Opinion ID: 666625
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Possession pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a)(1)

Text: 39 To support Vegas's conviction under 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a)(1), the government must prove that he (1) knowingly (2) possessed cocaine (3) with intent to distribute it. United States v. Poole, 878 F.2d 1389, 1391 (11th Cir.1989). See United States v. Morales, 868 F.2d 1562, 1573 (11th Cir.1989). The government may prove each of these elements with direct or circumstantial evidence. United States v. Pruitt, 763 F.2d 1256, 1264 (11th Cir.1985), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1084, 106 S.Ct. 856, 88 L.Ed.2d 896 (1986). The government may prove constructive possession if it shows a defendant maintained dominion or control over the drugs or over the premises where the drugs are located. Poole, 878 F.2d at 1392. 40 Vegas maintains that the government failed to prove he knew of the cocaine stored in the residence, or that he possessed it with intent to distribute. This contention needs little discussion because as we stated above, the facts and circumstances of this case supported the jury's conclusion that Vegas voluntarily participated in the conspiracy to distribute drugs. Thus, on the substantive possession charge the jury was free to infer that the presence of the cocaine in Vegas's bedroom, with purity matching the purity of the cocaine found in the basement, showed that Vegas knew of the larger stash of cocaine in the basement. Furthermore, Vegas's unrestricted access to the home permitted the jury to reasonably infer that he exercised control over the house and therefore maintained constructive possession of the cocaine found at the house. See Poole, 878 F.2d at 1392 (constructive possession need not be exclusive and can be proven through knowing control over the premises on which the substance is located). 41 Because sufficient evidence exists to support both of Vegas's convictions, we reject his arguments. 42 All other issues on appeal are meritless.