United States v. Bruce J. Rice, and Rice Aircraft, Inc., United States of America v. Bruce Rice
Opinion
Opinion
Goodwin, J.
ORDER
The government’s request for publication is GRANTED.
The memorandum filed August 22,1994, is redesignated as an authored opinion by Judge Goodwin.
OPINION
After pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and mail fraud, Rice Aircraft, Inc., a distributor of high-technology aircraft fasteners, and Bruce Rice, its chief executive officer (collectively “Rice”) appeal a final judgment ordering them to pay restitution to four companies injured by their criminal conduct. We affirm.
I.
Rice Aircraft buys aircraft parts from parts manufacturers and distributes them to airplane manufactures. Hi-Shear Corporation (“Hi-Shear”) manufactures high-technology aircraft fasteners (specially designed nuts and bolts or “Hi-Lok” parts) used to attach aircraft engines to wings and wings to aircraft fuselage.
Because fastener failure has serious consequences, both military and commercial aircraft manufacturers require fasteners to meet rigorous quality assurance standards. Shipments must be accompanied by testing reports and documentation, identifying the fasteners by production lot and confirming that samples from the lot, as well as the relevant raw materials, have been tested for quality…