Opinion ID: 2977284
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Willie’s Motion for Acquittal

Text: Willie next asserts that the district court wrongly denied his motion for acquittal because there is insufficient evidence demonstrating that he specifically intended to join or that he joined the alleged conspiracy. On de novo review, we reject his argument because the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the Government, would allow a rational trier of fact to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. See United States v. McGee, 529 F.3d 691, 696 (6th Cir. 2008). The jury here found Willie guilty on Count 2 of the indictment, which alleged that between February 1, 2003, and April 11, 2005, Willie, along with several others (including Little, Fidel, and Perez), “knowingly conspired . . . to knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 1000 kilograms . . . of marijuana” in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846 requires that coconspirators entered an agreement to violate drug laws and that each coconspirator “knew of, intended to join, and participated in the conspiracy.” Conrad, 507 F.3d at 432. Willie claims that despite being a seller in a common buyer-seller relationship with Little, he never agreed to join the conspiracy, and no evidence suggests his specific intent to do so. This court generally holds that a buyer-seller relationship alone is insufficient evidence of attachment to a conspiracy, but “additional evidence beyond the mere purchase or sale of drugs, such as evidence of repeat purchases or some enduring arrangement that implies knowledge of the scope of the conspiracy may support a conspiracy conviction.” United States v. Layne, 192 F.3d 556, 568 - 14 - Nos. 07-5543 and 07-5544 United States v. Estrada and Villasenor (6th Cir. 1999). Here, ample evidence demonstrates that Willie agreed to and knew of the conspiracy. First, Little testified that Frederick knew Willie and Mike Estrada, and that Willie and Mike would supply the marijuana, while Frederick and Shrull would return with the marijuana. Second, Little testified to arranging multiple purchases with Willie, which suggests that Willie understood the conspiratorial reach of the relationship. See United States v. Brown, 332 F.3d 363, 373 (6th Cir. 2003) (“[E]vidence of repeat purchases provides evidence of more than a mere buyer-seller relationship.”). In all, Little testified that Willie shipped him “maybe 265” pounds of marijuana (or approximately 120 kg), often by way of a courier named “Lolly;” cf. United States v. Henley, 360 F.3d 509, 516 (6th Cir. 2004) (“Testimonial evidence from a co-conspirator may be sufficient to determine the amount of drugs for which a defendant should be held accountable, even where the co-conspirator has reason to believe that he may receive a reduced sentence as a result of his or her testimony.”). The presentence report (the “PSR”)—to which Willie did not object—held him responsible for the distribution of 386 pounds of marijuana (or approximately 175 kg). Regardless, 265–386 pounds (or 120–175 kg) of marijuana is an amount consistent with an inference of conspiring to distribute narcotics within a conspiracy. See United States v. Villarce, 323 F.3d 435, 438 (6th Cir. 2003) (suggesting 100 kg of marijuana to be consistent with distribution). Documents introduced into evidence corroborate Little’s testimony, including a drug ledger with Willie’s name on it and a notebook of contacts in which Little had written: “Willie 956-453- - 15 - Nos. 07-5543 and 07-5544 United States v. Estrada and Villasenor 8240.” Moreover, the phone number 956-453-8240 corresponds with a call allegedly between Willie and Little that occurred on February 14, 2005 (“Call 77”). During Call 77, Little mentions both Willie and Lolly by name, and the two discussed specific drug transactions: WILLIE: [T]hese girls are pretty, I need, I need the best thing is I can get the shirts, John but the freight you see what I’m saying because I need to pay the thing. LITTLE: I know what you’re saying . . . . WILLIE: In order to work over there I need at least 20 to 25 thou . . . you know 20. LITTLE: Shuu . . . . WILLIE: You know because I’m buying the shirts and I’m buying you know . . . LITTLE: The freight, the freight is what kills you. WILLIE: The freight is 10 easy, [inaudible] dollar LITTLE: So, you’re gonna send Lolly WILLIE: . . . So I’m selling 100 shirts from here so that’s 10 LITTLE: Yeah that will cost you WILLIE: So you know what it cost to buy a 100 shirts LITTLE: So you are going to send Lolly and Rick and you and the Blonde [or Stacy Garcia] are coming WILLIE: Yes, and then the blonde going on you know but I’ll be over there too. LITTLE: Okay, I’ll see you. Little testified that he and Willie referred to marijuana as both “girls” or “shirts.” Considering the wire-intercepted statements, various drug transactions, and Little’s testimony, the record contains sufficient evidence to permit a rational trier of fact to believe that Willie knowingly and willingly joined the conspiracy. The district court properly denied Willie’s motion for acquittal. - 16 - Nos. 07-5543 and 07-5544 United States v. Estrada and Villasenor