United States v. Kali Laulea

MEMORANDUM

Kali Lotoaiki Laulea appeals his conviction of two counts of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a) and (b)(1)(B), and one count of distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a) and (b)(1)(A). We affirm. Because the parties are familiar with the history of this case, we need not recount it here. We review the district court’s ruling on a motion to suppress de novo and the district court’s factual findings for clear error. United States v. Kahre, 737 F.3d 554, 564 (9th Cir. 2013).

The district court did not err in denying Laulea’s motion to suppress the evidence seized after the traffic stop and arrest. The officer testified that on the day of the traffic stop, he attended a joint operational briefing where he was shown Laulea’s photograph and was informed that Laulea lacked a valid driver’s license. Approximately one hour later, the officer observed the same person he had seen in the photograph driving a vehicle previously associated with Laulea. Given the totality of the circumstances, the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe that Laulea was driving without a…