United States v. Ernest Lopez, United States of America v. John Vlahovich, United States of America v. Paula Nadir

POOLE, Circuit Judge:

These cases involve a series of robberies and extortions to benefit West Coast Metallics Industries (West Coast Metallics), a Los Angeles company that refines precious metals. The crimes were committed by Lopez and Vlahovich at the direction of Nadir, owner and president of West Coast Metallics. The jury found appellants guilty of conspiracy, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (1982), obstruction of interstate commerce by rob bery, 18 U.S.C. § 1951. (1982), collection of extensions of credit by extortionate means, 18 U.S.C. § 894 (1982), and racketeering, 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (1982). The court…