United States v. Paul K. Costner

CONTIE, Circuit Judge.

Appellant appeals his conviction by jury on two counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1014, by making a false statement to a federally insured bank for the purpose of influencing the bank to lend him money. Appellant presented to the Bank of Knoxville certificates of title for two 1979 Chevrolet Blazers as collateral for a loan of approximately $15,000.00. Before the loan became due, appellant notified his insurance company and the bank that the vehicles had been stolen.

The government contends that the appellant never owned or possessed the Blazers, that they were properly…