USAv.Frantz Pierre, et al.
Frantz Pierre and codefendants appealed federal convictions and sentences arising from a drug-trafficking conspiracy. They challenged a traffic stop, searches and statements, the denial of suppression motions, the sufficiency of the evidence, and sentencing enhancements. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed. It held that the traffic stop was supported by probable cause, the challenged searches were justified on the record, and the warrant affidavit and testimony supplied the required basis for admitting the resulting evidence. The court also concluded that the government presented enough evidence for a reasonable jury to find that the defendants knowingly participated in the conspiracy and possessed or distributed drugs. The court rejected the sentencing challenges, including the argument that the production enhancement lacked evidentiary support. The published opinion affirmed the convictions and sentences of 208 months, 121 months, and 84 months for the respective defendants.
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