Opinion ID: 3034776
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Labrada contends that because there was no meth ever found on him or his co-defendants, and because he continually maintained that his true intent was to steal money, not sell meth, the evidence was insufficient to support the jury’s finding that he intended to distribute a controlled substance. “We review de novo the denial of a motion for a judgment of acquittal based on the alleged insufficiency of the evidence.” United States v. Pearson, 391 F.3d 1072, 1075 (9th Cir. 2004) (citation omitted). “[V]iewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the government, we must determine whether any rational trier of fact could have found, beyond a reasonable doubt, the requisite elements of the offense charged.” Id. (citation omitted). UNITED STATES v. LABRADA-BUSTAMANTE 15271 [4] “To establish a drug conspiracy, the government must prove: 1) an agreement to accomplish an illegal objective and 2) the intent to commit the underlying offense.” United States v. Romero, 282 F.3d 683, 687 (9th Cir. 2002) (citation omitted). In this case, the underlying offense was the distribution of fifty grams or more of meth. Thus, the government was required to prove that Labrada intended to distribute at least fifty grams of meth. “Culpable intent can be inferred from the defendant’s conduct and from the surrounding circumstances.” United States v. Bucher, 375 F.3d 929, 934 (9th Cir. 2004) (citations and alteration omitted). [5] There was extensive evidence in this case from which a rational jury could infer that Labrada had the requisite intent to distribute meth. Agent Garza engaged in extensive negotiations for the sale of meth with both Labrada and Duarte. Labrada used expressions common in the drug trade and the defendants drove from Phoenix to Yakima to consummate the transaction. At the meeting in Washington, Labrada attempted to negotiate the exchange, even offering to remain with Agent Garza for ransom until the deal was completed. When negotiations stalled, Labrada persisted in attempting to make the sale. Finally, Labrada admitted to Agent Rodriguez that he was in Washington for a drug deal. [6] Viewing this evidence in the light most favorable to the government, and drawing all reasonable inferences against Labrada, as we must, United States v. Rodriguez, 360 F.3d 949, 955 (9th Cir. 2004), the evidence was sufficient for a rational jury to find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Labrada intended to distribute fifty grams or more of meth.