United States v. Cardona-Sandoval

AMENDED OPINION

TORRUELLA, Circuit Judge.

This appeal involves the validity of a search of a vessel. Appellants Joaquin Car-dona-Sandoval, Alejandro Rojano-Rangel, and Jorge Gómez-Olarte appeal their convictions of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it in violation of 46 U.S.C.App. § 1903(a), (b)(1), and (f). For the reasons that follow, we reverse the convictions.

I

The facts are set forth in the light most favorable to the government. Appellants Cardona-Sandoval (the captain), Rojano- Rangel and Gómez-Olarte (the crew), 1 were on board a forty-three foot sports-fisherman, Florida…