United States v. DeLaura

JACOBS, Circuit Judge:

In this direct criminal appeal, the defendant argues that his defense lawyer was ineffective because of a conflict of interest caused by a (possible) secret sexual relationship between the lawyer and the defendant’s mother. When the district judge learned of the allegation, he questioned the defense attorney about it, but the (now-deceased) lawyer refused to answer the judge’s inquiries, and coyly suggested that the judge instead deduce the answers from a Hollywood movie.

Defendant-Appellant Johnathan DeLau-ra pleaded guilty to multiple child pornography offenses, and was…