United States v. Charles D. Ross

Charles D. Ross appeals his conviction, following a jury verdict, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. See 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Supp. V 1987). Ross, who is black, argues the district court committed error in denying his motion to quash the jury panel. Ross made the motion on the ground that the government failed to give neutral reasons for exercising some of its peremptory challenges to strike two black jurors. We affirm.

To establish a prima facie case of purposeful discrimination in selecting the ve-nire panel, Ross must show he is a member of a cognizable racial group…