Opinion ID: 3001171
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Distribution Counts

Text: Similarly, sufficient evidence supports Williams’ conviction for the August 13, 2002 and August 29, 2002 sales. To prove a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), the government must show that the defendant knowingly and intentionally distributed crack and that the defendant knew that the substance was crack. United States v. Johnson, 127 F.3d 625, 628 (7th Cir. 1997). And “distribution” consists of the “transfer of possession from one person to another.” Id. In addition, whoever “causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him or another would be an offense against the United States, is punishable as a principal.” 18 U.S.C. § 2(b) (2006). The evidence at trial supports Williams’ convictions. First, Bethel testified that he purchased twenty-four grams of crack directly from Williams on August 13, 2002 14 Nos. 07-1182, 07-1190 & 07-1191 after calling Alexander to set up a sale of “zip,” which Bethel testified was a street name for crack. Audio recordings of the sale corroborated Bethel’s testimony regarding the conversation with Alexander and the subsequent sale by Williams and Alexander. At trial, the government would also present photos of the transacted substance, which Bethel had turned over to the police. Second, Bethel testified that he purchased fifty-three grams of crack from Bailey on August 29, 2002 after placing an order with Williams over the phone. Again, audio recordings corroborate Bethel’s testimony regarding his conversations with Williams. As Williams had promised, Bailey soon arrived. When Bailey had trouble getting Bethel the agreed-upon amount, Bailey’s and Williams’ phone records confirm that the two were in constant contact. Ultimately, after several calls to Williams, Bailey delivered two ounces of crack to Bethel. At trial, the government presented pictures of the distributed substance, which Bethel had turned over to the police. In short, Bethel ordered crack from Williams and received it from Bailey, as Williams had promised. This is sufficient to show that Williams “cause[d]” the distribution of crack to Bethel for purposes of 21 U.S.C. § 841 and 18 U.S.C. § 2. The evidence from the controlled buys is thus sufficient to support Williams’ distribution convictions.