UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FILED
lA
NOV 10 2015
In the Matter of Requests to
Seal Transportation Orders Ub DISTRICT COURT
NORFOLK, VA
Directing the Movement of Prisoners.
STANDING ORDER
Pursuant to Local Criminal Rule 49, judges of the court
have found that certain orders authorizing transportation of
prisoners ("Transportation Orders") meet the requirements for
sealing. Such Transportation Orders may direct the movement of
prisoners in custody for legitimate prosecutorial purposes,
including debriefings and interviews with law enforcement. Any
limited public interest in these movements is substantially
outweighed by the threat to witness security that would be
caused by the public filing of such orders. See United States
V. Ramey, 791 P.2d 317, 321 (4th Cir. 1986) {permitting sealing
for "any legitimate prosecutorial need"). The Court has
considered procedures other than sealing, but none would suffice
to protect the information subject to sealing.
It is, therefore, ORDERED that any Transportation Order
directing the transportation of defendants or other prisoners
for purposes of debriefings or interviews may be filed under
seal by placing the words UNDER SEAL on the face sheet of the
Order.
It is further ORDERED that a copy of the Transportation
Order shall be provided to the United States Attorney's Office
and to counsel of record for any subject of the Order. A copy
may be provided to those law enforcement officials involved in
the prosecution of the case, and to the United States Marshals
Service, Deputy United States Marshals, and authorized law
enforcement officers, as necessary, to effect the transportation
of the prisoner or defendant who is the subject of the
Transportation Order.
It is further ORDERED that such Transportation Orders shall
remain under seal unless otherwise ordered by the court.
REBECCA BEACH SMITH
CHIEF JUDGE
2015
