Document: 338 U.S. 74 69 S.Ct. 1372 93 L.Ed. 1819 LUSTIGv.UNITED STATES. No. 1389. Argued Oct. 19, 1948. Decided June 27, 1949. Mr. Edward Halle, New York City, for petitioner. Philip B. Perlman, Sol. Gen., Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER announced the judgment of Court and an opinion in which DOUGLAS, MURPHY RUTLEDGE join. 1 This is a prosecution under counterfeiting statutes. Rev.Stat. § 5430, 35 Stat. 1116, 18 U.S.C. 264 (now 474). he sole question before us correctness denial pretrial motion, sustained by Appeals Third Circuit, 159 F.2d 798, to suppress evidence claimed have been seized contravention Fourth Amendment as it be applied doctrine Byars v. United States, 273 28, 47 248, 71 520.1 2 Since legal issue turns on precise circumstances this case they must stated with particularity. 3 At about p.m. Sunday, March 10, 1946, Secret Service Agent Greene received two telephone calls, one from police Camden, Jersey, other manager hotel that city, indicating violations statutes being carried Room 402 hotel. Lustig, petitioner here, Raynolds were registered room assumed names. It noted agency Government charged enforcement laws pertaining counterfeiting. On looking through keyhole suspect after reaching hotel, saw brief cases large suitcase, but no pertinent He questioned chambermaid whose suspicions had led investigation. She recounted hearing noises 'like glass hitting against or metal metal' emanating room. also remarked she seen what looked like money table. 4 thereupon reported Detective Arthur Camden at Police Station was confident 'something going on.' affair his superior, Captain Koerner, home, who then came station. In account gave Koerner names occupants registered. reply inquiry Sergeant Murphy 'racehorse man tout bookie.' After verifying register assumption 'might trying counterfeit racetrack tickets' rather than currency, secured warrants arrest persons bearing order 'get into find out there.' The offense those violation ordinance requiring 'known criminals' local within twenty-four hours their arrival town. four o'clock afternoon same day three city detectives key entered 402. officers proceeded empty bags drawers bureau thus upon sought suppressed. What found indicated currency race-track tickets. 5 During all time, remained headquarters because 'was curious see would find.' finding did find, sent word Greene, examined controversy. When Lustig Reynolds eventually returned arrested searched detectives. As various articles taken pockets, deemed turned over Greene. observed ink $100 bill not tampered with. discover used make impression 'similitude' search completed, gathered up revealed them Some these given left 402; him. 6 We are confronted ruling District Court, Appeals, admitting evidence. But foreclosed respect accorded fact trial court until analysis discloses merely law entwined ruling. Insofar lower courts facts may properly so regarded, accepted; constitutional significance another matter. 7 basis him judge admitted 'see any connivance arrangement part Federal illegal made get could secure law.' therefore accept request search, that, beyond there something wrong, moving force undertaken help federal law. functional, physical, process. Search completed effective appropriation, uninterrupted transaction, illicitly obtained objects subsequent proof offense. Greene's selection important use counterfeiting, entire transaction 402, severable, uncontroverted show concluded called in, although himself physical containers share critical examination uncovered proceeded. surely can difference whether state officer hands agent inspection view its prosecution, takes bag. trivialize base such differentiation. Had accompanied participation open even though door opened See Johnson 333 68 367, 92 436. To differentiate between beginning joining run course, draw too fine line application prohibition interpreted supra, 520. 8 crux official if hand it; authorities silver platter. decisive factor determining applicability actuality total enterprise securing selecting sanctioned means. immaterial originated idea joined while progress. So long completely accomplished, participated it. Where necessary consider result conducted entirely State officers. Evidence inadmissible considerations Weeks 232 383, 34 341, 58 652, L.R.A.1915B, 834, Ann.Cas. 1915C, 1177, governing pri ciple prosecutions. 9 Though preceded illegally rummaging concerned themselves especially turning them. expert matters vital sifting exercised expert's discretion rejecting bore breach rights privacy does negative collaboration course. acknowledged remark 'leaving we together.' 10 Nor here defensible incidental lawful arrest. never arrest, knew present when active continuation without warrant returned. Davis 328 582, 66 1256, 90 1453, come play. Neither material informed likely searchers. Vindicated anticipation reveal validate otherwise illegal. Trupiano 334 699, 708—709, 1229, 1223—1234, 1663. With every rulings court, unquestioned disclose conviction rests illicit motion should granted. Reversed. 11 BLACK concurs substantially reasons set dissent Feldman 332 487, 494, 64 1082, 1085, 88 1408, 154 A.L.R. 982. 12 MURPHY, whom DOUGLAS join, concurring. 13 finds unnecessary decide bars introduction fruits court. I join opinion, reversal. my dissenting views Wolf Colorado, 25, 1359, clear position reserves. consideration presence search. Whether officials searching consequence defendant, us. 14 REED, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, JACKSON BURTON dissenting. 15 My understanding rule criminal seizure authority this. 16 'While true mere render undertaking, vigilant scrutinize attendant eye detect prevent Constitution circuitous indirect methods.' 32, 249, went say government right 'to avail itself improperly operating own account. itself, agents acting such, participates wrongful seizure.' page 33, 250. reaffirms today. 17 causes me dissent. Although seem only particular case, becomes administration If pea e restricted duties extent full warning work detecting crime will frustrated officer's inadvertence accepting participate seizure. finding. undertake reexamine testimony reach conclusion did. overruled court's action Circuit. 19 accepts 'as record shows clearly 20 Only useful offered called.1 appellant: 'When arrived bed. Capt. Sgt. put exhibits back cases.' testimony. satchels. companion act opening where were. prisoners searched. shown Koerner.2 with, has nothing do 21 Unless removed involves States seizure, correct holding 'share proceeded.'3 ended examination, ound alleged unlawful course hold appearance place makes participant act. suppressed affirmed. denied petition writ certiorari, rehearing 16, 1947, 331 853, 67 1737, 91 1861, denying certiorari vacated Circuit granted February 835, 601, 1119. Testimony Koerner: 'Q. you discovered articles, do? 'A. Service. 'Greene neighborhood five thorough presented.' Murphy: there? room, seeing it, notes, talked told enough charge violation, explained just found, later.' Greene: There hundred dollar Reynolds? Well, new one. Did match impression? No, sir. words, pattern dollars made. You time Koerner's possession.' 77, 1373.

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