United States v. Corey Lanier

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION
File Name: 15a0573n.06
No. 13-5703 FILED
Aug 13, 2015
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS DEBORAH S. HUNT, Clerk
FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )
)
Plaintiff-Appellee, ) ON APPEAL FROM THE
) UNITED STATES
v. ) DISTRICT COURT FOR
) THE MIDDLE DISTRICT
COREY LAMONT LANIER, ) OF TENNESSEE
)
Defendant-Appellant. )
)
Before: BOGGS and KETHLEDGE, Circuit Judges; and BLACK, District Judge.
BLACK, District Judge. A jury convicted Corey Lamont Lanier of three counts
of conspiring to commit a Hobbs Act robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951 and three
counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Lanier appeals these convictions. For the reasons that
follow, we AFFIRM.
I. BACKGROUND
Law enforcement arrested Lanier in 2011, after he provided a false name and
Social Security number. Lanier agreed to provide information to law enforcement and

The Honorable Timothy S. Black, United States District Judge for the Southern District of
Ohio, sitting by designation.
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
implicated himself in three armed robberies that occurred in 2009 at various locations in
Nashville, Tennessee.
Lanier failed to cooperate fully and ultimately was charged in a superseding
indictment with six counts of criminal activity related to the robberies: three counts of
conspiring to commit a Hobbs Act robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951 and three
counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Lanier unsuccessfully moved to suppress the
statements he made to law enforcement.
The following testimony was elicited at trial:
Hampton Lane Robbery
In July or August 2009, armed men robbed the home of Markeith Davis and
Lakeya Northern, located on Hampton Lane in Nashville. At the time of the robbery,
Northern, Tamika Beard, and four children were inside the home. Beard testified that
one of the men held her and the children at gunpoint. Northern recalled that one of the
men took her to a bedroom and asked where the drugs and guns were located.
Davis testified that he was a drug dealer and that the robbers took approximately
4.5 ounces of crack cocaine and $4,000 in cash from his home. According to Davis, the
stolen drugs and money were new product that he was about to sell and proceeds of prior
drug transactions, respectively.
Shannon Wilson testified that he had told Lanier about this “lick” (opportunity to
commit a robbery) on Hampton Drive and that he believed there would be a kilogram or
more of cocaine at the location. Wilson recalled that he met with Lanier and “Shiest”
-2-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
(Tony McColley) on the day of the robbery at Lanier’s mother’s house. Wilson
explained that he was not present for this robbery because Davis knew his face.
In an interview with law enforcement, Lanier had indicated that he drove
McColley to the house on Hampton Lane.1 McColley confirmed that Lanier called him
on the day of this robbery and said that he had a “lick” for them to do. McColley
testified that they picked up two more men, Keyjuan Shaw and Joe Price, and drove to
Lanier’s mother’s house, where Lanier obtained two guns and some bandanas.
McColley, Shaw, and Price ran towards the residence and kicked in the door. McColley
recalled that he, Lanier, Shaw, and Price split the crack cocaine and the money that they
took from the house.
Lebanon Pike Robbery
On September 8, 2009, armed men robbed Phillip Ryan McGuire’s home, located
on Lebanon Pike in Nashville. At the time of the robbery, McGuire, his girlfriend
Rachel Karnes, and two children were inside the home. McGuire stated that three men
entered his home and that one of them approached him, put a gun to his chest, and asked
where “it” was. The men made McGuire crawl on his stomach to locate money in the
bathroom. Karnes testified that the robbers took approximately $12,000 to $15,000 in
cash from the home. While testifying about the robbery and describing one of the
robbers walking through the den, Karnes identified Lanier in the courtroom.
1
Lanier did not testify at trial. However, the Government played his recorded interview with
law enforcement for the jury.
-3-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
McGuire testified that he dealt “Mexican Weed” on a regular basis, as his job.
Some of the money that was stolen came from McGuire’s drug dealing. McGuire
planned to use the money that was stolen to buy more marijuana.
Shannon Wilson testified that he had told Lanier about the Lebanon Pike home.
Wilson had known that McGuire was a drug dealer. Wilson indicated that he, “Crush”
(Howard Coleman), Lanier, and “Tonk” drove to the house and that all but Coleman
entered the house with firearms. Wilson testified that after the robbery, the four men
went to a hotel and divided up the cash they took from the house. In his interview with
law enforcement, Lanier described his participation in this robbery, along with that of
Coleman and “Tonk.”
Coleman testified as a defense witness. He explained that the day of the Lebanon
Pike robbery, Lanier was recovering from a gunshot wound and on crutches, so he could
not have participated in the robbery.
