United States v. Robert Carrier

Appellant, in a court trial, was found guilty on two counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1001 , for making false statements to a customs inspector.

FACTS

Appellant attempted to cross the border from Canada into the United States at Eastport, Idaho, on October 28, 1979. During the course of the border inspection and interrogation, he was asked whether he was carrying over $5,000.00 in currency, to which he answered “No.” When the inspector made inquiry in connection with a briefcase on the back seat, appellant stated that it was just a shirt and shaving kit for an overnight stay in Spokane. On inspection, the officer found a shirt, a shaving kit and a brown envelope. Appellant said the envelope contained personal papers. In fact, the envelope contained $14,980.00 Canadian currency. Appellant attempted to explain his failure to tell the inspector about the envelope by saying that he did not want his traveling companion to know he was carrying such a large amount of money.

Appellant then filled out a currency reporting form. Among other things, the form contains the language: “Who must file.” The form states: “Each person who physically transports ... an aggregate amount exceeding…