United States v. John A. Thornton

Opinion for the Court filed by Circuit Judge WALD.

WALD, Circuit Judge:

John A. Thornton appeals his conviction for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a). Thornton challenges his conviction on two grounds. First, he contends that the district court’s acceptance of a blanket fifth amendment privilege, asserted by an important defense witness, violated his sixth amendment right to compulsory process. Second, Thornton claims that the district court improperly denied his motion to suppress evidence taken from his person…