Opinion ID: 741083
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Cipple

Text: 9 Cipple contends that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his convictions on the conspiracy charge and the charges for possession with intent to distribute. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, we find that the prosecution introduced ample evidence to support the verdicts. Cipple introduced Torres to the Belmontes family and Silguero and Beltran to Officer Mendoza. He facilitated the Belmontes' acquisition of keys to the ranch roads. At the May 16 meeting, Cipple requested $1,500 as his fee for finding people to carry Mendoza's marihuana around the border check points and was instrumental in planning the operation. 10 In a prosecution for possession with intent to distribute, the government must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed a controlled substance with intent to distribute. 6 Possession may be actual or constructive and may be proved by direct or circumstantial evidence. 7 Constructive possession is defined as ownership, dominion, or control over illegal drugs or dominion over the premises where drugs are found. 8 At trial several witnesses testified as to Cipple's involvement in the Belmontes' drug trafficking activities. Because the offenses that formed the basis of the possession with intent to distribute charges occurred while Cipple was a participant in the conspiracy, it was reasonable for the jury to find him guilty.