Opinion ID: 574322
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Ralph L. Levine

Text: 29 Levine argues there is insufficient evidence of any agreement on his part to become a member of the conspiracy, and that even if he did so agree, it was to a different conspiracy then the one alleged. For this Court to sustain a conviction of conspiracy, 30 the defendant must know the purpose of the conspiracy, but not necessarily the full scope thereof, the detailed plans, operation, membership, or even the purpose of other members in the conspiracy. 31 United States v. Shermetaro, 625 F.2d 104, 108 (6th Cir.1980). Further, the Court is bound by all reasonable inferences and credibility choices in support of the jury's verdict. United States v. Hughes, 895 F.2d 1135, 1140 (6th Cir.1990) (quoting United States v. Stull, 743 F.2d 439, 442 (6th Cir.1984)). 32 As Levine concedes, Reuben Sturman conspired to defraud the government by creating numerous and complex means of concealing assets and income. Levine, who acted as a partner to Sturman, ran the Nevada businesses. An employee, Jack Marcum, testified that at least $70,000 in cash from the Nevada businesses went unrecorded every month. Levine failed to report the existence or use of this money and therefore furthered the purpose of the conspiracy. His signature authority and power of attorney on Swiss accounts, his failure to report such authority, and the signing of aliases on the signature cards provides further evidence from which the jury could imply willing membership. Levine argues that any finding that he participated in the conspiracy can only be based on inference piled on inference in violation of Direct Sales Co. v. United States, 319 U.S. 703, 711, 63 S.Ct. 1265, 1269, 87 L.Ed. 1674 (1943). This Court finds the evidence presented adequate to find participation in a conspiracy even without multiplying inferences. A reasonable jury could find the evidence sufficient to convict the defendant. 33