Richard Bruce Kitchen v. United States

PER CURIAM: On May 26,1974, Kitchen, represented by counsel, was convicted in a nonjury trial for the distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 56 grams of phencyclidine and 16 grams of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C.A. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C.A. § 2. The conviction was affirmed on direct appeal. Thereafter, Kitchen filed a motion to vacate sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C.A. § 2255 on the ground that the Government failed to prove that the alleged offenses were committed in the Southern District of Florida. The district court denied relief. We affirm. Kitchen first raised the issue of venue over a year after sentencing. Defects relating to venue are waived unless asserted prior to trial. Harper v. United States, 5 Cir. 1967, 383 F.2d 795. In any event, there is ample proof that the drugs were sold in the Southern District of Florida. Cf. United States v. Graves, 5 Cir. 1970, 428 F.2d 196. AFFIRMED.