United States v. Saucedo-Munoz

• Court: Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• Decided: September 23, 2002
• Docket: 01-50904
• Status: Published

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

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m 01-50752 _______________

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Plaintiff-Appellee,

VERSUS

JOE LUIS SAUCEDO-MUNOZ, ALSO KNOWN AS JOE LUIS SAUCEDO,

Defendant-Appellant.

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m 01-50904 _______________

JOSE LUIS SAUCEDO-MUNOZ, ALSO KNOWN AS JEHOVA MIRANDA,

Defendant-Appellant. _________________________

Appeals from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas

_________________________ September 23, 2002

Before DAVIS, SMITH, and BENAVIDES, evasive. Circuit Judges. Garcia then tapped on the gas tank with his JERRY E. SMITH, Circuit Judge: baton and heard a “thud” that he said was in- consistent with the sound that would be pro- Jose Saucedo-Munoz appeals his conviction duced by tapping on an empty tank or a tank of possession with intent to distribute mar- filled with fluid. Upshaw also tapped on the ihuana and cocaine, illegal reentry following tank with his baton and heard a similar thud. deportation, and making a false statement. Garcia concluded that the tank contained Finding no error, we affirm. something more than gasoline.

I. When asked for identification, Saucedo- State troopers Ruben Garcia and Ethan Up- Munoz produced a New Mexico identification shaw stopped to assist two stranded motorists card bearing the name Jehova Miranda. The standing next to a pickup truck with its hood other man produced a border crossing card raised and gas tank opened. An empty gas jug bearing the name Gerardo Saucedo-Diaz. lay next to the truck. Saucedo-Munoz then asked the officers for a ride to a gas station to buy more gas. The two men told Garcia they were out of gas. When Garcia asked where they had last During the trip to the station, Saucedo- refueled, they said they had done so in Van Munoz, Garcia, and Upshaw conversed. Sau- Horn with nine dollars worth of gas. Garcia cedo-Munoz stated that he had met Saucedo- found this suspicious, because he knew Van Diaz four years earlier at a bar in Juarez. Gar- Horn was 108 miles away; he would not have cia observed that, according to Saucedo-Di- expected a pickup truck to run out of gas after az’s identification, Saucedo-Diaz would have traveling such a short distance. Garcia then been fourteen years old at that time, too young asked whether the truck’s gas gauge worked, to be in a bar. Saucedo-Munoz initially had and the men replied that it did not. This fur- difficulty explaining this apparent discrepancy ther aroused Garcia’s suspicion, because he but finally explained that people in Mexico go knew from experience and training that a ve- to bars at young ages. hicle’s gas gauge usually will not work if the gas tank is loaded with contraband. Garcia At the station, Saucedo-Munoz purchased testified that both men seemed nervous and a gas jug after realizing that he had left his

