Opinion ID: 659963
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: R. Doc. 1.

Text: 6 Section 841(a)(1) prohibits, among other things, the knowing or intentional distribution of a controlled substance. Section 841(b)(1)(B) contains a minimum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a minimum of four years supervised release in connection with 5 grams or more of cocaine base. Section 860(a), however, provides in part: 7 Any person who violates section 841(a)(1) ... by distributing ... a controlled substance in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising ... a playground ... is ... subject to (1) twice the maximum punishment authorized by section 841(b) of this title; and (2) at least twice any term of supervised release authorized by section 841(b) of this title for a first offense. 8 Section 860(d) defines playground as any outdoor facility ... intended for recreation, open to the public, and with any portion thereof containing three or more separate apparatus intended for the recreation of children including, but not limited to, sliding boards, swingsets, and teeterboards.Discussion 9 In reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, we must determine whether a reasonable jury could find the defendant guilty of each essential element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt in light of the direct and circumstantial evidence. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 318-19, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 2788-89, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979); United States v. Slater, 971 F.2d 626, 630-31 (10th Cir.1992). This evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the government. Jackson, 443 U.S. at 319, 99 S.Ct. at 2789. 10 The legal characterization of 21 U.S.C. Sec. 860 and its relation to Sec. 841 are questions of law to be decided de novo. See United States v. Deffenbaugh Indus., 957 F.2d 749, 751 (10th Cir.1992).