Opinion ID: 408075
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Banks' Conviction for Aiding and Abetting

Text: 58 The only argument raised by appellant Banks in this appeal is that his involvement in the offense did not rise to the standard of involvement required for an aider and abettor. This argument is without merit. In United States v. Tucker, 552 F.2d 202 (7th Cir. 1977), this court was also presented with the argument that the defendant was not sufficiently involved in the drug transaction. In that case, the defendant pointed out that there was no evidence that he was at the scene of the transaction or that he received any of the proceeds of the sale. In response, this court noted that the Government's theory of criminality was that the defendant had knowingly set up the sale by introducing someone whom he knew to be a willing buyer to someone whom he knew to be a willing source for the purpose of facilitating a transaction; and that this theory, if proven, would sustain a conviction for aiding and abetting. United States v. Tucker, 552 F.2d 202, 204 (7th Cir. 1977). 59 There is no question that the evidence in this case was sufficient to demonstrate that Banks introduced Milton, a desirous buyer, to McCruiston, a willing source, to facilitate a drug transaction between the two of them. Milton had met with Banks on September 17 and had discussed buying three ounces of heroin from Banks. Banks told Milton that his courier would go down to Gary and pick up the heroin. Banks did not set a price because he was unable to do so. When Milton said he would like to go along on the ride to Gary, Banks agreed to arrange a meeting between Milton and the courier. On September 26, Milton met with Banks at the A&M Lounge and they discussed the quantity and type of heroin Milton wanted. Banks asked Milton if he intended to purchase his three ounces that day and Milton said that he did. Banks then asked if Milton wanted to buy some brown heroin to save himself a trip to Gary for white heroin. When Milton hesitated, Banks told him to go ahead and make the trip. Banks told Milton that he would get the courier and have him call Gary to see if the heroin was available. Banks then left the room and returned a few minutes later with McCruiston. At one point when he perceived that Milton was concerned about the deal, he reassured Milton that McCruiston would deliver the drugs if Milton gave McCruiston the money. After the negotiations had ended, it was Banks who told Milton, when he called the A&M Lounge later in the day, that he should come to the lounge. 60 There can be no question on this evidence that Banks did everything possible to facilitate a drug transaction between Milton and McCruiston. We cannot accept Banks' position that he actually had to travel to another location than the A&M Lounge, his occasional place of employment, for the introduction, or that he had to make contact with the source after the sale for there to be sufficient evidence under Tucker to sustain the conviction. Banks discussed the quantity and quality of the heroin to be purchased, arranged Milton's meeting with his source, and at one point reassured Milton of McCruiston's capabilities to ensure that the deal would not deteriorate. As in Tucker, the denial of the defendants' motion for a judgment of acquittal was not reversible error.