thomas e. moss 3 thomas c. bradley · accllrding to the physicians' desk reference (pdr), the...
TRANSCRIPT
Document 145 Filed 0.7/2003 Page 1 of 34
J THOMAS E. MOSS United States Attorney
2 WENDY J. OLSON Assjstant United States Attomey
3 THOMAS C. BRADLEY I • • • • • .. ..... •. • _' ••• - - ·•--. . .• : ..•• :·• f\: Special Assistant United States Attorney
4 District of Idaho Wells Fargo Center
5 877 West Main Street, Suite 201 Boise, Tdaho 83702
6 Telephone: (208) 334-1211
1 Mailing Address:
8 P.O. Box32
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Boise~ Idaho 83707
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
vs.
DAVID HINKSON,
Defendant.
) CASE NO. CR-02-142-C (BLW) ) ) ) GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF ) )
~ )
COMES NOW the UNITED STATES, by and through counsel, and files its trial brief.
I. STATUS OF THE CASE
The def end ant was indicted for criminal violations of the Tntenial Revenue Code, the Food,
Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the Bank Secrecy Act by the Coeur d'Alene gramljury 011 Ju)y t 8,
2002. The indictment was unsealed on November 18, 2002. The defendant was released on his
own recognizance, but release was revoked after the defendant repeatedly attempted to hire
individuals to mtl.rdcr United States District Judge Edward J. Lodge, Assistant United States
Attonicy Nancy D. Cook, and Special Agent Steven Hines of the Internal Revenue Service.
Trial is set to begin on Monday, September 29, 2003, in Boise, before the Honorable B.
Lynn Winmill, Chief United States Distiict Judge. The trial was transferred 011 the government's
motion from the Central Division, in Moscow, to the Southem Div1sion, in Boise, primarily based
on security c<.mccrns. Tri al hy jury has not been waived. Estimated trial time for the govcrrunent 's
\l)( .. I , I I ; o'
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1 case is 8-10 triaJ days, given rcasonab le cross examination I imits. The United Stat cs expects to call
2 approximately 30witnesses in its case-in-chi el: The government intends to offer approximately 200
3 exhibits, copies of which will be made available to the defendant ten days before trial. Copies of
4 the government's exhibit ljsl and witness list will also be provided no later than ten days before
5 trial.
6 The United States will be represented by Assistant United States A ttomcy Wendy J. Olson
7 of the District or Idaho, and by Special Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Bradley,
8 fom-'lerly of the Department of Justice, Tax Division, W cstem Criminal Enforcement Section.
9 Defendant is represented by Britt Groom (lf Grangeville, who is privately retained. The defendant
10 remains in custody without bond.
11 Disc<.wcry was provided to the defendant beginning in December, 2002, and has been
12 ongoing. The govenlmcnt has requested, bllt not received, reciprocal discovery.
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14 II. STATEMENTOFFACTS
15 During the prosecution years, 1997-2000, David Hink.sun lived ol1 ar\ isolated 200-acre
16 ranch in north-central Idaho, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. His company, WatetOz,
17 manufactured and sold alternative health products, including ozone generators and mineral water,
18 and promo led these items as able to treat varic.)us diseases. None of the products were approved by
19 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Hinkson refused to allow an FDA inspection of his
20 facility in 1999.
21 Hinkson' s sales grew to several hundred thousand dollars a month, and he emp loycd aboul
22 forty people. He was the largest p1ivate employer in ldaho County, a11d was one oflhe largest UPS
23 shippers in the state. Hi1,kson paid employees 111 cash, with silver coins, or by check, and withheld
24 no taxes. He failed to file any tax return since 1993, despite annua1 income that grew from less
25 than $100,000 in 1995 to several million dollars by 2001. He had tax returns professionally
26 prepared each year and used them to obtain loans, but did not file them with lntcmal Revenue
27 Service (IRS). These unlilcd returns reflected significant gross income, as well as a large payroll
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subject to employment taxes. The indictment charges Hinkson with willful failure to file his 1997,
1998, and 1999 individual income tax returns. and with failing to collect employment taxes ror the
third quarter of 1997 through the third quarter e>f'2000.
WaterOz primarily marketed mineral waters, including Lithium, Selenium, Tin and
Molybde11um water, among many others, through telephone sales and through distributors. The
products were also promoted on the internet. The indictment charges Hinkson with introducing
misbranded and adulterated drugs and devices into interstate con1mcrce.
Lithium water was described in WatcrOz literature as "useful in treating alcoholism, manic
depression. and mental instability." Lithium is an clcmentorthc alkali-metal group, and is an active
con1po11enl of several drugs which have approved new drug applications. Lithium carb('>natc is the
generic name of an approved prcscriptiol''I drug used in the treatment ofbipo lar disorder~ also kn.own
as manic depression.
Accllrding to the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR), the toxic levels for lithium are close
to the therapeutic levels, creating a significant danger of lithium poisoning if scrum levels arc not
closely monitored. The dangers of such toxicity arc increased in patients with serious renal or
cardiovascular disease, and the product should not be administered unless the psychiatric condition
is life-threatening. Even then, it should only be administered wjth extreme caution and in a hospital
setljng, with daily scrum Ji thium detenni nations. Lithium is known to cause harm lo the fetus in
pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, and should never be used by nursing mothers, as
it is excreted in human milk and could cause harm to the nursing child.
Hinksc.m's product contained no warnings about lithium other than stating that lithium can
have "serious side eITects," that it is uot recommended for .. connm.m or everyday use,'' and that it
should be used under the care of "your health professional." WatcrOz lithi utn water is labeled as
containing 30 parts-per-niillion (ppm) of lithium. The lithjum sample analyzed by the FDA lab in
May 2002 contained 2.5 ppm, 8% of the amount clajmed 011 the label.
The FDA obtained its sample of WalerOz lithium water, along with samples of other
WalerOz products, on January 22, 2002, at a mailbox in Pinole, California. The products were
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ordered over the telephone by Special Agent Rob Blcnkinsc.1p of the Food and Dmg Administration,
Office of Criminal Investigations, acting h1 an undercover capacity. Among the other products
ordered and received by Special Agent Blenkinsop were molybdenum water, selenium water and
tin water.
Molybdenum is a metal used to alloy steel. WaterOz marketed molybdenum water as uscftll
in treating a plethora of maladies, including acne, ATOS, anthrax, asthma, cancer, cavities, diabetes,
depression, E. coli, eczema, Gulf War syndrome, hepatitis, herpes, impotency, Lupus, Lyme
Disease, and multiple sclerosis. The FDA lab found that the molybdenum water obtained in January
2002 contained 6.2 ppm, 12% of the 50 ppm claimed on the label. A previous test by the ldahu
Department of Health and Wet fare (IDH W) iJ1 May 2001 showed a molybdenum conccntrati<.m of
10.2 ppm, 20.4% of the labeled conccntndion.
WaterOz also sold selenium waler. Selenium is listed in the WaterOz retail/wholesale
catalog as used to treat Alzheimer's, cancer, cystic fibrosis, fibromyalgia, heart disease, HIV, hot
flashes, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, scoliosis, sickle cell anemia, and SIDS.
Selenium is a poison often prodLiccd as a byproduct of mining operations. Its high
concentration in certain soils can cause animals who graze on plants growing in the soil te> die.
Although selenium is an essential trace element necessary for good nutrition, chronic exposure to
excessive selenium can result in hair loss, nail loss, and skin lesions in humans. The FDA standard
for permissible selenium levels in bottled water is 0.01 mg/L. The EPA maximum contaminant
level for drinking water js 0.05 mg/L. The WatcrOz label claims a selenium concentration of 75
ppm, wbile the May 2002 FDA test showed 26 ppm, 35% of the claimed strength. The IDHW test
in May 2001 showed 46.7 ppm, 62.3% of the stated concentration.
Wate10z also sold ozone machines, and an attachable "ozone suit.» Ozone is a molecule
composed of three atoms of oxygen, as opposed to the basic oxygen molecule consisting of two
oxygen atoms. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicolosical propc1ties from
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1 The WatcrOz web site described the ozone generator as a "personal health,, machine to be
2 used for water purification, air purification, and the treatment of specific diseases, including fungal
3 in fcction~, acne, chapped skin, melanoma, spider bites, and insect bites. The body suit is described
4 in WaterOz lj terature as to be used in cases of muscle fatigue and severe infections, and claims that
5 the suit "hcl_ps remove viruses from the body and attacks cancer cells." Instructions stress the
6 importance of staying warm, so that pores remain open and "a11ow your body to absorb the ozone
7 directly through your skin."
8 WatcrOz protocols call for application of 07,onc to treat athlete's foot, gangrene and stroke.
9 The recommended stroke treatment is to leave the ozone machine running constantly in the patient's
10 room, while the athlele's foot aud gangrene treatments require direct a.pp)jcation of the ozone using
11 a bag and hose attached to the machine.
12 Throughout the period charged in the indictment, the defendant followed a number of
13 procedures for paying W atcrOz workers, including by paying them in "silver coins" that they could
14 then exchange for currency. So that the defendant could pay WaterOz workers from at least the
15 period of approximately December of2000 through February of 2001, one of his workers would
16 ca.~h checks ofless than $10,000 on two consecutive days at the Kamiah Central Credit Union.
17 Although each check was less than $10,000, thereby allowing the defendant to cause the bauk to
18 avoid the currency transaction reporting requirements, the t(ltal of the two checks was greater than
19 $10,000.
