motions

to suppress evidence from each individual application. During the court’s ruling, it

determined that all three wiretap affidavits established necessity at the same time:

“In this case, the affidavits of Agent Schwartz discussed at length the reasons
why other law enforcement techniques would be ineffective or even
counterproductive in this case. In particular, the affidavits describe the
inability of normal police surveillance techniques to uncover the complex web
of relationships between members of the Breed motorcycle organization. The
affidavits noted that the Breed organization was very secretive and worked

raised in a Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12(b) motion, but was not raised because
the information necessary to the motion was not available to defendants until the eve of
trial. Id. at 144. Instead, we agreed to review the belated claim for plain error. Id.
In the case at hand, Johnson did not fail to raise a Rule 12(b) motion, therefore
Gonzales is not on point. Rather, Johnson failed to raise the argument that the wiretap
affidavit contained an incomplete statement because it contained boilerplate statements
from an affidavit in another investigation. This is a new issue first raised on appeal.
Therefore, it is waived. Gleason, 243 F.3d at 142.
Finally, Johnson accuses Judge Panella of improperly rubber stamping wiretap
applications without sufficiently assessing whether necessity was established. Because
this argument was raised for the first time in his Reply Brief, it is waived. See United
States v. Pelullo, 399 F.3d 197, 222 (3d Cir. 2005).

52
hard to keep its drug distribution activities clandestine. Although the
confidential informant was able to provide some information, he or she was
not privy to confidential club business. Such tactics as executing search
warrants or initiating a grand jury investigation would likely alert the targets.
We find that the statements and the affidavits of Agent Schwartz were
sufficient to establish the inadequacy of normal investigative procedures, thus
necessitating the use of the wiretaps.”

(R. at 280A-281A.) Napoli interprets this joint ruling as indicating that the District Court

did not individually assess each wiretap affidavit. This interpretation is contradicted by

the record. Prior to stating its conclusion, the court said that “[e]ach wiretap application

must independently satisfy th[e] necessity requirement.” (R. at 280A.) Therefore,

although the District Court issued one ruling for all three affidavits, perhaps in the interest

of judicial efficiency, the record does not indicate that the court shirked its responsibility

to independently analyze each wiretap affidavit for necessity. 18 U.S.C. § 2518(1)

(specifying that “each” application must contain a showing of necessity).

Napoli complains that the wiretap affidavit for his phone did not establish

necessity because law enforcement did not conduct any new or independent investigation

with respect to Napoli. Notably, the wiretap affidavits for Johnson’s second phone and

Napoli’s phone are virtually the same. Napoli asserts that the vast similarity demonstrates

that law enforcement “relied solely upon the investigation that had been completed to date

with respect to Johnson” to establish necessity to electronically survey Napoli. (Napoli

Br. 49.) Napoli’s argument misses the mark. He suggests that the investigation of

Johnson and Napoli were distinct, by suggesting that the investigation of Johnson was

53
somehow not an investigation of him as well, but this is not the case. The wiretap

applications make clear that law enforcement investigated Johnson, Napoli, and many

other Breed members as part of a larger investigation of a drug conspiracy. (R. at 1061A

(indicating affiant was investigating the crystal methamphetamine trafficking activities

controlled by Napoli, with “a very close circle of confederates,” including Johnson).)

Therefore, we hold that the District Court did not abuse its discretion when it found that

the wiretap application for Napoli’s phone established necessity, even though much of the

evidence referenced to establish necessity was also referenced in the wiretap application

for Johnson’s second phone.

B. Searches

Johnson and Heilman assert that the District Court erred by failing to suppress

physical evidence obtained during police searches of their residences; they claim these

searches violated their Fourth Amendment rights. The Government contends that the

District Court did not err by admitting evidence discovered during these searches.

We review the District Court’s denial of a motion to suppress for clear error as to

the underlying factual findings, and exercise plenary review over the court’s application

of the law to the facts. United States v. Perez, 280 F.3d 318, 336 (3d Cir. 2002).

Suppression issues raised for the first time on appeal are waived, absent good cause.

United States v. Rose, 538 F.3d 175, 177, 182 (3d Cir. 2008). This bar applies not only

where a defendant failed to file a suppression motion before the district court, “but also

54
where [the defendant] filed one but did not include the issues raised on appeal.” Id. We

find that the District Court did not err by admitting evidence discovered during these

searches.

1.

Johnson asserts that the District Court erred in failing to suppress the physical

evidence obtained from his two residences, 3632 Morrell Street and 4648 Bergen Street,

because both warrants violated the particularity requirement of the Fourth Amendment.

