United States v. Sanchez-Sotelo

REYNALDO G. GARZA, Circuit Judge:

Juan Aron Sanchez-Sotelo, Jose Rabelo Renteria, and Ricardo Garda appeal their convictions for conspiracy to possess cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. We AFFIRM the district court in all respects, except we VACATE the order denying the appellants’ motion for new trial based on extraneous jury influence and REMAND the cause for further proceedings.

I. FACTS

This case arises from an undercover narcotics sting operation in El Paso, Texas. Sergio Filemon Sotelo Sanchez (“Filemon”), the key person in the criminal conspiracy, pled guilty and…