United States v. Charles Wesley Helem

Affirmed by published opinion. Senior Judge WILLIAMS wrote the opinion, in which Judge MURNAGHAN and Judge LUTTIG joined.

OPINION

WILLIAMS, Senior District Judge:

This case presents the question whether physical violence that occurs before interstate travel begins can satisfy the “in the course or as- a -result of that conduct” requirement of 18 U.S.C.- § 2261(a)(2), one of the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), enacted by Congress in 1994. It is a case of first impression in this circuit.

I

This is a direct appeal by the defendant of a conviction and sentence following a trial…