United States v. Antoine Mercadel

MEMORANDUM

Antoine Michael Mercadel appeals his conviction for conspiracy to bribe a public official in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 . Mercadel contends that the district court erred when it denied his motion to dismiss the indictment based on outrageous government conduct. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

The criminal conspiracy was well underway when the government began its investigation. Indeed, the government’s involvement started after Defendant joined the conspiracy; after Defendant identified a correctional officer to participate in the scheme; after the conspirators determined the necessary specifications for the laptop; after Defendant established an outside contact to obtain the laptop; and after money was transferred to Defendant’s contact to purchase the laptop. “Because the government did not initiate the criminal activity, but rather sought to crack an ongoing operation, its conduct was not outrageous and did not violate due process.” United States v. Gurolla, 333 F.3d 944, 950 (9th Cir.2003); see also United States v. So, 755 F.2d 1350, 1353 (9th Cir.1985) (“Our sense of justice is not shocked ... when the government merely infiltrates…