2 empty jug behind at the truck. When they ar- III. rived back at the truck, Saucedo-Munoz filled Saucedo-Munoz argues that the district the truck with the gas and asked the officers to court improperly instructed the jury regarding follow him and Saucedo-Diaz to a nearby gas deliberate ignorance.1 The deliberate ignor- station. After the officers followed them to a ance instruction is used “to inform the jury that station in Pyote, Saucedo-Munoz paid the at- it may consider evidence of the defendant’s tendant and filled the tank with only three dol- charade of ignorance as circumstantial proof of lars worth of gas before the pump stopped. guilty knowledge.” United States v. Wells, 262 F.3d 455, 465 (5th Cir. 2001) (citation Saucedo-Munoz acted surprised and at- and internal quotati on omitted). The in- tempted to blame the problem on the station’s struction allows the jury to convict without pump, which he claimed was broken. When finding that the defendant actually was aware Upshaw observed that Saucedo-Munoz had of the existence of illegal conduct. United paid the attendant only three dollars, Saucedo- States v. Cartwright, 6 F.3d 294, 301 (5th Cir. Munoz paid another seven dollars. After six 1993). dollars of gas were put into the truck, the tank would take no more. Both men were placed Where, as here, the mens rea required for under arrest. conviction is that the defendant acted “know- ingly” or “intentionally,” a deliberate ignorance The truck was taken to a wrecking yard, instruction creates a risk that the jury might where a drug dog alerted to the vehicle. Gar- convict for negligence or stupidity. Id. cia observed that the gas gauge was broken. (citations omitted). The deliberate ignorance The truck was placed on a hydraulic lift, and instruction “should only be given when a the officers noted that there were fresh defendant claims a lack of guilty knowledge scratches on the bolts and screws holding the and the poof at trial supports an inference of tank in place. Saucedo-Munoz threatened to deliberate indifference.” Wells, 262 F.3d at sue if nothing was discovered. After removing the tank, the officers discovered forty-three bundles of cocaine and marihuana inside. 1 The deliberate ignorance charge read as follows: II. Saucedo-Munoz pleaded guilty of illegal You may find that a defendant had reentry following deportation, in violation of 8 knowledge of a fact if you find that the de- U.S.C. §§ 1326(a),(b)(2), and making a false fendant deliberately closed his eyes to what statement to a federal officer, in violation of 18 would otherwise have been obvious to him. U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). Before trial on charges While knowledge on the part of the defen- dant cannot be established merely by dem- of possession with intent to distribute mari- onstrating that the defendant was negligent, huana and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. careless or foolish, knowledge can be in- § 841(a)(1), Saucedo-Munoz moved unsuc- ferred if the defendant deliberately blinded cessfully to suppress evidence. A jury con- himself to the existence of a fact. However, victed him of both offenses. He appeals the even so, if you find that the Defendant convictions and the revocation of his super- actually believed that the transaction did not vised release. involve marihuana or cocaine, then you must acquit the defendant.

3 465 (quoting United States v. McKinney, 53 v. Casilla, 20 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 1994) F.3d 664, 676 (5th Cir. 1995)). (“Evasive and erratic behavior may be evi- dence of guilty knowledge.”). A deliberate ignorance instruction is re- viewed “using the standard of whether the Evidence tending to show that Saucedo- court’s charge, as a whole, is a correct state- Munoz purposely contrived to avoid learning ment of the law and whether it clearly instructs the existence of contraband is less apparent. jurors as to principles of law applicable to the Because he did not testify, there was no op- factual issues confronting them.” United portunity for the government to conduct cross- States v. Wisenbaker, 14 F.3d 1022, 1027 (5th examination regarding his knowledge of how Cir. 1994) (citation and internal quotation the drugs were put into the tank. We are omitted). The instruction is justified where mindful that where “the choice is simply be- “the evidence shows (1) subjective awareness tween a version of the facts in which the de- of a high probability of the existence of illegal fendant had actual knowledge, and one in conduct and (2) purposeful contrivance to which he was no more than negligent or stu- avoid learning of the illegal conduct.” United pid, the deliberate ignorance instruction is in- States v. Threadgill, 172 F.3d 357, 368 (5th appropriate.” United States v. Lara-Velas- Cir. 1999) (citation omitted). quez, 919 F.2d 946, 951 (5th Cir. 1990). Nev- ertheless, Saucedo-Munoz’s failure to testify The record reflects that Saucedo-Munoz or present evidence does not render a delib- was subjectively aware of a high probability erate ignorance instruction invalid. that the gas tank contained contraband. He knew that the truck had run out of a full tank A defendant’s contrivance to avoid learning of gas after traveling only 108 miles and that the existence of illegal conduct may be es- the gauge was broken.2 At the gas station in tablished by direct or circumstantial evidence. Pyote, Saucedo-Munoz tried to fool the of- Id. at 952. As we have noted, Saucedo-Mu- ficers by purchasing only three dollars worth noz tried to fool the officers by putting only of gas and then claiming that the pump was three dollars worth of gas in the tank, and then broken. He also produced a New Mexico claiming the pump was broken. Depending on identification with a false name. Both officers how this action is construed, it could show testified that he seemed nervous and evasive that Saucedo-Munoz had actual knowledge throughout the encounter. See United States that the tank contained contraband. On the other hand, the charade might be construed as an attempt to avoid discovery of that which he 2 believed highly probable. Although the average person might not infer the presence of contraband from this fact alone, Whichever it was, the court did not err by Saucedo-Munoz was previously convicted of a similar offense. He therefore was more likely than giving a deliberate ignorance instruction. Al- the average person to infer that the inability to fill though our caselaw prohibits a deliberate ig- a gas tank with more than nine dollars worth of gas norance instruction where there is evidence of and a broken gas gauge were indicative of the only actual knowledge, Threadgill, 172 F.3d presence of contraband. The admissibility of at 369, we are unaware of any cases sug- Saucedo-Munoz’s prior offense is discussed infra gesting that a deliberate ignorance instruction part III.

