Opinion ID: 4529810
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: We now turn to Jones’s argument that the district court improperly denied his motion for acquittal based on insufficient evidence. In order “[t]o 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. Gardner, 488 F.3d 700, 710 (6th Cir. 2007). “[O]ur court on appeal will reverse a judgment for insufficiency of evidence only if this judgment is not supported by substantial and competent evidence upon the record as a whole, and . . . this rule applies whether the evidence is direct or wholly circumstantial.” United States v. Stone, 748 F.2d 361, 363 (6th Cir. 1984). -7- Case Nos. 19-5197/5582, United States v. Britton et al. Jones argues that there was no physical evidence to connect him to the crime. He contends that the only evidence offered against him was the testimony of three of his codefendants, which he maintains was insufficient to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But he cites no caselaw in support of his argument, and instead simply summarizes the trial testimony against him. That trial testimony implicated Jones in the conspiracy, and the testimony was corroborated by security video, photos, and text messages that Jones exchanged with Nunley. This court does not ask itself “whether it believes the evidence at the trial established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” United States v. Lee, 359 F.3d 412, 416 (6th Cir. 2004) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)). It instead asks whether, “after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements.” Jackson, 443 U.S. at 319 (emphasis in original). And we have “long recognized that we do not weigh the evidence, consider the credibility of witnesses or substitute our judgment for that of the jury.” United States v. Hilliard, 11 F.3d 618, 620 (6th Cir. 1993). That is essentially what Jones is asking us to do. The jury in the present case found that the trial testimony was credible and that sufficient evidence existed to convict Jones. Its verdict was supported by “substantial and competent evidence” in the form of testimony, video, photos, and text messages. See Stone, 748 F.2d at 363. Moreover, “[t]he general hesitancy to disturb a jury verdict applies with even greater force when a motion of acquittal has been thoroughly considered and subsequently rejected by the trial judge.” Lee, 359 F.3d at 418–19. The district court in the present case reviewed the trial evidence and concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s verdict. Jones has failed to present any convincing argument to the contrary. -8- Case Nos. 19-5197/5582, United States v. Britton et al.