United States v. Stevens

RIPPLE, Circuit Judge.

Lawrence Stevens, a federal inmate, appeals from the denial of what he characterizes as a “motion for return of property” in a criminal case that is long over. For the reasons set forth in this opinion, we vacate the judgment of the district court and remand for further proceedings.

I

BACKGROUND

In March 2002, two armed men robbed the Land of Lincoln Credit Union (“Credit Union”) in Decatur, Illinois, of $113,000. Nine days later one of the suspected robbers, Alban Woods, was found shot to death. The investigation of the robbery and murder led the police to Mr. Stevens, who…