United States v. Decoteau

KANNE, Circuit Judge The events which gave rise to Dale Decoteau's twenty-year sentence for firearm possession took place in Meredosia, a village of some 1200 inhabitants in downstate Illinois. While riding as a passenger with Decoteau, a woman observed a sawed-off shotgun slide out from under the seat of the car. Decoteau told her that the gun was to be used to ""off"" any police officers who might happen to pull him over. The following day the chief of police of Meredosia received a call from the woman, who was an acquaintance of his. The woman related her observation regarding the sawed-off shotgun and identified Decoteau by name. She also told the chief that she had seen some papers regarding Decoteau's release from prison. In addition, she gave the chief Decoteau's physical description and birth date. She also told the chief that Decoteau would be in Meredosia at the Dosh Delite restaurant at 2:00 p.m. the next day. After speaking with the witness, the chief contacted detectives at the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. The detectives ran a criminal history check on Decoteau, which disclosed a prior arrest record. The chief and the detectives agreed that the chief should meet with the witness to confirm some of the details mentioned in the phone call. That evening, the chief met with her and she repeated the information she had given on the phone. Also, during the meeting she pointed out to the chief the green Dodge station wagon in which Decoteau had given her a ride.