USA v. Melton et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF RHODE ISLAND
United States of America
Plaintiff,
v.
Elijah Melton,
Defendant.
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No. 1:24-cr-00059-JJM-AEM-1
ORDER
AMY E. MOSES, United States Magistrate Judge.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, the Court hereby appoints Attorney J. Richard
Ratcliffe as independent counsel for Defendant Elijah Melton. Attorney Ratcliffe is appointed for
the limited purpose of reviewing the potential and actual conflicts created by Attorney Beau B.
Brindley’s representation of Mr. Melton, explaining the material risks and advantages, if any, of
proceeding with representation burdened with a conflict of interest and reasonably available
alternatives, and to discuss any questions and concerns Mr. Melton may have. If, after he has had
a reasonable opportunity to consider the risks and alternatives and raise any questions and
concerns, Mr. Melton elects to proceed with Attorney Brindley’s representation notwithstanding
those risks, then Attorney Ratcliffe shall review and procure a written, signed consent from
Mr. Melton to proceed with Attorney Brindley’s representation.
Attorney Ratcliffe shall promptly complete this review with Mr. Melton and file a waiver
or otherwise notify the Court how Mr. Melton wishes to proceed. If Mr. Melton wishes to proceed
with the waiver, then the Court will schedule a hearing to undergo a colloquy with Mr. Melton
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regarding the waiver. If deemed necessary, the Court may seek Mr. Melton’s sworn testimony at
that hearing regarding how he plans to proceed.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ 	Amy E. Moses
AMY E. MOSES
United States Magistrate Judge
January 28, 2026
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