United States v. Nelson E. 'Buck' Sanford
Opinion
Opinion
The Government appeals from dismissal of a seven count indictment against Nelson Sanford and his sons, Rodney, Lon and Rick Sanford. We find that this court lacks jurisdiction to hear this appeal and therefore dismiss it.
The indictment alleged the following facts. The Sanfords are engaged in the business of outfitting and guiding big game hunts in Montana. Rodney Sanford telephoned Paul Bagalio at Baga-lio’s home in Vermont on December 22, 1971. During this conversation, Rodney offered his services, as a guide for late season elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunting in Montana. A second conversation to the same effect was held on December 29, at which time the hunts at issue in this case were arranged. Subsequently, Bagalio telephoned Rodney and obtained permission to bring along Bruce Parker, who Baga-lio described as “a friend and business associate.”
The Sanfords were unaware that both Bagalio and Parker were acting in undercover capacities for the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and were authorized by federal officials to do whatever was necessary to complete their investigations.