Opinion ID: 72120
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Conviction, Sentencing, and Appeal

Text: Zonia and Edica were indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana, and importation of in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana. Zonia and Edica stipulated that 121 kilograms of marijuana had been concealed in hollowed-out planks in the bed of the trailer that they were towing across the border. After a joint trial, the jury convicted both women on all counts. The district court sentenced Edica and Zonia on the basis of 400 to 700 kilograms of marijuana, relying on the assumption that on prior trips in which they crossed the border hauling a trailer, as recorded by border cameras, the trailer contained marijuana. The district court sentenced Edica to 86 months of imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently, and five years of supervised release. The court sentenced Zonia to 97 months on each count, to be served concurrently, and five years of supervised release. Edica and Zonia timely appealed as to whether: (1) the evidence was sufficient to support convictions for conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and importation; (2) the district court erred by admitting evidence of their prior border crossings with the trailer, where there was no proof that they transported marijuana on those prior occasions; and (3) the district court erred by holding them responsible for marijuana estimated to have 2 No. 08-41362 been smuggled during their prior crossings, under a theory of relevant conduct and mathematical extrapolation.