Opinion ID: 779816
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence to Show an Enterprise

Text: 14 Kehoe contends that there was insufficient evidence to prove the existence of an enterprise under RICO, and, thus, that there was insufficient evidence to show that he conspired to commit a substantive RICO offense and committed murder to further the enterprise. Kehoe asserts that the evidence shows only that he contemplated organizing a group in the future. 15 When the sufficiency of the evidence to support a guilty verdict is challenged, we review the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict and accept as established all reasonable inferences supporting the verdict. United States v. Harmon, 194 F.3d 890, 892 (8th Cir.1999) (citation omitted). We will reverse the jury's verdict only if `no reasonable jury could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.' Id. (quoting United States v. Frayer, 9 F.3d 1367, 1371 (8th Cir.1993)). 16 Under RICO, an enterprise is established `by evidence of an ongoing organization, formal or informal, and by evidence that the various associates function as a continuing unit.' United States v. Kragness, 830 F.2d 842, 855 (8th Cir.1987) (quoting Turkette, 452 U.S. at 583, 101 S.Ct. 2524 (1981)). Three characteristics distinguish a RICO enterprise from individuals who associate [to commit] sporadic crime. Id. The individuals involved in a RICO enterprise share a common purpose or goal. Diamonds Plus, Inc. v. Kolber, 960 F.2d 765, 769 (8th Cir.1992). There is a continuity of personnel, and the organization which they advance is ongoing. Id. Finally, an ascertainable structure [exists, which is] distinct from that inherent in the pattern of racketeering. Id. at 769-70; see also Turkette, 452 U.S. at 583, 101 S.Ct. 2524; Kragness, 830 F.2d at 855; United States v. Bledsoe, 674 F.2d 647, 665 (8th Cir.1982) (internal quotations and citations omitted). 17 The evidence presented was sufficient for a reasonable jury to conclude that each of these elements was met. First, the Kehoes, Lee, Lovelace, and others shared the common purpose of advancing the interests of the APR, with the eventual goal of forming a country for members of Christian Identity. Gloria Kehoe testified that Kehoe and other members of APR targeted robbery victims, including the Friedmans, based on their race or ethnicity. Kehoe and Lovelace used the proceeds from the Friedman robbery to buy property in Priest River, Idaho, where, ultimately, the group would congregate or live. Kehoe and Lee exchanged letters after their arrest signed with symbols associated with the APR. Lee bore a tattoo with the APR's symbol. 18 Second, the Kehoes, Lee, Lovelace and others worked in concert to advance the APR's goals. Evidence showed that the members of the organization were stockpiling munitions, including armor-piercing bullets and a fire hydrant intended to disguise a bomb. Although the same combination of individuals did not participate in each and every criminal activity undertaken by the group, all members participated in criminal activities with the intent to advance the APR's goals. The members were consistent companions and recurrent cohorts. Evidence was presented that a member of the group, Jon Cox, was killed because he revealed information about the plans for future robberies. Although the jury did not convict Kehoe on this charge, the evidence likely contributed to the jury's finding that an enterprise existed. 19 Finally, the APR's structure differs from that inherent in each act engaged in by members of the group. Evidence presented attested to a hierarchy within the APR. Kehoe founded and led the APR. He possessed and controlled the majority of the proceeds from the enterprise's illegal activities. He distributed the remainder to his cohorts. 20 Kehoe argues that even if an enterprise existed, there was insufficient evidence to show that the Muellers were murdered to further that enterprise. We disagree. The Muellers were targeted because Kehoe believed that they possessed a significant sum of money and ammunition. It was also rumored that Mueller was an FBI informant. The Muellers and Sarah Powell were not killed until Kehoe and Lee had gained possession of Mueller's cash and coin assets. In addition, Kehoe and Lee took numerous weapons and a large amount of ammunition from the Mueller house and either stockpiled or sold them. The proceeds of the sales furthered APR's activities. 21 This evidence is sufficient for a reasonable jury to have concluded that a RICO enterprise existed, in furtherance of which Kehoe committed the crimes charged. Accordingly, we reject each of Kehoe's arguments that the evidence was insufficient to support the jury verdict.