He contends: (1) the search warrant was facially over broad because it did not place any

“meaningful limitations on the agent’s seizure,” (Johnson Br. 37); (2) the warrant was so

over broad it cannot be cured by the “good faith exception,” (id. at 38); and (3) the

Government seized items outside the scope of the search warrant, in violation of the

Fourth Amendment. Johnson also argues that he suffered from constitutionally infirm

searches because the agents failed to leave copies of the warrants and property receipts at

the places of the searches. We will affirm the District Court’s denial of Johnson’s

motions to suppress.

Johnson waived his claims of overbreadth and seizure outside the scope of the

search warrant. In his preliminary suppression motions before the District Court, Johnson

raised two arguments: (1) that the search warrants lacked probable cause because they

were based on illegally obtained wire intercepts, and (2) that law enforcement failed to

follow procedural requirements relating to the search by (a) forcing entry into the two

55
residences by failing to give proper notice and reason for admittance, (b) by refusing to

display warrants to occupants, and (c) by failing to leave a copy of the warrant, affidavit,

sealing orders, or inventory. (R. at 764A-765A.) Johnson echoed this inquiry through

oral argument in court, arguing that the executing officers failed to leave a copies of the

requisite paperwork at the residences. (R. at 121A, 215A.) Although Johnson filed a

motion to suppress, because he did not argue that the search warrants were over broad or

that the Government seized items outside the scope of the search warrant before the

District Court, these claims are waived on appeal. See Rose, 538 F.3d at 182. Johnson

has not argued any cause, let alone “good cause,” for not raising these arguments before

the District Court. Therefore, he waived these claims.

Johnson clearly raised his complaint that the executing officers failed to leave

copies of the search warrants and property receipts at the time of the searches before the

District Court and on appeal. (R. at 121A, 215A, 764A-765A; Johnson’s Br. 43.) The

District Court concluded that “[a]t both the Bergen Street and Morrell Street residences,

the officers left a copy of the face sheet of the sealed warrant and a copy of the receipt

inventory.” (R. at 285A.) Because this raises a factual question, we will reverse only if

the District Court’s finding was clearly erroneous. See Perez, 280 F.3d at 336. The

District Court’s finding is not clearly erroneous in this case.

Johnson did not offer any evidence other than his own allegation that law

enforcement failed to leave the necessary documentation at the time of the searches. The

56
Government offered the testimony of Agents Schwartz and Asher at the preliminary

hearing to establish that the executing officers left the face covers of the sealed warrants

and copies of the inventory lists at the scenes. Agent Schwartz testified that he prepared

the search warrant for Bergen Street, but that the warrant and affidavit were under seal,

except for the cover sheet. (R. at 215A-217A.) The executing officer told him, however,

that he left a copy of the receipt inventory and the face sheet of the warrant on the table in

the living room area at the conclusion of the search. (R. at 218A-219A.) Agent Schwartz

also testified that law enforcement intercepted a call made to Napoli’s phone that morning

during which Stacy Johnson told Napoli that “I have a paper of the stuff.” (R. at 220A.)

Stacy Johnson, Johnson’s wife, was present during the search of the Bergen Street

residence. (R. at 218A-219A, 1274A.) Based on the Agent’s testimony that the

executing officers left the appropriate documentation after the search, corroborated by the

intercepted call, we do not find that the District Court committed clear error.

Agent Asher testified that he prepared the inventory sheet for the Morrell Street

search at the residence, and per Johnson’s instructions, left it on the dining room table.

(R. at 199A-200A.) He said he composed a rough inventory sheet, and then a more

polished one, during the search of Morrell Street. (R. at 199A.) When leaving the face

sheet and inventory list, he accidentally left all the copies. Law enforcement intercepted a

call between Charles Kulow (“Kulow”) and Napoli after the search of the Morrell Street

property. (R. at 132A.) During the call, Kulow confirmed that the executing officers left

57
a receipt for the inventory. (R. at 132A.) Again, based on the Agent’s testimony that the

executing officers left the appropriate documentation after the search, corroborated by the

intercepted call, we cannot find that the District Court committed clear error.24

2.

