Opinion ID: 2979142
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Michael’s Conviction

Text: Michael claims that there was insufficient evidence to support a judgment that he had distributed over 100 kilograms of marijuana. In making that argument, he relies on the fact that the total amount of marijuana discussed on the intercepted phone calls amounts to between 48 and 58 pounds, which translates to somewhere between 22 and 27 kilograms. However, Matheny testified that he sold Michael up to 30 pounds in March 2006, and then sold Michael up to 15 pounds per 11 08-5913/5929, USA v. Smith week beginning in April 2006. Over the course of their dealings together, nearly 11 months, this would have yielded a cumulative total of over 500 pounds, or well over 200 kilograms. Moreover, in one of the intercepted communications, Michael complains that he had sold half a million dollars worth of drugs for the conspiracy during the last year and indicates that the price of the marijuana was $650 per pound. A simple calculation indicates that half a million dollars worth of marijuana, at that price, would be well over 700 pounds, or over 300 kilograms. Taken together, this evidence is substantial and competent, and sufficient to support Michael’s conviction.