Opinion ID: 672080
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: S.T. Cross

Text: 69 S.T. contends that although the government may have proved he was involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine with Dwight, the government did not establish he was involved in the conspiracy charged, i.e., a conspiracy with Ken. Claiming the alleged variance is fatal, S.T. argues for reversal. 70 A variance occurs at trial only 'when the terms of the indictment are unaltered but the evidence offered at trial proves facts materially different from those alleged in the indictment'. United States v. Grier, 866 F.2d 908, 931 (7th Cir.1989) (quoting United States v. Mosley, 786 F.2d 1330, 1335 (7th Cir.1986)). If, after reviewing the record, we find that the jury could rationally conclude that there was one general conspiracy and that the defendants were part of it, then there was no variance between the indictment and the proof adduced at trial which prejudiced the defendants' rights. Grier, 866 F.2d at 931 (citing United States v. Perry, 550 F.2d 524, 531 (9th Cir.1977)). 71 Based upon the evidence recounted herein, a rational trier of fact could very easily find beyond a reasonable doubt that S.T. conspired with Ken to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it as alleged in the indictment. Edwards testified that Ken used S.T. and Dwight to watch over things. Edwards bought cocaine from S.T. and received a discounted price because of his relationship with Kenneth. On one occasion Edwards arrived at one of Ken's houses and observed S.T., Dwight, and Ken counting so much money that when Edwards left 45 minutes later, S.T., Dwight, and Ken were still counting the money. Andre Welch testified that Kenneth said S.T. was selling for him while Ken was in prison. On one occasion Welch observed Ken and S.T. with three roasting pans full of cocaine. Welch also related how S.T., Dwight, and Ken pressured him to remain in the ring. Parker testified S.T. accompanied her and Ken on her third trip to Ken's Detroit supplier. 72 This evidence was more than sufficient for the jury to conclude that S.T. joined in the conspiracy to distribute cocaine with Ken as charged in the superseding indictment. Accordingly, we reject S.T.'s challenge and affirm his conviction for conspiring to possess in excess of five kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute.