United States v. Jose Ascolani-Gonzalez

On July 3, 1970, appellant was apprehended while attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. The car which appellant was driving contained approximately 150 pounds of marihuana, secreted in a hidden compartment.

Appellant was subsequently convicted on two counts of violating 21 U.S.C. § 176a: (1) knowingly smuggling 150 pounds of marihuana into the United States with intent to defraud the United States; (2) knowingly receiving, concealing, and facilitating the transportation and concealment of the same with intent to defraud the United States.

On appeal, appellant disputes his knowledge…