Opinion ID: 584174
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Pre-Conspiracy Acts

Text: 51 Appellants Hooks and Roulette challenge the admissibility of Sanders's testimony regarding actions by Hooks and Roulette that occurred before February 15, 1990, the date the indictment alleges the conspiracy began. Sanders described a conversation that took place between Hooks and Roulette in November 1989 in which Hooks allegedly agreed to sell drugs out of his house for Roulette. IIA Tr. at 335. A court may admit pre-conspiracy evidence when the evidence establishes the motive or intent of the conspirators, is clear and convincing, is more probative than prejudicial, is not so far removed in time as to make it inadmissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) and when the court gives an instruction to the jury as to the narrow purpose for which the evidence may be considered. United States v. McConnell, 903 F.2d 566, 572 (8th Cir.1990). Because Sanders's testimony established Roulette's and Hooks's intent to conspire, was not far removed in time from the actual conspiracy, was clear and convincing, was highly probative, and was accompanied by an appropriate limiting instruction, the district court properly admitted Sanders's testimony about pre-conspiracy activities.