US Ex Rel. Castano v. Sternes

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

BUCKLO, District Judge.

Alexander Castaño is guilty. In 1997, he was caught with 181 kilograms of cocaine. He admits the evidence of possession was “nearly incontrovertible” and “overwhelming.” He was convicted at a bench trial in Illinois state court of possession with intent to deliver. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison. He petitions for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (federal habeas corpus for state prisoners), as amended by the Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (“AEDPA”). Arguing pro se, he contends that (1) he was…