4 is improper where evidence may be construed as his defense but refuses to testify,4 he should as showing either actual knowledge or con- not be able to avoid a deliberate ignorance in- trivance to avoid learning the truth. struction because his conduct might also be construed as evincing actual knowledge. Instead, our precedent suggests that a deliberate ignorance instruction may be given By giving a deliberate ignorance instruc- alongside evidence of actual knowledge.3 tion, the court did not create a risk that the Where, as here, a defendant claims ignorance jury would convict Saucedo-Munoz for mere negligence or stupidity. Saucedo-Munoz’s af- firmative attempt to fool the officers, his pro- duction of a false identification, and experience in narcotics trafficking suggest that if he did 3 See United States v. Farfan-Carreon, 935 not have actual knowledge of the presence of F.2d 678, 681 (5th Cir. 1991) (affirming deliberate drugs in the tank, he was at the very least ignorance instruction alongside evidence that the turning a blind eye. In addition, the court pro- defendant reacted violently when asked whether he vided a safeguard by instructing the jury that it was carrying contraband); Lara-Velasquez, 919 could not find him guilty if it believed he was F.2d at 952 (“Courts also have determined that the merely careless or negligent or did not realize circumstances of the defendant’s involvement in the that the underlying transaction involved criminal offense may have been so overwhelmingly narcotics.5 suspicious that the defendant’s failure to question the suspicious circumstances establishes the defen- IV. dant’s purposeful contrivance to avoid guilty knowl- Saucedo-Munoz contends the district court edge.”); United States v. de Luna, 815 F.2d 301, abused its discretion by admitting evidence of 302 (5th Cir. 1987) (finding deliberate ignorance instruction proper alongside evidence that the his 1988 conviction of smuggling cocaine in defendant confessed to two witnesses); United the wheel well of a pickup truck. The court States v. Restrepo-Granda, 575 F.2d 524, 528-30 admitted the evidence for the limited purpose (5th Cir. 1978) (finding deliberate ignorance of determining whether Saucedo-Munoz “had instruction proper while concurrently finding the state of mind or intent necessary to commit evidence of actual knowledge). the crime charged in the indictment” and

In United States v. Threadgill, 172 F.3d 357 (5th Cir. 1999), we concluded that the district court 4 Although Saucedo-Munoz did not offer any improperly gave a deliberate ignorance instruction evidence, defense counsel presented a theory of ig- where there was strong evidence of actual knowl- norance in his opening statement and closing edge, but “little evidence that the defendants pur- argument, contending that Saucedo-Diaz was the posefully contrived to avoid knowing that their person who had tried to “smuggle this dope.” actions were unlawful.” Id. at 369. The evidence 5 revealed that “the defendants knew that their Because we conclude that the court did not err conduct was criminal and took elaborate measures by instructing the jury as to deliberate ignorance, to hide it.” Id. Although Saucedo-Munoz’s con- we need not undertake a harmless-error analysis. duct might be similarly construed, it is also possi- An error in giving the deliberate ignorance instruc- ble that he turned a blind eye to what he believed tion is “harmless where there is substantial evi- was the presence of contraband. The jury was dence of actual knowledge.” Wells, 262 F.3d at entitled to convict on either theory. 466 (citation and internal quotation omitted).

