United States v. Gerald Timms

685 F. App'x 285

Opinion

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM:

Gerald Wayne Timms appeals his conviction for possession of contraband in prison, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1791 (2012). Timms contends that his conviction was improper, because as a civil detainee under the Adam Walsh Act, 18 U.S.C. § 4248 (2012), he was not an “inmate” under the meaning of § 1791. Timms argues that “inmates” are held in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, while Adam Walsh detainees are in the custody of the Attorney General. We affirm.

Section 1791 prohibits an “inmate of a prison” from possessing a prohibited object. 18 U.S.C. § 1791(a)(2). While “inmate” is not specifically defined, “prison” is defined as “a Federal correctional, detention, or penal facility or any prison, institution, or facility in which persons are held in custody by direction of or pursuant to a contract or agreement with the Attorney General.” 18 U.S.C. § 1791(d)(4). Adam Walsh Act detainees are committed to the custody of the Attorney General. 18 U.S.C, § 4248(d). Thus, we find that Timms is an inmate under the meaning of § 1791. See 28 C.F.R. § 500.1(c) (including “detainees” and other “persons held” in the definition of “inmate” in Bureau of Prisons regulation); see also United States v. Savage, 737 F.3d 304, 309 (4th Cir. 2013) (noting that, “for purposes of § 4248, there is no substantive difference between vesting legal custody in the Attorney General and legal custody in the [Bureau of Prisons]”).

Accordingly, we affirm Timms’ conviction. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED