No. 24-6961

Stephen J. Pierre-Paul v. United States

Lower Court: Fourth Circuit
Docketed: 2025-04-11
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: co-defendant-testimony consciousness-of-guilt cooperating-witness probative-value reasonable-doubt sentencing-enhancement
Key Terms:
DueProcess JusticiabilityDoctri
Latest Conference: 2025-05-15
Question Presented (AI Summary)

Is a conviction based solely on inconsistent and contradictory testimony from a cooperating co-defendant legally sufficient to sustain a criminal conviction?

Question Presented (OCR Extract)

Due Process requires a criminal conviction be obtained by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Cooperating witness testimony is admissible evidence, though juries are specifically instructed to give such testimony stricter scrutiny. In Mr. Pierre -Paul’s case, inconsistent testimony by a cooperating co -defendant constituted all of the direct evidence against him , including evidence of “consciousness of guilt” that not only prejudiced him at trial, but was used as the foundation for a sentencing enhancement. The questions presented here are: 1. Is a conviction based on inconsistent and contradictory testimony of a cooperating co-defendant sufficient to sustain a conviction? 2. Is the probative value of vague testimony of that same biased and inconsistent witness to an alleged attempt to influence him not to testify outweighed by the substantial prejudice ? 3. Is the same testimony , lacking content and context, sufficient to warrant an enhancement pursuant to United States Sentencing Guideline § 3C1.1?

Docket Entries

2025-05-19
Petition DENIED.
2025-04-24
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 5/15/2025.
2025-04-17
Waiver of United States of right to respond submitted.
2025-04-17
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2025-04-07
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due May 12, 2025)

Attorneys

Stephen J. Pierre-Paul
Lana Marie ManittaTHE LAW OFFICE OF LANA MANITTA, PLLC, Petitioner
Lana Marie ManittaTHE LAW OFFICE OF LANA MANITTA, PLLC, Petitioner
United States
D. John SauerSolicitor General, Respondent
D. John SauerSolicitor General, Respondent
Sarah M. HarrisActing Solicitor General, Respondent