United States v. Orlando Hale

This appeal involves former Laredo Police Officer Orlando Jesus Hale’s jury trial conviction for (i) conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, and (ii) using or carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Hale challenges numerous aspects of his trial and sentencing. For the following reasons, we affirm Hale’s conviction and sentence.

I

In the fall of 2008, Laredo Police Officer Pedro Martinez, III, contacted his friend Juan “Güero” Hernandez and asked Güero if he could…