Briarwick Drive Robbery
On November 7, 2009, armed men entered Angela Rogan’s home, located on
Briarwick Drive in Nashville. At the time, Rogan was at her home with her son, Roshad
Pitts. Rogan had been speaking to a man, later identified as Shannon Wilson, about
buying a van. Pitts testified that Wilson came to the home and gave him some money
for the van. Pitts explained that, when he realized that all of the money was not there,
Wilson shoved a gun in his face and let two more men with guns into the home.
Rogan testified that her husband, Carlos, was a drug dealer who went to federal
prison in 2003. Rogan stated that when Carlos went to prison, he left her $38,000 in
-4-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
drug proceeds. Rogan testified that the men took her all over the house looking for guns
and money. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and arrested Wilson and three others.
Rogan testified that she was in the process of establishing certain businesses prior
to the Briarwick Drive robbery. She explained that she had purchased two vans,
business cards, and advertising magnets with some of the money that her husband had
left her. One of the vans was for a transportation business called Season Transportation,
which would contract with TennCare to take patients from their homes to doctors’
appointments. The other van was for a commercial cleaning business. Rogan
explained that as a result of the home invasion, neither business was able to operate.
Rogan was also conducting an illegal federal-income-tax scheme from her residence.
Wilson testified that he had called Lanier looking for a “lick” and that Lanier told
him that he had one, but could not participate in it because the people in the house knew
him. Wilson recalled that Lanier showed him the house on Briarwick Drive and
supplied him with a gun for the robbery. Wilson testified that he, “E,” Keyjuan Shaw,
and “Weezy” entered the house with guns and attempted to rob it. In his interview with
law enforcement, Lanier explained that he had received information from “Junior Mafia”
(Gary Pitts, Jr.) that Rogan had $20,000 to $30,000 in a safe. Junior Mafia confirmed
that he told Lanier about his aunt’s house because Lanier had called him looking for a
“lick.”2
2
Junior Mafia also testified that, as the time he informed Lanier of the Briarwick Drive location,
he believed that Rogan was involved in a federal-tax scheme out of this house. Tony McColley
also testified about a meeting between Lanier and Junior Mafia regarding a robbery that was to
occur at one of Junior Mafia’s relatives’ houses.
-5-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
A jury convicted Lanier on all counts, and the district court sentenced Lanier to
946 months of imprisonment.
II. ANALYSIS
Lanier argues that numerous errors require us to vacate his convictions. We
address these alleged errors in turn.
A. Conspiracy Charges
Lanier argues that the Government proved only one overarching conspiracy to rob
houses, not three separate conspiracies as charged.3 Because Lanier failed to make this
argument before the district court, we review for plain error. United States v. Dunn, 269
F. App’x 567, 573 (6th Cir. 2008). Plain error requires: (1) an error; (2) that is plain;
(3) that affects substantial rights; and (4) that “seriously affect[s] the fairness, integrity, or
public reputation of judicial proceedings.” United States v. Cromer, 389 F.3d 662, 672
(6th Cir. 2004) (quoting Johnson v. United States, 520 U.S. 461, 466–67 (1997)). A plain
error is an error that is “clear” or “obvious.” United States v. Turek, 563 F. App’x 469,
471 (6th Cir. 2014) (citing Johnson, 520 U.S. at 467).
“A single agreement to commit several crimes constitutes one conspiracy. By the
same reasoning, multiple agreements to commit separate crimes constitute multiple
3
In Count One of the superseding indictment, the grand jury charged Lanier with conspiring to
commit a Hobbs Act robbery “[o]n or about September 8, 2009,” at “a residence on Lebanon
Pike, Nashville, Tennessee.” In Count Three, the grand jury charged Lanier with conspiring to
commit a Hobbs Act robbery “[b]etween in or around May, 2009 to in or around October, 2009,”
at “a residence on Hampton Lane, Nashville, Tennessee.” In Count Five, the grand jury
charged Lanier with conspiring to commit a Hobbs Act robbery “[i]n and around November,
2009” at “a residence on Briarwick Drive, Nashville, Tennessee.”
-6-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
conspiracies.” United States v. Broce, 488 U.S. 563, 570–71 (1989). Thus, “the
‘ultimate question is whether the evidence shows one agreement or more than one
agreement.’” Corral v. United States, 562 F. App’x 399, 405 (6th Cir. 2014) (quoting In
re Grand Jury Proceedings, 797 F.2d 1377, 1380 (6th Cir. 1986)).
In making this determination, we consider the totality of the circumstances,
including the following factors:
(1) time; (2) persons acting as co-conspirators; (3) the statutory offenses charged
in the indictments; (4) the overt acts charged by the government or any other
description of the offenses charged which indicates the nature and scope of the
activity which the government sought to punish in each case; and (5) places where
the events alleged as part of the conspiracy took place.
