United States v. Washington

MEMORANDUM **

Tamara Shana Washington appeals her conviction and sentence for importation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. See 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1), 952, 960. We affirm.

*502 (1) Washington asserts that the evidence was insufficient to establish that she knew that her car was laden with marijuana when she tried to drive it into the United States from Mexico. We disagree. Clear it is that a rational juror could find the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. See United States v. Yoshida, 303 F.3d 1145, 1149 (9th Cir.2002). The evidence was more than sufficient to allow the jury to infer knowledge. See United States v. Hursh, 217 F.3d 761, 767-68 (9th Cir.2000); United States v. Quintero-Barraza, 78 F.3d 1344, 1351-52 (9th Cir.1995); United States v. Haro-Portillo, 531 F.2d 962, 963 (9th Cir.1976). Similarly, there was ample evidence that Washington possessed the marijuana which was found in the tires of her car. See United States v. Whitehead, 200 F.3d 634, 639 (9th Cir.2000); Quintero-Barraza, 78 F.3d at 1352 ; United States v. Rubio-Villareal, 927 F.2d 1495, 1499 (9th Cir.1991).

(2) Washington also claims that the…