Opinion ID: 1364765
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Count 1Conspiracy to Distribute in Excess of Five Kilograms of Cocaine

Text: In order to prove a drug conspiracy, the Government must prove (1) that an agreement to violate the drug laws existed; and (2) that each conspirator knew of, intended to join, and participated in the conspiracy. United States v. Forrest, 17 F.3d 916, 918 (6th Cir.1994). At trial, Martin testified that he and Thornton pooled their money to purchase a kilogram or more of cocaine from Mexican suppliers every day for at least two months. Martin also testified that he and Thornton would divide up the cocaine and sell their respective portions; Thornton would sometimes sell his portion from out of his car, and sometimes from the drug houses Martin rented. Martin's testimony was corroborated by evidence seized from one of the houses, which included not only powder cocaine and crack but also wrapping from packages of cocaine, firearms, and drug paraphernalia such as scales. This is sufficient evidence for a rational jury to conclude that Thornton and Martin had an agreement to purchase and distribute cocaine.