Opinion ID: 310207
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Nena Castro

Text: 13 Nena Castro expressly concedes the sufficiency of the evidence as to Count 1, the conspiracy count. She contends the evidence was insufficient to convict her as an aider and abetter under Counts 4, 5, 11 and 12. 14 Since the sentences on all five counts ran concurrently, we need not examine the validity of the convictions on Counts 4, 5, 11 and 12. Hirabayashi v. United States, 320 U.S. 81, 105, 63 S. Ct. 1375, 87 L.Ed. 1774 (1943); Benton v. Maryland, 395 U.S. 784, 791, 89 S.Ct. 2056, 23 L.Ed.2d 707 (1969); Gonzales v. United States (9 Cir. 1972), 461 F.2d 1000, 1001 (per curiam); cert. den., 409 U.S. 914, 93 S.Ct. 230, 34 L.Ed.2d 175. 15 However, we have reviewed the evidence as to Counts 4, 5, 11 and 12 and find it sufficient. She engaged in activity seeking to make the proposed illegal sale of the immigration documents successful. Nye & Nissen v. United States, 336 U.S. 613, 619, 69 S.Ct. 766, 769, 93 L.Ed. 919 (1949); United States v. Manna (2 Cir. 1965), 353 F.2d 191, cert. den., 384 U.S. 975, 86 S.Ct. 1868, 16 L.Ed.2d 685 (1966). 16 The testimony of an accomplice, here Concha Castrellon, if believed by the jury, is sufficient to support a conviction. Bible v. United States (9 Cir. 1963), 314 F.2d 106, cert. den., 375 U.S. 862, 84 S.Ct. 131, 11 L.Ed.2d 89 (1963). 17 Finally, appellant Nena Castro took the witness stand and denied her participation and involvement in the offenses charged in Counts 4, 5, 11 and 12. The jury could draw affirmative inferences of knowledge and intent from her denials. United States v. Peyton (9 Cir. 1971), 454 F.2d 213 (per curiam). Her testimony and her claim of lack of guilt may be, and was, disbelieved by the jury and the contrary, her guilt, may be and was inferred. United States v. Cisneros (9 Cir. 1971). 448 F.2d 298, 305-306. 18 Counsel for Nena Castro was faced with problems of trial strategy as to (1) whether he should call her as a witness in her defense, and (2) whether he should question her about her involvement in the conspiracy, Count 1, or only about her involvement in the matters charged in Counts 4, 5, 11 and 12. Counsel's argument at our bench, but not in his brief, that in some way appellant Nena Castro was prejudiced, has no merit. 19 The judgment as to Nena Castro is affirmed.