5 whether he had “acted according to a plan or stantially outweighed by its prejudicial effect. in preparation for the commission of a crime.” See FED. R. EVID. 403.8

Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) provides This court has “consistently . . . held that that “[e]vidence of other crimes, wrongs, or evidence of a . . . conviction for a similar crime acts is not admissible to prove the character of is more probative than prejudicial and that any a person in order to show action in conformity prejudicial effect may be minimized by a therewith.” FED. R. EVID. 404(b). Extrinsic proper jury instruction.” United States v. evidence may, however, be admissible for oth- Taylor, 210 F.3d 311, 318 (5th Cir. 2000). er purposes, such as proof of motive, oppor- The district court properly instructed the jury tunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, that it was to consider Saucedo-Munoz’s prior identity, or absence of mistake or accident. offense only so far as it demonstrated the re- United States v. Bentley-Smith, 2 F.3d 1368, quisite intent. This mitigated any danger that 1377 (5th Cir. 1993). Evidence is admissible the jury considered the evidence improperly as under rule 404(b) if it relates to an issue other proof of bad character. than the defendant’s character and its proba- tive value is not substantially outweighed by V. undue prejudice.6 Saucedo-Munoz avers that the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress Evidence of the prior conviction is admis- illegally obtained evidence as violative of the sible to show that Saucedo-Munoz knew drugs Fourth Amendment. Warrantless searches are were concealed in the gas tank and that he in- “per se unreasonable unless they fall within a tended and planned to transport drugs in a hid- few narrowly defined exceptions.” United den spot outside the vehicle’s passenger com- States v. Roberts, 274 F.3d 1007, 1011 (5th partment or trunk.7 Nonetheless, Saucedo- Cir. 2001). Saucedo-Munoz argues that the Munoz argues that the conviction is inadmis- officers conducted a warrantless search by tap- sible because its probative value is not sub- ping on the gas tank with their batons and that the search was not supported by probable cause.9 6 United States v. Misher, 99 F.3d 664, 670 (5th Cir. 1996); United States v. Beechum, 582 F.2d 898, 911 (5th Cir. 1978) (en banc). 8 Federal Rule of Evidence 403 states: “Al- 7 United States v. Ortega-Chavez, 682 F.2d though relevant, evidence may be excluded if its 1086, 1091 & n.6 (5th Cir. 1982) (holding that probative value is substantially outweighed by the evidence of three prior convictions, in which de- danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, fendant had used the same vehicle with a hidden or misleading the jury, or by considerations of compartment to transport illegal aliens, was pro- undue delay, waste of time, or needless presenta- perly admitted as evidence of knowledge and intent tion of cumulative evidence.” FED. R. EVID. 403. and as showing similarity of conduct); see also 9 United States v. Lazcano-Villalobos, 175 F.3d Apart from challenging the gas tank tap as an 838, 845-47 (10th Cir. 1999) (affirming admission impermissible search, Saucedo-Munoz does not of prior offense as proof of knowledge of the use of otherwise challenge the existence of probable cause concealed compartments for the transportation of for the removal and search of the tank following his controlled substances). arrest.

