Opinion ID: 609951
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Conformance with Navy Regulations

Text: 51 Gaines next argues that he conformed with Navy regulations concerning the accepting of gratuities when he received the Lonesome Whistle lithograph from Paisley, so he could not have had the requisite intent to violate 18 U.S.C. § 201(c)(1)(B). This is particularly so, contends Gaines, considering his earlier argument on the ambiguity of the intent element in § 201(c)(1)(B). Specifically, Gaines contends that he complied with Paragraph 13 of the NRAC Manual, which was applicable to his conduct. The general regulation concerning acceptance of gratuities in the NRAC manual provides: 52 m. Gratuities, Reimbursements, and Other Benefits from Outside Sources. DoD personnel and members of their families shall not accept gratuities from those who have or seek business with the Department of Defense or from those whose business interests are affected by DoD functions. Paragraph 13 of that section excepts 53 (13) customary exchanges of gratuities between DoD personnel and their friends and relatives and the friends and relatives of their spouse, minor children, and members of their household when the circumstances clearly indicate that it is the relationship, rather than the business of the person concerned, that is the motivating factor for the gratuity and it is clear the gratuity is not paid for by the United States Government or any other DoD contractor. 54 Gaines states that the evidence at trial showed he received the lithograph as a result of Paisley's friendship and that Paisley paid for it out of his own personal funds. The argument goes that such conformance with the regulation means he had no intent to violate § 201(c)(1)(B). 55 This regulation, however, does not change the law with respect to Gaines's taking of an illegal gratuity. The law was as given to the jury, and we are of opinion that it was correct. We have also held that, as a matter of law, there was sufficient evidence for the jury to have found that Gaines had the knowledge required to return a guilty verdict against him on the § 201(c)(1)(B) charge. The question of Gaines's intent was a jury question, and the refusal by the district court to hold that compliance with the regulation was a defense was not error.