Opinion ID: 2971944
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Attempted Possession

Text: Both Harris and Holmes were convicted of attempted possession of cocaine through the aiding and abetting statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2. “[T]he essential elements of aiding and abetting are (1) an act by the defendant that contributes to the commission of the crime, and (2) an intention to aid in the commission of the crime.” Davis, 306 F.3d at 412. Accordingly, the Court must determine whether any rational finder of fact could determine that these elements have been satisfied. See Gibbs, 182 F.3d at 419-20. Holmes argues that he “did nothing more than sit in the passenger seat of Wilson’s car while Douglas attempted to purchase the cocaine from the informant.” Holmes Br. at 23. However, the government presented uncontradicted evidence strongly suggesting that Holmes was present to provide additional firepower in case Milan or his associates attempted to cheat Wilson in the July 2, 2002 deal. The jury heard testimony suggesting that, in the front seat of the car alone, there was an Intratech nine-millimeter, J.A. at 68, 71 (Selby Test.), and a .357-revolver (J.A. at 72). As the district judge noted at sentencing, “[F]rankly, the impression that we all had as a result of listening to all the proof was this was sort of like an armed party going to get the drugs with some pretty heavy — pretty heavy ornaments.” J.A. at 434 (August 12, 2003 Sentencing Hr’g). Additionally, Holmes’s involvement in the cake-mix transaction provided further evidence of his intent to contribute to the commission of the crime. Under these circumstances, a rational trier of fact could conclude both that (1) Holmes’s presence in the car contributed to the attempted possession of cocaine and (2) Holmes intended to contribute to the commission of this crime.7 The government also presented uncontradicted evidence strongly suggesting that Harris, like Holmes, was present to provide additional firepower in case Milan or his associates attempted to cheat Wilson in the July 2, 2002 deal. In the back seat of the car, where Harris admits that he was sitting, Harris Br. at 8, the jury heard testimony suggesting that there was a .380-caliber pistol, a magazine loaded with ammunition for that pistol, and a nine-clip magazine for the SKS rifle that was found in the trunk of the car. J.A. at 72 (Selby Test.). Under these circumstances, a rational trier of fact could conclude that Harris’s presence in the car contributed to the attempted possession of cocaine. A rational trier of fact could also conclude that Harris intended to contribute to the attempted possession of cocaine. Absent any indication to the contrary, his presence in such a heavily armed car, where he could hear the relevant phone conversations and watch the exchange of drugs and money, was sufficient to allow a reasonable trier of fact to conclude that his continued presence in the car indicated that he intended to aid and abet in the attempted possession of cocaine. 7 Harris cites a long string of cases in support of his argument that the government failed to prove that he had either actual or constructive possession of the cocaine in question. Harris Br. at 14-18. It is not necessary to reach the merits of this argument, because Harris was not convicted of actual or constructive possession of the cocaine, but of aiding and abetting in attempted possession of the cocaine. Nos. 03-6207/6255 United States v. Harris et al. Page 10