Opinion ID: 536574
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 51 Shelia argues that there was insufficient evidence for the jury to find her guilty of the offenses for which she was charged. In reviewing the jury's verdict, the evidence must be considered in the light most favorable to the government. United States v. Marin-Cifuentes, 866 F.2d at 992. Shelia's conviction can only be overturned if this court concludes that a reasonable fact-finder could not have found her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Shurn, 849 F.2d 1090, 1093 (8th Cir.1988). 52 Shelia was found guilty of conspiring to possess, distribute and manufacture amphetamine, and manufacturing amphetamine. Manufacture includes processing and packaging a substance. 21 U.S.C. Sec. 802(15). Distribution is defined to mean delivery of a controlled substance. 21 U.S.C. Sec. 802(11). To prove conspiracy, the government is required to show beyond a reasonable doubt (1) the existence of a conspiracy; (2) Shelia's knowledge of the conspiracy; and (3) Shelia's voluntary participation in it. United States v. Lewis, 759 F.2d 1316, 1352 (8th Cir.1985). 53 After reviewing the evidence, this court concludes that there was sufficient evidence for the jury to find Shelia guilty of all three charges. In 1985 Shelia travelled to South Dakota with James Westbrook and Ray Tyler, helped unload equipment used in manufacturing amphetamine, was present during the cook, and weighed and bagged the final product with James. Shelia rented the storage unit in which the equipment was then stored. Later in 1985 she returned to South Dakota with James and Ray Tyler and stayed with Jan Hagedorn. At one point during this visit Shelia left Jan Hagedorn's home for two days, and when she returned she brought damp amphetamine, some of which she gave to Jan Hagedorn. Shelia also explained to Jan how the manufacturing process worked. The evidence shows that Shelia participated in manufacturing amphetamine; it also shows the existence of the conspiracies, Shelia's knowledge of the conspiracies, and her participation in them. 54 The convictions of James Westbrook and Shelia Westbrook are AFFIRMED.