United States v. David Rowland Lee Vaughan

FLETCHER, Circuit Judge:

This is an interlocutory appeal by the United States from an order of the District Court granting appellee Vaughan’s motion to suppress evidence. Jurisdiction over this appeal exists under 18 U.S.C. § 3731 (1976).

I

Factual Background

This case arises out of the Government’s efforts to investigate and prosecute the members of a large-scale drug smuggling conspiracy. Only the facts surrounding the search and seizure of Vaughan’s vinyl briefcase are at issue here.

On November 5, 1981, appellee Vaughan was riding in the back seat of a car driven by Edward Otero. Robert…