Opinion ID: 517661
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Existence of a Single Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Text: 87 With respect to the question of whether a conspiracy existed, the evidence clearly establishes that there was a conspiracy, with Anthony Pipito, Sr. as the kingpin, which included, but was not limited to, Pipito's girlfriend Gail Schill, his son Anthony Pipito, Jr., and others. Anthony Pipito, Jr. testified extensively at trial concerning his knowledge of the cocaine distribution business including information about two Columbians based in Florida, about trips Pipito took to Florida to procure cocaine, and about the quantity of cocaine sold. More specifically, Pipito, Jr. testified that he took orders for cocaine, counted money and took money to a safety deposit box all on his father's behalf. He also testified that, on occasion, he tested the purity of the cocaine by melting a sample of the drug together with oil and gauging its temperature on a celsius thermometer. Further, he testified that Schill was involved in the cocaine business and helped deliver cocaine to other individuals. More importantly, the November 30, 1984, search of Pipito's residence and his basement storage locker revealed cocaine and a substance used to dilute (cut) cocaine before its ultimate sale. The cocaine found weighed 2,636.81 grams (approximately 5 3/4 pounds), was packaged in several separate bags, and was varying in purity from 72 to 90 percent. Simply stated, there was overwhelming evidence of the existence of a single conspiracy to distribute cocaine with Pipito as the boss. Both Grier and Harper contend, however, that the evidence was insufficient for a reasonable jury to determine that they were members of this single conspiracy. We analyze whether the evidence was sufficient to convict Grier and Harper, respectively, of being members of a single conspiracy. 88