United States v. Rotolo

ORDER & REASONS

Considering the Government's motion to appoint a guardian ad litem, R. Doc. 21:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Government's request for the appointment of a guardian ad litem for the minor child, (referred to in the Indictment as "Victim 1") in the above- captioned case pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 3509(h) is GRANTED. The Court finds such an appointment necessary because this case involves a child alleged by the Government to be a victim of a crime involving abuse or exploitation. See 18 U.S.C. §3509(h)(1). The Court hereby appoints as guardian ad litem Ashley B. Johnson-Alford, a member of the approved Roster kept by the Clerk of Court pursuant to this Court's General Order Regarding Appointment and Compensation of Guardians Ad Litem, which was promulgated on January 7, 2025 ("General Order"). R. Doc. 21-2. Ms. Johnson-Alford is to act in that capacity at all times to protect the best interests of the child to the extent allowable by law. See 18 U.S.C. § 3509(h)(2). Pursuant to the General Order, this Court must "specify a funding limit" for the representation and "the appointment shall not extend beyond September 30th, the end of the fiscal year in which the order is issued." R. Doc. 21-2 at 2. Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED that the funding limit for Ms. Johnson's-Alford's representation of Victim 1 is set at $2,000. As contemplated by the General Order, if Ms. Johnson-Alford believes that additional funding beyond this limit will be necessary, she may file a motion with the Court seeking an increase in funding.

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