Opinion ID: 362254
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion for Judgment of Acquittal on Count Four

Text: 28 Count four charged Wedelstedt with aiding and abetting the interstate transportation of obscene materials for sale or distribution (the Chicago films) in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 3, and 1465. 6 29 It is Wedelstedt's position that the evidence conclusively demonstrated his ignorance of the theft at the Chicago warehouse at the time that it occurred, and that he only subsequently learned that the films had been transported across state lines by Gentry, Dobler, and Leone. It is axiomatic that: 30 In assessing a motion for judgment of acquittal, either at the end of the government's case or after a jury verdict against the defendant, the evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the government. Furthermore, the government must be given the benefit of all reasonable inferences favorable to its case that may logically be drawn from the evidence. 31 United States v. Cline, 570 F.2d 731, 733 (8th Cir. 1978) (emphasis added). We have also said that (a) motion for acquittal should be granted only where 'the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the Government, is such that a reasonably minded jury Must have a reasonable doubt as to the existence of any of the essential elements of the crime charged.'  United States v. White, 562 F.2d 587, 589 (8th Cir. 1977). 32 In United States v. Frye, 548 F.2d 765 (8th Cir. 1977), where the crime was aiding and abetting the transportation of a check in interstate commerce in violation of § 2314, the court explained the principles which define the aiding and abetting offense: 33 Generally speaking, to find one guilty as a principal on the ground that he was an aider and abetter, it must be proven that he shared in the criminal intent of the principal and there must be a community of unlawful purpose at the time the act is committed. As the term aiding and abetting implies, it assumes some participation in the criminal act in furtherance of the common design, Either before or at the time the criminal act is committed. It implies some conduct of an affirmative nature and mere negative acquiescence is not sufficient. 34 United States v. Jarboe, 513 F.2d 33, 36 (8th Cir. 1975), Cert. denied, 423 U.S. 849, 96 S.Ct. 90, 46 L.Ed.2d 71 (1976). 35 Id. at 768 (emphasis added). In sum, the government need show only that a defendant associated himself with a venture, and sought by his action to make it succeed. United States v. Buttorff, 572 F.2d 619, 623 (8th Cir.), Cert. denied, 437 U.S. 906, 98 S.Ct. 3095, 57 L.Ed.2d 1136 (1978). 36 Wedelstedt's principal contention is that he gave no direct assistance to the three thieves, nor did he do anything which could be inferred as an act of assistance. Specifically, Wedelstedt argues that all three principals testified that the theft was carried out without his knowledge, and that two of the principals had never met him until after the theft was accomplished. 37 We have carefully reviewed the testimony of Gentry, Dobler, Leone, and Meade. According to the testimony of Meade and Gentry, it was Wedelstedt who knew of the films in the Chicago warehouse, and Wedelstedt who suggested that Meade and Gentry steal them and that he would buy them. 7 These two then attempted the burglary on November 23, but were unsuccessful. 8 38 When Meade and Gentry returned to tell Wedelstedt that it was too risky to attempt the theft, Meade added that they would return at some later date and try again. 39 Q (Government) What was Mr. Wedelstedt's response? 40 A He was a little bit upset but he said, Okay. 41 Gentry's testimony corroborated this conversation exactly. 42 It was Gentry who decided to steal the films on December 8. He did not include Meade, his former partner, but called upon two friends who had not met Wedelstedt. After the theft, Gentry, Dobler and Leone drove directly to Wedelstedt's home in Iowa with the films, stayed there all night, and were paid for the films the next day by Wedelstedt. However, Gentry testified that Wedelstedt was unaware that he and the others were going to carry out the theft at the time they did, on December 8. 43 Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, we find no error. The jury was free to conclude that Wedelstedt instigated the idea of stealing pornographic films in Chicago and returning them to Iowa. Wedelstedt directed the first unsuccessful theft, and okayed the idea that it be tried later. When Gentry decided later to try again, without Wedelstedt's knowledge, he knew he had a ready delivery point for the stolen film, a general price established, and an approving buyer. As Dobler testified: I got the feeling that Mr. Gentry knew he could get rid of the material that we were going to take   . We cannot say a jury could not find Wedelstedt guilty of some participation in the criminal act in furtherance of the common design, either before or at the time the criminal act is committed. United States v. Frye, supra, 548 F.2d at 768. The count four conviction is sustained.