United States First Circuit
US v. CASAS, 02-1623, 02-1624, 02-1785, 02-1674, 02-1794
The conviction of one drug-smuggling conspirator is vacated because the government improperly used as a lead witness a government agent who testified that, based on his investigation, the defendants were members of the charged drug conspiracy. The speedy trial rights of another conspirator were not violated by a five year delay from indictment to trial because the government had a legitimate reason for the delay and there was no prejudice.
Appellate Information
- Decided 01/20/2004
- Published 01/20/2004
Judges
- LYNCH, Circuit Judge., Before BOUDIN, Chief Judge, LYNCH, Circuit Judge, and HOWARD, Circuit Judge.
Court
- United States First Circuit
Counsel
- For Appellant:
- Elfrick Méndez-Morales for appellant Casas., Raymond L. Sanchez-Maceira, for appellant Nieves., Marcia J. Silvers, for appellant Cunningham., Joseph S. Berman, for appellant Segui-Rodriguez.
- For Appellees:
- Nelson Pérez-Sosa, Assistant United States Attorney, with whom Thomas F. Klumper, Assistant United States Attorney, H.S. Garcia, United States Attorney, and Sonia I. Torres-Pabón, Assistant United States Attorney, Chief, Criminal Division, were on brief for appellee.