Opinion ID: 2410246
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Possession of drugs, paraphernalia

Text: With respect to the charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and drug paraphernalia, Mr. Jacobs contends there was no evidence presented at trial linking him to any of the items seized at Ms. Wilson's home. Actual or physical possession is not required to prove guilt of possession of a controlled substance. Constructive possession is sufficient and can be implied when the controlled substance is in joint possession of the accused and another. Hendrickson v. State, 316 Ark. 182, 871 S.W.2d 362 (1994). Joint occupancy of a residence, though, is not sufficient by itself to establish joint possession. The State must show additional facts or circumstances indicating the accused had knowledge and control of the controlled substance. Bailey v. State, 307 Ark. 448, 821 S.W.2d 28 (1991). The evidence presented, when considered altogether, was sufficient for the jury to conclude Mr. Jacobs was in joint possession of the drugs and drug paraphernalia seized at Ms. Wilson's home. The evidence indicated that Mr. Jacobs was a regular fixture at Wilson's home. He was at the house each time Ms. Potts purchased drugs, as well as when the house was raided by the Drug Task Force. Drug Task Force officers further testified the truck Mr. Jacobs drove was consistently seen parked at Ms. Wilson's home during their investigation. Further, the testimony of Drug Task Force officials and Joann Potts concerning Mr. Jacobs' involvement with Ms. Wilson's drug trade sufficiently proved that Mr. Jacobs had knowledge of the items found in Ms. Wilson's home. The testimony that Mr. Jacobs had commented on the quality of the methamphetamine being sold and that he had, on one occasion, offered a marijuana cigarette to Ms. Potts sufficiently proved that he and Ms. Wilson had joint access and joint control of the contraband seized.