Opinion ID: 77178
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Idania Arias

Text: Idania Arias argues that the district court erred by refusing to admit evidence to support her defense that she was completely subservient to her husband, Jose Arias, and therefore unable to formulate the mens rea for the crime and by refusing 9 Amador’s testimony that he delivered “legitimate” drugs to Grisel does not provide a foundation for us to find good faith, as his own testimony confirms that the delivery was of only a half portion of “legitimate” medication. It is the missing half-portion that establishes the fraud, here, not the “legitimate” half-portion that was delivered. 9 to dismiss the money laundering charge against her, where there existed a fatal variance between the crime charged in the indictment and the proof at trial. Regarding her sentence, she argues that the district court should have ordered a psychiatric evaluation after her counsel represented that she was unable to meaningfully assist in preparing for sentencing. The district court did not abuse its discretion in excluding Idania’s expert witness. In order to be admissible, the expert evidence must establish that Idania was not able to form the mens rea for the crime; however, Idania’s expert witness provided evidence of justification, not lack of mens rea. Nor did the district court abuse its discretion by excluding Idania’s other evidence regarding subservience, based on its determination that the evidence was not relevant.10 The court did not err in refusing to dismiss the money laundering charge against Idania. The facts proved at trial did not deviate materially from the language of the indictment, and bank records provided by the government in discovery sufficiently notified Idania that facts relating to Medicos Marketing transactions would be included in the money laundering case. Finally, after hearing testimony from Idania’s treating 10 The district court did allow Idania to present evidence of Jose Arias’ physical and mental abuse of Idania, as well as relevant evidence about Jose’s mistress’ involvement in business matters relating to the conspiracy. The excluded evidence offered by Idania related to, inter alia, a home invasion at the Arias residence, the kidnapping of Idania and her young sons, and Idania’s menstruation stopping at age thirty-two. Neither the home invasion nor the kidnapping was purported to have been committed by anyone involved in the conspiracy. 10 psychiatrist at FDC Miami, the district court had adequate information to evaluate Idania’s mental condition, and did not abuse its discretion in denying further psychiatric evaluation before sentencing.