Opinion ID: 1463389
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence for Benson's Conspiracy Conviction

Text: Benson argues that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support his conviction for conspiracy. Since Benson failed to make a Rule 29 motion for judgment of acquittal at the end of the prosecution's case-in-chief, he waived any objections he may have had to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence. See United States v. Jordan, 544 F.3d 656, 670 (6th Cir.2008) (This Court will not consider challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence if the defendant failed to make a Rule 29 motion for judgment of acquittal at the end of the prosecution's case-in-chief and at the close of the evidence. Failure to make the required motions constitutes a waiver of objections to the sufficiency of the evidence. (citing United States v. Chance, 306 F.3d 356, 368-69 (6th Cir. 2002))). Thus, our review is limited to whether there was a manifest miscarriage of justice. See id. Since Benson did not make a Rule 29 motion, this court must affirm unless the record is devoid of any evidence pointing to guilt. Jordan, 544 F.3d at 670. Benson admits that a conspiracy existed, but denies any intent to join it. Thus, we review whether there is any evidence that Benson intended to and did participate in the conspiracy. Numerous witnesses testified that Benson obtained cocaine from Humphry and then re-sold the cocaine, sometimes in the form of crack. Witnesses testified that Benson visited Humphry's residence and sold the drugs that he bought from Humphry in Humphry's presence. Several empty boxes of baking soda, a component used to manufacture crack, were found in Benson's Cadillac. Also, a wrapper for a kilogram of cocaine was found inside Benson's residence. Therefore, the evidence was sufficient to conclude that Benson intended to join the conspiracy and his conviction was not a miscarriage of justice.