Opinion ID: 507830
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 10 Our standard of review regarding the sufficiency of the evidence is well established. We must examine the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, giving it the benefit of all reasonable inferences. We can only reverse if we conclude that a reasonable fact-finder could not have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. See, e.g., United States v. Parrino, 816 F.2d 414, 417 (8th Cir.1987); United States v. Davis, 785 F.2d 610, 619 (8th Cir.1986). This Court may overturn the verdict only if the evidence properly viewed is such that a reasonable-minded jury must have entertained a reasonable doubt as to the government's proof of one of the essential elements of the offense. United States v. Holm, 836 F.2d 1119, 1122 (8th Cir.1988) (citing United States v. Netz, 758 F.2d 1308, 1310 (8th Cir.1985) (per curiam). 11 The government had the burden of proving that appellant knowingly possessed heroin with the intent to distribute it. 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a)(1); see, United States v. Cardenas, 748 F.2d 1015, 1019 (5th Cir.1984). The appellant contends that the evidence was insufficient for the government to meet its burden of proof. Proof of constructive possession is adequate to satisfy the element of knowingly possessing under Sec. 841(a)(1). See United States v. Matra, 841 F.2d 837, 840 (8th Cir.1988) (citing United States v. Wajda, 810 F.2d 754, 761 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 107 S.Ct. 1981, 95 L.Ed.2d 821 (1987). Constructive possession is defined as knowledge of presence plus control. Id. A person has constructive possession of contraband if he has ownership, dominion or control over the contraband itself, or dominion over the premises in which the contraband is concealed. Id.; Cardenas, 848 F.2d at 1019 (citation omitted). 12 After reviewing the record, we conclude that the evidence is sufficient to establish that appellant had constructive possession of the heroin. At the time the search warrant was executed, appellant was found in a bedroom containing only an air mattress. He was dressed only in a bathrobe. He was leaning over a clutter of items which included two plates, a glass, a playing card, a small bag of cocaine, a bag of heroin, and capsules containing heroin. His clothing was in the closet and jewelry with his initials was found on the floor next to the bed. Two digital beepers leased by appellant were found in the living room. In the kitchen, officers found a scale and five boxes of dormin capsules. Also, a large quantity of tar heroin was found on a shower stall wrapped in a sock. 13 The evidence gives rise to a compelling inference that appellant was not a casual visitor to 6027 Suburban Street. Instead, it appears that appellant controlled the house and the heroin it contained. Based on the record as a whole, we are satisfied there is ample evidence of constructive possession to support appellant's conviction. 14 The record also contains sufficient evidence to support the second element of Sec. 841(a)(1). The intent to distribute may be proven by either direct or circumstantial evidence and may be inferred from such things as the possession of a large quantity of a controlled substance, its high purity level, the presence of paraphernalia used to aid in the distribution of drugs, large sums of unexplained cash, and the presence of firearms. See, e.g., United States v. LaGuardia, 774 F.2d 317, 320 (8th Cir.1985). In the present case, appellant was found in possession of a large quantity of 40-47% pure heroin, scales and 5 bottles of dormin capsules (known to be cutting agent for heroin), cash found under the mattress in the bedroom, and a gun which was within reach of appellant when the police entered the room. This evidence demonstrates appellant's intent to distribute the heroin. 15 There was sufficient evidence of appellant's constructive possession of heroin and of his intent to distribute it. Thus, we hold that the District Court did not err in denying appellant's motion for acquittal.