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21 III. APPLICABLE STATUTES
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23 A. FAILURE TO FILE TAX RETURNS
24 Title 26, United States Code, Section 7203 provides in pertinent part that "[a]ny
25 persc.)n ... rcquired by this title or by regulations made undcrauth.oritythereoftomak.e aretum ... ,who
26 willfully fails to ... make such retum ... at the time or times required by law or regulations" is guilty
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of an offense against the United States.
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B. FAil.URE TO WITHHOLD TAXES
Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202 provides in pertinent pait that "[ a Jny person
required under this title to collect, account for, and pay over any tax imposed by this title who
willfully fails to collect or truthfillly account for and pay over such tax" is guilty of an offense
against the United States.
C. ADULTERATED AND MISBRANDED PRODUCTS
The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FJ)CA) criminalizes "(t]he introduction or
delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food, drug, device, or cosmetic-that is
adulterated or misbranded." 21 U.S.C. § 33l(a).
D. STRUCTURING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
Tille 31, United States.Code, section 5324 provides in pertinent part that "[n ]o person shall,
for the purpose of evading the reporting requirements or section 5313(a) or 5325 or any rcgulatio11
prcsc1ibcd under any such scc6on, the reporting OT rccordkceping requirements imposed by any
ordet issued under section 5326, or the recordkeeping requirements imposed by any regulation
prescribed under section 21 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or section 123 of Publfo Law
91--508 ... (3) structure or assist in structuring, or attempt to structure or assist in structuring, any
transaction with one or more domestic financial institutions."
E. l,ORFEITURE
Count forty-three of the indictment alleges crimjnal forfeiture of all property traceable to
the stn1cluring financial transactions offenses set forth in counts twenty-seven through forty-two.
Although the indictment jdentifies 18 U.S.C. §982 as the forfeiture statute that the United States is
proceeding under, the correct statute is 31 U.S.C. 5317. The United States bas separately filed a
bill of particulars identifying the correct statute. Title 31, United States Code, Section 5317
provides as follows:
(c) Forfeiture. -(1) Criminal Forfeiture. -
(A) In General. - The court in frnposing sentence for any violation of section 5313, 5316, or 5324 ofthis title7 or any conspiracy to commit such violation, shall
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order the defendant to forfeit all properly, real or personal, involved in the offense and any property traceab]e thereto. ·
(B) Procedure. - Forfeitures umler this paragraph shall be governed by the procedures established in scctio11 413 of the Controlled Substan~es Act.
IV. PERTINENT IJAW
A. ELEMENTS OF THE Ol~FENSES
t. 26 U.S.C. § 7203 Failure to File Tax Returns (Counts One through Three)
To establish a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7203, the government must
prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
a. The defendant was required to file a rctum;
b. The defendant failed to file at the ~ime required by law; and
c. The failure to file was willful.
United States v. Hayes, 190 F.3d 939,946 (9th Cir. 1999); Ur,itcd States v. Vroman, 975 F.2d 669,
671 (9th Cir. 1992); Ninth Circuit Model Jury Tnstmctions, § 9.36.
a. Persons Required to File Returns
lndivjdual income tax returns are due on the 15th day of the fourth month following the
close of the calendar year. 26 U.S.C. § 6072(a). lJmuarried persons who received gross income
in excess of $6,750 in 1997, $6~950 in 1998, and $7,050 in 1999 were required to file returns.
When the last day for filing a return falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the
return will be considered timely filed if it is filed on the next day which is nt)t a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal holiday. 26 U.S.C. § 7503.
Gross income is defined as 0 income from whatever source derived,,, including compensation
paid for services, gross income derived from a business, and a. taxpayer's share of partnership
income. 26 U.S.C. § 61. This information is provided in IRS publications that are available free
of charge to taxpayers. "Generally, you must include in gross income everything you receive in
payment for persona) services" jncluding "wages, salaries, commissions, foes, and tips.'' Taxable
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1 and Nontaxable Income, Department or the Treasury, I11ternal Revenue Service, Publication 525
2 at 1 (1991).
3 It has long been established that income is taxable to the person who actually eams it, and
4 that "the tax cou]d not be escaped by anticipatory arra11gcments and contracts however skillfully
5 devised to prevent the salary from vesting even for a second in the man who earned it.', Lucas v.
6 Earl, 281 U.S. 11 ·1, 115 (1930). Justice Holmes concluded his opinion with the now famous
7 language that invalidated attempts to attribute the fruits of one ~s labors "to a di ffcrenl tree from that
8 on which they grew."
9 While rccognizi11g the legal right of a taxpayer to reduce or eliminate tax liability thrm1gh
10 legal means, the cou1ts of the United States have consistently invalidated attempts by taxpayers to
11 create phony business transactions to disguise their income. See, e.g .• Oregozy v. Helvering. 293
12 U.S. 456,470 (1935)(describing sham stock sate as "an elaborate and devious form of conveyance
13 masquerading as a corporate reorganization"); Moline Properties v. Commissioner of Internal
14 Revenue, 319 U.S. 436, 439 (1943) (establishing the dominance of substance over fom1 when the
15 form "is .a bald and mischievous fiction").
16 It is not necessary for the govcrmnent to prove a tax due and owing io a failure-to-file case,
17 only that enough gross income was received to trigger the filing rcquiremeut. United States v.
18 Hairston, 819 F.2d 971,974 (10th Cir. l987)(tax due is an clement of the distinct offense oftax
19 evasion, 26 U.S.C. § 7201).
20 h. Failure to File
21 A failure to file by a given taxpayer can be established without a witness by obtaining a
22 certified transcript of account from the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center stating that the
23 taxpayer has not filed a return lbr the ycar(s) in question. United States v. Neff1 615 F.2d 1235,
24 1241-42 (9th Cir. 1980).
25 c. Willfulness
26 Willfulness in criminal tax violations means a 0 voluntary, intentional violation. or a known
27 legal duty." Cheek v. United States, 498 U.S. 192 ( 1991 ); Uni led States v. Pomponio, 429 U.S. 10,
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12 (1976); United States v. Dahlstrom, 713 F.2d 1423, 1427 (9th Cir. 1983). This is contrary to tnc
general criminal law rule that ignorance of the law is 110 excuse. Cheek, 498 U.S. at 199. To
establish the requisite level of willfulness for a violation or section 7203, the govcrmnent mllst
prove that the offender deliberately failed to me returns which the offender knew the law required
to be filed. Check al 201-04; United State~ v. Hawk, 497 F.2d 365, 366-69 (9th Cir. 1974). The
purpose of the willfulness element in tax offenses is to protect people who have misconstrued their
duty under the tax code because of its complicated nan1re. ,Cb.eek at 205. In dctennining whether
a defendant acted willlully, the jury is "free to consider any admissible evidence from any source
showing that [the defendant] was aware ofhis duty to file a return" including evidence "showing
his awareness of relevant provisions of the Code or regulations" and knuwledge "of comt decisions
rejecting his interpretation of the tax law .... " Cheek at 202.
Proof of willfulness may be, and usually is, shown by cfrcurostantial evidence alone. United
States v. Marabelles, 724 F .2d 13 74, 1379 (9111 Cir. 1984) (section 7201) (list of acts frl'>m which
wjlllul11ess can be inferred); Unltcd States v. Schiff, 612 F.2d 73, 77-78 (2d Cir. 1979) (previously
filed corporate and personal remms; reminder by accountant); United Slates v. Brown, 548 F.2d
1194, 1199 (5th Cir. 1977)(warning letters from lRS service center).
Willfulness is suggested by a pattern or failing to file for consecutive years in which returns
should have been filed. Uuited States v. Crrcenlec, 517 F.2d 899, 903 (3d Cir. 1975). This may
include years prior or SLtbsequcnt to the prosecution period. United Stales y. Upton, 799 F.2d 432,
433 (8th Cir. 1986); United States v. Farris, 517 F.2d 226, 229 (7th Cir. 1975).
Continuing conduct after warning by knowledgeahlc individuals that a taxpayer•s activities
are illegal may show willful behavior. United States v. Daniel, 956 F.2d 540, 543 (6lh Cir. 1992)
(notice by CPA relevant to willfulness); United States v. Dack, 987 F.2d 1282, 1285 (7th Cir. 1993)
(willfulness jnforred from proor that a knowledgeable person warned defendant of tax
improprieties).
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Tax protest activities may be considered when detcmJining willfulness. United States v.
Grosshans, 821 F.2d 1247, 1253 (6th Cir 1987)(attendance at meetings, use of protest materials in
correspondence with IRS).
The gcnera1 educational background of a defendant is relevant to the ability lo fom1 willful
intent. United States v. MacKenzie, 777 F.2d 811,818 (2d Cir. 1985) (defendants' college degrees
in business and economics evidenced knowledge of tax laws). Business experience is also probative
of willfulness. United States v. Smith, 890 F.2d 711, 715 (Slh Cir. 1989) (defendant's experience
as an entreprenellr pointed to willfulness rather than honest error). A high gross income is relevant
to a taxpayer's likely awareness of filing requirements. United States v. Payne, 800 F.2d 227,229
(10th Cir. 1986)(incomc approaching $100,000 is sufficient to infer knowledge and willfulness).
2. 26 U,S.C. § 7202 l◄'ailure to Withhold Taxes (Counts Fo11r through Sixteen)
'fo establish a violation of section 7202, the following clements must be proved beyond a
reas(lnable doubt:
a. Duty to collect, and/or to truthfully account for, and/or pay over;
h. Failure to collect, or truthfully account for, and/or pay over; and
c. Willfulness.