Heilman asserts on appeal, and in a preliminary motion before the District Court,

that law enforcement’s search of his residence at 813 Pine Street was constitutionally

infirm because the search warrant did not establish probable cause. The District Court

denied Heilman’s motion to suppress, finding that the warrant affidavit was “thorough

and complete and was based on wiretap evidence . . . as well as surveillance, reliable

information from named sources, and a cooperating informant, . . . and a controlled

methamphetamine purchase from defendant Heilman at his home.” (R. at 282A.) The

Government characterizes Heilman’s argument as remarkable considering the evidence of

criminal activity alleged against him, and as “wholly unpersuasive.” (Gov’t Br. 132.) We

agree with the Government.

To find probable cause, there must be a “fair probability that contraband or

evidence of a crime will be in a particular place” based on the totality of the

circumstances. United States v. Bond, 581 F.3d 128, 139 (3d Cir. 2009) (quoting Illinois

v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213, 238 (1983)). Probable cause can be, and often is, inferred by

24
Both agents’ testimony included hearsay statements of other declarants. Although
hearsay evidence is normally inadmissible, courts are permitted to rely on hearsay
evidence in suppression hearings. United States v. Raddatz, 447 U.S. 667, 679 (1980).

58
considering the type of crime, the nature of the items sought, and the suspect’s

opportunity to conceal them. United States v. Hodge, 246 F.3d 301, 305 (3d Cir. 2001).

As such, “direct evidence linking the place to be searched to the crime is not required for

the issuance of a search warrant.” Id. (quoting United States v. Conley, 4 F.3d 1200,

1207 (3d Cir. 1993)). It is not our role to make our own assessment as to whether

probable cause existed; rather, we must determine if the reviewing judge had a sufficient

basis to find probable cause. See Hodge, 246 F.3d at 305; United States v. Jones, 994

F.2d 1051, 1057 (3d Cir. 1993). This deference does not counsel us to “rubber stamp” the

issuing judge’s conclusions, but does counsel that “the resolution of doubtful or marginal

cases in this area should be largely determined by the preference to be accorded to

warrants.” Jones, 944 F.2d at 1055 (citing United States v. Ventresca, 380 U.S. 102, 109

(1965)).

Heilman admits that the affiant presented substantial information against him in

the affidavit in support of the search warrant, and the affidavit in support of electronic

surveillance of Napoli, which was attached to the affidavit of probable cause. This

information includes: (1) an historical investigation identifying Heilman as a

methamphetamine seller; (2) Grady characterized Heilman as a “pound seller” for Napoli;

(3) a call-detail analysis indicating Heilman and Napoli shared sixty-eight calls prior to

May 2006, (R. at 1060A); (4) a call-detail analysis indicating that there were seventy-four

calls between Heilman and Johnson between February 8, 2006 and April 17, 2006; and

59
(5) Serviolo purchased three and one-half grams of crystal methamphetamine in a

controlled buy at Heilman’s residence on June 3, 2006, (R. at 1281A-1282A).

Nevertheless, Heilman contends this evidence is insufficient to support a “fair

probability” that contraband evidence would be found in his house. (Heilman Br. 18-19.)

Heilman complains that with the exception of the controlled purchase, every

conclusion set forth by the affiant is without factual support, and suggests a magistrate

judge is not permitted to consider an expert’s opinions in finding probable cause unless

they are supported by facts. (Heilman Br. 19 (citing United States v. Loy, 191 F.3d 360

(1999)).)25 This statement is incorrect because, at a minimum, the call logs provide

evidentiary support that Heilman was in frequent contact with both Napoli and Johnson.

But even if we discount all the evidence except for the call logs and the controlled

purchase, a magistrate would still have a sufficient basis under which to find probable

cause. See Hodge, 246 F.3d at 305. The fact someone purchased drugs at Heilman’s

house three days prior to the search and that Heilman is in frequent contact with drug

distributors creates a fair probability that drugs or drug-related paraphernalia would be

found on his property. Id.

Heilman also complains that probable cause cannot rest on the controlled purchase

on June 3, 2006 because the magistrate judge was not provided with any information

regarding the trustworthiness of the tipster. Information about a tipster’s reliability is a

25
Heilman does not indicate where or how Loy supports his argument.

60
relevant factor in probable cause determinations. See Gates, 462 U.S. at 230; United

States v. Williams, 3 F.3d 69, 72 (3d Cir. 1993). A confidential informant’s tip cannot

support a finding of probable cause if the warrant affidavit lacks any information about

his or her reliability. United States v. Stearn, 548 F. Supp. 2d 182, 189 (E.D. Pa. 2008).

