Opinion ID: 157838
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Mr. Gonzalez’ final claim questions the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction on the conspiracy and possession counts. We review the record de novo to determine whether, “after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime[s] beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979); United States v. Vaziri, 164 F.3d 556, 565 (10th Cir. 1999). A conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a) and 18 U.S.C. § 2 requires proof that the defendant “(1) possessed a controlled substance; (2) knew he possessed a controlled substance; and (3) intended to distribute the controlled substance.” United States v. Wilson, - 18 - 107 F.3d 774, 778 (10th Cir. 1997). Possession is constructive, rather than actual, when the defendant “knowingly has ownership, dominion or control over the narcotics and the premises where the narcotics are found.” Id. (quoting United States v. Hager, 969 F.2d 883, 888 (10th Cir. 1992)). Constructive possession satisfies the first element of the crime. See id. Most of the evidence against Mr. Gonzalez was circumstantial; yet, a rational jury could conclude that he had mutual control over the small bathroom where cocaine was found and that he knowingly possessed the drugs. A rational jury could also find – based on the large quantity of cocaine in the apartment and the scales in the closet – that the cocaine was intended for distribution, rather than personal use. We hold that the evidence supported Mr. Gonzalez’ conviction on the possession with intent to distribute count. A conspiracy in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 consists of four elements. See United States v. Bell, 154 F.3d 1205, 1208 (10th Cir. 1998). The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt “(1) an agreement with another person to violate the law, (2) knowledge of the essential objectives of the conspiracy, (3) knowing and voluntary involvement, and (4) interdependence among the alleged conspirators.” Id. (quoting United States v. Carter, 130 F.3d 1432, 1439 (10th Cir. 1997)). The jury may infer an agreement from circumstantial evidence that indicates concerted action in furtherance of a common purpose. See id. It may - 19 - also infer guilty knowledge from the surrounding circumstances and presume that a defendant acting in furtherance of a conspiracy is a knowing participant therein. See id. (citing Carter, 130 F.3d at 1440). Here, Mr. Gonzalez rode in a car with Mr. Dozal-Rivera on the way to make a drug sale. He repeatedly looked over his shoulder as if he were scanning for a “tail” and waited in the vehicle while Mr. Dozal-Rivera consummated the transaction. His room contained shoe boxes like the one concealing cocaine, and shared areas of the apartment where he lived were used to hide cocaine, large amounts of cash, and scales bearing cocaine residue. Given this strong circumstantial evidence, the jury could have reasonably inferred that (1) Mr. Gonzalez and the Dozal brothers agreed to distribute the illegal drugs; (2) Mr. Gonzalez had knowledge of the essential objectives of the conspiracy; (3) he knowingly and voluntarily participated in it; and (4) the co-defendants’ activities constituted integral steps toward the possession and distribution of cocaine. AFFIRMED. - 20 -