United States v. Letantia Bussell, United States of America v. Letantia Bussell

Letantia and John Bussell, together with their former lawyers, were charged with omitting assets from and making false statements in their joint petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. After the jury began its deliberations following a lengthy trial, John fell to his death from his hotel room. In accordance with the district court’s instruction, the jury continued deliberations with respect to Letantia and ultimately convicted her on six counts.

Letantia here appeals her convictions, her sentence, and the district court’s • orders of restitution and costs. As to Letan-tia’s convictions, we discern no reversible error and accordingly, affirm. As to her sentence, which she appeals and the government cross-appeals, we remand for further proceedings pursuant to United States v. Ameline, 409 F.3d 1073 (9th Cir.2005) (en banc). Finally, as to the distinct court’s orders of restitution and costs, we reverse and remand' for reconsideration consistent with this opinion.

I. BACKGROUND

After petitioning for and receiving Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief in 1995, the Bus-sells were indicted in 2000 for omitting from their joint bankruptcy petition their ownership of a four-unit condominium…