Opinion ID: 361114
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Constitutionality of False Statement Statute

Text: 44 Counts V-VIII charged that defendants made false statements within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 by causing the issuance of false and incorrect grain inspection and weight certificates. Defendants' final position is that the application of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 to these facts render(s) it unconstitutionally vague and indefinite (Br. 23). Since the evidence shows that the subject matter of this indictment was within the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and that defendants caused federally licensed grain inspector Kinley Gunder to falsify a material fact, namely, the inspection grade and weight on the certificates, 18 U.S.C. § 1001 clearly applies and cannot be deemed unconstitutional on grounds of vagueness. See United States v. Matanky, 482 F.2d 1319, 1322 (9th Cir. 1973), certiorari denied, 414 U.S. 1039, 94 S.Ct. 539, 38 L.Ed.2d 329. 45 Judgments of conviction affirmed.