Delaney

MEMORANDUM **

Defendant Patrick Jason Delaney was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 255 pounds of marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1) and 841(b)(l)(B)(viii). Delaney moved to suppress the evidence of drugs on the ground that the stop of his vehicle, which resulted in a search and the discovery of marijuana in a locked container atop his vehicle, was not supported by reasonable suspicion. He argued in the alternative that even if the stop was reasonable and he consented to the search, the officer exceeded the scope of his consent by prying open the locked container.

At trial, Delaney contended that he did not know about the marijuana and, thus, did not possess it -with the intent to distribute it. His key witness in this regard was Nicole Blodgett, his girlfriend. Blodgett testified at length about the events that led to the traffic stop. The government objected repeatedly to Blodgett’s testimo *676 ny, arguing that many of her answers were inadmissible hearsay. The district court sustained some of these objections and precluded Delaney from relating at least six statements. Delaney argues that these evidentiary decisions were error and, without the…