United States v. Sinito, 723 F.2d 1250, 1256 (6th Cir. 1983) (citations omitted). “Where
several of these factors differ between the conspiracies, the conclusion follows that the
alleged illegal conspiracies are separate and distinct offenses.” Id. at 1256–57 (citations
omitted).
Several of the Sinito factors counsel that there were multiple agreements to
commit separate crimes and, therefore, multiple conspiracies. The agreements to
commit these robberies, and the plans to execute them, were formulated at different
times. Further, different persons agreed to participate in each robbery: Lanier, Tony
McColley, Keyjuan Shaw, and Joe Price participated in the Hampton Lane robbery;
Lanier, Howard Coleman, “Tonk,” and Shannon Wilson participated in the Lebanon Pike
robbery; and “E,” Keyjuan Shaw, “Weezy,” and Shannon Wilson participated in the
Briarwick Drive robbery.
-7-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Each of these robberies stood on its own, and was neither dependent on the others
for success, nor connected to the others by some larger plan. Lanier contends that he
and Wilson had an ongoing agreement—essentially, that they would call each other when
they had information of valuables at a home, either rob the place together or separately
(depending on whether the victim knew either of them), and divide the profits.
However, the fact that Wilson knew of, and told Lanier about, the Hampton Lane and
Lebanon Pike “licks,” and Lanier knew of, and told Wilson about, the Briarwick Drive
“lick,” is not dispositive. As is evident from the record, the three criminal episodes
resulted from separate agreements among different co-conspirators and were driven by
perceived circumstantial opportunity, not a singular collaboration. In fact, the
conspiracies to rob homes on Hampton Lane and Lebanon Pike each had a distinct end,
with a division of proceeds amongst the participants.
Because several of the Sinito factors differ between the conspiracies, and because
evidence (and lack thereof) supports the conclusion that the robberies were not the result of
a single agreement, but three separate agreements, we hold that it not was plain error for the
district court to allow the Government to proceed with three distinct conspiracy charges.4
4
Lanier relies on United States v. Smith, 320 F.3d 647 (6th Cir. 2003), to support his contention
that there was only one overarching agreement and, therefore, only one conspiracy. In that
case, the defendants unsuccessfully argued that the evidence proved three separate conspiracies,
not a single conspiracy as charged. The court found that “a reasonable juror could have found
that Smith and Crisp participated in a single conspiracy to extort banks.” Id. at 654 (emphasis
added). As in Smith, the standard of review plays an important role in the instant case.
-8-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
B. Sufficiency of the Evidence
Lanier argues that his convictions must be vacated because the Government failed
to prove a substantial effect on interstate commerce as to the Hobbs Act charges. Lanier
also argues that his conviction on the Section 924(c) charge related to the Briarwick
Drive robbery must be vacated because the Government did not sufficiently prove the
offense alleged.
“We ‘review de novo a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a
criminal conviction.’” United States v. Howard, 621 F.3d 433, 459 (6th Cir. 2010)
(quoting United States v. Carson, 560 F.3d 566, 579 (6th Cir. 2009)). In determining
whether evidence is sufficient to support a conviction, we consider whether, “after viewing
the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could
have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v.
Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979) (emphasis in original). “[A] defendant claiming
insufficiency of the evidence bears a very heavy burden.” United States v. Jackson,
473 F.3d 660, 669 (6th Cir. 2007) (quoting United States v. Abboud, 438 F.3d 554, 589
(6th Cir. 2006)). “[W]e do not weigh the evidence, consider the credibility of witnesses
or substitute our judgment for that of the jury.” United States v. Hillard, 11 F.3d 618, 620
(6th Cir. 1993). We reverse a conviction only where we find that “judgment is not
supported by substantial and competent evidence, whether direct or circumstantial, upon
the record as a whole.” United States v. Hall, 549 F.3d 1033, 1040 (6th Cir. 2008) (citing
United States v. Barnett, 398 F.3d 516 (6th Cir. 2005)).
-9-
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
1. Hobbs Act Charges
The Hobbs Act provides, in relevant part:
Whoever in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or affects commerce or the
movement of any article or commodity in commerce, by robbery or extortion or
attempts or conspires so to do, or commits or threatens physical violence to any
person or property in furtherance of a plan or purpose to do anything in violation of
this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years,
or both.
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a). To prevail on a Hobbs Act charge, the Government must prove:
“(1) interference with interstate commerce (2) in the course of a substantive criminal act.”
United States v. Ostrander, 411 F.3d 684, 691 (6th Cir. 2005).
As to the first element, “[i]f the victim of the robbery or violence is a business
entity, the effect on interstate commerce need only be de minimis.” Ostrander, 411 F.3d
at 691 (6th Cir. 2005) (citing United States v. Smith, 182 F.3d 452, 456 (6th Cir. 1999)).
