Opinion ID: 213826
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Gómez's Firearm Conviction

Text: Gómez argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his firearm conviction. In order to convict a defendant of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), the government must prove that the defendant[] 1) committed a drug trafficking crime; 2) knowingly possessed a firearm; and 3) possessed the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. United States v. Pena, 586 F.3d 105, 112 (1st Cir.2009). As discussed above, there was sufficient evidence here to support the conclusion that Gómez committed a drug trafficking crime. In addition, the government presented sufficient evidence that Gómez knowingly possessed a firearm. Agent Alverio testified at trial that he saw a handgun in the pocket of the front passenger door when the defendants were arrested, and that Gómez was in the passenger's seat. Another government witness testified that the fanny pack that Gómez was wearing when he was arrested contained three .40 caliber bullets and a magazine containing fifteen more .40 caliber bullets, both of which could be used to fire the gun, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, as well as a slide back cover that is the rear part of the Glock. Finally, Rodríguez testified at trial that he thought Gómez had a gun based on the way that Gómez was positioned. This evidence was sufficient for a rational finder of fact to determine that Gómez knowingly possessed the firearm. Finally, as discussed in the following section, the evidence was sufficient to support the conclusion that the possession was in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Thus, we will not disturb the verdict on Gómez's firearm count.