26 U.S.C. § 7202. See also United States v. Evangelista, 122 F.3d 112, 121 (2d Cir. 1997).
a. Duty to Collect
The Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.) requires employers to withhold employees• shares
ofFcderallnsuranceContributionActtaxes( 11FTCA"orsocialsect1rityandMedicarctaxes),Federal
Unemployment Tax Act ("FUT A") and income taxes from the salaries of thefr employees, and to
pay the withheld amounts to the United Slates. 26 U.S.C. §§ 3101-3102 (FlCA), 3301-3310
(FUTA), 3402 (income taxes). The FICA, FUT A, and income tax withheld from the salaries of
employees must be deposited witb an authorized financial institution or l•'ederal Reserve Bank, at
intervals that depend on the amounts withheld. 26 U.S.C. 6302; 26 C.F.R. §31.6302(c)-1. The
employer is requfred to report the amount of withheld FICA and income laxes on a payroll tax
rctum, Form 941. The Form 941 is filed quarterly, oue month after the conclusion of each quarter.
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26 U.S.C. §§ 601 t(a) & 6151; 26 C.F.R. §§ 31.601 I(a)-1; 601 l(a)-4; 31.607l(a)-1 (a)(l), (4). Sec
Jones y, United States, 60 F.3d 584,588 (9th Ci-r. 1995); Brewery, Inc. v. United States, 33 F.3d 589,
591-92 (6th Cir. 1994); Matter of A111erican Biomaterials Com., 954 F.2d 919, 920 (3d Cir. 1992);
Scho11v. UnitedStates, 759F.2d6l4,616(7 1hCir. 1985). TheFUTA taxcsarereportcdonaFonn
940, filed annually by J anuazy 31 of the year following the tax year.
The duty of employers to tmthfu11y account for and pay over certain taxes is created by
sections 3J01(a.) (employee's portion of Federal Insurance Contribution Act ("FICA") or social
security tax), 3101(b) (employee's portion l)f Medicare tax), 311 l(a) (employer's portion of social
security tax), and 3402{a) (income tax) of the 1.ntemal Revenue Code. See also United States v.
Porth, 426 F.2d 519, 522 (10th Cir. 1970). The FICA and income tax withheld from the salaries
of employees "are conmtonly referred to as 'tru!-'tl fund taxes/ reflecting [Code Section 750l{a)'s]
provh~ion that such withholdings or collections are deemed to be a ~special fund in tn1st for the
United States."' Slodov v. United States, 436 U.S. 238, 243 (1978).
A person is responsible for collecting, accow1ting for, and paying over trust fund taxes ifhe
has "the authority required to exercise significant contn:>l over the corporation's financial affairs,
regardless of whether [the individual] exercised such control in ract." United States v. Jones, 33
F.3d 1137, 1139 (9t11 Cir. 1994)(brackct in original). lf the employer fails to make such payments,
26 lJ .S.C. § 6672 provides an alternative method of collecting the taxes by assessjng a" 100 percent
penalty" equal to the amount of the delinquent laxes against a "responsible person" (defined at§
6671 (b), but typically is an officer or employee of the business). Notably, the text of the criminal
statute § 7202 tracks the language of§ 6672. Slodov al 245.
Additionally, civil case law demonstrates that the "responsible person" need not be an
employer or employee. Brown v. United States, 464 F.2d 590, 591 (5th Cir. 1972)(responsible
person is one who has "effective power and corresponding duty to insure that the (business)
obligation to the Government would be fulfilled."). In Maz:1.eo v. United States, 131 F .3d 295, 298
(2d Cir. 1997), the court explained that responsible individuals could include persons who were
"connected closely enough with the business to prevent the [tax] default from occurring'', orpersons
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t who "have the authority to direct the payment of corporate funds,, (citjng Fiataruolo v. United
2 States, 8 F.3d 930, 939 (2d Cir. '1993) and Hochstein v. United States, 900 F.2d 543, 546 (2d Cir.
3 1990) respectively). However, authority to sign checks is itself not enough to bring a person under
4 the civil penalty provisions. Vinick v. United States, 205 F.3d 1 (lli1 Cir. 2000).
5 More than one person in an organization can be a uresponsihlc person." Sec Peterson v.
6 United States, 728 F.Supp. 624, 625 (D. Tdaho 1989)(IRS may choose from whom to collect when
7 more than one person is responsible). Likewise, the responsihiUty cannot be evaded by assigning
8 the resp<.lnsibility to others.
9 [W]e conclude that an individual may be said to have uhad the final word as to what bHls should or should not be paid" i r such individual had the authority required to
10 exercise significant control over the corporation's financial affairs, regardless of whether he exercised such control in fact. The authority that permits co11trol cairies
1 '1 with it a nondelegab]e duty to ensure that withholding taxes are duly collected and paid over to the govemment.
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Purcell v. United States, 1 F.3d 932, 937 (9[h Cir. 1993)(company president was still responsible
even though he delegated all financial duties to a subordinate, who then embezzled the funds).
The United States must establish that. the business in question had employees to whom it
paid wages. The employer is required under the law to cu Hect this twc by dcducti11g the amount of
the taxes from the employee's wages at the time lbey arc paid. The withholding and payment of
these taxes is reflected ~n a f4"om1 941 for each calendar quarter, which is filed on or before the last
day of the first calendar month following the period for which it is made. Slodov v. United States~
436 lJ.S. 238, 242 (1978); Treas. Reg.§§ 31.60ll(a)•l(a)(1) and 31.6011 (a)-4.
The Supreme Collrt addressed the definition of"employee" in Nationwide Muh1al Insurance
Co. v. Darden, 503 U.S. 318 (1992). The Court adopted the common law oragcncyratherthan any
pa11icular state law, and considered factors such as the location of work, skill required, hiring
pn,cess .• hours of work, and others that centered on the "hiring party's manI1er and means by which
the product is accomp Ji shed." ld. at 323, clti ng Community for C1·eative Non--Violence v. Reid, 490
U.S. 730, 740 (1989). TI1e Darden opinion cites IRS Revenue Ruling 87-41, which sets forth 20
factors used in dete:rminit1g an "employee'' for tax purposes. 503 U.S. at 324. The cmnmon law
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test has also been adopted by the Ninth Circuit. Burrey v. Paci fie Gas & .Electric Co., 159 F.3d 388,
393 (9th Cir. 1998)(also citing Revenue Ruling 87-41 ).
Revenue Ruli11g 87-41 discusses how a determination is made whether income, FICA and
FUTA taxes are required to be withheld. The twenty factors to be considered are:
1. INSTRUCTIONS. A worker who is required to comply with other persons' instructions ahout when, where, and how he llr she is to work is ordinarily an employee. This control factor is present if the person or persons ror whom the services arc performed have the RIGHT to require compliance with instructions.
2. TRAlNTNG. Training a worker by requiring an experienced employee to work with the worker, by corresponding with the worker, by requiring the worker to attend meetings, or by using other methods, indicates that the person or persons for whom the service~ are performed want the services perfom1ed in a particular method or manner. 3. TNTEGRA TION. Integration of the worker's services into the business operations
generally shows that the worker is subject to direction and conlrol When the success or continuation of a business depends to an appreciable degree upon the perfonnance of certain services, the workers who perfonn those services must necessarily be subject to a certain amount of control by the owner of the business.
4. SERVICES RENDERED PERSONALLY. If the Services must be rendered personally, presumably the person or persons for whom the services are pe1formed are interested in the methods used to accomplish the work as well as in the results.
5. HIRING, SUPERVISING, AND PAYING ASSISTANTS. If the person or persons for whom the services are performed hire, supervise, and pay assistants, that factor generally shows control over the workers on the job. However, if one worker hires, supervises, at1d pays the other assistants pursuant to a contract under which the worker agrees to provide materials and labor and under which the worker is responsib1e only for the attainment of a result. this factor indicates an independent contractor status. 6. CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP. A continuing relationship between the worker
and the person or peTsons for whom the services are pe1·fonned indicates that an employer-employee relationship exists. A conlinuing relationship may exist where work is performed at frequently recuning although irregular intervals. 7. SET HOURS OF WORK. The establishment of set hours of work by the person
or persons for whom the services are perlbrmed is a factor indicating control. 8. FULL TIME REQUIRED. lfthe worker must devote substantially fu11 time to
the business of the person or persons for whom the services are perfonned, such person or persons have contro) over the an-\ount of time the worker spends working and impliedly restrict the worker from doing other gainful work. An independent contTaclor on the other hand, is free to work when and for whom he or she chooses. 9. DOING WORK ON EMPJ .. OVER'S PRE1vflSES. I f'thc work is performed on the
premises of the person or persons for whom the services are perfom1ed, that factor suggests control over the worker, especially if the work could be done elsewhere. Work done offthe pTemises of the person or persons receiving the services, such as at the office oflhe worker, indicates some freedom from control. However, this fact by itself does not mean that the worker is not an employee. The impOTtance of this factor depends on the nature of the service involved and the extent to which an employer generally would require that employees perform such services on the employer's premises. Contro1 over the place of work 1s indicated when the person or persons for whom the services are perfonned have the right to compel the worker to
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travel a designated route, to canvass a territory within a certain time, or lo work at specific places as required. 10. ORDER OR SEQUENCE SET. If a worker must perform services in the order
or sequence sel by the person or persons for whom the services arc perfolllled, that factor ~hows that the worker is not free to follow the worker's own pattern of work hut musl roll ow the established routines and schedules of the person or persons for whom the services are perfonncd. Often, because oflhe nature of an occupation, the person or persons ror whom the services arc performed do not set the order of the services or setthe orderin frequently. It is sufficient to show control, however, if such person or persons retain the right to do so.
