United States v. Edwin Nathaniel Gebhard

Appellant was found in contempt of court and was sentenced to four months in prison. He appeals. We affirm.

The factual background giving rise to appellant’s conviction commenced when he appeared before a federal grand jury making inquiries into violations of the Federal Communications Act and other laws in the so-called “Friars Club” gambling investigation. He appeared on July 28th and August 3, 1967, and on such appearances declined to answer questions under his Fifth Amendment privilege. On August 10th, he was granted immunity under the provisions of 47 U.S.C. § 409 (1) and ordered to testify. He answered a number of questions in connection with the installation and operation of peek holes at the Friars Club. He also testified as to his association with Albert B. Snyder in these activities. In April, 1968, he was tried and convicted on 15 counts of perjury in connection with the testimony given. The Court of Appeals reversed on six counts, leaving nine counts on which appellant stands convicted. United States v. Gebhard, . 422 F.2d 281 (9th Cir. 1970).

While his perjury convictions were on appeal, appellant was called as a government witness in the Friedman case (which grew…