Opinion ID: 1442340
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Firearm Possession and Conspiracy Convictions

Text: The district court also did not err in denying Saddler's motion for judgment of acquittal with respect to his firearm possession conviction. To establish that a defendant possessed a firearm in violation of § 924(c), the Government must prove that (1) he committed a drug trafficking crime, and (2) he possessed a firearm in furtherance of that crime. Id. (internal quotation omitted). Because we have already held that sufficient evidence supported Saddler's drug distribution conspiracy conviction and because Saddler does not challenge his possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base convictions, we turn to the second element, whether sufficient evidence supports the jury's conclusion that Saddler possessed a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy. Possession may be actual or constructive and need not be exclusive. United States v. Williams, 512 F.3d 1040, 1044 (8th Cir.2008), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 128 S.Ct. 2918, ___ L.Ed.2d ___ (2008). Proof of constructive possession requires evidence that a defendant knowingly has the power and intention to exercise control over the firearm.... Id. Such possession may be established by showing the defendant had dominion over the premises where the firearm is kept. United States v. Tindall, 455 F.3d 885, 887 (8th Cir.2006). The Government proved that Saddler had both actual and constructive possession of the firearms. Davis and Earsery testified that they observed Saddler in actual possession of the firearms, specifically one of the 9mm Bryco Jennings pistols. Buls testified that Saddler had a key to the Hartman residence and that Saddler was the main person to use the basement where the firearms were stored; the police found Saddler's personal documents near the guns; and Earsery testified that Saddler had access to the firearms. Because of Saddler's dominion over the basement, he also had constructive possession of those firearms. Nonetheless, Saddler argues that there is no evidence of a nexus between his possession of a firearm and the drug trafficking convictions. See United States v. Thorpe, 447 F.3d 565, 568 (8th Cir.2006) (To convict a defendant of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the jury must have found a nexus between the defendant's possession of the firearm and the drug offense.). [W]e have repeatedly held that a jury may find the requisite nexus when a firearm is discovered in close proximity with drugs so as to support an inference that the firearm is for the protection of the drugs. Williams, 512 F.3d at 1044. Here, the firearms were loaded and kept in the basement of the Hartman Street residence. Thus, the firearms were quickly accessible and in close proximity to 701.8 grams of marijuana and 80.26 grams of cocaine, to a safe that contained an additional 122.56 grams of cocaine, 65.42 grams of crack cocaine and $21,514.42 in cash, and to the other parts of the house that contained 2212 grams of marijuana, 597.74 grams of powder cocaine and 217.1 grams of crack cocaine. See United States v. Close, 518 F.3d 617, 619 (8th Cir.2008) (holding that a quickly accessible firearm in close proximity to drugs helps establish a nexus between the defendant's possession of the firearm and the drug crime). Additionally, Davis testified that he had seen Saddler in possession of three of the firearms, including one of the 9mm Bryco Jennings pistols, at different times when they sat out in front of the 1264 West Mullan Avenue residence, where they sold crack cocaine. Davis also testified that Davis, Earsery and Saddler would probably be the main ones strapped, ready, whatever. Based on this testimony, the jury could reasonably infer that Saddler possessed the firearms to protect, and thereby further, the drug distribution operation. See United States v. Smith, 535 F.3d 883, 885, 2008 WL 2906537, at  (July 30, 2008) (We recognize the role of firearms in protecting drugs, drug proceeds, and drug transactions.). Therefore, the evidence was sufficient to support Saddler's conviction of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, the district court did not err in denying Saddler's motion for judgment of acquittal with respect to his firearm conspiracy conviction. To establish that a defendant conspired to use, carry or possess a firearm in violation of § 924(c) and (o), the Government must prove: (1) that there was a conspiracy, i.e., an agreement either to use or carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; (2) that the defendant knew of the conspiracy; and (3) that the defendant intentionally joined the conspiracy. See 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), (o); cf. Garcia-Hernandez, 530 F.3d at 661; United States v. Cannon, 475 F.3d 1013, 1020 (8th Cir.2007). Saddler argues that no evidence was presented showing an agreement between him and the alleged co-conspirators. However, Earsery testified that the firearms were house guns and that Earsery, Saddler, Latiker, Wade, Leaks and Jackson all had access to the guns and all sold drugs out of the West Mullan Avenue residences. Davis testified that he, Earsery and Saddler would probably be the main ones strapped, ready, whatever. From this evidence and the evidence previously detailed, we conclude that a jury could reasonably infer that Saddler had implicitly agreed to use or carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.