However, “when the Government seeks to satisfy the [Hobbs] Act’s jurisdictional nexus by
showing a connection between an individual victim and a business engaged in interstate
commerce, that connection must be a substantial one—not one that is fortuitous or
speculative.” United States v. Wang, 222 F.3d 234, 239–40 (6th Cir. 2000); see also
United States v. Turner, 272 F.3d 380 (6th Cir. 2001).
The Hobbs Act is meant to be construed broadly, to the full extent of Congress’s
Commerce Clause power. See Stirone v. United States, 361 U.S. 212, 215 (1960).
Accordingly, even “illegal commerce counts as commerce for Hobbs Act purposes.”
Ostrander, 411 F.3d at 692 (citations omitted).
- 10 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
The Ostrander case is instructive. There, the defendants argued that the
government was required to show a substantial nexus with interstate commerce pursuant to
Wang because the victim had acted as a private individual, buying drugs for his own
purposes. 411 F.3d at 691. This court distinguished the Wang case on the ground that
the victim in Ostrander “was a drug dealer; that was his business, and indeed he was the
business.” Id. Further, the government had offered evidence that the drugs that the
victim sold had originated in Latin America and therefore had to have gone through
interstate commerce to get to the victim, and that the robbery and murder obviously
reduced the amount of drugs the victim could buy and sell in interstate commerce. Id. at
692; see also United States v. Bailey, 227 F.3d 792, 798 (7th Cir. 2000) (for purposes of
the Hobbs Act, “robbery of cocaine dealers generally has an effect on commerce”).
Lanier was charged, in part, with three conspiracies to commit Hobbs Act
robberies. Markeith Davis and Ryan McGuire were active drug dealers, who had
obtained drugs that had to go through interstate commerce. In fact, the conspirators
intended to rob them because of their drug dealing. Because Davis and McGuire were
engaged in the drug dealing business at the time of the robberies, the Wang private
individual exception does not apply. Likewise, Carlos Rogan had been a drug dealer
prior to his incarceration, and the conspirators sought to rob Angela Rogan because she
possessed proceeds from drug sales. The nexus element as to this final robbery is
further satisfied by evidence that Angela Rogan was in the process of establishing two
businesses at the time of the robbery. Thus, the conspirators’ objectives satisfy the de
minimis interstate nexus requirement. See Ostrander, 411 F.3d at 692.
- 11 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
In fact, here, the conspirators actually impeded the victims’ businesses (drug
dealing, or otherwise). The conspirators stole new product that Davis intended to sell, as
well as proceeds that McGuire intended to use for further drug purchases. In addition,
Angela Rogan explained that, as a result of the Briarwick Drive robbery, neither of her
businesses was able to operate. For these reasons, the Government carried its burden
with respect to proof of the interstate-nexus requirement.
2. Section 924(c) Charge—Count Six
Count Six of the superseding indictment charges Lanier with knowingly
possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of violence on or about November
17, 2009, the date of the Briarwick Drive robbery. To convict a defendant of possessing
a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), the government must establish that the
defendant “(1) ‘possesse[d] a firearm’ (2) ‘in furtherance of’” the offense. United States
v. Tyus, 379 Fed App’x 450, 451–52 (6th Cir. 2010) (quoting 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1), (2)).
Shannon Wilson testified that Lanier encouraged him to commit this robbery,
having advised him that there would likely be a large sum of drug money at the targeted
house and having shown him where the house was located. Significantly, Wilson
testified that he approached Lanier to obtain a gun to be used during this robbery and that
Lanier provided him with a gun, which he proceeded to use for this intended purpose.
Lanier need not have been physically present at the Briarwick Drive robbery,
because the evidence supports a conviction on Count Six on the basis that Lanier aided and
abetted the offense. See, e.g., United States v. Lowery, 60 F.3d 1199, 1202 (6th Cir.
1995). Lanier is also liable for the acts committed by Wilson, his co-conspirator, in
- 12 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
connection with this offense, so the evidence supports a conviction on this basis as well.
See, e.g., United States v. Lloyd, 10 F.3d 1197, 1211 (6th Cir. 1993). For these reasons,
Wilson’s testimony is sufficient to support Lanier’s conviction on Count Six of the
superseding indictment.
C. Admissibility of Evidence
Lanier argues that his convictions must be reversed because the Government was
improperly permitted to present evidence regarding: (1) his agreement to, and subsequent
failure to, cooperate with law enforcement; and (2) his prior bad acts.
“We review a district court’s ruling on the admissibility of evidence for abuse of
discretion.” United States v. Yu Qin, 688 F.3d 257, 261 (6th Cir. 2012) (citing United
States v. Haywood, 280 F.3d 715, 720 (6th Cir. 2002)). An abuse of discretion “is evident
when the reviewing court is firmly convinced that a mistake has been made.” Ross v.
