Opinion ID: 475290
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: evidence of other crimes, including possession of weapons, explosives, and false identification.

Text: 32 Eggleton alleges that it was error to admit evidence of his false identification and his possession of weapons and explosives. Evidence of the defendant's use of false names and identification is relevant and admissible to show consciousness of guilt. United States v. Silverman, 771 F.2d 1193, 1199-1200 (9th Cir.1985); United States v. Boyle, 675 F.2d 430, 432 (1st Cir.1982). Eggleton admitted that he had assumed the identity of Timothy Turpin in order to prevent his detection and apprehension. As a result, this evidence was admissible to show his consciousness of his guilt. 33 Eggleton also alleges that the court erred in admitting evidence of a number of explosive devices found in his car at the time of his arrest. The robbers had used a dummy explosive device to intimidate the Smiths to remain in the basement while they robbed the bank. At the time of his arrest, Eggleton's car contained glass jars with electrical tape around the lids and fuses sticking out of holes in the top of the jars. These devices were identical to the ones used in the robbery and were therefore circumstantial evidence to show Eggleton's identity as one of the bank robbers. While evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove character as a basis for suggesting the inference that conduct on a particular occasion was in conformity with it, the evidence may be offered as it was in this case to prove the identity of the accused as one of the criminals. Rule 404(b), Federal Rules of Evidence. Although there is no doubt that this evidence was highly prejudicial to Eggleton, in that the jars were identical to those used by the robbers, it was also relevant to show his identity as one of the robbers and was therefore admissible at trial. 34 Eggleton also alleges that it was error to admit evidence of the .357 magnum pistol which he had in his possession at the time of his arrest, a loaded M-14 automatic rifle which was in the car, brass knuckles which were in his rear pocket, as well as a machete and bayonet which were in the trunk of his car. Ordinarily, the admission into evidence of weapons which are unrelated to the crime is prejudicial to the defendant and is held to be reversible error. Peltier, 585 F.2d at 327. We have no doubt that the connection between the weapons seized from Eggleton at his arrest and the weapons used in the crime is rather attenuated. The weapons therefore were not admissible under Rule 404(b) as connecting Eggleton to the assault on the Smith home or the subsequent bank robbery. Nevertheless, we believe the weapons were relevant to show Eggleton's attempt to flee from the FBI. Together with the evidence that Eggleton was aware that the FBI was searching for him, that he fled his home as soon as he learned that he was being sought by the FBI, that he took an assumed name, and that he traveled for the next thirteen months to avoid apprehension, admission of the weapons into evidence is cumulative evidence leading to the inference of his guilt of the crime charged. We therefore cannot conclude that the district court erred in admitting into evidence the weapons seized from Eggleton at the time of his arrest. 35