United States v. Joseph Andrew Fentress

Appellant was indicted, tried by the court and convicted of violating 18 U.S. C. § 2113(a), (d) [bank robbery with a dangerous weapon]. He appeals. We affirm.

Although stated in two parts, appellant’s sole contention is that the trial court erred in denying his pre-trial motion to suppress evidence which was seized by police officers. The contention is without merit. Certain of the seized property was observed by an officer in plain view through an open doorway. The door was not opened by an officer. This evidence was admissible. Ker v. California, 374 U.S. 23, 43 , 83 S.Ct. 1623 , 10 L.Ed.2d 726 (1963). The remainder of the evidence was discovered after appellant’s joint tenant consented to an apartment search. It is well established that such a consent is valid. United States v. Cataldo, 433 F.2d 38 (2d Cir. 1970), cert. denied 401 U.S. 977 , 91 S.Ct. 1200 , 28 L.Ed.2d 326 , rehearing denied 402 U.S. 934 , 91 S.Ct. 1523 , 28 L.Ed.2d 869 (1971); Wright v. United States, 389 F.2d 996 (8th Cir. 1968); Burge v. United States, 342 F.2d 408 , 413-414 (9th Cir. 1965), cert. denied 382 U.S. 829 , 86 S.Ct. 63 , 15 L.Ed.2d 72 (1965), and Teasley v. United States, 292 F.2d 460, 464 (9th…