963 F. 2d 382 - Davis v. United States

After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist the determination of this panel. See Fed.R.App.P. 34(e); 10th Cir.R. 34.1.9. The cause is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Duvalier A. Davis appeals the denial of his claim for relief, under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, in which he asserted the district court did not have jurisdiction to try him and that "cocaine base" is a constitutionally vague term. We affirm.

Mr. Davis contends that because he was arrested by local police, and not federal agents, federal authorities had no jurisdiction over him. He further asserts he was not arrested for an offense against the United States. The argument is specious.

Violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), the conduct for which Mr. Davis was indicted, results in the commission of a federal crime. That result is not abrogated because the offender was not arrested by a federal agent. The determinative fact is whether the charged conduct violates a federal law for which a federal grand jury can return an indictment.

Mr. Davis confuses the authority granted the Attorney General under 21 U.S.C. § 873 to cooperate with state and local agencies in the investigation of drug offenses with the ultimate power of the federal government to prosecute persons who violate federal law. Even though conduct may constitute either a state or federal crime, the determination to prosecute is discretionary and cannot be denied in the absence of proof of improper motivation. Bordenkircher v. Hayes, 434 U.S. 357 (1978); United States v. Andersen, 940 F.2d 593 (10th Cir.1991).

The argument that the term, "cocaine base," is constitutionally vague has been ruled upon by this court already and decided contrary to Mr. Davis' contention. See United States v. Turner, 928 F.2d 956, 960 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 112 S.Ct. 230 (1991).

AFFIRMED. The mandate shall issue forthwith.