Sichting

MEMORANDUM **

Shane Sichting (“Sichting”) appeals his conviction for murder-for-hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958 (a). Sichting contends that his conviction, which was based on his attempt to have his wife, Sheilagh, murdered by a hitman, must be reversed on four different grounds. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

*642 First, Sichting contends that the district court abused its discretion by denying his motion to exclude testimony about his tumultuous relationship with Sheilagh under Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b) and 403. We need not reach the merits of this argument. 1 Even if the district court erred in admitting the testimony, the jury was presented with an abundance of other evidence that independently established Sichting’s attempt to have Sheilagh killed. It is more probable than not that the district court’s error, if any, did not materially affect the jury’s amply supported verdict. We therefore conclude that any error was harmless. See United States v. Rendon-Duarte, 490 F.3d 1142, 1145 (9th Cir.2007).

Second, Sichting argues that the benefits the government provided to its star witness resulted in a violation of the anti-bribery…