Opinion ID: 437132
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: john hartsel

Text: 35 Hartsel also challenges the validity of his arrest and the sufficiency of the evidence to support the verdict. When Murray left the Roan Lane premises, officers decided to approach Hartsel in the front yard of the residence. As officers approached, Hartsel moved towards the house. Officers asked Hartsel to stop and as officers were asking questions, marijuana gleanings were discovered on the ground surrounding Hartsel. A closer investigation revealed particles of marijuana in the driveway and in the back of several trucks. Hartsel was then arrested and informed of his rights. In response to the question of whether marijuana was on the premises, Hartsel replied: I didn't put it there. The premises were then secured and a search warrant was obtained. A search revealed approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana in the home. 36 Hartsel argues that the police were trespassing on the premises and had no right to approach him in the yard in front of the Roan Lane residence. This contention is meritless. When an officer enters upon private property to perform his duty, his conduct, otherwise a trespass, is justified. See United States v. Knight, 451 F.2d 275, 278-79 (5th Cir.1971), cert. denied sub nom. Grubbs v. United States, 405 U.S. 965, 92 S.Ct. 1171, 31 L.Ed.2d 240 (1972). 37 We agree with the district court that sufficient evidence was adduced to convict Hartsel. This includes: (1) the telephone call from the suspects at the Ramada Inn to the Roan Lane residence, (2) the M/V FORTY discharged marijuana at Roan Lane, (3) Hartsel's extended presence at the residence, (4) evidence of marijuana on the premises, and (5) Hartsel's admission that he had knowledge of the presence of marijuana.