Opinion ID: 2975338
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Conspiracy To Violate Drug Laws

Text: Gardner argues that there was insufficient evidence from which a jury could have found him guilty of conspiracy to possess five or more kilograms of cocaine, with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. To sustain a conviction for drug conspiracy under section 846, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) an agreement to violate drug laws; (2) knowledge of and intent to join the conspiracy; and (3) participation in the conspiracy. United States v. Layne, 192 F.3d 556, 567 (6th Cir. 1999) (citing United States v. Welch, 97 F.3d 142, 148-49 (6th Cir. 1996)). These elements may be shown by either direct or circumstantial evidence. United States v. Avery, 128 F.3d 966, 971 (6th Cir. 1997). Gardner challenges each element of the conspiracy charge on appeal. Regarding the first element, the government need not prove the existence of a formal or express agreement among the conspirators. Id. at 970. Even a tacit or mutual understanding among the conspirators is sufficient. Id. at 970-71. Yet, an agreement must be shown beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. at 971. There can be no question in this case that the government put forward sufficient evidence of the existence of an agreement. Mike Thompson, the undercover officer posing as a drug supplier, coordinated his dealings with McMillion through Collins, an informant. McMillion’s testimony provides substantial support for the existence of the conspiracy, including the agreement initially to purchase the five kilograms of cocaine. McMillion also testified to the later steps of the plan, including the search for the truck and the trip to the motel. McMillion’s testimony is corroborated by several items of physical evidence. First, the duct tape and gloves, which McMillion said Gardner asked for during the search for the truck, were found in the car in which Gardner and Hassell were arrested. Second, the guns Gardner allegedly brought to the vehicle were also found in the car. Third, it is clear from the conspirators’ arrival at the motel that they had a common plan: to follow the instructions of Collins (the informant) who told them precisely where to go to accomplish the drug purchase. There was sufficient evidence to show an agreement existed. Regarding the second and third elements, the government must show the willful membership of the defendant in the conspiracy, but the government need not prove that the defendant committed an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. Layne, 192 F.3d at 567. Further, while the connection between the defendant and the conspiracy need only be slight, mere association with conspirators is not enough to establish participation. United States v. Pearce, 912 F.2d 159, 162 (6th Cir. 1990). Finally, knowledge of and participation in the common purpose and plan of a conspiracy may be inferred from the defendant’s actions and reactions to the circumstances. United States v. Barrett, 933 F.2d 355, 359 (6th Cir. 1991) (citing United States v. Christian, 786 F.2d 203, 211 (6th Cir. 1986)). No. 05-6272 United States v. Gardner Page 6 There is sufficient evidence that Gardner was a willful participant in the conspiracy. According to McMillion’s testimony, Gardner was part of the discussion in the kitchen at Griffin’s house, where the three men discussed how to acquire the cocaine. McMillion also testified about Gardner’s participation in the search for the red truck, Gardner’s involvement in the fake money scheme, Gardner’s desire to acquire duct tape and gloves for the intended assault on the motel room, and Gardner’s bringing of the guns to the car. Gardner also gave an alternative name (“Anthony Caruthers”) to police at the scene of the arrest. A reasonable jury could have found that Gardner was a willful participant in the conspiracy. Thus, viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the government, a rational trier of fact could have found that Gardner engaged in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Gardner’s challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence on the conspiracy count therefore is rejected.