Although the affidavit here lacks significant discussion about Serviolo’s reliability, that

fact alone does not compromise the District Court’s finding of probable cause. The

warrant affidavit relied on the CI’s participation in a controlled buy to establish probable

cause, not on a tip from the CI. Controlled purchases by informants are distinct from

informants’ tips – purchases in fact can be the sort of reliable indicia that corroborates a

tip. See United States v. Khounsavanah, 113 F.3d 279, 286 (1st Cir. 1997) (noting that an

informant’s controlled purchase corroborated his tip that people at that address were

selling drugs); see also United States v. Burton, 288 F.3d 91, 98-99 (3d Cir. 2002) (listing

informant’s purchase of cocaine as a factor that corroborated informant’s tip that a large

drug deal was occurring, and to support law enforcement’s inference that a large drug

deal was taking place). Because the court relied on the controlled purchase engaged in by

the CI, rather than any information from the CI, to find probable cause, Heilman’s

concerns about the CI’s reliability are irrelevant.

Heilman also contends that probable cause is lacking because the warrant affidavit

contained “no information suggesting that Heilman distributed [m]ethamphetamine for

the Breed.” (Heilman Br. 20.) Heilman’s affiliation with the Breed specifically is largely

61
irrelevant and unnecessary to an inquiry into probable cause for a search, because

probable cause focuses on the location of a crime, not the affiliations of the criminals.

We find that the District Court did not err in finding that the magistrate judge had a

substantial basis upon which to find probable cause to search Heilman’s residence. See

Bond, 581 F.3d at 139. It is clear that a reasonable judge could determine it was fairly

probable that criminal evidence would be found in Heilman’s residence. See id.

C. Jencks

Napoli claims the Government violated his Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights by

failing to provide Defendants with the prior statements of agents who testified at the

suppression hearing, immediately after that hearing. Napoli specifies that the

Government failed to provide Defendants with (1) the prior testimony of Agent Schwartz

before both the Pennsylvania grand jury and the federal grand jury, and (2) Agent

Schwartz’s prior written statements and memorandum regarding Serviolo. Napoli’s

factual and legal assertions differ in his Opening and Reply Briefs. For simplicity, we

will state the factual circumstances surrounding these claims and then address the

arguments in turn.

Napoli’s attorney submitted a motion to compel on August 8, 2007. (R. at 808A.)

In the motion, Napoli specifically requested documents that detail the activities of

confidential sources and grand jury minutes or documents related to plea agreements

entered into by individuals who will testify for the Government. (R. at 806A.) It is clear

62
that this request encompasses the documents which Napoli claims he did not receive –

Agent Schwartz’s grand jury testimony and the memorandum related to Serviolo. (R. at

806A.) Napoli’s attorney, however, stated in open court on September 5, 2007 that the

request to compel evidence was “mooted by the production by the prosecution or

identification by the prosecution of several documents.” (R.. at 98A.) Napoli’s attorney

further stated that he had not physically seen “certain documents,” but attributed that to

“inefficiencies on this side of the table,” rather than the prosecution’s failure to produce.

(R. at 98A-99A.) Later that same day, Napoli’s attorney indicated he was still missing

some evidence from the prosecution. (R. at 254A-255A.) The Government admitted that

it had not yet turned over Jencks materials, i.e. prior testimony and statements of

testifying witnesses, but stated that the “Jenks [sic] and Giglio material would be

provided pursuant to the court order as of Friday,” September 7, 2007. (R. at 255A; see

R. at 100A-101A.)

The Government repeatedly stated that the prior statements of testifying witnesses

would be turned over on Friday, September 7, 2007. That date is noteworthy because

both parties were aware that the motion to suppress hearing would be held on September

5 and 6. When the Government repeatedly indicated that the requested materials would

be turned over on Friday, none of the Defendants objected, suggesting that they implicitly

agreed to the production of these materials after the suppression hearing. (R. at 100A-

101A, 254A-255A.) On September 10, 2007, Napoli filed a motion to join his co-

63
defendants’ pre-trial motions, which included Johnson’s pre-trial motion to compel

Jencks evidence.

In his Opening Brief, Napoli argues that the Government’s failure to disclose this

information violated Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 12(h) and 26.2. Napoli

conceded that his attorney did not object to the Government’s failure to disclose this

evidence after the suppression hearing, but contends that this issue can still be considered

on appeal because failure to make such an objection is plain error or, in the alternative,

amounts to ineffective assistance of counsel. The Government contends that Napoli’s

claim is without merit because Napoli failed to move for such evidence and there are no

grounds for either plain error review or ineffective assistance on these facts.

