Opinion ID: 215352
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Goodyke's Sufficiency Challenge

Text: We review a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence deferentially, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the jury's verdict, and affirm if any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Inman, 558 F.3d 742, 747 (8th Cir.2009). To prove a violation of § 1017, the government must prove that Goodyke (1) procured or sold a document; (2) knowing the seal of the United States Department of State had been fraudulently affixed to the document; and (3) did both of the foregoing with fraudulent intent. 18 U.S.C. § 1017. To show a conspiracy, the government must prove an agreement to perform an illegal act, that Goodyke knew of the agreement and took steps to become a part of the agreement. United States v. Jenkins-Watts, 574 F.3d 950, 959 (8th Cir. 2009), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 130 S.Ct. 1915, 176 L.Ed.2d 387 (2010). Viewed in the light most favorable to the jury verdict, there was sufficient evidence on all of the elements of the crimes to support Goodyke's convictions. The jury heard myriad witnesses and viewed numerous emails detailing the scheme, the theory behind the scheme, and the scope of the fraud and the connections between the defendants acting in concert. The jury heard that Goodyke created a copy of the Department of State seal to place on the cards and continually modified the seal and the cards to make them look more legitimate. And, though Goodyke received notice that wrongfully obtaining an apostille and misusing the seal was illegal, he continued to market and sell the cards. Finally, there was evidence that Goodyke drafted documents to explain to potential customers why it was legal for him to use the Department of State seal on the cards. Accordingly, Goodyke cannot establish there was insufficient evidence that he acted with fraudulent intent. Furthermore, there was sufficient evidence that Goodyke entered into an agreement with numerous of his codefendants to commit this crime. The evidence showed that after receiving his own diplomatic immunity cards and materials in October 2006, Goodyke offered his services to defendants and represented that he had the talent and resources to improve upon the quality of the cards and related products. Numerous communications ensued between Goodyke and the other defendants following his October 2006 entrance into the conspiracy. The voluminous trial transcript is replete with sufficient evidence to support Goodyke's conviction on all counts.