Opinion ID: 1934689
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Conspiracy Convictions

Text: A person who conspires to commit more than one crime is guilty of only one conspiracy if the crimes are the object of the same agreement or continuous conspiratorial relationship. 17-A M.R.S.A. § 151(3) (1983). Because the evidence in this case supports the existence of only one relationship between Begin and Ward, regardless of the number of victims, we must vacate at least one conspiracy conviction. The State does not contend otherwise. We also must vacate Begin's remaining conviction for conspiracy to commit gross sexual assault. To convict Begin of conspiracy to commit gross sexual assault, the jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to commit gross sexual assault and that he took a substantial step towards commission of that crime. 17-A M.R.S.A. §§ 151(1), 151(4) (1983). Because the trial court erroneously failed to instruct on a defense to gross sexual assault generated by the evidence, the jury was unable properly to make that determination. The entries are: As to George Begin: In CR-93-269, judgment affirmed. In CR-92-806, judgment vacated as to Counts 1, 6, 11, 16, 38, and 39. In all other respects the judgment is affirmed. As to Peter LaMarche: In CR-93-605, judgment affirmed. In CR-92-806, judgment affirmed. All concurring.