Although Napoli never identified the missing materials as Jencks materials, the

Government characterized them this way because Napoli asserted the failure to disclose

violated Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 26.2. The Jencks Act provides:

“After a witness called by the United States has testified on direct examination,
the court shall, on motion of the defendant, order the United States to produce
any statement (as hereinafter defined) of the witness in the possession of the
United States which related to the subject matter as to which the witness has
testified.”

18 U.S.C. § 3500(b).

64
Rule 26.2 and the Jencks Act are virtually identical.26 Rule 26.2 was intended to

replace provisions of the Jencks Act dealing with the discovery of prior statements of

testifying witnesses on “the notion that provisions which are purely procedural in nature

should appear in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure rather than in Title 18.” United

States v. Smith, 31 F.3d 1294, 1302 n.6 (4th Cir. 1994) (quoting Fed. R. Crim. P. 26.2

advisory committee’s note). Congress has never repealed the Jencks Act, however, and

courts and litigants rely on both the Act and Rule 26.2 when dealing with defense motions

for production of prior statements. Id. These provisions can be used interchangeably

because Rule 26.2 incorporates the relevant provisions of the Jencks Act without any

“substantive change”; therefore, issues analyzed under either rule would render the same

result. Id. Accordingly, the Government appropriately understood Napoli’s argument as

a complaint that the Government did not turn over requested Jencks materials.

The Jencks Act and Rule 26.2 require the Government to disclose prior recorded

statements of its witnesses after they testify. 18 U.S.C. § 3500(b); Fed. R. Crim. P. 26.2;

United States v. Weaver, 267 F.3d 231, 245 (3d Cir. 2001). Disclosure of such statements

is mandatory if the defendant makes a timely motion. United States v. Hill, 976 F.2d 132,

140 (3d Cir. 1992). Rule 12(h) provides that “Rule 26.2 applies at a suppression hearing

26
Rule 26.2 provides that “[a]fter a witness other than the defendant has testified on
direct examination, the court, on motion of a party who did not call the witness, must
order an attorney for the government or the defendant and the defendant’s attorney to
produce, for the examination and use of the moving party, any statement of the witness
that is in their possession and that relates to the subject matter of the witness’s
testimony.” Fed. R. Crim. P. 26.2.

65
under Rule 12(b)(3)(C). At a suppression hearing, a law enforcement officer is

considered a government witness.” Fed. R. Crim. P. 12(h). The purpose of the Jencks

Act and Rule 26.2 is to permit a trial lawyer to have the materials necessary to impeach a

witness. See United States v. Rosa, 891 F.2d 1074,1076-77 (3d Cir. 1989) (citing Jencks

v. United States, 353 U.S. 657, 667 (1957)). Therefore, a defendant has a right to prior

statements made by a Government witness, after he testifies, upon a motion to compel

such information.

Napoli asserts that the Government failed to provide him the requested statements,

but the Government contends that Napoli never moved to request these statements.

Moreover, the Government asserts that Napoli never objected to the Government’s failure

to produce Jencks materials at the suppression hearing; therefore, this claim cannot be

considered on appeal.

We agree with the Government that both the Jencks Act and Rule 26.2 only

mandate that a defendant have access to these documents if they make an affirmative

motion, and it is unclear if Napoli made that motion. 18 U.S.C. § 3500(b); Fed. R. Crim.

P. 26.2. Although Napoli’s attorney moved to compel Jencks materials, he stated in open

court that this motion was mooted two days before the suppression hearing. (R. at 98A-

99A.) By indicating that the Government had satisfied his motion to compel, Napoli’s

attorney indicated that he was not requesting the then-undelivered Jencks materials.27

27
In his Reply Brief, Napoli contends that, by joining all the pre-trial motions of his
co-defendants, he joined Johnson’s pre-trial motion to compel all Jencks materials. This

66
Assuming that Napoli’s attorney did make the requisite motion to compel Jencks

materials, it is clear from the record, and Napoli concedes in his Opening Brief, that his

attorney did not object to the Government’s failure to turn over Jencks materials. Napoli

8
contends that this default can nonetheless be considered on the grounds of “plain error” 2

or “ineffective assistance of counsel.” (Napoli Br. 65-66.) The Government contends

that Napoli cannot satisfy either legal theory. We agree with the Government.

