UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Bulmaro TORRES-SANCHEZ, Defendant-Appellant
Opinion
Opinion
Merhige, J.
Bulmaro Torres-Sanchez (“Sanchez”) appeals his jury conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1), and travelling in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, 18 U.S.C. § 1952 (a)(3). We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1291 and 1294(i). We AFFIRM.
I.
On November 24, 1994, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Elko County, Nevada, Deputy Sheriff Ernie Sardella (“Sardella”) initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck trav-elling near the Idaho/Nevada border. He stopped the truck for speeding, having no license plates, and having illegally tinted side windows.
Sardella made initial contact with the driver, co-defendant Avila-Soriano (“Avila”). Also in the vehicle were Sanchez, located in the front passenger seat, and Virginia Padilla (“Padilla”), seated in the back of the extended cab truck. Sardella first asked Avila for his driver’s license and registration. Avila presented a valid driver’s license, but neither he nor any of the other occupants produced valid registration. Therefore, Sardella was concerned that the truck may have been stolen or was being unlawfully used.