Opinion ID: 626811
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Intent to Deliver

Text: The government must also prove that Williams’ possession of the marijuana corresponded with an “intent to deliver” it. The Michigan Supreme Court’s decision in Wolfe also provides the rule for what constitutes an intent to deliver: “actual delivery of narcotics is not required to prove intent to deliver. Intent to deliver has been inferred from the quantity of narcotics in a defendant’s possession, from the way in which those narcotics are packaged, and from other circumstances surrounding the arrest.” Wolfe, 489 N.W.2d at 755. It is clear that Williams had an intent to deliver the marijuana, rather than an intent to engage in mere recreational use or some other purpose. First, there was a very large amount of marijuana. See Wolfe, 489 N.W.2d at 755. Second, there was a plethora of drug packaging materials, including plastic baggies, bubble wrap, black duffle bags, and black garbage bags, and measuring material, including a digital weighing scale with marijuana residue on it, two razor blades, and a screw driver. See id. Importantly, officers were informed of a drug transaction that would occur at the time and place where Williams was found with the drugs. See id. These facts clearly prove that the marijuana would be packaged and delivered. In sum, we find that the district court did not abuse its discretion in finding that the government proved by a preponderance of the evidence that Williams knowingly and constructively possessed marijuana with the intent to deliver it, in violation of Mich Comp. Laws § 9 No. 10-1558 333.7401(2)(d)(iii). We also find that the district court correctly determined that a crime committed under § 333.7401(2)(d)(iii) is a Grade A violation of supervised release conditions under USSG § 7B1.1(a)(1)(A)(ii), because it is punishable for a term of up to four years. Williams does not argue that the two-year sentence imposed was unreasonable if he were found to have committed the marijuana offense.