Opinion ID: 559043
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency Of The Evidence To Convict Restrepo Of Possession Of Cocaine.

Text: 24 Restrepo also asserts that there is insufficient evidence to show that he possessed the cocaine. He argues that there is no evidence that the cocaine was in the brown Oldsmobile when he was in the vehicle. Thus, he maintains that there is no evidence that he had dominion and control over the cocaine. 25 In order to show possession, the Government must prove that Restrepo had dominion and control over the contraband. United States v. Penagos, 823 F.2d 346, 350 (9th Cir.1987) (citing United States v. Behanna, 814 F.2d 1318, 1319 (9th Cir.1987) (quoting United States v. Rodriguez, 761 F.2d 1339, 1341 (9th Cir.1985))). Possession of a controlled substance under section 841(a)(1) 'may be constructive, as well as actual.'  United States v. Disla, 805 F.2d 1340, 1350 (9th Cir.1986) (quoting United States v. Grayson, 597 F.2d 1225, 1229 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 873, 100 S.Ct. 153, 62 L.Ed.2d 99 (1979)). Constructive possession may be shown by proof that the defendant had an ability to produce the drug through the use of agents. Arrelanes v. United States, 302 F.2d 603 (9th Cir.) (citing Hernandez v. United States, 300 F.2d 114 (9th Cir.1962)), cert. denied, 371 U.S. 930, 83 S.Ct. 294, 9 L.Ed.2d 238 (1962). It may be demonstrated by direct or circumstantial evidence that the defendant had the power to dispose of the drug. Disla, 805 F.2d at 1350 (citing Rodella v. United States, 286 F.2d 306, 311, 312 (9th Cir.1960), cert. denied, 365 U.S. 889, 81 S.Ct. 1042, 6 L.Ed.2d 199 (1962)). Constructive possession may also be shown by proof that the defendant participated in a joint venture, and thus shared dominion and control over the contraband. United States v. Hernandez, 876 F.2d 774 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 179, 107 L.Ed.2d 135 (1989); United States v. Valentin, 569 F.2d 1069, 1071 (9th Cir.1978). The evidence is sufficient to show that Restrepo participated in a joint venture with Lupio and McGinley to sell cocaine to Special Agents Couchman and Jones. 26