Opinion ID: 487837
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bowles' Involvement

Text: 15 Bowles challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction on Count II for conspiracy to import marijuana into the United States. He does not challenge his conviction on Count III. 16 Bowles' argument that the evidence shows conduct that at worst is suspicious, and that indicates mere presence or association, is fatuous. The fact that his acts appeared not to be illegal when viewed in isolation does not bar his conviction. An act innocent in nature and of no danger to the victim or society suffices if it furthers the criminal venture. United States v. Jones, 642 F.2d 909, 914 (5th Cir.1981). Moreover, the totality of the circumstances compels the conclusion that Bowles was a knowing participant in the importation conspiracy. United States v. Fernandez, 797 F.2d 943, 949 n. 3 (11th Cir.1986). 17 Bowles participated in organizational activities in Florida, Aruba, and California that concerned aircraft intended solely for use in the effectuation of the importation plan. Testimony indicated that Bowles was brought to his first meeting in Florida by principal conspirators Fortna and LaChance. Present at that meeting was a Colombian whose express role was to guide the airplane to the marijuana pickup site in Colombia. Bowles was identified as a flight navigator. The specific details of the importation venture were discussed at that meeting. Bowles accompanied Kelly 3 to Aruba to inspect the DC-7 that had been impounded by Aruban authorities, even though he was not qualified to navigate a DC-7. The trip to Aruba was paid for by the conspirators. While in Aruba Bowles learned what was necessary to obtain access to the impounded airplane. Bowles returned to the United States with Kelly and Reece. Bowles went to California only a couple of weeks after his return to Florida and met with Hernandez, a principal conspirator who had not attended the Florida meeting. Bowles' assignment that time was to assist Kelly and Pearson in checking the airworthiness of a KC-97 tanker that the conspirators hoped to lease for their venture. Bowles went to an airport with Hernandez, Kelly and Pearson where the KC-97 was parked and examined the aircraft. Efforts to lease the KC-97 collapsed, and Bowles thereafter accompanied Kelly, Pearson, Hernandez and Fortna to another airport, where Kelly and Pearson tested a DC-7. Bowles later attended the meeting with Martinez, Fortna, Hernandez and Pearson at which Martinez revealed that Cepeda had provided $40,000 to lease the DC-7. 18 Bowles' conduct cannot be regarded as innocent when examined in context. Bowles was present at places where nonparticipants in the smuggling venture would have not been invited. He was not present merely on an isolated occasion; rather, he attended multiple planning meetings, and was not heard to have protested that he was not a part of the illicit scheme that was the obvious topic of discussion. See United States v. Kincade, 714 F.2d 1064, 1065 (11th Cir.1983). This evidence affords a sufficient basis from which the jury could infer that he heard, understood, and acquiesced in the statements. Carter, 760 F.2d 1568, 1579.