Duggan, 402 F.3d 575, 581 (6th Cir. 2004) (quoting Graham–Humphreys v. Memphis
Brooks Museum of Art, Inc., 209 F.3d 552 (6th Cir. 2000)). A court abuses its discretion
when it “relies on clearly erroneous findings of fact, or when it improperly applies the
law.” Id. However, when a party does not object to the admission of an item of
evidence, we review the admission of that evidence for plain error. United States v.
Moore, 47 F.3d 1171, at *2 (6th Cir. 1995) (citing United States v. Mendez-Ortiz, 810 F.2d
76 (6th Cir. 1986)).
- 13 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
1. Evidence of Lanier’s Failure to Cooperate
Lanier argues that evidence related to his failure to cooperate was irrelevant to the
charged offenses and that, even if it were relevant, its relevance was substantially
outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice.
Only evidence that is relevant is admissible at trial. Fed. R. Evid. 402.
Evidence is relevant only if “it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable
than it would be without the evidence” and “the fact is of consequence in determining the
action.” Fed. R. Evid. 401. Even relevant evidence may be excluded “if its probative
value is substantially outweighed by a danger of . . . unfair prejudice[.]” Fed. R. Evid.
403. “Unfair prejudice does not mean the damage to a [party’s] case that results from
the legitimate probative force of the evidence; rather it refers to evidence which tends to
suggest [a] decision on an improper basis.” United States v. Newsom, 452 F.3d 593, 603
(6th Cir. 2006). A district court has broad discretion in making a Rule 403
determination. United States v. Bonds, 12 F.3d 540, 567 (6th Cir. 1993).
At trial, the Government presented evidence that Lanier agreed to cooperate with
law enforcement but ultimately failed to fulfill his commitment. Scott Cothran testified
that Lanier agreed to provide cooperation against his gang, the 98 Mafia Crips, and to
provide information on drug sales and gun sales. Cothran testified that shortly after
Lanier got out of jail, he “just quit answering his phone” when law enforcement officials
called. This failure led to his indictment. John Nokes testified that Lanier “had every
opportunity to cooperate” but did not do so. Mickey Welch testified that Lanier was
- 14 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
given the opportunity to cooperate but failed to contact investigators, even after they
bought him minutes on his cell phone to facilitate communication.
The Government also elicited evidence as to the danger Lanier’s failure to
cooperate presented to the community. Specifically, Nokes testified that there were
more gang members in the Nashville than police, and, therefore, Lanier could have been
very helpful. Similarly, when asked whether Lanier’s cooperation would have enhanced
overall public safety, Welch replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
Lanier argues that this evidence was irrelevant because his lack of cooperation did
not make any fact related to his guilt more or less probable. Critically, though, Lanier
expressed his intent to cooperate contemporaneously with his confession to his role in the
charged crimes. Accordingly, the evidence provided context for Lanier’s confession
and allowed jurors to more comprehensively evaluate the credibility of the confession.
Accordingly, we find that evidence related to Lanier’s agreement to cooperate, and
failure to do so, was relevant.5
Lanier also argues that he was prejudiced by the Government’s implication that,
while Lanier was given the opportunity to help an outmanned police force, he chose not
to and, thereby, reduced overall public safety. The jury was instructed by the district
court that its sole job was to decide whether the government had proven that the
defendant guilty of the offenses charged, and that the defendant is not on trial for any
other act or conduct. Juries are presumed to follow the instructions of the court. See
5
Further, as the district court noted, defense counsel had raised the issue of the voluntariness of
Lanier’s confession at trial.
- 15 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Richardson v. Marsh, 481 U.S. 200, 206-07 (1987). For this reason, even if the
admission of this evidence were in error, the error was harmless.
2. Evidence Introduced During Howard Coleman’s Cross-Examination
Lanier argues that his convictions must be vacated because the Government
improperly introduced evidence that should have been excluded pursuant to Federal Rule
of Evidence 404(b) during Howard Coleman’s cross-examination.
“Rule 404(b) forbids admitting evidence of ‘other crimes, wrongs, or acts’ to
prove the character of a person in order to show action in conformity with that character,
but permits the introduction of character evidence for proper purposes, such as proof of
motive, intent, knowledge, or absence of mistake.” United States v. Pope, 335 F. App’x
598, 604 (6th Cir. 2009) (quoting Fed. R. Evid. 404(b)). When evaluating admissibility
of prior acts evidence under Rule 404(b), a district court: (1) “must decide whether there
is sufficient evidence that the other act in question actually occurred”; (2) “if so, . . .
decide whether the evidence of the other act is probative of a material issue other than
character”; and (3) “if the evidence is probative of a material issue other than
character, . . . decide whether the probative value of the evidence is substantially
outweighed by its potential prejudicial effect.” United States v. Clay, 667 F.3d 689, 693
(6th Cir. 2012) (citation omitted).
