United States v. Timothy Becker

Appellant Timothy Becker appeals from his conviction on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 . We affirm.

FACTS

On January 26, 1982, Alan Caraway, an undercover agent working for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), was introduced to Scott Sirles. Caraway represented himself as a cattle buyer interested in purchasing a quantity of cocaine. Sirles agreed to sell Caraway cocaine and indicated that he had been dealing with his source for approximately one year. Sirles, however, was unable to locate appellant to make the purchase. Therefore, he sold Caraway a quantity of methamphetamine which had been obtained from appellant earlier. Sirles and Caraway agreed to arrange for a later purchase of cocaine.

On February 1, 1982, Caraway met with Sirles at a local restaurant to discuss a cocaine sale. Sirles informed Caraway that he had made the arrangements for the purchase, but would need one-half of the purchase price fronted in advance of delivery. Caraway paid Sirles and then waited while Sirles left the restaurant, under surveillance, and travelled to a nearby pizza parlor where appellant was waiting. Appellant and Sirles went into the restroom…