United States v. $292,888.04 in U.S. Currency, Calvin L. Robinson, Claimant-Appellant

Calvin Robinson, claimant of $292,888.04 in seized United States currency, appeals pro se the district court’s summary judgment in favor of the United States in the United States’ action for civil forfeiture of the funds under 31 U.S.C. § 5317 . Robinson also appeals the district court’s denial of his motion for recusal and motion for appointment of counsel. We have jurisdiction of this timely appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

I.FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

In May 1988, Robinson was arrested while attempting to smuggle 56 tons of marijuana and hashish into San Francisco. In June 1988, federal agents seized $292,888.04 in currency pursuant to judicially authorized seizure warrants. In December 1988, during the pendency of Robinson’s criminal cases before Judge Yukasin, the United States Customs Service commenced administrative forfeiture proceedings against the currency. On February 22, 1989, Robinson was found guilty of the criminal charges and was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment and assessed a fine of $4,000,000.

On October 2,1990, the United States filed a complaint for civil forfeiture of the currency. The case was reassigned to Judge Vuka-sin pursuant…