Case Name: RADER v. UNITED STATES
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1938-03-09
Citations: 95 F.2d 506
Docket Number: No. 6482
Parties: RADER v. UNITED STATES.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Reporter 2d Series
Volume: 95
Pages: 506–506

Head Matter:
RADER v. UNITED STATES.
No. 6482.
Circuit Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.
March 9, 1938.
Frederic M. P. Pearse, of Newark, N. J., for appellant.
John J. Quinn, U. S. Atty., of Red Bank, N. J., and William F. Smith, Asst. U. S. Atty., of Trenton, N. J.
Before BUFFINGTON and DAVIS, Circuit Judges, and DICKINSON, District Judge.

Opinion:
DICKINSON, District Judge.
This is an illicit still charge of the usual type. There was ample evidence that the offense had been committed. The main question is whether there was sufficient evidence to support a verdict that the defendant was a guilty participant in the setting up of the still or in its operation. The instructions given the jury were in full accord with the law of the case, and the question of guilt fairly submitted to the jury. The real question is whether there should have been a directed verdict. The only evidence against this defendant was testimony that he had stated his willingness to contribute to the capital of the illicit project, and that he had gone in an automobile with his brother who inspected the proposed site for the still. There was no evidence that the defendant had' in fact contributed to the capital and in truth testimony introduced by the prosecution that he had not. There was no evidence that he had inspected the site or had a hand in its selection. The evidence against him was that he had gone in the automobile, but had remained in it. We do not think this evidence warranted a finding (1) that he had been in the possession of a set-up still which he had failed to register, or (2) had engaged in the business of a distiller without giving the notice required by law. There was no conspiracy count in the indictment.
The eighth assignment of error is sustained, and the judgment of conviction and the sentence imposed are reversed.