United States v. Juan Romero

Juan Romero (“Romero”) was tried by jury and convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(B) and § 846. Romero asserts that there was insufficient evidence to find that he was involved in a conspiracy. He also argues that the district court erred in admitting impermissible character evidence, failed to give a government agent jury instruction, and that the cumulative errors in this case warrant reversal. Finally, Romero contends that his sentence of ninety-two months is unconstitutional and should be vacated. We affirm.

In 1998, Bonnie Rivero (“Rivero”) gave Detective Frank Cortez (“Cortez”) information about a drug trafficking organization involving Romero. Rivero subsequently became a confidential informant for the government. Detective Cortez instructed Rivero to introduce him to Romero as a drug trafficker looking for a suppli er. In June 1998, Cortez and Romero were introduced and discussed a deal involving approximately five kilograms of cocaine, valued in excess of $100,000.

Romero and Detective Cortez made arrangements for Cortez to travel to the area of Yakima, Washington on June 12 to purchase cocaine from Romero…