U.S. v. Thomas

Evans H. Starke, Jr. was convicted of 12 counts of money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(3)(B), sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, and fined $30,000. On appeal, Starke challenges the district courts jury instructions, contending that the courts deliberate ignorance instruction was erroneous. Starke also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, contending that the evidence does not support a finding that Government agents represented to him that the money was proceeds from narcotics trafficking. Starke also contends that there is insufficient evidence that he believed the money was proceeds from narcotics trafficking. Finally, Starke contends there is insufficient evidence to support a finding that he concealed or disguised his monetary transactions, as required for a money laundering conviction under § 1956(a)(3)(B). We affirm.