Opinion ID: 1148671
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: count i: possession with intent to distribute

Text: Upon appeal Thomas admits he possessed cocaine, but argues that the evidence to support his conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute was insufficient. We agree. As to the intent to distribute conviction, here again, we have a clear case of possession, but only surmise as to an intent to distribute. Stringfield v. State, 588 So.2d 438 (Miss. 1991). The evidence only points to a mere suspicion of intent, which is insufficient to support this conviction. Thomas admittedly possessed a small quantity of cocaine in Mickel's and Williams' apartment, where additional cocaine was seized along with contraband identified with distribution of cocaine and crack, but this only implies possession of cocaine for personal use. See Stringer v. State, 557 So.2d 796, 797-98 (Miss. 1990); Boches v. State, 506 So.2d 254, 260 (Miss. 1987); Bryant v. State, 427 So.2d 131, 132 (Miss. 1983); Hollingsworth v. State, 392 So.2d 515, 518 (Miss. 1981); Applegate v. State, 301 So.2d 853 (Miss. 1974). We accordingly affirm on the lesser included offense of possession of cocaine, and remand for resentencing under Miss. Code Ann. § 41-29-139(c)(1).