United States v. Billy Franklin Brand and Dennis Randall Watts

WALTER E. HOFFMAN, Senior District Judge:

Billy Franklin Brand and Dennis Randall Watts appeal from their conviction and sentence on a one-count indictment charging obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1503. The case was tried before a jury. The specific offense was based upon events which occurred during an earlier prosecution of these same defendants for mail fraud pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1341.

Brand and Watts operated as partners in the sale of used cars at a dealership known as B & W Motor Company. As a result of an FBI investigation of B & W Motor Company during the latter…