United States v. Leonard George Maree, United States of America v. Joseph Brooks
Opinion
Opinion
Wiggins, J.
Leonard George Maree appeals from the district court’s imposition of sentence after his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Maree contends that the district court violated Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 11 and 32. Joseph Brooks appeals from the district court’s order denying his motion for a new trial. Brooks was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He contends that a juror’s contact and discussion of the case with two friends warrants a new trial. This court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . With regards to appellant Maree, we affirm the judgment of the district court. With regards to appellant Brooks, we reverse the judgment of the district court and remand for a new trial.
BACKGROUND
Appellant Maree
On September 27, 1988, appellant Leonard Maree was indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 . Maree entered a guilty plea on November 22, 1988. At the plea hearing, the district court judge asked Maree if he understood the maximum consequences of a guilty plea. Maree responded that his attorney had explained to him that the penalty “could possibly be ... up to…