United States v. Ely

Michael Ely was convicted by a jury of bulk cash smuggling and making a false and fictitious material statement and representation to a Customs and Border Protection officer in violation of 31 U.S.C. §§ 5316 and 5332, and 18 U.S.C. § 1001. The jury also found that Elys interest in the property was subject to forfeiture to the United States pursuant to section 5332. The district court subsequently sentenced Ely to five months imprisonment and five months of home detention to be served as a condition of supervised release, as well as ordering the forfeiture pursuant to the jury verdict. Ely now appeals the forfeiture and his sentence.