Opinion ID: 712827
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Conspiracy Conviction for the Second Indictment

Text: 89 Thierman contends that this court should reverse his conspiracy conviction on the second indictment because of a lack of proof on two elements: (1) existence of a conspiracy, and (2) sale of GHB for intended drug use. Thierman argues that there was insufficient proof of an agreement, relying heavily on prosecution witness Maldonado's testimony that he neither intended to break the law, nor agreed to do so with Thierman. Maldonado's knowledge regarding the law matched with his actions belie his contention there was no intent to violate the FFDCA. Further, the jury could infer an agreement from the evidence regarding the concerted action between the alleged co-conspirators to sell bulk GHB. In U.S. v. Disla, 805 F.2d 1340, 1348 (9th Cir.1986) this court stated, A formal agreement is not necessary; rather the agreement may be inferred from the defendants' acts pursuant to the scheme, or other circumstantial evidence. 90 Here, there was evidence that Thierman set up two clandestine labs for manufacturing GHB, shipped GHB to client Antosh, and that he was assisted in this process by witness Maldonado. A rational trier of fact could infer from this evidence that Thierman had entered into an agreement with at least Maldonado and Antosh to violate the FFDCA. 91 Thierman misplaces his reliance on U.S. v. Melchor-Lopez, 627 F.2d 886 (9th Cir.1980). Unlike the present case, a final agreement was never reached in Melchor-Lopez. The defendant there entered discussions about violating the law, but conditioned his agreement on events which never occurred. Here, in contrast, an agreement was reached, and action was taken. 92 Thierman also claims that there was no evidence that he sold GHB with the intent that it be used as a drug. However, there was testimony that he used GHB with client Antosh in order to get high, and that he had knowledge of Antosh's intent to sell the GHB to individuals at gyms. From this evidence, a rational trier of fact could conclude that Thierman sold GHB for intended drug use. 93 REVERSED AND REMANDED.