United States v. Jones

Defendants Byron, Deloyd, and Sidney appealed their convictions of numerous felonies related to their membership in a group called Ride or Die (ROD), challenging the sufficiency of the evidence and the admission of certain evidence, the refusal to adopt proposed jury instructions, and application of the sentencing guidelines. The Fifth Circuit reversed with respect to Counts 9 and 10 (assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering in violation of Louisiana's aggravated assault statute), holding that there was insufficient evidence as to how the shooting related to Byron's membership in ROD or the charge conspiracies. The court also reversed as to Counts 13 and 14 (assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering in violation of Louisiana's aggravated assault statute), holding that there was insufficient proof regarding the relationship between the shooting and ROD or the charged conspiracies and thus a failure of proof on how the shooting was in "aid of racketeering." The court affirmed as to the remaining counts. View "United States v. Jones" on Justia Law