11. ORAL OR WRITTEN REPORTS. A requirement that the worker submit regular or written reports to the person or persons for whom the services are perfonncd indicates a degree of control.
12. PAYMENT. BY HOUR WEEK, MONTH. Payment by the hour, week, or month generally points to an employer-employee relationship, provided that this method of paymet1t is not just a convenient way of paying a lump sum agreed upon as the cost of a job. Payment made by the job or on straight commissjon generally indicates that the worker is an independent contractor. 13. PAYMENT OF BUSINESS AND/OR TRAVELING EXPENSES. If the person
or persons for whom the services a.re pcrfom1ed ordinarily pay the worker's business and/or traveling expenses, the worker is ordinarily an employee. An employer, to be ab le to contro 1 expenses, generally retains the right to regulate and direct the worker's business activities.
14. FURNISHING OF TOOLS AND MATERIALS. The fact that the person or persons for whom the services arc performed furnish significant tools:, materials, and other equipment tends to show the existence nf an employer-employee relationship. 15. SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT. Tfthc worker invests in facilities that are used
by the worker in pcrfonning services and arc not typically maintained by employees (such as the maintenance of an office rented at fair value from an unrelatecl party), that fack',r tends to indicate that the worker is an independent contractor. On the other hand, lack ofinvestmcnt in facilities indicates dependence on the person or persons for whom the services are performed for such facilities and, accordingly, the existence of an employer-employee relationship.
16. REALIZATION OF PROFIT OR LOSS. A worker who can realize a profit or suffer a loss as a result of the worker's services (in addition to the profit or loss ordinarily realized by employees) is generally m1 independent contractor, but the worker who cannot is an employee. See Rev. Rul. 70-309. For example, ifthe worker is subject to a real risk of economic loss due to significant investments or a bona fide liability for expenses, such as salary payments to unrelated employees, that factor indicates that the worker is an independent contractor. The risk that a worker will not receive payment for his or her services, however, is common lll both independent contractors and employees and thus does not constitute a sufficient economic risk to support treatment as an independc11t contractor. 17. WORKING FOR MORE THAN ONE FIRM AT A TIME. If a workerperforms
more than de minimus services for a multiple of unrelated persons or funis at the same time, that factor generally indicates that the worker is an independent contractor. However, a worker who performs services for more than one person may be an employee of each of the persons, especially where such persons are part of the same service arrangement.
18. MAKING SERVICE AVAlLABJ.E TO GENERAL PUBLIC. The fact that a worker makes his or her services available to the general public on a regular and consistent basis indicates an independent contractor relationship.
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19. RTGHT TO DISCHARGE. 111e right to discharge a worker is a f'actor indicating that the worker is an employee and the person possessing the right is an employer. An employer exercises control through the threat of dismissal, which causes the woTker to obey the employer's instnictions. An independent contractor, on the other hand, cannot be fired so long as the independent contractor produces a result that meets the contract specifications.
20. RIGHT TO TERMINATE. If the worker has the right to end his or her relationship with the person for whom the services are perfom1ed al any lime he or she wishes without incuning liability, that factor indicates an employer- employee relationship.
Rev. Rul. 87-41, 1987-1 Cum.Bui. 296, 298-299 (internal citations on1itted).
l11 Chin y. United States, 57 F.3d 722, 725 (9th Cir. 1995) the Ninth Circuit carefully analyzed the issu
of who is an "emplc.)yee" for employment tax purposes.
TI1c determination of an individual's status as an employee OT an independent contractor for tax purposes involves a mixed question of law and fact that is predominantly one of fact which this court reviews for clear error. Professional and Executive Leasing. luc. v. CIR .. 862 F.2d 751, 753 (9th CiT.1988) (mixed question of law/fact); McGuire v. United States, 349 F.2d 644,646 (9th Cir.1965) (question of fact).
Undet federal tax law, courts look to "the usual common law rules" when distinguishing between employees and independent contractors. Treas.Reg. § 3 1.3121 ( d)-1 ( c )( 1) ( 1980). '111ese common law factors include:
(1) the right to contml the details of the work; (2) famishing of tools and the workplace; (3) withholding of tax.es, workmen's compensation and unemployment
insurance lands; ( 4) right to discharge; and (5) permanency of the relationship.
Professional and Executive Leasing, luc., 862 F.2d at 753.
The first Professional factor, right to control, has been deemed the •'fundamental test"in distinguishing employees from independent contractors. Id. at 753; McGuire, 349 F.2d at 646. The Treasury Regulations similarly make control the locus of concern:
Generally [an employer/employee] relationship exists when the person for whom services arc pcrf'ormcd has the right to control and direct the individual who performs the services, not only as to the result to be accomplished by the work but also as to the details and n1eans hy which that result is accomplished. That is, an employee is subject to lhe will and control of the employer not only as to what shall be done but how it shall be done. In this com1ection, it is not necessary that the employer actually direct or control the manner in which the services are perfonned; it is sufficient i rhe has the right to do so.
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1 Treas.Reg.§ 31.3121(d)-l(c)(2).
2 Chin, 57 F .3d at 725 (holding that Dr. Chin was an independent contractor entitled to the foreign
3 earned jncomc exclusion n1ther than an employee of'thc Agency for International Development).
4 b. Failure to collect or trutht"ully account for and pay over tax
5 The United States must establish that the defendant failed to co11ect, account for, or pay over
6 the taxes collected from employees as that obi igatio11 is imposed under Title 26. While there are
7 no cases which define the term "account for,, in the context of a criminal prosecution, cases
8 involving 26 U.S.C. § 6672, the civil counterpart to § 7202, reflect that an employer's duty to
9 ''account for'' taxes collected fi-l)m his employees requires the employer to deposit the withheld "trust
10 fond,, taxes on a timely basis and file a quarterly tax return at the end of the month following the
11 taxable quarter for which the return is made. See Wood v. United States, 808 F .2d 411, 414 (5th Cir
12 1987); United Siding Sygply, Tnc. v. United States, 95-1 lJSTC (CCH) ~ 50,269, at 87,995, (N.D.
13 Okla. April 11, 1995)(No. 93-C-607 BU); Rykoffv. United States, 93-1 USTC (CCH) ii 50,104, al
14 87,396 (C.D. Cal Dec. 29, 1992)(No. CV 87-7503-T), judg. aff'd., 40 F.3d 305 (9th Cir. 1994); ~
15 also 26 C.F.R. § 31.601 t(a)-l(a)(l), § 31.6011(a)(4)(a)(1) and§ 31.6071(a)-1(a)(l).
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c. Willfulness
This clement was discussed under the failure-to-file charges, supra. Additional evidence
regaTding the employment taxes includes Hink.son's practices of paying in cash, and the later twist
of paying in silver which was then exchanged ror currency.
3. 2.1 U.S.C. § 331(a} ct seq., Misbranded and Adulterated Dru2s and Devices (Counts
Seventeen through Twenty-six)
In order to convict the defendant c.1fviolating the FDCA, the govemment must prove that:
a. The defendant
b. Intmduced into interstate commerce;
c. A drug or device;
d. Which was adulterated or misbranded.
21 U.S.C. § 33l(a).
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1 a. Criminally Responsible Persons
2 The FDCA is unusual in that il is a strict liability offense. Neither intent nor knowledge of
3 a violation is required to support a misdemeanor conviction of any ofthe prohibited acts listed in 21
4 U.S.C. § 331. United States v. Dotterweich, 320 U.S. 277 (1943); Roseman v. Uniled States, 364
5 ft'.2d 18 (9th Cir. 1966); Triangle Candy v. United States, 144 F.2d 195 (9th Cir. 1944). The absence
6 ofintenthas long been settled as proper, given the nature and purpose of the FDCA. In Dotterweich,
7 the Supreme Court held that the Act applied to "responsible" persons, and that the definition of that
8 tem1 was a question of fact for the jury. Id., at 285. The Court also ruled that more than one person
9 could be detennined to be responsible, and that both the corporation itself as welt as individuals in
1 O the corporation could be held criminally liable. As to the absence or intent, the Court stated
11 unequivllcally that this strict liability was constittLtionally sound.
12 Hardship lhere may be under a statute which thus penalizes the transactjon though consciousness of wrongdoing be totally wanting. Balancing relative hardships,
13 Congress has preferred to place it 011 those who have at least the opportunity of informing themselves of the existence of conditions imposed for the protection of
14 consumers before sharing in illicit commerce, rather than to throw the hazard on the innocent public who are wholly helpless.
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320 U.S. at 284 .. 85.
Detennining criminally liable "responsible" persons is properly based not on a titular position
such as president or owner (aJthough one's title may be evidence of responsibility) but rather on "a
responsible relation to the situation" and the accompanying "authority and responsibility to deal with
the situation" that created the violation. United States v. Park, 421 U.S. 658, 674 (1975)(affirming
criminal conviction of grocery store chain preside11t whose firm shipped contaminated food). Park
held that "the Government establishes a prima facie case when it introduces evidence sufficient to
wammt a iinding by the facllindcr that the defendant had, by reason of his position in the
corporation, responsibility and authority either to prevent in the first instance, or promptly correct,
the violation ... and that be failed to do so." Id. at 673-74. The Supreme Court has described the
requirements imposed on the responsible parties as •'beyond question demanding, and perhaps
onerous, but they arc no more stringent than the public has a right to expect of those who voluntarily
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assume positions of anthority in business enteJPrises whose services and products affect the health
and well-being of the public that supports them." ld. at 672.
