Opinion ID: 541987
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Mere Purchase

Text: 36 It is agreed that the purchase of drugs from a conspiracy, without more, does not rise to the level of membership in the conspiracy. United States v. Koenig, 856 F.2d 843, 854 (7th Cir.1988); United States v. Douglas, 818 F.2d 1317, 1321 (7th Cir.1987); United States v. Mancillas, 580 F.2d 1301, 1307 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 958, 99 S.Ct. 361, 58 L.Ed.2d 351 (1978). We think, however, that this is more than a case of mere purchase. In United States v. Marks, 816 F.2d 1207, 1212 (7th Cir.1987), we noted that someone who buys from a conspirator for resale is a member of the conspiracy if he at least knows its general aims. The evidence introduced at trial established that Binkley knew the individuals involved in the conspiracy and the conspiracy's purpose; that is, he knew where to go to buy marijuana. We think, moreover, that the facts of this case establish that Binkley was buying marijuana for resale. As Solomon testified at trial, shake marijuana usually is not saleable, but one could separate about an ounce of marijuana buds out of every pound of shake, and sell this marijuana at a profit over the price of the shake. A rational jury could find that Binkley's telephone conversations with Solomon of March 17 and 18, 1983 showed that he purchased this marijuana for resale. See Mancillas, 580 F.2d at 1307. Thus, we believe that Binkley properly was found to be a member of the conspiracy despite the fact that he did not participate in each aspect thereof. Cf. United States v. Herrera-Medina, 853 F.2d 564, 565 (7th Cir.1988) (defendant properly was found to be a member of the conspiracy despite the fact that no informant testified that he was a member). To the extent that Binkley's testimony conflicted with that of Solomon and others, this is a question of credibility (for determination by the jury) which we do not disturb on appeal. Whaley, 830 F.2d at 1472 & n. 3. 37 Binkley claims that there is no direct evidence that he joined the conspiracy. As the government points out, however, evidence that establishes a defendant's participation beyond a reasonable doubt, even if circumstantial, is sufficient to link that defendant to the conspiracy. United States v. Zambrana, 841 F.2d 1320, 1346 (7th Cir.1988). Here, a rational jury could infer from the testimony at trial and the telephone conversations that Binkley bought marijuana from Solomon with the intent to resell it. In short, we think that the jury properly rejected Binkley's buyer-seller defense. 38