Opinion ID: 583485
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 43 Appellants Marin-Hernandez and Mendoza-Cecelia claim that the evidence was insufficient to prove their knowing participation in the offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Mendoza-Cecelia also claims that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Both appellants assert that they were merely present on the boat and that no evidence connected them to their crimes of conviction. 44 We review de novo questions concerning the sufficiency of the evidence. United States v. Beale, 921 F.2d 1412, 1430 (11th Cir.1991). This Court draws all inferences in favor of the jury decision and then determines whether a reasonable trier of fact could find that the evidence established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d 1543, 1547 (11th Cir.1991). The evidence need not exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence or lead solely to a conclusion of guilt. United States v. Jones, 913 F.2d 1552, 1557 (11th Cir.1990); United States v. Ospina, 823 F.2d 429, 433 (11th Cir.1987), cert. denied, 485 U.S. 964, 108 S.Ct. 1232, 99 L.Ed.2d 432 (1988). 45 To prove a conspiracy, the government must demonstrate that an agreement existed between two or more persons to commit a crime and that the defendant knowingly and voluntarily joined or participated in the illegal venture. See Jones, 913 F.2d at 1557; United States v. Vera, 701 F.2d 1349, 1357 (11th Cir.1983). The existence of an agreement may be proven by the acts and conduct of the defendants or from other circumstances. United States v. Cross, 928 F.2d 1030, 1042 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 112 S.Ct. 594, 116 L.Ed.2d 618 (1991); United States v. Battle, 892 F.2d 992, 998 (11th Cir.1990). Though not sufficient to justify conviction, a defendant's mere presence at the scene of the crime represents a material and probative factor for consideration by the jury. See United States v. McDonald, 935 F.2d 1212, 1219 (11th Cir.1991); Beale, 921 F.2d at 1430. 46 Conspiracy and possession cases involving narcotics-laden vessels present repetitive fact patterns warranting special consideration. See Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d at 1547; Ospina, 823 F.2d at 433-434; United States v. Vidal-Hungria, 794 F.2d 1503, 1513-15 (11th Cir.1986); United States v. Cruz-Valdez, 773 F.2d 1541, 1546-47 (11th Cir.1985) (en banc ), cert. denied, 475 U.S. 1049, 106 S.Ct. 1272, 89 L.Ed.2d 580 (1986). This Circuit has set forth the following factors for determining whether a jury may conclude that a defendant found on the vessel was merely present or was guilty of possession and conspiracy: 47 (1) probable length of the voyage, (2) the size of the contraband shipment, (3) the necessarily close relationship between captain and crew, (4) the obviousness of the contraband, and (5) other factors, such as suspicious behavior or diversionary maneuvers before apprehension, attempts to flee, inculpatory statements made after apprehension, witnessed participation of the crew, and the absence of supplies or equipment necessary to the vessel's intended use. 48 Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d at 1547; see Ospina, 823 F.2d at 433-34; Vidal-Hungria, 794 F.2d at 1513-15; Cruz-Valdez, 773 F.2d at 1546-47. The comparative size of the boat and contraband shipment is also probative in determining the obviousness of the contraband. Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d at 1547-48; Cruz-Valdez, 773 F.2d at 1546. Although consideration of these factors may not be reduced to a formula, the presence of a large quantity of marijuana leaves only a relatively light burden on the government for showing voluntary participation by the crew. Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d at 1548; Cruz-Valdez, 773 F.2d at 1546-47. The government may meet this burden of proof by demonstrating knowing participation through any one of the remaining factors. Ospina, 823 F.2d at 433; Cruz-Valdez, 773 F.2d at 1547. 49 Marin-Hernandez and Mendoza-Cecelia were aboard a relatively small vessel (37 foot) fully loaded with ninety-seven bales of marijuana. The marijuana was in plain view and completely filled the cabin area. The only place to sleep was on top of the bales, and drinking water was located in the cabin where the marijuana was found. The immense volume of marijuana moreover produced an overwhelming odor easily detected on the decks. The boat had no other cargo and few provisions. Arresting officers found Marin-Hernandez attempting to dispose of several pieces of false identification as well as instructions for operating the Loran radio. See Garate-Vergara, 942 F.2d at 1547. Mendoza-Cecelia at the time of his arrest possessed papers containing beeper numbers, names and addresses. One of these beeper numbers matched a number found in the back of a Spanish Bible located in the cabin area of the vessel. The Spanish Bible, containing names and addresses from around the world, had been left behind, supporting the inference that Mendoza-Cecelia had wanted to divest himself of the Bible because of its incriminating entries. We find the foregoing evidence clearly sufficient to allow a reasonable jury to convict Mendoza-Cecelia of possession and both appellants of conspiracy.