However, `[t]he decision whether alleged conduct falls within the statutory scope of a criminal law involves a question of law, which this Court reviews de novo. [read post]

Valle, No. 07-50869 Conviction of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent for bribery and extortion is affirmed where: 1) an official may be convicted under the federal bribery statute if he has corruptly entered into a quid pro quo, knowing that the purpose behind the payment that he has received, or agreed to receive, is to induce or influence him in an official act, even if he has no intention of actually fulfilling his end of the bargain; and 2) a decision, when issuing a… [read post]