Opinion ID: 1089900
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the state failed to prove an essential element of the crime, i.e., intent to deliver.

Text: There was no direct evidence to establish that Jowers intended to sell or deliver the marijuana. However, the intent to sell or deliver contraband may be established by inference from circumstantial evidence. Jackson v. State, 580 So.2d 1217, 1220 (1991); Bryant v. State, 427 So.2d 131 (Miss. 1983); Hollingsworth v. State, 392 So.2d 515, 517 (Miss. 1981). Where the contraband is present in an amount which a person could reasonably hold for personal use, other evidence of possible involvement in the drug trade may be sufficient to establish intent. See, Breckenridge v. State, 472 So.2d 373, 378 (Miss. 1985). The items seized from Jowers show that she possessed: 1. One large freezer bag of marijuana weighing 219 grams (7.7 oz.). 2. A small bag of marijuana weighing 84.5 grams ( 3. A small bag of marijuana weighing 19.9 grams ( 4. Two sets of portable scales. One set found in the house, the other set found in Jowers' purse. 5. A surgical tool. 6. Rolling papers. 7. $356.00 in United States currency. The amount of marijuana seized in this case is not sufficient to constitute direct evidence that possession alone establishes intent. The surgical tool, used as a holder, and the rolling papers are items commonly associated with personal marijuana use. Scales are used by drug dealers, but also have legitimate uses. The $356.00 does heighten suspicion of an intent to deliver, but not everyone who has $356.00 in cash is a drug dealer, or for that matter a drug user. This evidence could just as well imply possession for personal use as intent to deliver. The items seized all together create a suspicion of intent but not an intent to deliver marijuana. The statute requires more than mere suspicion. Based upon well recognized jurisprudence in this State commencing with Hollingsworth v. State, 392 So.2d 515 (Miss. 1981); Bryant v. State, 427 So.2d 131 (Miss. 1983); Coyne v. State, 484 So.2d 1018 (Miss. 1986); Jackson v. State, 580 So.2d 1217 (Miss. 1991); and Clayton v. State, 582 So.2d 1019, 1022 (Miss. 1991), we hold that the State failed to meet its burden of proof of possession with intent to distribute and the conviction of Jowers on that charge is reversed. However, the evidence clearly establishes that Jowers was guilty of the lesser included offense of possession of marijuana. The jury had more than sufficient evidence to find her guilty of that charge. Although the jury was presented with conflicting testimony concerning Jowers' possession of the marijuana, the jury resolved that conflict in favor of the State, and the jury is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the witness. Dixon v. State, 519 So.2d 1226, 1228 (Miss. 1988). We therefore reverse the defendant's conviction and sentence for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, but affirm conviction for the lesser included offense of possession. Remand is ordered for proper sentencing for possession of marijuana in excess of one ounce. CONVICTION OF POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA IN EXCESS OF ONE (1) OUNCE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE IS REVERSED AND SENTENCE VACATED; CONVICTION OF POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA IN EXCESS OF ONE (1) OUNCE IS AFFIRMED; REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING ON POSSESSION ONLY. HAWKINS and DAN M. LEE, P.JJ., and ROBERTSON and McRAE, JJ., concur. PITTMAN, J., dissents with separate written opinion joined by ROY NOBLE LEE, C.J., and PRATHER, J. BANKS, J., dissents with separate written opinion joined by PRATHER, J., and ROY NOBLE LEE, C.J., who concurs in results only.