Opinion ID: 360504
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Robert Lee Folsom.

Text: 37 As to the assistant chief of police, the only evidence that could support his conviction on Count One was the testimony of two witnesses that he drove through or was present at service stations where deliveries of stolen gasoline were potentially taking place. Although Millard Mann testified that Buddy Folsom twice drove through stations while gas was being delivered, he stated that Folsom only circled through the front portion of the stations on what appeared to be on a normal patrol of the town and may not have seen the delivery of the stolen gas which was occurring toward the rear of the station. Further, Mann clearly stated that as far as he knew, Robert Folsom had no knowledge at all of the conspiracy. The only other evidence against the assistant chief was the testimony of George Haygood that on his way to work one morning in the late summer of 1976, he saw Buddy Folsom at Travis Williams' Shell Station, standing near one of the delivery trucks with several unidentified males. As Haygood drove past the station, the other individuals ducked down in what appeared to be an attempt to hide; whereas Folsom simply waved. At most, this evidence could raise a suspicion that Robert Folsom may have been aware that a crime was being committed. There is no evidence from which the jury could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that he was a knowing member of this conspiracy. Mere knowledge, approval, or acquiescence in the object or purpose of a conspiracy is insufficient to prove participation in it. United States v. Falcone, 311 U.S. 205, 61 S.Ct. 204, 85 L.Ed. 128 (1940). Further, mere presence at the scene of a crime or mere association with the members of a conspiracy is not enough to sustain a conviction for conspiracy. United States v. James, 528 F.2d 999, 1013 (5th Cir. 1976). While Robert Folsom's presence at these events may raise some doubts about his role, we conclude as a matter of law that the evidentiary foundation relied upon by the government is too flimsy and insubstantial to support a guilty verdict of conspiracy to steal gasoline from interstate pipelines. 38