Tobeler

Paul Werner Tobeler appeals his convictions for interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles, engagement in monetary transactions involving the proceeds of the sale of those vehicles, and conspiracy to commit those crimes. We must decide whether the definition of “motor vehicle” in the Dyer Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2311 , 2312, encompasses the backhoes, loaders, graders, trenchers, and scrapers Tobeler was convicted of stealing, transporting, and reselling. Because we conclude that such construction equipment falls within the definition of “motor vehicle” contained in the Act, we affirm Tobeler’s convictions.

I. Background

Tobeler was charged with thirty counts of transporting stolen motor vehicles in interstate commerce, in violation of the Dyer Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2312 ; eleven counts of engaging in monetary transactions with the proceeds derived from those stolen vehicles in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957 ; and conspiracy to commit those crimes in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 1956(h).

At trial, the government presented evidence that Tobeler contracted under false names with auction houses operating throughout the country to consign stolen construction equipment for…