Lanier called Howard Coleman to testify. During direct examination, Coleman
testified that, on the day of the Lebanon Pike robbery, Lanier was recovering from a
gunshot wound and on crutches, so he could not have participated in the robbery.
- 16 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Coleman also testified that he had previously lied to law enforcement regarding Lanier’s
involvement in a different robbery.
On cross-examination, the Government attempted to impeach Coleman by asking
about the false statement he made to law enforcement, specifically whether he said that
Lanier sent someone to rob a person near a FedEx. Coleman testified that he may have
said that. Coleman then testified that he did not remember who tried to carry out the
robbery. The Government also asked about a robbery related to Archwood Apartments.
At this point, the district court excused the jury and expressed concern that that the
Government was getting too far afield. When the jury returned, the district court offered
the following instruction:
You have heard testimony by this witness about statements that he made to the
government, and you have also heard testimony about specific statements he gave
about the defendant involving other robberies. The Court is allowing this for the
limited purpose of testing the credibility or the believability of this witness. You
are not to consider those statements for the purpose of whether an actual offense
was committed.
Subsequently, the Government asked about a robbery of “Lil’ Ced.” Defense counsel
objected, and the district court sustained the objection. Later, the Government asked
about the “Lil’ Ced robbery” again; this time, Lanier’s objection was overruled.
The Government’s cross-examination of Coleman was targeted toward his
credibility. Coleman was asked about evidence that undermined his testimony on
direct—specifically, his prior statements regarding robberies carried out with Lanier—in
order to impeach his testimony and attack his credibility. “[I]ssues of witness credibility
are always open to cross-examination.” United States v. Arnott, 704 F.2d 322, 324 (6th
- 17 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Cir. 1983) (citations omitted); see also Fed. R. Crim. P. 611(b) (“Cross-examination
should not go beyond the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the
witness’s credibility. The court may allow inquiry into additional matters as if on direct
examination.”)
Further, in raising the topic of Coleman’s prior statements during direct
examination, the defense opened the door to further examination on this same topic. See
United States v. Bender, 265 F.3d 464, 471 (6th Cir. 2001) (“when a party opens up a
subject . . . [the party] cannot complain on appeal if the opposing party introduces
evidence on the same subject”) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
In any event, Lanier fails to specify any evidence of prior bad acts that was
improperly admitted or that was prejudicial. Instead, he complains of the Government’s
questioning. Coleman essentially testified that he did not remember past instances
despite having described them on prior occasions. Furthermore, the district court
cautioned the jury to consider evidence regarding Coleman’s prior statements for the
purpose of assessing his credibility only. For these reasons, we find that the relevance
of this evidence was not substantially outweighed by prejudice to Lanier.
D. In-Court Identification of Lanier
Lanier argues that the district court erred in allowing Rachel Karnes to identify
Lanier as one of the assailants who robbed her home because, prior to the identification,
she was shown a video in which Lanier confessed to the robbery. Because Lanier failed
to object to the identification, we review for plain error. United States v. Perry,
438 F.3d 642, 649 (2006).
- 18 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
“The Due Process Clause prohibits the use of identifications which under the
totality of the circumstances are impermissibly suggestive and present an unacceptable
risk of irreparable misidentification.” Carter v. Bell, 218 F.3d 581, 605 (6th Cir. 2000).
“[A]n identification violates a defendant’s right to due process where the identification
procedure was so unnecessarily suggestive as to run the risk of irreparable mistaken
identification.” Howard v. Bouchard, 405 F.3d 459, 469 (6th Cir. 2005). “The due
process concern is heightened when that misidentification is possible because the witness
is called upon to identify a stranger whom she has observed only briefly, under poor
conditions, and at a time of extreme emotional stress and excitement.” Ledbetter v.
Edwards, 35 F.3d 1062, 1070 (6th Cir. 1994).
While testifying on direct examination about the Lebanon Pike robbery and
describing one of the robbers walking through the den, Karnes pointed her finger at the
defendant. When asked to whom she was pointing, Karnes identified Lanier. On
cross-examination, Karnes admitted that she was not able to identify Lanier until she saw
a video of Lanier confessing to the crime. Karnes stated that she only assumed Lanier
was the robber and explained, “I can’t say 100 percent, because at that moment it was the
most chaotic moment of my entire life.” Karnes acknowledged that she could not recall
Lanier walking in during the robbery, and that she only assumed it was him because he
was present in court.
