Opinion ID: 365884
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: count i: sufficiency

Text: 77 J. T. Bowles argues that the evidence reveals the existence of at least five separate conspiracies, not the single conspiracy to import and distribute controlled substances as charged in Count I of the indictment. Based on this characterization of the evidence, Bowles urges that failure of the trial court to grant his motion for severance and for judgment of acquittal resulted in the transference of guilt amongst members of the various conspiracies to his detriment. 78 Matassini claims that the proof at trial showed a scheme significantly different from that charged in the indictment. Matassini notes that the indictment casts him and Cuesta in the role of purchaser, whereas the evidence showed they were suppliers. This, he urges, constitutes a fatal variance which should have resulted in the granting of his motion for judgment of acquittal for insufficiency of the evidence. 79 We have examined this lengthy record with respect to the evidence concerning each individual defendant and are convinced that there is ample evidence to support the conclusion that appellants charged in Count I conspired to participate in a common scheme aimed at the single purpose of possession and distribution of narcotics. As to Matassini's contention, the evidence showed that while he and Cuesta originally contemplated selling and/or distributing 10,000 pounds of marijuana to Lopez and Swartz, when Cuesta and Matassini had trouble obtaining adequate supplies of marijuana, they were more than willing to make regular purchases from J. T. Bowles through Swartz. This evidence is certainly sufficient to sustain the charge of conspiracy. 80