Opinion ID: 783096
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sufficient Evidence of Quantity

Text: 7 We review de novo the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain a conviction. United States v. Cruz, 285 F.3d 692, 697 (8th Cir.2002). [W]e look at the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict and accept as established all reasonable inferences supporting the verdict. Id. (citation omitted). We will reverse only when the jury verdict lacks substantial evidence to support it. Id. 8 The jury, by special verdict, found Titlbach conspired to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The jury's finding subjected Titlbach to a mandatory life sentence pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A). Titlbach argues the trial testimony does not support the jury's finding of quantity. We disagree. 9 Although contested by Titlbach, we conclude the district court properly found (1) the Kroeger lab evidence to be relevant, and (2) the methamphetamine amounts from the Kroeger lab reasonably attributable to Titlbach. See discussion infra. A chemist's testimony at trial substantiates a finding that the Kroeger lab was capable of producing a maximum theoretical yield of 510 grams of actual methamphetamine, based on empty precursor containers. Additionally, based on samples from the Symonds lab, there was a maximum theoretical yield of 23 grams of actual methamphetamine per batch. Symonds testified he saw Titlbach cook methamphetamine on five occasions, but knew of at least five other occasions when Titlbach used Symonds's property to cook methamphetamine in one to one-and-a-half ounce batches. The chemist testified that, based on the samples and other studies, the practical yield of methamphetamine would be 40-50% of the maximum theoretical yield. When viewed most favorably to the verdict, the Kroeger and Symonds labs had practical yields of at least 200 grams and 90 grams of actual methamphetamine, respectively. Were the jury to use the practical yield percentage urged by Titlbach of 21%, the labs would have produced practical yields of 100 and 48 grams, respectively. 10 In addition to the two labs, trial testimony connected Titlbach to the following amounts: (1) at least 16 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine sold to Cinkan; (2) at least 10 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine witnessed by Albert McMurrin; and (3) more than 11 grams of actual methamphetamine seized from Shipp. In addition, many witnesses testified about ongoing methamphetamine purchases from Titlbach or his acquiring of precursors such as anhydrous ammonia or ephedrine. 11 Based on our review of the evidence, and viewing such evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, substantial evidence supports the jury's special verdict holding Titlbach responsible for conspiring to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.