Opinion ID: 396254
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: issues

Text: 11 Both appellants contend that the trial court erred in refusing to suppress evidence seized from the Carlson-Beck residence. Specifically, they argue that the officers' failure to obtain a warrant before entry, or to establish exigent circumstances, invalidated the entry. In addition, appellants contend the officers' failure to announce their presence and purpose invalidated the entry. Finally, Beck and Carlson argue that no probable cause justified issuance of the warrant. 12 In addition to these fourth amendment claims, Beck argues that the court erred in admitting Carlson's postarrest statements implicating Beck because these statements were not made in furtherance of a conspiracy. He also argues that the Government produced insufficient evidence to support his conviction. Finally, Beck argues that the court committed plain error in instructing the jury that the attorney's function is to present evidence on behalf of his client when, as in this case, Beck had not testified.III. Discussion. 13 First, we harbor serious doubts that exigent circumstances justified this warrantless entry. To justify a warrantless entry based on imminent destruction of evidence, factual circumstances must demonstrate a sufficient basis for an officer to believe somebody in the residence will likely destroy evidence. Officer Anderson saw a face in the window disappear from sight. Without more, this observation is essentially neutral and, therefore, does not constitute exigent circumstances. 14 The incident involving Agent Love presents a different case. The occupant who closed the door took affirmative action consistent with a demonstration of guilty knowledge. Agent Love, therefore, might reasonably interpret this conduct as hostile action justifying his immediate entry to preserve any evidence. The issue is close. 15 We need not determine whether exigent circumstances existed on this record, however, because the police uncovered the crucial evidence during a search conducted pursuant to a valid search warrant. The trial court need not suppress evidence gained through an independent source, notwithstanding any prior illegality. See United States v. Chamberlin, 644 F.2d 1262, 1269 (9th Cir. 1980); United States v. Brookins, 614 F.2d 1037, 1041 (5th Cir. 1980); United States v. Basey, 613 F.2d 198, 203 (9th Cir. 1979), cert. denied, 446 U.S. 919, 100 S.Ct. 1854, 64 L.Ed.2d 274 (1980); United States v. Stover, 565 F.2d 1010, 1013 (8th Cir. 1977). Neither the finding that defendant Carlson intentionally distributed marijuana, nor that he possessed forty-six pounds with intent to distribute rests on anything garnered while the agents waited for the search warrant. The first count rests on the preentry transaction between Tobler and Kobelarczyk, while the second count depends on evidence obtained pursuant to the valid search warrant. Similarly, the illegal entry did not yield the evidence to which defendant Beck objects. The search warrant that uncovered the forty-six pounds of marijuana used to convict Beck did not rest on the entry at all. The affidavit in support of the search warrant recounts only facts prior to the entry of defendants' home. 4 16 Beck contends that the court erred in admitting Carlson's postarrest statements identifying Beck as the occupant of the room where officers found the forty-six pounds of marijuana. Beck, however, waived his assertion of error as to these statements by failing to object at trial. See United States v. Massey, 594 F.2d 676, 679 n.2 (8th Cir. 1979); United States v. Davis, 557 F.2d 1239, 1246 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 971, 98 S.Ct. 523, 54 L.Ed.2d 461 (1977); United States v. Librach, 536 F.2d 1228, 1231 n.5 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 939, 97 S.Ct. 354, 50 L.Ed.2d 308 (1976). Any error here is not so great that it amounts to plain error. United States v. Cheyenne, 558 F.2d 902, 906 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 436 U.S. 957, 98 S.Ct. 486, 54 L.Ed.2d 316 (1977); Chubet v. United States, 414 F.2d 1018, 1021 (8th Cir. 1969). 5 17 Beck's claim that the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict also lacks merit. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government, see United States v. Williams, 604 F.2d 1102, 1118 (8th Cir. 1979); United States v. Collins, 552 F.2d 243, 245 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 870, 98 S.Ct. 214, 54 L.Ed.2d 149 (1977), this evidence amply supports the finding of Beck's guilt. This is not a case of guilt by association. See United States v. Frol, 518 F.2d 1134, 1137 (8th Cir. 1975). Police found a large amount of marijuana in the bedroom containing personal letters, car loan papers, a prescription medicine container, and various other items of identification, all bearing the name of Michael Beck. In addition, the officers found military uniforms with Beck's name hanging in the bedroom closet. Finally, Kobelarczyk testified that Beck and Carlson engaged in drug trafficking, and that they lived together at 3338 Lyndale Avenue North. All of this evidence was lawfully obtained and together constitutes sufficient evidence to support a guilty verdict. 18 The record does not demonstrate that the court's instruction on the function of counsel amounted to plain error requiring reversal. The instructions fully set out the burden of the Government. The court repeatedly instructed the jury that the Government had the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Viewing the instructions as a whole, therefore, we cannot say that the reference to the trial counsel's function shifted the burden of proof from the Government to the defendant. See Brouillette v. Wood, 636 F.2d 215, 218 (8th Cir. 1980), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 101 S.Ct. 1766, 68 L.Ed.2d 243 (1981). 19 Affirmed. 20