Opinion ID: 491683
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Counts III and IV: Sufficiency of the Evidence

Text: 32 As set out above, Counts III and IV charged not only substantive offenses but also violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2. To prove aiding and abetting, the government must prove that the defendant associated with a criminal venture, participated in the venture, and sought by his action to make the venture succeed. Holcomb, 797 F.2d at 1328. The defendant must share the principal's criminal intent and engage in some affirmative conduct designed to aid the venture. Colwell, 764 F.2d at 1072; see United States v. Baresh, 790 F.2d 392, 399 (5th Cir.1986); Ortiz-Loya, 777 F.2d at 980. 33 The evidence supports the convictions for Count III, distribution of cocaine or aiding and abetting. In addition to the evidence summarized above, Manotas and Estrada sent for Ramirez, and Ramirez and Enriquez brought the cocaine to Estrada's cabin. 34 The evidence also supports Manotas' and Ramirez' convictions for Count IV, importation. To prove importation, the government may prove by circumstantial evidence that the defendant brought cocaine to the United States from outside the country; the government need not show that the defendant was seen carrying the drugs across the border. See United States v. Miranda, 593 F.2d 590, 597 (5th Cir.1979); United States v. Phillips, 664 F.2d 971, 1033 (5th Cir.1981), cert. denied, Meinster v. United States and Myers v. United States, 457 U.S. 1136, 102 S.Ct. 2965, 73 L.Ed.2d 1354 (1982) and Platshorn v. United States, 459 U.S. 906, 103 S.Ct. 208, 74 L.Ed.2d 166 (1982). There was testimony that the CATALINA came to Houston from Barranquilla. As set out above, Manotas boasted that he would bring twenty kilograms on his next trip. He sent for Ramirez, who brought the four kilograms for Mesa. Manotas worked in the engine room where he said the cocaine was kept. The jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that Manotas and Ramirez brought the cocaine from Colombia. Sufficient evidence supports the convictions on Count IV.