United States v. Hector Martin Ramos

Hector Ramos challenges the constitutionality of his conviction for two narcotics offenses and his sentences on those counts. Because we find that Ramos’ constitutional rights were not violated by the search of his apartment or by imposition of his sentences, we affirm the district court.

I

In the early morning hours of September 7, 1988, officers from the Torrance Police Department obtained a warrant for the search of 21925 Claretta Avenue, apartment No. 6, Hawaiian Gardens, where the Ramos family resided. Searches of Ramos’ and others’ residences and vehicles and the arrests of seven suspects, including Hector and Denise Ramos (Hector’s wife), culminated an investigation into an alleged narcotics ring operating in the Los Angeles area. Hector Ramos now appeals his convictions and sentences on charges stemming from that investigation.

The events which led to Ramos’ current incarceration require a careful recounting. Following a tip, police officers began to watch the activities of occupants of and visitors to a house at 23303 Anza in Torrance, California. After several days of observation, in the evening of September 6 the police followed Manuel Suastegui as he left the Anza…