Canfield was accused of leaving a bank with $2,748 dollars. Police say that he was seen stuffing money down his pants and he was identified as the robber by a teller.
After seeing money falling out of his pants in the station, officers asked him to stand up and the remainder fell out in front of them.
It presents an interesting search. Police are allowed to search his body regardless as part of custodial powers at booking. In this case, however, they only had to ask that he stand. Even if he was not in custody, the act would be considered voluntary, but even if done under orders of the officers, it would not be a violation of the fourth amendment. Indeed, Canfield was leaving a trail for any officer to follow.
This would have actually been a clever plan if the money was scooped up by bystanders except for that roughly $400 that dropped out in the final “shake down.”
Not surprisingly, he has reportedly admitted to the bank robbery but insisted that he needed the money to see his mother in Colorado. He is charged with robbery and burglary.
Source: Modesto Bee