Unmasking Injustice: The Case of Devon T. White

How a Pasadena Courtroom Became the Epicenter of Alleged Constitutional Violations and Human Rights Abuses

The Case at a Glance

Defendant: Devon T. White
Case Number: GA101707-01
Court: Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Pasadena Courthouse
Presiding Judge: Michael D. Carter
Deputy District Attorney: David Ayvazian
Public Defender: Vito Curso

What should have been a straightforward exercise in justice has evolved into a troubling example of alleged constitutional violations, professional misconduct, and human rights abuses—raising serious questions about the integrity of the very systems designed to protect us.

A Disturbing Allegation of Conspiracy
In a deeply concerning turn, it is alleged that Judge Michael D. Carter, Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian, and Public Defender Vito Curso conspired to sustain an unlawful conviction and imprisonment of Devon T. White. This trio, by allegedly colluding to maintain a void judgment, directly undermined the bedrock principles of the Constitution.

The issue at the core? The judge had previously stayed the underlying public offense, which legally suspended any basis for confinement. Yet, despite this, all parties allegedly moved forward—effectively sustaining a prison term without lawful grounds.

Violations of Constitutional Rights
This case starkly highlights violations of multiple constitutional protections, including:

• 5th Amendment: Protection against deprivation of liberty without due process.
• 8th Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
• 14th Amendment: Guarantee of due process and equal protection under the law.

By perpetuating imprisonment after the offense was stayed, the court actors knowingly violated Mr. White’s constitutional guarantees. Such actions amount to false imprisonment under color of law, stripping Mr. White of his liberty and basic human dignity.

Acts in Bad Faith: Breach of Oaths and Professional Ethics
Both the prosecuting and defense attorneys allegedly violated critical provisions of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, including:

• Rule 1.1 – Competence: Failing to apply the necessary legal knowledge and skill.
• Rule 1.3 – Diligence: Neglecting to act with reasonable diligence and promptness.
• Rule 3.3 – Candor Toward the Tribunal: Knowingly allowing the court to proceed on false premises.
• Rule 8.4(c) – Misconduct: Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

These breaches undermine the very trust that clients, the public, and the court system place in legal professionals.

Judicial Misconduct by Judge Michael D. Carter

• The allegations against Judge Carter are equally grave. They include:
• Abuse of Judicial Authority: By imposing and maintaining a void judgment beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
• Failure to Uphold the Law: Denying Mr. White his fundamental rights to due process and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.
• Neglect of Duty: Failing to ensure lawful imprisonment, thereby eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

Violations of Judicial Canons
Judge Carter’s conduct allegedly violated multiple provisions of the California Code of Judicial Ethics, notably:

• Canon 2: Avoiding impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.
• Canon 3(D): Responsibility to take corrective action upon learning of misconduct by attorneys or judges.

For example, by imposing punishment when the underlying offense was stayed, Judge Carter created at minimum the appearance of disrespect for the law, undermining the integrity of the judicial process.


Human Rights Abuses: The Impact on Devon T. White
Beyond the legal violations, this case represents a harrowing human story. Mr. White’s unlawful confinement, under a judgment lacking any valid legal foundation, amounts to:

• Kidnapping from his liberty
• Human trafficking under the guise of legal authority
• Assault on his physical and psychological well-being
• Theft of irreplaceable years of his life

He continues to endure undue stress, trauma, and mental anguish, compounded by the betrayal of those sworn to uphold the law.


The Need for Accountability
The law is clear: no one is above it. If these allegations hold, they point to serious crimes under color of law that demand investigation and accountability. The actions (or inactions) of Judge Carter, Deputy DA Ayvazian, and Public Defender Curso have not only robbed a man of his freedom—they have shaken public faith in the promise of equal justice.

Mr. White’s ordeal, stemming from decisions made on August 29, 2018, serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when checks and balances fail. For the sake of justice, transparency, and the integrity of California’s legal system, those responsible must be held to account.


Final Thoughts
This case is bigger than Devon T. White. It is a chilling example of how systemic failures and individual misconduct can conspire to strip a person of their most fundamental rights. At ThaWilsonBlock Magazine, we believe in shining a light on such injustices—not just for the sake of one man, but to protect the liberties of us all.

Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Demand accountability.