Opinion ID: 2799450
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Garcia–Solis

Text: Fernando Garcia–Solis acted as a translator for Los Zetas, and he also argues insufficient evidence supports his conviction for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Garcia–Solis contends the government did not prove that he “knew that the funds used by himself and his clients were the proceeds” of illegal activity, and did not establish that “he knowingly and willfully joined into a conspiracy to launder such proceeds.” He argues the evidence merely shows that he acted as a buyer for Jose Trevino and Colorado, and that he was unaware of their connection to Los Zetas. The record does not support Garcia–Solis’s argument. Instead, the evidence shows that he acted in concert with coconspirators. Specifically, witnesses testified that Garcia–Solis almost always accompanied and acted as translator for Carlos Nayen, a key subordinate in the conspiracy who could not speak English. Together, Nayen and Garcia–Solis attended at least seven 22 Case: 13-50849 Document: 00513035268 Page: 23 Date Filed: 05/07/2015 No. 13-50849; cons. w/ No. 13-51003 different horse auctions and purchased numerous “expensive” horses on behalf of Los Zetas and Miguel Trevino. During the bidding, Nayen was in constant contact with Miguel Trevino. Further, when Del Rayo—exhibiting serious injuries—was forced to pay $310,000 for Blues Ferrari at an auction in Oklahoma City, Del Rayo was escorted by Garcia–Solis and Carlos Nayen. After horse trainers got wind that federal authorities were looking for Miguel Trevino at a racetrack, Garcia–Solis received an email instructing him to “toss your cell.” From this evidence, the jury could reasonably conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Garcia–Solis voluntarily joined the conspiracy, knowing its unlawful purpose and with intent to further that purpose. See Fuchs, 467 F.3d at 906.