UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Ronald BRAMBLE, Defendant-Appellant

Ronald Bramble appeals his convictions of possession of a firearm by a felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(1); possession of marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 844 (a); cultivation of marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a); possession of eagle feathers, 16 U.S.C. § 668 (a); and possession of migratory birds, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 , 707(a). Bramble moved to suppress all evidence and to dismiss the indictment. The district court denied both motions. United States v. Bramble, 894 F.Supp. 1384 (D.Haw.1995).

On appeal, Bramble contends that the warrantless search of his house was unlawful; that the district court committed error during his suppression hearing; and that all of the statutes under which he was convicted are beyond Congress’ authority under the Commerce Clause. We affirm.

Background

The facts are fully set forth in the district court’s opinion. Bramble, 894 F.Supp. at 1387-89 . We briefly summarize them here.

Bramble advertised sea otter pelts for sale. Federal agents Carroll Cox and Tommy Friel, acting undercover, responded to the ad. Bramble told the agents to come to his home, and invited them in to negotiate the sale. During the discussions, Bramble accused the undercover agents of being police…