Opinion ID: 752560
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 27 The defendant argues that the evidence is inadequate to show that he possessed the cocaine found in the basement. From the testimony at trial, however, a rational jury could conclude that Scott was a resident of the duplex, had free access to the basement location where the cocaine was discovered, knew of the presence of the cocaine, knew of the source of the cocaine, witnessed the source bring the cocaine into the house, and was present at the time the cocaine was discovered. A rational jury could also conclude that neither Ronald Brown nor Mary Jo Brown knew about the cocaine, so that Scott was the only resident of the duplex who both knew about the cocaine and was present at the time it was discovered by the police. Therefore, although Scott was not the only resident of the duplex, the evidence sufficiently distinguished Scott as having dominion, ownership, or control of the cocaine, United States v. Jackson, 51 F.3d 646, 655 (7th Cir.1995). See United States v.. Walker, 99 F.3d 439, 431 (D.C.Cir.1996); United States v. Thorne, 997 F.2d 1504, 1512 (D.C.Cir.1993); cf. United States v. DiNovo, 523 F.2d 197, 201-02 (7th Cir.1975) (holding residence and knowledge of contraband insufficient where wife of drug dealer not in immediate area where heroin discovered); Delgado v. United States, 327 F.2d 641, 642 (9th Cir.1964) (holding constructive possession requires evidence of knowledge in addition to occupancy); United States v. Megerson, 4 F.3d 337, 348 (5th Cir.1993) (collecting cases on requirements for constructive possession in jointly-occupied residence). Scott argues that his knowledge of the cocaine does not prove constructive possession, that his presence at the duplex does not prove constructive possession, etcetera. But while no one such factor may be sufficient, all the factors taken together are. 28 Scott also argues that the considerable amount of cocaine alone is inadequate to show an intent to distribute cocaine. Actually, it is. See United States v. Stribling, 94 F.3d 321, 325 (7th Cir.1996); United States v. Sanchez, 961 F.2d 1169 (5th Cir.1992). For each element of the offense, there was enough evidence to satisfy a rational jury of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. See United States v. Earnest, 129 F.3d 906, 913 (7th Cir.1997). 29 The judgment of conviction is AFFIRMED.