United States v. Donzell Goodwin

Donzell Goodwin appeals his jury conviction and sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a controlled substance in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 , and perjury before a grand jury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1623 . We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

Background

Goodwin was arrested by Las Vegas police officers on August 26, 1992, after the officers discovered cocaine and a gun in Goodwin’s hotel room. No charges were filed against Goodwin by the State of Nevada, and he was subsequently released from custody.

Following his release, Goodwin was subpoenaed to appear and testify before a federal grand jury. On September 2, 1992, Goodwin appeared before the grand jury and testified to the events relating to his August 26 arrest. The grand jury returned an indictment against Goodwin, and a jury subsequently convicted Goodwin of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a controlled substance and perjury before the grand jury.

Goodwin contends his conviction for perjury before the grand jury must be reversed because his grand jury testimony was the product of coercion in violation of the Due…