Opinion ID: 588821
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 43 All appellants challenge the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain their convictions. We address their arguments individually, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict. United States v. McKnight, 953 F.2d 898, 901 n. 3 (5th Cir.1992).
44 Beaumont begins his brief with the assertion that the evidence was insufficient to convict him. He fails, however, to make any argument whatsoever to support this contention. Failure of an appellant to properly argue or present issues in an appellate brief renders those issues abandoned. United States v. Lindell, 881 F.2d 1313, 1325 (5th Cir.1989), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 926, 110 S.Ct. 2621, 110 L.Ed.2d 642 (1990) (citing Fed.R.App.P. 28(a)(4)). 17
45 Johnie was convicted of the conspiracy offense and the substantive offense of possession. She suggests that the record reflects nothing more than that she provided the use of information contained on her driver's license for identification purposes when the precursor chemicals were purchased at the chemical supply store. We disagree. 46 In United States v. Sanchez, 961 F.2d 1169 (5th Cir.1992) we observed: 47 To establish guilt of a drug conspiracy, it must be proven that an agreement with intent to [manufacture methamphetamine] existed, that the defendant had knowledge of the agreement, and that the defendant voluntarily participated in the conspiracy. United States v. Lewis, 902 F.2d 1176, 1180 (5th Cir.1990). An agreement may be inferred from a concert of action, participation from a collocation of circumstances, and knowledge from surrounding circumstances. United States v. Espinoza-Seanez, 862 F.2d 526, 537 (5th Cir.1988). Mere presence at the scene and close association with those involved are insufficient factors alone; nevertheless, they are relevant factors for the jury. United States v. Simmons, 918 F.2d 476, 484 (5th Cir.1990). 48 Sanchez, 961 F.2d at 1174 (emphasis in original ). 49 In Sanchez, we held that the defendant-spouse of a principal conspirator could be convicted upon evidence that she used a false name while making airline reservations for her husband and another coconspirator, discussed the conspiracy with her brother and lived with a principal of the conspiracy. Sanchez, 961 F.2d at 1178. In the case before us, the record indicates that Johnie repeatedly supplied false information on the sales invoices regarding the proper address and proper reasons for purchasing the chemicals. These actions could permit a reasonable jury to infer that Johnie knew of the conspiracy and, particularly due to the fact that these actions were repeated, that she agreed to, and voluntarily participated in, the conspiracy. Moreover, Johnie lived in the same home as Beaumont, the principal conspirator, and accompanied him, together with Gerald and Brevell on occasion, to purchase the chemicals. With these facts in the record, we cannot say that there was insufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict as to the conspiracy count. 50 Johnie also challenges her conviction for the substantive offense of possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. It is well settled that [a] conspirator is liable for the substantive offenses of his coconspirators while he is a member of the conspiracy. Sanchez, 961 F.2d at 1176 (citing United States v. Garcia, 917 F.2d 1370, 1377 (5th Cir.1990)). Any analysis that turns on the lack of evidence directly implicating Johnie in the substantive offense of possession is unnecessary in light of the principal recited above. The jury was instructed that it could find Johnie guilty of the substantive offense based on the coconspirator liability theory; our inquiry need proceed no further. 18 Johnie's contentions are without merit.
51 Gerald suggests the evidence of his participation in the conspiracy failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Like his brother Beaumont, Gerald fails to show how the evidence was insufficient, merely making the bland assertion that the evidence was insufficient. 19 See Lindell, supra. Even were he to have properly presented this issue, however, we nonetheless affirm his conviction. The evidence demonstrated that Gerald participated in purchases of precursor chemicals from the chemical supply store as well as from DEA and State agents. Moreover, Gerald negotiated these deals at length and the negotiations were tape recorded. These recordings were presented to the jury. Gerald's challenge to his conviction for conspiracy must fail.
52 Brevell challenges his conviction for conspiracy. He recites in his brief both the inculpating and exculpating evidence introduced at trial. He concludes that, when contrasted, the exculpating evidence precludes a finding of guilt. We disagree. The evidence at trial showed that Brevell participated in the purchases of chemicals at the chemical store and accompanied Gerald in the purchases of chemicals from the DEA and State agents. Additionally, the evidence showed the Brevell participated in the transportation and unloading of the chemicals. Moreover, the evidence demonstrated that the warehouse where the chemicals were unloaded was in Brevell's name and paid for by Beaumont. Finally, the evidence showed that Brevell inspected glassware for the manufacture of methamphetamine and stated, upon sniffing the residue on the glassware, that he liked the smell of the chemicals. This evidence was more than sufficient to permit the jury to convict Brevell of conspiracy.