An individual who has responsibility for the business activities of a company may be held
personally liable for introducing unapproved, adulterated or misbranded products into interstate
commerce. Le11es v. United States, 241 F.2d 21, (9lh Cir. 1957). Absence from a manufacturing
facility al particular times is not a bar to prosecution of a responsible person in the corporation, such
as a corporate presjdcnt. Golden Grain Macaroni Co. v. United States, 209 F.2d 166 (9th Cir.
1953)(adulleratcd foods). The duty of care is personal, and the 1·esponsible person may not escape
criminal liability merely by delegating duties toothers. United States v. Starr, 535 F.2d 512 (91h Cir.
1976)(corporate secretary-treasurer resp011siblc for mice infested food warehouse). As with
employment tax charges, more than one person may be found responsible for the criminal violations
of the FDCA, as can both a natural person and a corporation. See Dotterweich, 320 U.S. 277;
Lelles, 241 F.2d 21.
b. Interstate Commerce Ne~us
The interstate commerce requirement is satisfied by showing either: (I) commerce between
any State or Territory and any place outside thercot~ or (2) commerce within the District of
Columbia or within any other Territory not organized with a legislative body. 21 U.S.C. § 321 (b).
The shipment of any article of food, drug~ device or cosmetic, or any component of these articles,
across states lines is within the statutory definition of' jnterstate celmmcrce. See Barnes v. United
States, 142 F.2d 648 (9l11 Cir. 1944)(item shipped need not be a fittlshed product; one ingredient is
sufficient).
The courts have construed this definition liberally in order to effectuate Congress' intent to
provide maximum protection to the public health and safety. As the Supreme Court observed in
United States v. Sullivan, 332 U.S. 689,696 (1948), Congress sought through the Act "lo safeguard
the consumer by applying the Act to articles from the moment of their introduction into interstate
commerce a11 the way to the moment of their delivery to the ultimate co11sumcr."
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c. Drugs or Devices
Druas
The term .. drug'' means: (A) articles reco~ed in the official United States Phannacopocia, official
Homeopathic Phannacop<.'>eia of the United States, or official National Fonnularyt or any supp lenient to any of them; and
. (B) articles intended for use fo the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; and
(C) articles ( other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals.
21 u.s.c. §321(g)(1).
The key to understanding this section is to focus on the "intended use" provision of the
statute. The intrinsic nature of the article is ilTelevant if the article is held out to have therapeutic
properties-that is, if it is represented as being able to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease, or to
affect the structure or function of the body .1 If the intended use of a product is therapeutic,
that article can be regulated as a drug. National Nutritional Foods Ass'n. v. Mathews, 557F.2d 325,
334 (2d Cir.1977). The vendc.,r's intent detennines whether a product may be regulated as a drug.
Id. at 333. The FDA is not hound by the vendor's subjective claims ofintent 1 but can find actual
therapeutic intent on the basis of objective evidence. Id. at 334.
TI1e Code of Federal Regulations provides guidance on determining intended use: The words intended ,,~es or words of similar import ... refer to the objective intent of the persons legally responsible for the labeling of drugs. The intent is detennincd by such persons' expressions or may be shown by the circumstances surrounding the distributi<.'>n of the article. This objective jntent may, for example, be shown by labeling claims, advertising matter, or oral or written statements by such persons or their representatives. Tt may be shown by the circumstances that the article is, with
1 The variety or products held to be dmgs is quite broad. United States v. An Article of ... Sudden Change, 409 F.2d 734 (2d Cir. 1969)(skin k>tion claiming to alter the structure of the skin by referring to "face lifts" and "surgery"); United States v. 250 Jars .. . U.S. Fancy Pure Honey, 218 F .Supp. 208 (E.D.Mich.1963), aft'd, 344 F.2d 288 (6th Cir.1965) (product claimed effective for "increas( ing] your vitality," was intended to affoct a function of the body and was therefore a drug); United States v. Hohensee, 243 F.2d 367, 370 (3d Cir.1957) (peppem1int tea leaves promoted for treatment of gall stones, colic, flatulence, headache, rheumatism, high blood pressure, arthritis, prostate trouble, lumbago, fits, colitis, tuberculosis, a.c;thma, and wonns); Bradlcyv. United Slates, 264F. 79, 81-82 (5th Cir.1920) (mineral water ''recommended in the treatment of Bright's Disease, Diabetes, Dropsy, Cystitis, Gout, .Rheumatisn1, Indigestion, Kidney and Bladder troubles"); Nutrilab, Inc. v. Schweiker, 547 F.Supp. 880, 883 (N.D.lll.1982) (kidney beau flour promoted as a ''starch blockcf' for weight-loss), aff'd, 713 F.2d 335 (7th
Cir.1983); United States v. 354 Bulk Cartons ... Trim Reducing-Aid Cigarettes, 178 F. Supp. 847, 851 (D.N.J.1959)(cigarettes advertised for treatment of obesity).
GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF 19
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1 the knowledge of such persons or their representatives, o rJercd and used for a purpose for which it is neither labeled nor advertised. The intended uses of an article
2 may change after it ha.c; been introduced into interstate commerce by its manufacturer. If, for example, a packer, distributor, or seller intends an article for different uses
3 than those intended by the person from whom he received the drug, such packer, distributor, or seller is required to supply adequate labeling in accordance with the
4 new intended uses. But if a manufacturer knows, or has knowledge of facts that would give him notice, that a drug introduced into interstate commerce by him is to
5 be used for conditions, purposes, ur uses other than the ones for which he oflers it, he is required to provjde adequate labeling for such a drug which accords with such
6 other uses to which the article is to be put.
7 21 C.F.R.§ 201.128 (emphasis in original).
8 "I I)t is well-established 'that the intended use of a product, within the meaning of the
9 IFDCA], is detem1incd from its label, accompanying labeling, promotional claims, advertising, and
10 any other relevant sllurce.' ... " United Slates v. Travii!, 180 F.Supp.2d 115, 119 (D.D.C.
11 2001)(citing Action on Smoking and Health v. Harris, 655 F.2d 236 (D.C.Cir. 1980). See also
12 Hanson v. United States, 417 F.Supp. 30 (D.Minn.1976), aff'd'I 540 F.2d 947 (8th Cir. 1976);
13 National Nutritional 11oods Ass'n. v. Mathews, 557 F..2d 325 (2d Cir.1977); United States v. Kasz
14 Entemriscs, 855 F.Supp. 534 (D. R.l. 1994). For example, claims in c-irculars and newspaper
15 advertisements that explain the curative properties of products tnay establish that such products are
16 drugs. V.E. lrons,Inc. v. UnitedStatcs,244F.2d34,39-45 (1-'' Cir.1957). Similarly, testimonials
17 regarding a. product's curative properties or ability ttl affoct the structure or function of the human
18 body may be used to establish the intended use of the ~icle as a drug. United States v. Millpax,
19 Inc., 313 F .2d 152, 154 (71" Cir.1963). Even a manufacturer's Internet website with links to other
20 independent websites that reference the use of the article for then1peutic purposes may establish
21 intended use. See United States v. Undetermined Quantities of ... Street Drug AUemativcs. 145
22 F.Supp.2d 692 (D.Md. 2001). United States v. Articles of Drug, 263 F.Supp. 212, 215 (D.Neb.
23 1967) (Multi-vitamin "orally represented to be an effective cure for everything from a back.ache to
24 cancer.").
25 Placing a statement on the label or jn the labeling that the product is not a drug will not
26 negate evidence of intended therapeutic use. United States v. Nutrition Services, lnc., 227 F.Supp.
27 375,387 (W.D.Pa.1964). Nor will a disclaimer that the promotional claims made for the article have
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not been evaluated, or that the article is not intended as a treatment for disease ormcdicaJ conditions,
suffice to "cancel out" statements of intended therapeutic use.
WaterOr. ••protocols" Tecommend particular doses of various WaterOz products to treat a
wide variety of specific diseases. The diseases purportedly treated by WateT()z products include
ac.,-ne, AIDS, Alzhcintcr's Disease, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, dandruff, diabetes, Down's
Syndrome, epilepsy, gray hair, impotency, infertility, hepatitis, lupus, Lyme disease, multip]e
sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, PMS, strep throat, ulcers, and varicose veins.
Medical Devices
The term "device" means: an instrument, 3:pparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including any component, part, or accessory, which is:-
(1) recognized in the official National Formulary, or the United Stales Pharrnacopeia, or any supplement to them,
(2) intended for use in the diagn~)sis of disease or f.'>ther conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, in man or olher animals., or
(3) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals, and which does not achieve its p1imary it1tcnded pUiposes through chemical action within or on the body of man or other animals and which is not dependent upon being metabolized for the achievement of its J>rimary intended purposes.
21 U.S.C. §321 (h); FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 529U.S. 120, 126 (2000)(holding
that the FDA lacks jurisdiction to regulate tobacco products as either 0 dmgs" or "devices'').
