Opinion ID: 370999
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sufficiency of the evidence to support the conviction

Text: 38 Appellant argues that the trial court erred in overruling a motion to dismiss, saying that the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction. 39 First appellant says that the evidence was totally insufficient to establish an agreement among two or more persons to commit a crime and that it was insufficient to show that the Defendant was a part of any such agreement. Brief of Appellant at 10. It would seem that evidence of an agreement relates solely to the conspiracy count of the indictment. Appellant was acquitted on that count; consequently this question is moot and we need only consider the proof on the charge under 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a) of possession with intent to distribute. 40 As noted the testimony of detectives Dee and Clark tended to show that the appellant had the drugs in his possession at the time of his arrest. The Government also presented the testimony of Hoover and Debbie Darnel, his girlfriend. The testimony of Hoover tended to show that he and the appellant had negotiated a purchase of drugs from an individual in Arizona; that they planned to resell the drugs at a profit to another individual in Oklahoma; and that Hoover made the purchase in Arizona while the appellant supplied most of the money. II R. 155, 157-60. Hoover further testified that on the Thursday before his trip to Arizona, appellant asked Hoover to come by his house to count the money and to tape it to Hoover's legs. They came up with $34,000, $31,000 of which belonged to appellant. II R. 164-66. 41 Hoover also testified that on his return from Arizona on Saturday, May 14, he went to appellant's house and informed him of the quaalude purchase and of the plan to ship the drugs from Arizona in a trunk. II R. 176-77. Hoover also stated that on Sunday, May 15, he was informed by his supplier of the pending drug shipment by airfreight; that he notified the appellant of the shipment; that he and the appellant made plans to ride out to the airport together to pick up the trunk; and that they planned to immediately resell the drugs that night to an individual who was waiting at appellant's house. II R. 178-81. 42 Debbie Darnel testified that Hoover and appellant had negotiated several drug deals together; that appellant supplied the money while Hoover made the purchases and sales; that she witnessed the appellant and Hoover counting the money for the Arizona drug deal; that she saw the appellant and his wife tape the money to Hoover's legs; and that Hoover used a pair of appellant's wife's knee socks to conceal the money while it was taped to his legs. She further said that on the evening of the appellant's arrest, a man was waiting at appellant's house to repurchase the drugs. II R. 299-300, 305, 312. 43 Appellant took the stand and denied any involvement in a drug scheme. He said he was merely helping his friend pick up the footlocker at the airport, not knowing about the drugs being concealed in it. II R. 257, 264-78. Two character witnesses also testified for appellant. 44 When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support a guilty verdict on appeal, this court will not weigh conflicting evidence nor consider the credibility of witnesses. United States v. Downen, 496 F.2d 314, 318 (10th Cir.), Cert. denied, 419 U.S. 897, 95 S.Ct. 177, 42 L.Ed.2d 142. We must view the evidence, together with all reasonable inferences therefrom, in the light most favorable to the Government. United States v. Twilligear,460 F.2d 79, 81-82 (10th Cir.). Viewed in this light we are satisfied that the evidence amply supports the conviction.