Opinion ID: 176295
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count (2): Possession with Intent to Distribute Over 500 Grams of Methamphetamine

Text: For count (2), the prosecution was required to prove that Webster knowingly possessed methamphetamine on or about December 22, 2003, in Billings, Montana, with intent to distribute it. The government argues that Webster is guilty under count (2) either as a co-conspirator under Pinkerton v. United States, 328 U.S. 640, 645-47, 66 S.Ct. 1180, 90 L.Ed. 1489 (1946), or as an aider and abetter. See United States v. Tran, 568 F.3d 1156, 1167 (9th Cir.2009) (explaining the legal theories that can support a conviction for possession with intent to distribute). Webster is guilty under Pinkerton coconspirator liability if Webster joined the conspiracy by about December 22, 2003, and a member or members of the conspiracy committed the alleged criminal act then or thereafter. Todd testified he began buying methamphetamine from Webster just before Thanksgiving in 2003. Todd drove the first three-ounce package to Billings, and after selling it, Todd proceeded, by Christmas, to buy and then sell four ounces, and then eight ounces, from Webster. In the last days of December, Todd bought and received a one-pound shipment from Webster. We conclude that sufficient evidence supports Webster's conviction for count (2) based on Pinkerton co-conspirator liability. Todd testified to the existence of a methamphetamine distribution operation. Also, the jury could conclude that, by December 22, 2003, Webster intended to join and did join the conspiracy. Webster's complicity is evidenced by the frequency and quantities of drugs sold by him to conspirators, the $300 wire transfer sent from conspirators to Webster on December 22, and Todd's testimony that, at the time of Todd's first purchase, he told Webster about his plan to sell methamphetamine in Billings.