A wide variety of items have been identified as "devices'' by the courts. Sec. e.g., United
States v. Snoring Relief Labs. Inc., 210 F.3d 1081, 1084 (9th Cir. 2000)(anti-snoring mouthpiece);
Unite(l States v. Universal Mgmt. Scrvs., Inc., 191 F.3d 750, 755 (611' Cir. l 999)(electric gas grill
ig11itcr marketed as pain reliever); Church of Scientology v. Richardson, 437 F.2d 214,217 (9th Cir.
1971)(skin galvanometer); United States v. Crown Rubber Sundries Co., 67 F.Supp 92, 93 (N.D.
Ohio 1946)(condoms).
Prosecutions of those who distribute ozone machin~s for medical pwposes have been
successllll. See United States v. Dollar, 93 F.Supp. 2d 1234 (M.D. Fla. 2000)(sale of ozone
generators using 0 rcctal insufflation" to deliver ozone to the body and thereby cure cancer and
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AIDS); United States v. Thiefault, 275 F.3d 51 (tablc)(l lth Cir. 2001)(sale of ozone machines and
2 attached body bags and catheters to treat cancer, AIDS and Alzhcimer's).2
3 MisbrandinK
4 "Misbranded" drugs or devices are those using false or misleading labels, packaging, or
S containers. 21 U.S.C. § 352. A "lahel" includes anything presented to the customer in immediate
6 connection with his view and purchase of the product. United States v. 24 Bottles "Sterling Vinegar
7 and Honey Aged in Wood Cider Blended With Finest Honey Contents l Pint Product of Sterling
8 Cider Co., Inc., Sterling, Mass.", 338 F.2d. 157 (2d Cir 1964) . · Unlabeled drugs are considered
9 misbranded. 21 U.S.C. § 352(b). A dmg or device lhat is not labeled with adequate directions for
10 its use is misbranded. 21 U.S.C. § 352(f)(l); United States v. Urbutcit, 335 U.S. 355, 356
11 ( 1948)e'sinuothennic" machines designed to cure cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, and arthritis);
12 United States v. Millpax. Inc., 313 F.2d 152 (71h Cir.1963). A misbranded drug or device is also one
13 that is not manufactured in a registered establishment. 21 U.S.C. § 352(0). Promotional literature
14 distributed as part of marketing a product can result in misbranding charges, even if the drugs
15 themselves arc not hannful. United States v. Kordel, 164 F.2d 913 (7th Cir. 1947)(extravagant
16 claims as to benefits ofmincral compounds)1 afrd, 335 U.S. 345 (1948). Attempts to label a product
17 as harmless natural supplements, accompanied by oral representations of medicjnal remedy value
18 are cJiminal misbranding. United States v. Cruez, 144 F.Supp 229 ('E.D. Jll. 1956)(hcrbal products
19 promoted as treatment Ibr arthritis, diabetes, and ulcers). Hut see Sterling Vinegar, 338 F.2d. at 158
20 (a "folk medicine" book sold in the same shop as the product was not a ''label").
21 A drug is also misbranded if its quantity is not what is stated on the label. However, the
22 difference must be significant. See United States v. Kraft Phenix Cheese Cor:p., 18 F. Supp. 60
23 (S.D.N.Y. 1936)(directed verdict forcheescmanufacturerwhose half-pOlmd packages were deficient
24 by an average of one-quarter-ounce).
25
26
27
21ntereslingly, defendants Ke11neth Thiefault and Mardel Barber lived in Idaho County, near David Hinkson. They were also convicted ofa Klein conspirn.cy, and were long-time tax protesters and nonfilers. Their convictions and sentences were reported in the Idaho County Free Press on January 7, 1999. Likewise, the Dollars were tax protesters with Ku Klux Klan and militia ties who represented themselves at trial.
28 GOVERNMENT'S TRIAi.. BRIEF 22
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1 Adulteration
2 Drugs are considered adulterated if strength, quality, or purity arc less than represented .. 21
3 U.S.C. § 351 (c); Woodward Labs. Inc. v. United States, 198 F.2d 995, 996-97 (9ttl Cir. 1952)(drug
4 strength between 23 and 73 percent less than label staled). Most drugs must be in the range of 90-
5 110% of the labeled strength, according to the USP. Adulterated devices are those which should
6 have been submitted l<.'> the FDA for approval but are marketed without such approval. 21 U.S.C.
7 § 351 (f)(l)(B).
8 d. Unit of Prosecution
9 It is proper to charge a separate o:ff ensc for each adulterated or misbranded product. Akin
10 Dist. of Florida v. United States, 399 F.2d 306 (51h Cir. 1968){each count referred to a different
11 adulterated. food). Separate counts may be charged for false medical claims and false representations
12 as lo quantity. Empire Oil & Gas Com. v. United States, 136 F.2d 868 (9th Cir. 1943)(inforn1alion
13 which charged misbranded drug claims and misbranded ointment quantity was not duplicitous).
14 4. 31 U.S.C. §§ S324(a}(3) & (c)(2) Structurine Financial Tra.nsactions (Counts
15 Twenty-seven through Forty-two).
16 lnordertnconvictthedefendantofstmcturing financial transactions, the United Stalesnmst
17 prove that:
18 (I) the defendant knew of the re1evant reporting requirements; a11d
19 (2) the defendant structured, or attempted to stn1cture, or assisted in structuring the charged
20 financial transaction for the purpose of avoiding the reporting requirement;
21 (3) the purpose of the structured transaction was to evade the cmTency transaction reporting
22 requirement; and
23 ( 4) The structured transaction involved one or more domestic financial institutions.
24 31 U.S.C. §5324(a)(3){as amended); sec also United Slates v. Ahmad, 213 F.3d 805, 809 (4lh Cir.
25 2000); United Stales v. Threadgill, 172 F.3d 357, 371 n. l 0 (51" Cir. 1999); United States v. Tipton,
26 5614'.Jd 1009, 1012 (9th Cir. 1995).
27
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1 The government must prove that the defendant acled with the intent to avoid the required
2 reporting, but need no longer prove that the de fcndant acted willfully, knowing that structuring itself
3 was a criminal offense. Tn Ratzlaf v. United States, 510 U.S. 135 (1994), the Supreme Court
4 reversed the conviction of a losing gambler who stn1ctured a $160,000 cash payment to a Reno
5 casino it1 order to avoid triggering the currency transaction reports (CTR's) required by law.
6 Focusing on the ''willfulness" element c:,rthc statute in effect at the time of Mr. Ral~lars conduct,
7 the Court reversed the convictions but left the door open for congressional remedy. 510 U.S. at 14 7-
8 48. Congress responded rapidly to the invitation, amendjng 31 U.S.C. § 5324 effective September
9 23, 1994 to eliminate the "willfulness" ele1ncnt.
LO Circuits across the nation have acknowledged that Ratzlafhas been overruled by statute for
11 offenses committed after the effective date ofthe amended law. United States v. Lindberg. 220 F .3d
12 1120, 1122 n.2 (9th Cir. 2000); Ahmad, 213 F.3d at 809; Threadgill, 172 F.3d at 371 n.10 (5th Cir.
13 1999). The government must now prove that a defendant structured financial transactions with the
14 intent to evade the reporting requirements, bu.t need not prove that he knew structuring itself was a
15 crime.
16 5. 31 U.S.C. §5317-Criminal Forfeiture
17 Criminal forfeiture occurs in two steps: (1) the judge or jury determines the forfcitability of
18 the property and the district court enters an order of forfeiture; and (2) third parties assert their
19 interests in an ancillary proceedfrtg. United States v. Pclullo, 178 F.3d 196 (3d Cir. 1999).
20 Criminal forfeiture procedures for forfeiture under 31 U.S.C §5317 are those set forth in 21
21 U.S.C. §853. 31 U.S.C. §5317(c)(l)(b). United States v. Kirschenbaum, 156 F.3d 784 (7th Cir.
22 l 998)(incorporation of procedures from section 853 is a shorthand way to avoid having to reiterate
23 procedures in subsequently enacted statutes; the procedures apply as they would in a drug case, but
24 no drug nexus is required). Under Rule 32.2(b), the criminal trial must be bifurcated into guilt and
25 forfeiture phases: Rule 32.2(h)(l) states that the forfeiture prnceeding takes place "as soon as
26 practicable" after court enters guilty verdict. The defendant has no constitutional right to jury
27 determination on forfeiture issues, but Rule 32.2(b)(4) givesthe defendant the right to demand a jury trial
28 GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF 24
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Rule 32.2(b)(4) also limits the jury's role to one lhing • detennining whether the requisite nexus
2 between the property and the offense has been established. Hearsay evidence may he used in the
3 forfeiture phase. United States v. GaAkin, 2002 WL 459005 (W.D.N. Y. 2002) (in the forfeiture
4 phase of the trial, the parties may offer evidence not already in the record; hccause forfeiture is part
5 of sentencing, such evidence may include reHable hearsay).
6 Criminal forfeiture is part of the sentence; it is not a substantive element of the offense.
7 Libretti v. United Slates, 516 U.S. 29 (1995); United States v. Dieter, 198 F.3d 1284, 1289 (11th Cir.
8 1999) (because forfeiture is part of sentencing, preponderance standard applies to all section 853(a)
9 forfeitures); Ultitcd States v. Garcia .. Guizar, 160 F.3d 511, 518 (9th Cir. 1998) (preponderance
JO standard is constitutional because criminal forfeiture is not a separate offense, but only an additional
11 pe1~ally for an offense that was establishe<.l beyond a reasonable doubt). Moreover, because
12 forfeiture is part of sentencing, tbe United States may seek forfeiture or more than the amount
13 specified in the indictment. United States v. Descent, 292 F.3d 703 {11th Cir. 2002) (because
14 forfeiture is part of' sentencing, modifications to amount Govemmcnt is seekjng as money j udgmcnt
15 do not constitute constructive amendments to the indictment).
