Opinion ID: 751665
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Prejudice to Herrera from Instruction on Use of Firearm.

Text: 59 Herrera was convicted of use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The conviction was vacated on motion of the government after the Supreme Court's decision in Bailey v. United States, 516 U.S. 137, 116 S.Ct. 501, 133 L.Ed.2d 472 (1995) (mere availability of weapon not sufficient to constitute use). Herrera contends that the district court's pre-Bailey jury instruction might have led the jury to believe that the presence of a firearm made it more likely that he committed the drug offense. We find no error. Evidence of possession of firearms, even if insufficient to convict under § 924(c), is nevertheless relevant in showing Herrera's involvement in drug trafficking. See United States v. Tarazon, 989 F.2d at 1053. There was no unfair spillover effect. 60