Opinion ID: 2803387
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Perrier also argues that insufficient evidence supported the conclusion that he knew of the marijuana in the trunk of the rental car. The evidence, Perrier contends, did not show that he exercised dominion and control over the vehicle, and no physical evidence linked him to the drugs. “To convict a person of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), the government is required to prove three elements: (1) knowledge; (2) possession; and (3) intent to distribute.” United States v. Hernandez, 743 F.3d 812, 814 (11th Cir. 2014) (citation and quotation omitted). “All three elements can be proven by either direct or circumstantial evidence.” United States v. Poole, 878 F.2d 1389, 1391-92 (11th Cir. 1989). Possession may be actual or constructive. “Constructive possession need not be 15 Case: 14-13468 Date Filed: 05/26/2015 Page: 16 of 17 exclusive, and can be proven circumstantially by ownership, dominion, or control over the premises on which the substance is located.” Id. at 1392 (citation omitted). Moreover, intent to distribute can be proven circumstantially from the existence of equipment, such as scales, commonly used in connection with the distribution of drugs. Id. The evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support a conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The jury could have reasonably inferred that Perrier had knowledge of the marijuana based on the fact that the car smelled strongly of marijuana. Perrier also had control over the vehicle in which the drugs were concealed, as evidenced by his driving of the car, his access to the trunk, and his statement that his driver’s license was in the trunk, where the marijuana was located. See Poole, 878 F.2d at 1392. In addition, the quantity of the drugs (440 grams of marijuana), along with the discovered firearms, magazines, vacuum sealer, scales, cash, prepaid debit cards, money orders, receipt for a package to California, and a car rented in someone else’s name, were sufficient circumstantial evidence that Perrier possessed the marijuana with intent to distribute. See id. The government also presented expert testimony explaining how these items were connected to drug trafficking. Accordingly, we affirm Perrier’s conviction for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.