16 Herc, although coW1t forty-three identifies the wrong statutory citation for the forfeiture
17 provision, the United States h.as filed a bill of particulars identifying tbe correct statutory provision,
18 31 U.S.C. §53 l 7(c), authorizing forfeiture of property traceable to the structuring financial
19 transactions offenses, 31 U.S.C. §5324(a)(3). Upon conviction of the defendant of any of the
20 structuring offenses set forth in counts 27-42 of the indictment, the United States intends to seek
21 forfeiture or property traceable to the structuring offenses, including the amount of money involved
22 in the off cnse, the United States currency or other monetary instnunents in the Kamiah Comnmnity
23 Credit Union bank account involved in the structuring or any other substitute property.
24 As no party has yet asked for jury trial of the forfoiture issue under Fed. R. Crim. P.
25 32.2(b)(4), the United States has separately filed a request for the Court to detem1ine before whom
26 the forfeiture issue will be tried. Absent an affim1ative response by the defendant that he will seek
27
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a jury trial, forfeitability should be decided by the Court upon conviction of the defendant on any
of the structuring offenses.
The United States has not yet submitted proposed jury instructions on forfeiture, and does
not intend to do so unless lhc defenda11t makes a specific demand that the jury, llpon convicting him
of one of the structuring offenses, detenn.ine forfeitability of the property identified in the
indictment.
B, PQ'fENTIAL DEFENSES
1. Good Faith Misunderstandine of the Tax Laws
Willfulness is the "jntentional vic.llation of a known legal duty." Check v. United States, 498
U.S. 192, 200 (1991); United States v. Pomponio, 429 U.S. 10, 12 (1976); United States v. Pallan,
571 F.2d 497,501 (9th Cir.1978). Willfulness is dctennined by a subjective standard rather than an
objective one, and the defendant's beliefs need not he objectively reasonable. Check, 498 U.S. at
203. However, the jury may "consider the reasonableness of the defendant's asserted beliefs in
dctennining whether the belief was honestly or genuinely held.n !Jpited States v. Gnmewald, 987
F.2d 531, 536 (8111 Cir. 1993). Although ignorance and misunderstanding of the law maybe asserted
to foreclose a finding of willfulness 011 the part of a defendant, disagreement with the validity of a
1aw may not Once it has been established that the defendant was aware of a legal duty and
_intentionally violated that duty, it is no defense that the defendant believed that the Jaw imposing the
duty was unconstitutional. Cheek. 498 U.S. at 205-06.3
2. Defendant was Not Reguired to File Returns
David Hinkson has stated that he is not reqttired to file returns. This argument is frivolous
and has been consistently rejected as such. United States v. Dawes, 951 F .2d 1189 (10th Cir. 1991 );
United States v. Pederson, 784 F .2d 1462, 1463 (9th Cir. 1986 )( characterizing vagueness argument
as "mcritlcss"); United States v. Karlin, 785 F.2d 90, 91(3d Cir. 1986)(arguments 0 frivolous and
require no discussion"). See also !Jnited States v. Mas§.!, 948 F.2d 923, 934 (5th Cir. 1991 )(holding
'Joh11 Cheek was convicted on remand. United States v. Check, 3 F.3d 1057, 1059 (7th Cir. 1993).
GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF 26
.. . Case 3:02-cr-00142-8.-RCT Document 145 Filed 0./2003 Page 27 of 34
1 that defendant's argument that he is a "non-citizen" and "non-resjdent" is frivolous),; United Stales
2 v. Sloan, 939 F.2d499, 500 (7th Cir. 1991) (rejecting defendant's '•strange argument" that he was not
3 a U.S. citizen, but rather a citizen ofthe State oflndiana); Fox v. Commissic.l11erorintcmal Revenue,
4 65 T.C. Memo 1993-277, p. 4 (1993)(holding that petitioner's position that he is a "nonresident
5 alien" is fiivolous and groundless); Cleveland v. United States, 76 A.P.T.R. 2d 95-7530 (D. Mont.
6 1995) (rejecting arb1Ument that pn, se plaintiffs arc ''nonresident aliens"); United States v. Studley.
7 783 F.2d 934, 937 (9th Cir. 1986) (noting that defendant's argument that he is not a "person" under
8 the tax laws has been "consistently and thoroughly rejected by every branch of government for
9 decades.").
lO 3. Absence of Intent in FDA Violations
11 Unlike tax offenses, there is no good faith defense Lo misbranding and adulteration charges.
12 United States v. Walker, 26 F.3d 108 (11th Cir. 1994)(intcnt to defraud instruction was sufficient and
13 defendant was 1u,t entitled to a good faith instruction); United States v. Kocmond, 200 F.2d 370 (7th
14 Cir.1952)(good faith no defense to mislabeling horse meal a, heel). There is a good faith provision
·15 for innocentmidd.lemen who rely on n,annfacturcr representations, but this safe harboris unavailable
16 to manufacturers. Barnes v. Unhcd States, 142 F.2d 648 (9th Cir. 1944)(middleman relying on
17 manufacturer's guaranty may avoid liability, but manufacturer cannot). A willful blindness or
18 · conscious avoidance instruction may be appropriate if a defendant displays deliberate ignorance of
19 adulteration. United States v. Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp., 871 F.2d 1181 (2d Cir.1989).
20 Claims by a defendant that be was powerless to prevent or correct FDA violations arc an
21 affinuative defense, with the burden of production on the defendant. United States v. Park, 421 U.S.
22 658 (1975): United States v. Starr, 535 F.2d 512 (9th Cir. 1976). See also United States v. Y. Hata
23 & Co .. Ltd., 535 F.2d 508 (9th Cir. 1976)(no objective impossjbility inslTuction in case involving
24 birds flying into storage area and contaminating rice).
25 Religious freedom claims should also fail, as "lhe exercise of religious freedom does D.Q!
26 include the freedom to violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." Church of Scientology
27 v. United States, 437 F.2d 214, 217 (9th Cir. 1971). But see, Founding Church of Scientology v.
28 GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF 27
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United States~ 409 F.2d 1146 (D.C. Cir. 1969.)(religious claims made in literature could not be
constitutionally evaluated, and therefore could not be classified as "misleading").
The WaterOz "protocoJs" contain a 0 disclaimcr" that the recommended doses are only
"suggestions" based on anecdotal data and unspecified "extensive research." The disclaimer urges
customers to consult with medical professionals, and states that the claims have 0 11ot been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administn1tion."
However, the same disclaimer also describes the protocols as "intended for sped fie health
issues" and ••not for general health supplementation." This final statement seems to confirm that the
products ''are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mltigation, treatment, or prevention of disease
in man" and are thus "drugs" under the FDCA definition. Disclaimers, in and of themselves, do not
provide a complete defense to misbranding charges. Church of Scientology v. United States, 437
F.2d. 214, 218 (91h Cir. 1971); Albeey Food Prod's v. United States, 194 F.2d 463 (9th Cir. 1952).
4. WaterOz Produets as Dietary Supplements
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHF.A) significantly altered
the way that FDA can regulate products that fall within the statutory definition of a dietary
supplement. If a product fits the definition, and the n1anufacturer has property notified the FDA of
the introduction of the product into the marketplace, the burden shifts to the .FDA to prove that a
supplement is unsafe prior to ordering a company to cease marketing or to recalJ the product.
An article may Cit into more than one FDA-regulated category. ''The definitions of drugs,
biologics and food ... are not mutually exclusive. h1deed, nothing prohibits food from also being
a biologic, and all biologics are by definition drugs." United States v. Pro-Ag, Inc., 796 F.Supp.
1219, 1224 (D.Minn. 1991 ), afrd, 968 F.2d 681 (81h Cir. 1992). "It is well estahHshed that the
definitions of food and dmg arc normally not mutually exclusive; an article that happens to be a
food but is intended for use in the treatment of disease fits square]y within the drug definition ...
and may be regulated as such." Nutrilab, lnc. y, Schweiker, 713 F.2d 335 (7th Cir. 1983). Sec also,
Grand Laboratories, Inc. v. Harris, 660 F.2d 1288, 1289 (Stl• Cir.1981 ); United States v. Calise, 217
.F.Supp. 705 (S.D.N. Y. 1962). As discussed supra, it is the intended use of an article that detennines
GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEi? 28
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· Case 3:02-cr-00142-•-RCT Document 145 Filed 0./2003 Page 29 of 34
whether the article is merely a food or dietary supplement, or a drug. When an article meets the
2 definition of a drug, it is regu1ated as such, regardless of any other category it might meet.
3 Note that§ 201(g)(I)(C) of the FDCA defines the tem1 ''drug" in part to mean "articles
4 (other than food) intended to affect the stn1cture or any function of the body of man or other
5 animals.'' 21 U.S.C. § 321 (g)(l)(C)(cmphasis added). Tt is this parenthetical exception that allows
6 foods and dietary supplements to make certain slructure/lunction claims without "transforming" into
7 a drug based on intended use.
