Opinion ID: 777133
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Conspiracy to distribute.

Text: 30 To convict a defendant of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt (1) the existence of an agreement to achieve some illegal purpose; (2) the defendant's knowledge of the agreement; and (3) the defendant's knowing participation in the conspiracy. United States v. Mora-Higuera, 269 F.3d 905, 910 (8th Cir.2001) (citation omitted). A conspiracy may be inferred from circumstantial evidence. United States v. Grimaldo, 214 F.3d 967, 975 (8th Cir.2000). 31 The government argued that Gonzales and Cruz, together with Cesena and Ramirez, conspired to distribute methamphetamine. 5 The government contends the circumstantial evidence, when viewed cumulatively, supports the jury's finding a conspiracy existed. 32 Cesena ceased cooperating with police and did not testify at trial. The district court granted a motion in limine excluding testimony about the contents of telephone calls initiated by Cesena on June 28-29, 2000. The evidence adduced at trial was that officers observed Gonzales talking on a cellular phone at the Mexican market shortly after being notified that Cesena had initiated a phone call. The evidence also established that when an officer dialed the telephone number Cesena had dialed earlier, the cellular phone found in the Ramirez vehicle being used by Cruz and Gonzales rang. 33 A jury could reasonably infer from the timing that Gonzales spoke to Cesena. However, without evidence of the contents of their telephone conversation, a jury could only speculate as to what was discussed. Similarly, a jury could infer from their use of Ramirez's vehicle and entry into the house Ramirez leased that Gonzales and Cruz knew Ramirez. However, without evidence establishing why Gonzales and Cruz used the car and why the defendants drove to the house, and what transpired once they were inside the house, a jury could only speculate as to what occurred that day. 34 None of the inferences reasonably drawn from the evidence establish the defendants knew of or participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence of association or acquaintance with a known drug dealer and mere presence at the location of the crime alone, even when coupled with knowledge of crime, are not sufficient to establish guilt on a conspiracy charge. United States v. Jensen, 141 F.3d 830, 834 (8th Cir.1998). Therefore, we conclude the record does not reflect sufficient evidence to support a jury verdict that Gonzales and Cruz conspired to distribute methamphetamine.