Opinion ID: 67089
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Attempt to possess with intent to distribute

Text: To obtain a conviction for attempt under 21 U.S.C. § 841, “the government must prove: (1) the defendant was acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for the commission of the crime for which he is charged with attempting; and (2) the defendant was engaged in conduct that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of the crime.” United States v. Carothers, 121 F.3d 659, 661 (11th Cir. 1997) (per curiam). “In other words, the defendant’s acts, taken as a whole, must strongly corroborate the required culpability; they must not be equivocal.” Id. (citation omitted). Here, after Valadez made arrangements to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine from the CI, Martinez joined Valadez to meet the CI at the appointed time and place to finalize the drug transaction. While there and without equivocation, Martinez handed cash to Valadez, Valadez handed that cash to the CI, and Valadez 5 inspected the 10 kilograms of cocaine. Again, considering these facts in the light most favorable to the government, a reasonable juror could find that Martinez’s actions constituted a substantial step towards possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.