“‘No procedural principle is more familiar to this Court than that a . . . right may

be forfeited in criminal as well as civil cases by the failure to make timely assertion of the

right before the tribunal having jurisdiction to determine it.’” Puckett v. United States,

argument would render Napoli’s statement mooting his motion to compel request
irrelevant. Napoli, however, did not raise this argument in his Opening Brief. Under
Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 28(a)(3)(5) and the Third Circuit’s Local Rules,
appellants are required to set forth the issues raised on appeal and present argument
supporting those issues in their opening briefs. See Kost v. Kozakiewicz, 1 F.3d 176, 182
(3d Cir. 1993) (citing Simmons v. City of Philadelphia, 947 F.2d 1042, 1065 (3d Cir.
1991); Fed. R. App. P. 28; Third Circuit L.A.R. 28.1(a)). An issue or argument is waived
if appellants raise the argument for the first time in their reply brief. Id.; Pelullo, 399
F.3d at 222. Because Napoli raised this argument for the first time in his Reply Brief, it is
waived.

28
In his Reply Brief, Napoli asserts that the “Appellee incorrectly argues that the
standard of review for this claim is plain error.” (Napoli Reply Br. 29.) However, Napoli
concedes in his Opening Brief that his attorney did not object to the government’s failure
to produce the required discovery. (Napoli Br. 65.) Napoli further asserts in his Opening
Brief that he should not be precluded from raising this issue on appeal under the plain
error standard. Because he did not present any argument suggesting plain error review
was inappropriate in his Opening Brief, but rather asserted that plain error review should
be applied, Napoli cannot initiate an argument in his Reply Brief suggesting that standard
of review is improper. See Kost, 1 F.3d at 182. Therefore, we analyze his claim for plain
error and will not entertain any other standard of review.

67
129 S. Ct. 1423, 1428 (2009) (quoting Yakus v. United States, 321 U.S. 414, 444 (1944)).

An appellate court’s authority to remedy an unpreserved error is limited to encourage

timely objections. Id. An appellate court can consider an unpreserved claim, raised for

the first time on appeal, if the error is plain. Id. There has been plain error if four steps

are met:

“First there must be an error or some defect—some sort of deviation from a
legal rule –that has not been intentionally relinquished or abandoned, i.e.,
affirmatively waived, by the appellant. Second, the legal error must be clear
or obvious, rather than the subject of reasonable dispute. Third, the error must
have affected the appellant’s substantial rights, which in an ordinary case
means he must demonstrate that it affected the outcome of the district court
proceedings. Fourth and finally, if the above three prongs are satisfied, the
court of appeals has the discretion to remedy the error – discretion which
ought to be exercised only if the error seriously affects the fairness, integrity
or public reputation of the judicial proceedings.”

Id. at 1429 (quotation marks and citations omitted).

We find Napoli cannot meet the plain error threshold. Even assuming Napoli

could prove that there was an obvious deviation from the law, he cannot demonstrate that

his attorney’s failure to object would have affected the outcome of the case. Napoli

contends that with the use of the Jencks materials he could have presented evidence that

there were misstatements and omissions in the wiretap affidavits that were critical to a

finding of necessity. As we have already discussed, none of the evidence presented in the

68
Jencks materials establishes the existence of any material false statements or omissions in

the wiretap affidavits.29

Napoli alternatively argues that his attorney’s failure to object to the Government’s

failure to produce the Jencks materials constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel in

violation of his Sixth Amendment rights. This Court usually does not review ineffective

assistance claims on direct appeal, but will make an exception “‘[w]here the record is

sufficient to allow determination of ineffective assistance of counsel.’” United States v.

Olfano, 503 F.3d 240, 246 (3d Cir. 2007) (quoting United States v. Hadley, 923 F.2d

1079, 1083 (3d Cir. 1991)). Ineffective assistance of counsel exists if the defendant can

establish (1) that the attorney performance was objectively unreasonable, and (2) that

there is a reasonable probability that, but for the attorney’s error, the result of the case

would have been different. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984); Palmer

v. Hendricks, 592 F.3d 386, 394 (3d Cir. 2010). Napoli claims that the record is

sufficient to allow a determination of ineffective assistance.

Napoli’s claim comes up short, however, because he fails to make an adequate

showing of prejudice. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 (“[A] court need not determine

whether counsel’s performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered . . .

. If it is easier to dispose of an ineffectiveness claim on the ground of lack of sufficient

29
Much of the outside evidence that Defendants relied on to argue the wiretap
affidavits contained false statements and omissions consisted of Agent Schwartz’s grand
jury testimony and his memorandum regarding Serviolo. This is the same evidence
Defendants claim the Government failed to timely turn over.

69
prejudice, which we expect will often

[Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.]

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2165. Public record. Not legal advice.