United States v. Russell Moddison

MEMORANDUM

Moddison was charged by Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. After a one day jury trial, he was found guilty.

A tip from a confidential informant indicated that Moddison possessed a silver Jennings 9-millimeter hand gun. Investigation led to a high speed chase and subsequent arrest of Moddison. His motion for disclosure of the confidential source was denied.

We understand Moddison’s argument that allowing the government to elicit statements regarding the substance of the confidential source’s tip violated his right to confront the witness. The confidential source did not testify but a deputy U.S. Marshal testified as to the confidential source’s role in the investigation and subsequent apprehension of Moddison.

The government conceded that the hearsay testimony was admitted in error. The question for review is whether the violation of the confrontation clause was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. It was. See United States v. Nielsen, 371 F.3d 574, 581-82 (9th Cir.2004).

It is not disputed that the firearm could only have belonged to Moddison or his passenger. Moddison was the only person near the bush where the gun was discovered. He was…