Stretched Too Far: Abouammo and the Limits of § 1519 Venue

The government prosecuted Ahmad Abouammo under 18 U.S. C. § 1519 in a jurisdiction where the alleged crime did not occur, and the Supreme Court struck the conviction down for lack of venue. It sounds simple enough, but there is more here than meets the eye. The Supreme Court’s decision gives rise to powerful arguments criminal defense attorneys can use in cases beyond this white collar obstruction statute.