Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

United States of America v. Luis Enrique Santiago-Perez

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Before Torruella, Lipez and Howard, Circuit Judges.

Defendant-appellant Luis Santiago-Perez ((“Santiago”) was convicted of attempting to possess with an intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a controlled substance, but acquitted of conspiracy to possess with an intent to distribute the same substance. See 18 U.S.C. § 2; 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II), 846. Resting on Federal Rule of Evidence 403, the appellant argues that the district court erroneously admitted evidence of the amount of money that he and his companions were carrying when traveling to the British Virgin Islands. Discerning no error, we affirm.

During the afternoon of March 15, 2009, Santiago and two other men arrived at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands after traveling by ferry from St. Thomas. A customs officer asked Santiago about a “bulge” that she saw in his left pocket. He acknowledged that it was money and placed the cash on the counter when requested to do so; it totaled $5,000. The other two men also revealed the cash that they were carrying, one having $15,000 on him and the other having over $9,000. Because the $15,000 cache exceeded the legal limit for undeclared money and the defendant’s companions apparently spoke little English, the customs officer asked Santiago whether he knew that one of his friends was carrying an unlawful amount. Santiago initially answered in the negative, but he then explained that the purpose of his visit to the Virgin Islands was to purchase a horse, and that he had parceled out his purchase money to each man in an effort to circumvent the declaration requirement. Santiago was unsure of the name or location of the person from whom he intended to buy the horse. Ultimately, while retaining possession of the $15,000, the customs officer permitted the trio to continue on their way with the remaining money — about $14,000 — intact.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Elite Trial Lawyers 2025
July 10, 2025
New York, NY

The National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers recognizes U.S.-based law firms performing exemplary work on behalf of plaintiffs.


Learn More
National Law Journal Awards 2025
November 05, 2025
Washington, D.C.

The National Law Journal honors attorneys & judges who've made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the D.C. area.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY DEFENSE LITIGATION

d Arcambal Ousley & Cuyler Burk, LLP, a well-established women-owned litigation firm, has an opening in our Parsippany, NJ office. We of...


Apply Now ›
Senior Associate Wanted for Thriving Litigation Boutique (Wilmington, DE)

Our client, a litigation services boutique, is seeking to add a senior litigation associate to support their rapidly growing practice. A Big...


Apply Now ›
BANKRUPTCY AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION ATTORNEY Philadelphia, PA or Wilmington, DE (2-5 years experience)

McCarter & English, LLP, a well established and growing law firm, is actively seeking a talented and driven associate having 2-5 years o...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs

Breaking news and trends for law firm and legal departments about the evolving federal regulations in a volatile political climate.

Federal Legal News
Special Coverage
Surveys & Rankings
National Law Journal