Opinion ID: 437132
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: patrick murray a/k/a james murphey

Text: 32 Murray also challenges the validity of his arrest and the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction. On November 4, following the arrest of Charles McGill, Richard Merrill, and Vernon Holt and the crew of the FORTY, police learned that a call had been placed from Holt's motel room to the Roan Lane residence. The residence was already under surveillance for suspected narcotics activity unrelated to the acts of defendants in this case. Officers had observed John Hartsel and Patrick Murray a/k/a James Murphey at the residence. Murray was observed entering and leaving the residence several times. On November 4, between 11:00 a.m. and noon, government agents sensed that Murray had detected their surveillance and was fleeing the scene. An officer stationed a quarter mile from the residence was ordered to arrest Murray as he departed the area. While Murray was stopped and searched, he informed officers that he had just stopped at 129 Roan Lane to ask directions. Murray was then placed under arrest and taken back to the residence. Murray contends that his arrest was illegal because at that time the only evidence that tended to link him to the conspiracy was a telephone call from the suspects at the Slidell Ramada Inn to the Roan Lane residence. We agree that the arresting officer did not have probable cause to arrest Murray. 33 After Murray's arrest, he was taken back to 129 Roan Lane. At the residence, Murray was informed of his Miranda rights and his right to refuse to permit officers to search his car. Murray then signed a consent to search form. Officers found $2,000 cash and an airline ticket in the trunk, and a rental agreement for the car in the glove compartment. In view of Murray's consent, the trial court did not err in admitting the evidence. See, e.g., United States v. Troutman, 590 F.2d 604, 606-07 (5th Cir.1979); United States v. Fike, 449 F.2d 191, 192-93 (5th Cir.1971); Bretti v. Wainwright, 439 F.2d 1042, 1045-46 (5th Cir.1971). 34 Sufficient evidence was produced to support Murray's conviction: (1) Murray owned the M/V FORTY, (2) a call had been placed from Vernon Holt's room to 129 Roan Lane, (3) Murray was present at 129 Roan Lane, (4) the M/V FORTY unloaded marijuana at the Roan Lane residence, and (5) 1,500 pounds of marijuana were discovered at the Roan Lane residence.