8 This exemption, of course, does not exist in the definition of a dTug under§ 321(g){l){B).
9 TI1erefore, no food or dietary supplement ca11 make therapeutic (diagnosis, cure, miligati<m,
10 treatment, or prevention of disease) c1aims without being considered a drug.
11 Asdefinedby21 U.S.C. § 32l{ff)(3)(B)(i),adietary supplementcannothcsomcthi11gwhich
12 was approved a.~ a new dmg prior to its marketing as a food or dietary supplement. 1n Pharmanex.
13 Tue. v. Shalala, 221 F.3d 1151, 1159 (10th Cir. 2000), the n1anufacturer of an herbal supplement
14 challenged FDA 's detem'lination that their product was a "new drug" rather than a supplement.
15 Phannanex's product contained a natural substance, mevinolin, which was chemically identical to
16 the active ingredient, lovastatin, in an approved prescription drug. Pharmanex argued that
17 § 32l(ff)(3)(B) only appJied to the complete, finished drug product, nol their individual active
18 ingredients. The Tenth Circuit reversed the lower court, which had agreed with Pham1anex. •vro
19 find that I'§ 32l(ft)(3)(B)] only refers to finished drug pmducts would be to restrict this provision
20 so as to render it without practical application." ld. at 1159.
21 C. OTHEREVIDENTIARY ISSUES
22 1. Expert Summary Witness and Summary Schedules
23 Near the end ofits case, the United States will call expert/summary witnesses who are tTai11ed
24 in accounting and the computation of tax liabilities. These witnesses will provide an analysis of all
25 the witness testimony at trial, the numerous financial records introduced into evidence and explain
26 the tax consequences of the Government's evidence. The testimony may include the use of
27 summaries of voluminous evidence.
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Tl1e Rule 1006 summaries must summarize information which is voluminous, admissible,
2 an.d available for inspection. City of Phoenix v. Com/Systems, Inc., 706 F.2d 1033, 1038 (9th Cir.
3 1983); United States v. Johnson, 594 F.2d 1253, 1255 {9th Cir. 1979). Whi1e the underlying
4 documents must be admissible, they need not be admitted at trial. Johnson., 594 F.2d at 1257, n. 6;
5 United States v. Meyers, 847 F.2d 1408, 1412 (9th Cir. 1988). Sllch summaries are admissib]e
6 evidence. ld.; United States v. Wood, 943 F.2d 1048, 1053 (9th Cir. 1991).
7 The introduction of an expert summary witness and summary schedules has been approved
8 by the Ninth Circuit in tax cases, United States v. Marchini, 797 F.2d 759, 756-766 (9th Cir. 1986);
9 Goldberg v. United Slates, 789 F.2d 1341, 1343 (9th Cir. 1986); United States v. Greene, 698 F.2d
10 1364, 1367 (9'h Cir. 1983); Barsky v. United S1ates'I 339 F.2d 180 (9th Cir. 1964), a1'\d specifically
11 in bank deposits cases. United States v. Soulard, 730 F.2d 1292, 1299 (9th Cir. 1984). ''The fact of
12 a tax due and owing maybe established by documentary evidence of tax liabi]ity, accompanied by
13 asummarybyanexpett." UnitedSlatesv. Voorhics,6581•'.2d 710,715 (9th Cir.1981). A summary
14. witness draws conclusions from the evidence presented at tria1. United States v. Esser, 520 F.2d
t 5 213, 217-218 (7111 Cir. 1975). A swnmary witness may be used to help the jury organize and evaluate
16 evidence which is factually complex and :fragmentally revealed in the testimony of a multitude of
17 witnesses. See United Stales v. Baker, 10 F.3d 1374, 1411 (911' Cir. 1983). The summary witness
18 may review the evidence in a manner that advocates the government's theory of the case, and need
19 not give effect to the contentions oflhe defendant. Barsky, at 181; United States v. Moore, 997 F.2d
20 55, 58-59 (5th Cir. 1993). Copies of the summaries may be published to the jury while the expert
21 testifies c<mceming them. Id.
22 The su1mnary schedules, because they will reflect only evidence that is admitted or
23 admissible at trial, by necessity will not be finalized until short1y before the agent testifies. As such,
24 final copfos of the summary schedules wi11 be provided to the defense shortly before the agent
25 testifies.
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2. Copies
Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule 1003t a duplicate, such as a photocopy, has the
same status as an original, unless: (1) there is a genuine question as to lhe authenticity of the original
or (2) it would be unlair to admit the duplicate in lieL1 of the original.
The United States does not anticipate that either of these exceptions will apply to any of the
records introduced in this case.
3. Business Records
Criminal tax cases, of necessity, depend on documentary evidence. For the 1nost part, these
documents arc obtained from financial institutions, private business and other third parties. A
portion of the Government's evidence in this case consists of business records. TI1ese include the
bLlsincss records seized from the defendant.
Business records n1ade and kept in the regular course of business are admissible pursuant to
Rule 803{6) of the Federal Rules of Evidence. When seeking to introduce documents under Rule
803(6), the United States must produce a quali lied witness to testify that the docu111ents were made
and kept in the regular course of business. United States v. Keplinger, 776 F .2d 678> 693 (71h Cir.
1985). The phrase "other qualified witness'• is broadly jnterprcted to require only that the witness
understand the rccord .. keeping system. ld. The witness need not have actual knowledge· of the
treatment of the specjffo documents in question and need not know who actually made and kept the
records. Id.; United States v. Chappell, 698 11.2d 308, 3 l 1 (7th Cir. 1983). A challenge to the
accuracy or completeness of business records merely concems the weight of the evidence and docs
not affect admissibility. La Porta v. United States, 300 F.2d 878, 880 (9th Cir. 1962).
4. Certified Documents
TI1c United Stales anticipates offering into evidence certi fled copies of certain Internal
Revenue Service records. Tltese records arc self-authenticating and admissible pursuant to Federal
Rules of Evidence 902(4), 803(8), and 1005.
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5. Charts
The Government intends to use charts during its opening statement, examination of
witnesses, and in closing argwnent. The Ninth Circuit has consistently approved the use of charts.
Uniter.I States v. Johnson, 594 F.2d 1253 (9'h Cir. 1979); United States v. Soulard, 730 F.2d 1292,
1300 (9th Cir. 1 984 ).
Charts may be referred to during opening statement. The purpose of an opening statement
is to acquaint the jury with the substance and theory of the case and to outline the forthcoming proof
so that the jurors may more i11telligcntly folJow the testimony. Sec, e.g .. United States v. Zielic, 734
F.2d 1447, 1455 (1 ph Cir. 1984); Foster v. United States 308 F.2d 751, 753 (8th Cir. 1962). Charts
are pennitted during opening statement when they do no more than assist the jury in understanding
thenature<.lfthc proofitis aboutto hear. Sec United Statesv. De Peri, 778 F.2d963, 978-79(JdCir.
1985); United States v. Churchill, 483 F.2d 268, 274 (1 't Cir. 1973); United States v. Rubino, 431
F.2d 284, 289-290 (6th Cir. 1970).
A foundation for the admission or each chart will be established through the testimony of a
witne8.q or witnesses who will testify that the chart accurately renccts infom,ation contained in
documents already in evidence orto be received in evidence. Sec United States v. Lemire. 720 F.2d
1327, 1349 (D.C. Cir. 1983); United States v. Scales, 594 F.2d 558, 563 {6th Cir. 1979). It is not
necessary that the witness presenting the chart be an expert witness or have some specialiied
knowledge o fwhat he or she is testifying about if the chart does not contain complicated calculations
that an expert would need to explain. United St.ates v. Jennings, 724 F.2d 436,443 (5th Cir. 1984).
Courts have repeatedly alJowcd the use of charts similar to the ones the United States intends
to use in this case. See,~, Scales, 594 F.2d at 562 (summary of indictment); Jennings, 724 F.2d
at 441-443 (compilation of 200 pages of material involving substantial amount ofn1athcmatical
calculations); lJnited States v. Stephens, 779 F.2d 232, 238 (5th Cir. 1985) (simple flow charts
tracing the defendant's use of loan proceeds).
The Ninth Circuit has determined that three precautionary measures should be taken when
summary charts are used. First, the court should carefu11y examine the charts, out of the presence
GOVERNMENT'S TRJAL BRIEF 32
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1 ofthcjury, to determine that everything contajned in them is supported by proof. United States v.
2 Soulard, 730 F.2d at 1300; United States v. Abbas, 504 F.2d 123, 125 (9lh Cfr. 1974). Second, the
3 court should allow the charts to be used as a testimonial aid for witnesses and as a visual aid for
4 counsel in argument, but should not admit the charts in evidence <•r allow their use during jury
5 dcliberati<m. Id. Third, the Court should instruct the jury that the charts are an explanation of other
6 evidence and not proof per sc. The jury should be told that the charts were presented as a matter or
7 convenience and to the extent the jury finds that they arc not in truth summaries of facts arad figures
8 shc.'>wn by the ev1dence in the case, the jury should disregard them entirely. Id.
9 Subject to the court being assured that the Governmcnes charts are accurate, and that each
10 piece of information contained on the charts is supported by admissible documentary or testimonial
11 pr<>of, use of the charts should be pem1itted. The charts wi11 help the Government's proof in this
12 case.
13 Dated this/'l?,r day of September, 2003.
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GOVERNMENT'S TRIAL BRIEF
Respectfully submitted,
THOtv!AS E. MOSS United States Attomey
. radlcy ssistaat U.S. Attorney
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