6 In reviewing the denial of an evidentiary United States v. Arvizu, 534 U.S. 266 (2002). suppression motion, we accept the district court’s findings of fact unless clearly er- We agree with the district court’s conclu- roneous, but we review de novo its ultimate sion that the officers had probable cause to tap conclusion as to the constitutionality of the on the gas tank. Garcia knew, based on train- law enforcement action. United States v. ing and experience, that vehicles carrying con- Chavez-Villarreal, 3 F.3d 124, 126 (5th Cir. traband are unable to travel normal distances 1993). We review the evidence in the light on a full tank of gas and often have broken gas most favorable to the government. The denial gauges. Garcia had ample data in the aggre- of a suppression motion will be upheld “if gateSSthe failed gas gauge, the short distance there is any reasonable view of the evidence to before the truck ran out of gas, and the men’s support it.” United States v. Tellez, 11 F.3d nervousnessSSto conclude that there was con- 530, 532 (5th Cir. 1993) (citations omitted). traband in the tank. To hold otherwise would erroneously impute to Garcia the crime-fer- We need not decide whether the baton tap reting wits of a layman, rather than a trained constituted a search within the meaning of the law enforcement officer. Ornelas, 517 U.S. at Fourth Amendment. The automobile excep- 696 (noting that probable cause is “viewed tion to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant re- from the standpoint of an objectively rea- quirement permits authorities to search a vehi- sonable police officer”) (emphasis added). cle when they have probable cause to believe it contains contraband. Maryland v. Dyson, VI. 527 U.S. 465, 466-67 (1999). To the extent Saucedo-Munoz contends that the district that the actions of Garcia and Upshaw did court erred by refusing to adjust his offense constitute a search, they were supported by level based on his claimed minor role in the probable cause. offense.10 Even if we were to accept Saucedo-

Probable cause to search exists “where the known facts and circumstances are sufficient 10 In his brief, Saucedo-Munoz also argues that to warrant a man of reasonable prudence in the the district court erred in denying his request that belief that contraband or evidence of a crime the jury be instructed that it could convict him for will be found.” Ornelas v. United States, 517 the lesser included offense of misprision of a fel- U.S. 690, 696 (1996). “The principal ony. Saucedo-Munoz admits, however, that he components of a determination of reasonable raises this issue on appeal only because an objec- suspicion or probable cause will be the events tion was made at trial and that he has located no which occurred leading up to the stop or authority in support of his argument. He acknowl- search, and then the decision whether these edges that “[i]t does not appear that misprision of [a] felony in any way relates to the delivery of- historical facts, viewed from the standpoint of fenses.” an objectively reasonable police officer, amount to reasonable suspicion or to probable Similarly, Saucedo-Munoz notes his objection cause.” Id. In determining the existence of at sentencing to the court’s application of the sen- reasonable suspicion or probable cause, we do tencing guidelines; he objects to his counts being not isolate each factor of suspicion, but instead grouped pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3D1.4. Saucedo- look to the totality of the circumstances. Munoz admits, however, that the court’s applica- (continued...)

7 Munoz’s dubious contention that Saucedo- Diaz was the principal behind the crime, while Saucedo-Munoz acted only as a courier, we would not reduce the offense level.11

In any event, the evidence points to the conclusion that Saucedo-Munoz, not Saucedo- Diaz, acted as the principal. Saucedo-Munoz spoke to the officers, purchased the gas both times, filled the truck at the station, and was the one who threatened to sue at the wrecking yard. Furthermore, the pre-sentence report mentions that Saucedo-Munoz paid Saucedo- Diaz $2000 to accompany him on the trip. The district court’s decision was no error.12

AFFIRMED.

10 (...continued) tion of the sentencing guidelines was “correctly made.” We consider these issues inadequately briefed and therefore do not pass on their merits. See FED. R. APP. P. 28(a)(9)(A); United States v. Beaumont, 972 F.2d 553, 563 (5th Cir. 1992) (waiving argument for failure adequately to argue the issue). 11 See United States v. Edwards, 65 F.3d 430, 433 (5th Cir. 1995) (stating that this court “has held previously that defendants . . . whose par- ticipation is limited to holding or delivering drugs, may not, despite their more limited role in the con- spiracy, be eligible for a reduction their offense level”). 12 Because we affirm Saucedo-Munoz’s convic- tion for possession with intent to distribute mari- huana and cocaine, we do not address his argument that he was improperly sentenced as a Grade A offender under U.S.S.G. § 7B1.4. A defendant convicted of any “controlled substance offense” is classified as a Grade A offender. See U.S.S.G. § 7B1.1(a)(1)(ii).