Opinion ID: 200319
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sufficiency of Evidence at Second Trial

Text: 27 Julien also argues that the evidence at the second trial was insufficient to show possession with intent to distribute. 2 In reviewing this claim we take the evidence in the light most favorable to the government; Julien must show that no rational jury could have convicted him. United States v. Collazo-Aponte, 216 F.3d 163, 191 (1st Cir.2000). 28 Julien argues that the jury most likely convicted him on an aiding and abetting theory as to the events on March 19, 2001, the date of his arrest in the motel room. He argues that the evidence established only that he was present that day, with knowledge that others there possessed drugs, perhaps for sale. In any event, he says, proof was not beyond a reasonable doubt. 29 There was sufficient evidence at the second trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. King testified that Julien obtained cocaine from his own sources in New York and sold the drugs in Maine. There was evidence that Julien had rented another motel room in Old Orchard Beach from which drugs were sold. Telephone records showed calls were made from the room to a number of crack cocaine users in the area. Penny Oulette testified that she had regularly purchased crack cocaine from Julien, King, and Goodine, including on a visit to the raided motel room a day or two before the arrests. 30 When the police entered the motel room on March 19, Julien and King were both near the open window; the jury could infer that Julien threw the incriminating evidence out the window. After the police entered, an officer saw Julien jump from beside the window to the nearest bed. Under the bed where Julien landed was $900 in cash. 31 Julien testified in his own defense that it was King who threw the drugs and paraphernalia out the window, that he did not deal cocaine, that he had rented the Old Orchard Beach motel room as a favor to King, and that he knew nothing of the cash or the drug paraphernalia in the Saco motel room. Goodine also testified on Julien's behalf, denying that either of them sold drugs. 32 The jury's decision came down to an assessment of the credibility of these various witnesses. Julien had ample opportunity to impeach the government's witnesses. A reasonable jury could certainly conclude that Julien was in knowing possession of drugs intending to sell them or that, at least, he was aiding and abetting others who were doing so. Julien has not met the high bar required to overturn a jury verdict.