Opinion ID: 743510
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Counts 2 and 3--Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence

Text: 23 Under Counts 2 and 3, Polk was charged with solicitation to (1) damage or destroy the Austin IRS building by means of an explosive device (Count 2), and (2) kill or attempt to kill persons at the same location by means of an explosive device (Count 3). The indictment stated that the alleged offense continued from April 4, 1995 through July 28, 1995. To obtain a conviction on Counts 2 and 3, the Government was required to prove that the defendant intended that another person violate Title 18, and that the defendant induced or otherwise endeavor[ed] to persuade the other person or persons to commit the underlying crime. See United States v. Razo-Leora, 961 F.2d 1140, 1148 n. 6 (5th Cir.1992). The phrase otherwise endeavors to persuade should cover those cases in which a defendant seriously seeks to persuade another to engage in criminal conduct. S. REP. NO . 97-307, 97th Cong., 1st Sess. 183-84 (1982). 24 Polk argues that the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction on Counts 2 and 3. According to Polk, [h]e never had money to hire anyone. He made no arrangements to hire anyone. Mr. Polk's discussions of this subject were just vague plans that changed constantly. We conclude that under the facts of this case, a reasonable jury could have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Polk was guilty of the crimes charged. 25 Polk's suggestion that his conduct amounted to vague plans is another attempt to reweigh the same evidence the jury weighed in favor of the Government. The following evidence in the record supports the jury's findings of guilt: Polk instigated the process of obtaining weapons and explosives with Davidson; Polk provided Grier with a wish list of weaponry which was to be used to blow up the Austin IRS building and kill or injure persons within that building; Polk believed that undercover agent Frost had committed acts of terror in the past, discussed with Frost the plan to blow up the building and kill people, and stated that he (Polk) would conduct reconnaissance and determine the manpower needed; 5 and in Polk's second meeting with Frost, he (Polk) provided photos of the Austin IRS building, drew a diagram of it, and showed Frost the preferred locations of the explosive devices. 26