Lanier cannot show that his substantial rights were affected by Karnes’s
identification. Lanier’s counsel instead effectively dealt with the issue on
cross-examination, with the witness conceding that she could not positively identify
- 19 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Lanier as the perpetrator and essentially recanting her identification. In reality, Lanier’s
conviction for the Lebanon Pike robbery was based on his own videotaped admission that
he took part in this robbery, as well as corroborating evidence, including the testimony of
his co-conspirators. Given the overwhelming evidence of Lanier’s presence at and
participation in this robbery, even if there were any error associated with Karnes’s
identification of Lanier, such error was harmless.
E. The Superseding Indictment
Lanier argues that because charges of conspiracy and charges of Section 924(c)
violations relating to the Briarwick Drive robbery were alleged in the original complaint,
their inclusion in the superseding indictment violated the 30-day time limit imposed by
the Speedy Trial Act.
Lanier waived this argument by failing to raise it before the district court.
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12 provides that motions alleging a defect in an
indictment must be raised before trial. Fed. R. Crim. P. 12(b)(3)(B). We “strictly
appl[y] Rule 12(b), and ha[ve] repeatedly held that failure to raise 12(b) motions in a
timely fashion precludes appellate review.” United States v. Oldfield, 859 F.2d 392, 396
(6th Cir. 1988) (citations omitted). Further, under the Speedy Trial Act, “[f]ailure of the
defendant to move for dismissal prior to trial . . . shall constitute a waiver of the right to
dismissal under this section.” 18 U.S.C. § 3162(a)(2); accord United States v. Brown,
498 F.3d 523, 529–30 (6th Cir. 2007). Lanier did not move to dismiss the superseding
indictment, so he cannot now argue that the district court erred in not granting a
dismissal. Accordingly, Lanier’s argument fails.
- 20 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
F. Denial of Lanier’s Motion to Suppress
Lanier argues that his convictions must be vacated because the district court erred
in denying his motion to suppress evidence obtained after his detention, including his
confession. Specifically, Lanier argues that he was detained without reasonable
suspicion.
In reviewing a district court’s decision on a motion to suppress, “[w]e consider the
evidence in the light most favorable to the party that prevailed at the district court and
review factual findings for clear error.” United States v. Young, 707 F.3d 598, 602 (6th
Cir. 2012) (citations omitted). A factual finding is clearly erroneous only where
“although there may be evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is
left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.” Id. (quoting
United States v. Smith, 594 F.3d 530, 535 (6th Cir. 2010)). We review legal
determinations de novo. United States v. Gross, 662 F.3d 393, 398 (6th Cir. 2011)
(citation omitted).
At a hearing on Lanier’s motion, Officer Joshua Baker testified that he was
responding to a report of a speeding car when he encountered Lanier on March 10, 2011.
Baker approached Lanier without lights, sirens, or backup, asked for Lanier’s
identification, and asked whether Lanier had seen a speeding vehicle in the area. Lanier
provided false identifying information to the officer and was arrested for doing so.
Lanier presented an alternative account of events, but the district court did not credit his
testimony. The district court reasoned as follows:
- 21 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
Based on proof, the Court finds that the Defendant was not subject to a Terry stop.
Here, Baker was in the area to investigate a speeding vehicle. The Defendant
conceded that vehicles drive through yards on this street to connect to another
street. When Officer Baker first approached the Defendant, Baker was on the
street inquiring whether Defendant observed the speeding vehicle. While on the
street, Baker inquired about the Defendant’s identity. Given the high crime area,
Baker’s inquiry about the Defendant’s identity was reasonable, as conceded by
Hempel, the defense investigator. Baker approached and arrested the Defendant
only after the Defendant provided Baker a false name and social security number
of a female. The Defendant testified that he provided false information to Baker
about his identity. Officer Baker determined that the Defendant had committed
criminal impersonation. At that point, Baker had probable cause to arrest the
Defendant, prohibit the Defendant leaving the area, and approach the Defendant to
place him under arrest. . . .
The Court evaluates Officer Baker’s objective behavior upon approaching the
Defendant. Here, Officer Baker was alone and had not asked for back-up; did
not activate his emergency lights or siren; did not draw his weapon, did not use
mandatory language to suggest that the Defendant was compelled to provide
identifying information; did not require the Defendant to exit his vehicle or remain
present; and did not ask the Defendant to accompany him anywhere for further
questioning. Thus, as in Campbell, the Defendant could have refused to provide
the information and could have returned to his residence or departed.
The district court found that Baker merely inquired into Lanier’s identity and did not
issue any commands to Lanier or require him to remain present. Lanier does not explain
how these factual findings are clearly erroneous.
