Opinion ID: 222737
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Single Conspiracy Determination

Text: Miller also argues that the district court mistook several distinct conspiracies for a single conspiracy. Although Miller was not charged with a conspiracy, the court allowed the government to introduce statements made by co-conspirators based on a single conspiracy theory. We review the district court's single conspiracy determination for clear error, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the government. See United States v. Ceballos, 302 F.3d 679, 688 (7th Cir.2002). A single conspiracy exists if the co-conspirators joined to effectuate a common design or purpose, id., with the focus of the court's inquiry on that common purpose. The government must demonstrate that the defendant joined the agreement alleged, not just the group. See United States v. Longstreet, 567 F.3d 911, 919 (7th Cir.2009). So long as the co-conspirators embraced a common criminal objective, a single conspiracy existed even if a participant did not know all of his co-conspirators and did not participate in every aspect of the scheme. United States v. Mojica, 185 F.3d 780, 786-87 (7th Cir.1999). The evidence here was consistent with a single conspiracy theory. It showed an agreement to carry out a plan designed to generate income to the individuals involved by means of fraud. Over three years and the dozens of sales they completed, the schemers embraced this common goal, carrying out their different roles and responsibilities. Evidence of frequent and repeated transactions can support a single conspiracy theory. Cf. United States v. Blanding, 53 F.3d 773, 780 (7th Cir.1995). The cohorts' cooperation and coordination also indicate the same. See United States v. Handlin, 366 F.3d 584, 590 (7th Cir.2004) (trust, cooperation, and delineation of duties among participants in a common scheme overcomes any doubt that this was anything other than a single, broad conspiracy). Miller was a key player in at least six transactions, each of which furthered the broader scheme. Because the district court did not err in its single-conspiracy determination, this challenge to Miller's conviction also fails.