United States v. Shetler

Justia.com Opinion Summary: Defendant appealed from his conviction for maintaining his residence for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or using methamphetamine. Defendant contended that the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress certain inculpatory statements he made to DEA officials. Because the government did not bear its burden of showing that these statements were not the product of government officials' concededly illegal searches of defendant's home and garage, the court reversed his conviction. The court also concluded that, although the evidence was sparse, it was sufficient to allow a jury to infer that one of the primary or principal uses to which defendant devoted his property was the manufacture, distribution, or use of methamphetamine. Therefore, the court held that defendant was entitled to a judgment of acquittal on the ground of insufficient evidence. The court also rejected defendant's void for vagueness argument.

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