Opinion ID: 608834
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Evidence of Constructive Possession of Firearm.

Text: 21 Sanchez argues that he could not be convicted on Count 5 (transportation of a firearm by a convicted felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) for constructive possession of Hernandez' firearm because the government introduced no direct evidence that Sanchez knew that Hernandez was carrying it. Sanchez' argument depends primarily on his unsuccessful attempt to undermine Agent Roberto's testimony concerning the incriminating statement Sanchez made on February 19, 1991. The government points out that since Sanchez proclaimed that he was in charge of the drug deal, he could be found to have controlled Hernandez. A reasonable inference could then be drawn that Hernandez was there at Sanchez' behest to protect the drugs, and Sanchez. [A]s long as a convicted felon knowingly has the power and the intention at a given time of exercising dominion and control over a firearm, ... directly or through others, he is in [constructive] possession of the firearm. United States v. Wight, 968 F.2d 1393, 1398 (1st Cir.1992) (emphasis added); see also United States v. McAnderson, 914 F.2d 934, 947-48 (7th Cir.1990). The evidence was sufficient to establish Sanchez' constructive possession of the firearm carried by Hernandez. 22