Opinion ID: 2352098
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Jenkins' Consent Included Duffle Bag

Text: Scott's related but alternative contention is that, if the oral and written consent to search the apartment given by Jenkins was valid, the search of his duffel bag was beyond the scope of the consent she extended. Scott acknowledges that the apartment was leased by Jenkins, and that she consented to a search of the apartment. Scott does not challenge the Superior Court's finding that Jenkins voluntarily consented to the search of the apartment. See Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218, 93 S.Ct. 2041, 36 L.Ed.2d 854 (1973). Officer Sutton testified that the dresser and closet in the master bedroom contained only female clothing, consistent with Jenkins' statement that it was her apartment. There was no external indication that the duffel bag belonged to Scott. Its location next to the dresser in the master bedroom was consistent with its ownership by Jenkins. Cf. State v. Harris, Del.Super., 642 A.2d 1242, 1248 (1993). [3] Compare United States v. Gilley, 608 F.Supp. 1065 (S.D.Ga.1985). The record reflects that Jenkins signed a standard consent to search form. That consent form authorized the police to conduct a complete and thorough search of the apartment. In Ledda, this Court held that the scope of the search is determined by the language used in giving the consent. Ledda v. State, 564 A.2d at 1129. Accordingly, the scope of the search authorized by Jenkins' consent was as broad as the form indicates, i.e., a complete and thorough search of the apartment. Id.