Opinion ID: 683810
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Conviction for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise

Text: 34 Dunn claims the government failed to prove the necessary elements required in order to find a him guilty of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise (CCE). In order to prove a CCE, the government must establish: 1) a felony violation of federal narcotics law, 2) as part of a continuing series of violations, 3) in concert with five or more persons, 4) for whom the defendant is an organizer, supervisor or manager and 5) from which he derives substantial income. 21 U.S.C. Sec. 848(a). The standard of review for such a conviction is whether after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Davis, 809 F.2d 1194, 1203 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 483 U.S. 1007 (1987). 35 Dunn argues the government cannot prove he acted in concert with five or more people or that he derived substantial income from the criminal enterprise. Dunn claims the government can only point to McCoy and Tolber, as being controlled by Dunn. He claims Ward, Craig, Snow, Logan, Bass and others do not meet the standards established by this circuit in U.S. v. Patrick, 965 F.2d 1390 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 113 S.Ct. 376 (1992). 36 The Patrick court held there must be a relationship beyond a mere buyer/seller. Id. at 1396. It is not necessary for an individual to be personally in control of those that work for him, he is still in control, under the CCE statute, if he directs a foreman to hire employees. Id. at 1397. 37 Dunn's argument that his relationship with Ward was buyer/seller in nature is not supported by the evidence. Ward did more than sell drugs to Dunn, he was his pipeline from Florida to Columbus. Ward's trips to Florida were made at the direction of Dunn and the drugs were purchased with money Dunn gave to Ward. 38 Dunn also claims Snow, Craig and Spencer were independent dealers, who only had buyer/seller relationships with Dunn. However Snow's testimony shows that Dunn acknowledged Craig, Spencer and Snow for their help in establishing his drug distribution enterprise. Tolber testified that on at least one occasion Snow helped break down a kilo of cocaine for Dunn. While each of these individuals may have had their own drug selling operations, they were all, at one time or another, involved in the CCE run by Dunn. 39 Dunn's argument that he did not make a substantial amount of money from the CCE is without merit. Testimony demonstrated Dunn was able to purchase a $30,000 Mercedes-Benz, with a cash down payment of $5,000. Further testimony showed that Dunn counted $100,000 in cash at his home and he was seen in possession of thousands of dollars. The evidence presented at trial proves Dunn was in control of at least five people and did make substantial amounts of money from the CCE.