Opinion ID: 677313
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Michael Nietupski

Text: 45 The evidence established that Michael Nietupski was intimately involved in the conspiracy. Michael's involvement began in November 1987, when Michael and Nancy Nietupski invested in Kenny and Dusty's unsuccessful methamphetamine laboratory, and when Michael referred Nancy to Hadowsky as a trustworthy drug distributor. Michael's role grew to that of enforcer and resident manager of the Phoenix end of the business, which included both distributing and manufacturing activities. As the enforcer, Michael possessed many guns, including a .357 magnum revolver which he habitually wore at his side during drug transactions, and which the police confiscated in the search of Nauss' apartment. Michael Nietupski displayed this revolver to Matthews when he confronted her with rumors that she was a police informant. Michael shot at his cousin Bob Blankenship's target range as a warning when Nancy expressed her concern that Bob posed a threat to their continued operations. Michael also shot at Zahm's feet when he confronted Zahm about his ability to manufacture methamphetamine. 46 With regard to the management of the conspiracy, Michael Nietupski boasted to Hadowsky that the methamphetamine business was his, that he set it up, and that he had access to the cooker. (Tr. 636). Michael assisted Nancy Nietupski and Zahm in purchasing and transporting laboratory equipment and chemicals, and in setting up a laboratory at the Blankenship farmhouse. Michael later had the laboratory moved to Phoenix where he set Zahm up for several cooks producing varying amounts of methamphetamine which Michael distributed to customers in the area. Michael's distribution activities in Phoenix were documented by Nauss and corroborated by her testimony, as well as the testimony of the police officer who searched Nauss' apartment and of two other witnesses, Steven Phelps and Peggy Griego, who bought methamphetamine from Michael Nietupski in late 1988 and early 1989. The seizure of a booklet on drug manufacturing and a small amount of methamphetamine from Michael's Blazer provided further substantiation. The evidence against Michael, when combined with his filial relationship with Nancy, was more than sufficient to convict Michael of joining the conspiracy. See United States v. Smith, 26 F.3d 739, 746-47 (7th Cir.1994) (existence of family relationship combined with other circumstantial evidence may be sufficient to support a conspiracy conviction).