Opinion ID: 737511
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Extent to which jury discussed and emphasized definition.

Text: 41 Mr. Owens testified that Ms. Howard read aloud the dictionary definition of distribution to the other jurors. However, the record does not indicate any of the jurors relied upon or attached any significance to the definition. Although Mr. Owens questioned nine of the twelve jurors after their verdict, he did not allege any of them relied upon this definition in reaching their verdict. Nor did he testify that any of the jurors other than Ms. Howard recalled that the definition of distribution was even read to them. Thus, this factor weighs in favor of a finding that Mr. Aguirre was not prejudiced by the juror misconduct. 42 4. Strength of evidence and whether jury had difficulty reaching verdict prior to introduction of definition. 43 The United States introduced a plethora of evidence at trial establishing Mr. Aguirre's involvement in large-scale drug distribution and money laundering. Between 1985 and 1992, the Internal Revenue Service estimated Eleno Aguirre and his wife spent $2,127,244.95 more than their reported income. In 1992, federal agents discovered $1,800,000.00 in cash buried in the backyard of Mr. Aguirre. Indeed, Mr. Aguirre does not even challenge the sufficiency of evidence against him on appeal. Furthermore, there is no evidence in the record that the jury was deadlocked or was having any difficulty reaching a verdict prior to the introduction of the definition. 44 5. Other factors relating to a determination of prejudice. 45 Mr. Owens' affidavit indicates the term distribution was looked up and discussed as it related to the guilt or innocence of Sonia Gallegos. There is absolutely no evidence the term was researched or discussed in connection with the determination of Mr. Aguirre's guilt. Accordingly, this factor also indicates the juror misconduct was not prejudicial to Mr. Aguirre. 46 Based on the above factors, we conclude the district court properly determined Mr. Aguirre was not prejudiced by the juror misconduct. The record clearly establishes any juror impropriety was harmless to Mr. Aguirre. Consequently, the district court did not err in denying the defendants' motion for a new trial based on juror misconduct.