Opinion ID: 808641
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Gerson 1

Text: Gerson’s only argument on appeal is that the district court erred in denying his motion for judgment of acquittal as to both of the counts against him. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 29. We review this claim de novo and view the evidence in a light most favorable to the government. See United States v. Midgett, 488 F.3d 288, 297 (4th Cir. 2007). With regard to the conspiracy conviction, Count 1, Gerson contends that the government did not prove that he 1 For purposes of this appeal, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise specified, each defendant joins in the arguments of his co-defendants pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 28(i). Thus, while we address each claim according to the defendant who raised it, we have, to the extent appropriate, considered all arguments as to all of the codefendants and have found no reversible error. 6 knowingly agreed to join the conspiracy or that his actions were in furtherance of the conspiracy. However, “[t]o sustain a conspiracy conviction, there need only be a showing that the defendant knew of the conspiracy's purpose and some action indicating his participation.” United States v. Brooks, 957 F.2d 1138, 1147 (4th Cir. 1992) (internal quotation marks and alteration omitted). In this case, the government presented evidence that Gerson lived at the main residence and had $5,000 in cash hidden under his bed; that Gerson was present on two occasions when the van arrived at the main residence to unload marijuana; and that Gerson and other co-defendants sold marijuana to the same buyer on multiple occasions. This evidence is sufficient to enable a fact finder to find the “slight connection between the defendant and the conspiracy [that is needed] to support conviction.” Id. Therefore, the district court did not err in denying Gerson’s motion with respect to Count 1. With regard to Count 3, Gerson contends that the government did not prove that he possessed marijuana. However, possession may be constructive, and “[c]onstructive possession may be proved by demonstrating that the defendant exercised, or had the power to exercise, dominion and control over the item.” United States v. Burgos, 94 F.3d 849, 873 (4th Cir. 1996) (en banc) (internal quotation marks omitted). The evidence 7 discussed above supporting Gerson’s conviction on Count 1 would enable a reasonable fact finder to convict Gerson on Count 3 as well. Therefore, the district court did not err in denying Gerson’s motion with respect to Count 3.