United States v. Yamba

OPINION OF THE COURT

AMBRO, Circuit Judge.

In this appeal we explore the contours of a corollary to the “plain view” doctrine, known as “plain feel,” in the context of a Terry search. After doing so, we conclude that the search at issue here — during which an officer discovered marijuana in Vikram Yamba’s pocket, and this in turn led to the discovery of slips of paper resulting in his conviction for wire fraud— was legal. We therefore affirm the judgment of the District Court.

I. Factual and Procedural Background

Yamba was indicted by a grand jury on seven counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18…