Opinion ID: 326091
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Count 6 (Variance)

Text: 54 Goble first asserts that the District Court erred in refusing to dismiss Count 6 of the indictment because of an asserted variance between pleading and proof, in that the indictment referred to transportation in interstate commerce of a stolen 1967 Cadillac Eldorado, whereas the relevant evidence showed that the vehicle in question was a 1967 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. 55 In ruling upon Goble's motion, the District Judge stated that the variance between the described body style and the actual body style was not a material one, and we agree. 56 The rule in this Circuit for determining whether there is a legally significant variance between the indictment and evidence was well stated in United States v. Mills, 366 F.2d 512 (6th Cir. 1966): 57 A variance is not to be regarded as material where it is not of a character which could have misled the defendant at the trial, Berger v. United States, 295 U.S. 78, 82, 55 S.Ct. 629, 79 L.Ed. 1314; or where it involves no element of surprise prejudicial to the efforts of the defendant to prepare his defense, United States v. Ragen, 314 U.S. 513, 526, 62 S.Ct. 374, 86 L.Ed. 383, rehearing denied, 315 U.S. 826, 62 S.Ct. 620, 86 L.Ed. 1222; or where it does not affect substantial rights. Rule 52(a), F.R. of Crim.P.; cf. United States v. Haskins, 345 F.2d 111, 114 (C.A. 6). 'Whether or not a variance is prejudicial is a judgment that must be made on the facts of each case.' United States v. Russano, 257 F.2d 712, 715 (C.A. 2). 366 F.2d at 514. 58 See also United States v. Crowder, 346 F.2d 1 (6th Cir. 1964), cert. denied, 382 U.S. 909, 86 S.Ct. 249, 15 L.Ed.2d 161 (1965). Defense counsel did not contend that the error in the indictment surprised or prejudiced appellant Goble, and we believe that his contention of a material variance is without merit.