Opinion ID: 170391
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: “Evidence is sufficient to support a conviction if, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, a reasonable jury could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” United States v. LaVallee, 439 F.3d 670, 697 (10th Cir. 2006). To convict a defendant of possessing at least five grams of crack with intent to distribute, a jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that: (1) the defendant possessed at least five grams of crack cocaine; (2) he did so knowingly; and (3) he did so with the intent to distribute it. 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B). Mr. Chambers disputes that, although at least five grams of crack were found in his car, there was insufficient evidence that he intended to distribute it. When Mr. Chambers was stopped he was carrying nearly twenty grams of crack held in several baggies, a set of digital scales, over $700 in cash, and a supply of empty plastic baggies. Mr. Chambers was also wearing body armor, -12- carrying a revolver in his back pocket, and had another loaded handgun in his car. At trial, the government provided expert testimony that these items are indicative of drug dealing. Furthermore, Agent Coyle testified that Mr. Chambers told him that he was carrying the drugs because of his “need for money” to pay his legal expenses. Trial Tr. 133. These facts are sufficient for a rational jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Chambers intended to distribute at least five grams of crack.