Opinion ID: 163791
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: Appellant Gary Wayne Thomas was convicted by a jury of three counts of intent to manufacture methamphetamine, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of a firearm while in commission of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Thomas appeals his convictions, asserting the search of his vehicle did not comply with the Fourth Amendment. He also asserts the trial court committed reversible error by commenting to a witness that she should save her life from drugs. Finally, Thomas contends that the prosecution adduced insufficient evidence and the district court gave inadequate instruction concerning the interstate commerce nexus necessary to prove the felon in possession of a firearm counts. Exercising jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291, this court affirms, concluding the search and seizure of Thomas’ vehicle was lawful as an inventory search pursuant to a lawful impoundment, the trial court’s statements were not reversible error, and the evidence and jury instructions satisfied the interstate commerce requirement.