Opinion ID: 1028861
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Promises of Leniency to Testifying Witnesses

Text: Section 201(c)(2), 18 U.S.C. prohibits “directly or indirectly[] giv[ing], offer[ing], or promis[ing] anything of value to any person, for or because of the testimony under oath or affirmation given or to be given by such person as a witness upon a trial, hearing, or other proceeding, before any court.” Parker contends that the Government violated 18 U.S.C. § 201(c)(2) by promising leniency or favorable treatment to witnesses in exchange for their testimony. We explicitly rejected this argument in United States v. Richardson, 195 F.3d 192, 197 (4th Cir. 1999) (“[T]he government does not violate § 201(c)(2) by granting immunity or leniency or entering into plea agreements to obtain testimony”.). Accordingly, Parker’s contention is foreclosed by Circuit authority. 5