Opinion ID: 170912
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mr. Blake’s Motion to Suppress

Text: In September 2006, a federal grand jury charged Mr. Blake with (1) conspiracy with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and 846; and (2) possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A). The indictment also charged Ms. Blake and Darrin Brown with the conspiracy offense. Prior to trial, Mr. Blake moved to suppress the evidence discovered during the February 24, 2006 search. He asserted that the government should have obtained a search warrant before entering the residence. -5- After conducting an evidentiary hearing, the district court denied the motion. The court reasoned: [Ms.] Blake was on probation. Part of her probation agreement was that she would submit to home visits and searches of her residence by a probation officer if there was a reasonable suspicion to believe that [Ms.] Blake was in possession of contraband at her residence. In this case, the first cause for reasonable suspicion was that [Ms.] Blake failed her drug test. The second cause for reasonable suspicion was that Agent Norcross had information indicating that both [Ms. and Mr.] Blake were involved in drug activity. Therefore, this Court finds that these grounds are more than enough for reasonable suspicion. The reasonable suspicion coupled with the signed parole agreement justifies the Government in its warrantless search. Rec. vol. I, doc. 79, at 5. The district court also concluded that “sufficient consent existed to search the Blake residence.” Id. at 6. Ms. Blake had provided valid consent by signing the probation agreement. Also, the court reasoned, Mr. Blake had let the officers in and had not clearly expressed an objection to the search. Finally, the district court rejected Mr. Blake’s argument that the officers lacked the articulable suspicion necessary to conduct a protective sweep of the house. In light of Ms. Blake’s probation agreement and the positive urinalysis, no further justification of a protective sweep was necessary.