In Re Grand Jury Proceedings of Denise Garmon, in Re Grand Jury Proceedings of Courtney D. Washington

SNEED, Circuit Judge:

I

INTRODUCTION.

The issue in these cases is whether a civil contempt sentence can be imposed upon a witness who is already serving a criminal sentence, thereby suspending the service of the criminal sentence during the period of the contempt confinement.

In No. 78-1154, Denise Garmon was sentenced on December 20, 1977 to 18 months’ confinement for a conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. One day before her sentencing, an order compelling her testimony was signed by Chief Judge Schwartz of the Southern District of California.…