Opinion ID: 677313
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Benny Battles

Text: 47 The government produced abundant evidence demonstrating that Battles was one of Nancy Nietupski's principal distributors of methamphetamine. In Nancy's own words, Battles was very close, very special to her, and was just as valuable to her as her main distributor, Cindy Matthews. (Tr. 210, 216-17). Not only did Nancy describe Battles as one of her trusty distributors, but Matthews overheard Battles discuss business with Nancy, and often spoke to Battles herself, along with Nancy and Hunter, about their shared distribution activities. Nancy also spoke about Battle's role in the business to Zahm, who saw Battles pick up methamphetamine from Nancy after the first cook in October 1988. Battles confided in Zahm that Nancy fronted him on a weekly basis with one-ounce quantities which he sold to Jeffrey Holland and others. 48 In addition, Battles' dealings with Zahm evidenced Battles' intent to cooperate in the conspiracy and his interest in creating a more cohesive enterprise. For example, Battles had Zahm teach him how to convert methamphetamine from powder to rock form. When Battles lost half an ounce of methamphetamine trying to convert the drug, Zahm gave Battles half of an ounce from his own supply so that Battles could sell it and repay Nancy Nietupski for the last ounce that she had fronted to him. Zahm also bought back an ounce of methamphetamine from William Worker to give to Battles after Battles requested a one-ounce sample for his motorcycle club customers. Finally, Battles was the one who proposed that he and Zahm cook fifty pounds of methamphetamine at one time so Zahm did not have to repeat the process as Zahm had done in the past. All these facts suggested Battles' ongoing relationship with Nancy in the distribution of methamphetamine, and thus Battles' membership in the conspiracy.