We have held that “law enforcement officers may approach an individual and ask
general questions without having any reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, so long as
the officers refrain from the type of intimidating behavior that would lead a reasonable
person to believe that the person was not free to leave.” United States v. Waldon,
206 F.3d 597, 603 (6th Cir. 2000). Lanier notes that the vehicle in which he was sitting
was parked in his own driveway and that the car did not match the description of the car
Baker was looking for. However, Baker’s testimony demonstrates that his initial
- 22 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
encounter with Lanier was non-confrontational, uncoerced, and consensual. As such,
Baker’s initial approach and question regarding whether Lanier had seen the speeding
vehicle was within the ambit of consensual encounters that may be initiated without
reasonable suspicion. Baker’s actions, including his request for Lanier’s identification,
did not constitute a seizure under the Fourth Amendment. See United States v. Drayton,
536 U.S. 194, 200 (2002) (holding that bus passengers were not seized when, as part of a
drug and weapons interdiction effort, plain-clothes police officers boarded the bus and
began asking passengers questions). For these reasons, the district court did not err in
denying Lanier’s motion to suppress.
G. Jury Instruction on Aiding and Abetting
Lanier argues that the jury was improperly instructed on aiding and abetting in
relation to the Section 924(c) charges in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in
Rosemond v. United States, 134 S. Ct. 1240 (2014), a case decided after his trial.
We review jury instructions “as a whole to determine if they adequately inform the
jury of the relevant considerations and provide a basis in law for aiding the jury in reaching
its decision[.]” United States v. Blackwell, 459 F.3d 739, 764 (6th Cir. 2006) (citing
Romanski v. Detroit Entm’t, LLC, 428 F.3d 629, 641 (6th Cir. 2005)). We reverse a jury’s
verdict because of instructional error only “where the instruction, viewed as a whole is
confusing, misleading, and prejudicial.” Id. (citing Romanski, 428 F.3d at 641).
A person aids and abets a crime when, in addition to undertaking a requisite act in
furtherance of the offense, the person intends to facilitate the commission of the offense.
Rosemond, 134 S. Ct. at 1248. In Rosemond, the Supreme Court applied this principle
- 23 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
in the Section 924(c) context and held that, to satisfy the intent prong, a defendant must
have advance knowledge that a firearm will be used or carried by a confederate. Id. at
1249. The Supreme Court vacated the judgment and remanded the case, having found
that the district court erred in instructing the jury because it did not explain that the
defendant needed advance knowledge of a firearm’s presence. Id. at 1251.
Lanier argues that because there was no instruction that required the jury to find
that he had knowledge of (and agreed to use) firearms prior to the robberies, his Section
924(c) convictions must be vacated. However, Lanier’s case does not present the
concern raised by the Supreme Court regarding an accomplice who “knows nothing of a
gun until it appears at the scene.” Rosemond, 134 S. Ct. at 1249. The district court
instructed the jury that the government must prove “that the defendant did something to
help or encourage the crime, with the intent that the crime be committed.” Thus,
whereas the district court in Rosemond narrowed the intent requirement in a manner that
rendered after-acquired knowledge of a firearm sufficient,6 this district court plainly
instructed the jury that the defendant must have intended to commit or encourage this
firearm offense and thereby ensured that Lanier would be convicted only if the intent
prong were satisfied.
The district court further advised the jury that, as to the three counts brought
pursuant to Section 924(c), “the government must prove that the defendant, as the
6
The district court in Rosemond instructed the jury that it could convict if “(1) the defendant knew
his cohort used a firearm in the drug trafficking crime, and (2) the defendant knowingly and
actively participated in the drug trafficking crime.” Rosemond, 134 S. Ct. at 1244 (citation
omitted).
- 24 -
No. 13-5703, USA v. Lanier
accomplice, associated and participated in the possession and brandishing of the firearm
in connection with the underlying crime.” 7 This is consistent with Sixth Circuit
precedent. See, e.g., United States v. Gardner, 488 F.3d 700, 712 (6th Cir. 2007);
United States v. Franklin, 415 F.3d 537, 554 (6th Cir. 2005). Nothing in Rosemond
suggests that a defendant who associated and participated in the use of the firearm should
not be found guilty of aiding and abetting. For these reasons, the district court’s
instruction adequately informed the jury of the relevant considerations and was neither
misleading nor prejudicial.8
H. Cumulative Effect of Claimed Errors
In his final assignment of error, Lanier argues that the cumulative effect of his
claimed errors requires that his convictions be vacated. Because we do not find that
district court erred in any respect, Lanier’s argument fails.
III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, we AFFIRM the district court’s judgment of
conviction.
7
This instruction follows Sixth Circuit Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction 4.01.
8
In any event, the Government presented evidence that Lanier had advance knowledge of (and
personal involvement with) the firearms used in each of the robberies. Co-conspirator Tony
McColley testified that Lanier provided guns to be used during the Hampton Drive robbery.
Co-conspirator Shannon Wilson testified that Lanier: (1) provided the guns to be used during the
Briarwick Drive robbery; and (2) personally brandished a gun during the Lebanon Pike robbery.
- 25 -