United States v. Luis Alvaro Hoyos

Hoyos appeals from his convictions of possession with intent to distribute methaqualone tablets, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methaqualone tablets, and distribution of methaqualone tablets, violations of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1) and 846. We affirm.

FACTS

Hoyos’ convictions resulted from sales of methaqualone tablets to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover agent Bachelier. According to the testimony of one Jimenez, another DEA undercover employee, Jimenez was contacted by a man named Cesar Castro several times and solicited to find customers to whom Castro might sell methaqualone pills. Jimenez, in turn, introduced Castro to a prospective buyer named “Tony,” who, in truth, was agent Bachelier of the DEA. After preliminary negotiations, Castro, Jimenez, and Bachelier met together to arrange the details of the proposed sale to “Tony.” Later, Castro and Hoyos picked up Jimenez on their way to meet “Tony” and consummate the sale. Upon meeting with “Tony,” Castro and Hoyos left Jimenez with agent Bachelier, saying they would return shortly with the pills. Castro later returned in a different car with the pills and was arrested as the sale was made. Hoyos…