United States v. Rana Hunter

MEMORANDUM

Rana Hunter appeals her convictions for selling smuggled Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and committing identity theft crimes. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

I

Hunter argues that there was insufficient evidence to support her convictions. Because Hunter did not renew her Rule 29 motion at the close of evidence, we review for plain error. United States v. Pelisamen, 641 F.3d 399 , 409 & n. 6 (9th Cir.2011). We review the evidence in the light most favorable to the government and must affirm if any rational juror could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 , 99 S.Ct. 2781 , 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979).

Hunter claims that the vials tested for HGH suffered from a broken chain of custody, but there is evidence the chain was intact. The discrepancy in weight for the June vials was explained at trial — one measurement included paperwork and one did not. The discrepancy in dates for the July vials was accounted for by momentary confusion from similar dates. The jury could reasonably have credited these explanations.

Hunter’s submission that the Supreme Court’s decision in…