United States v. Arnoldo Zazueta-Miranda

MEMORANDUM

Defendant-Appellant Amoldo Zazueta-Miranda appeals his conviction and sentence. Defendant was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 ; conspiracy to import controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 963 ; conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (h); two counts of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(ii); possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A)(i), 841(b)(1)(A)(ii), 841(b)(1)(A)(iii), and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime' in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924 (c). On appeal, Defendant contends that there was insufficient evidence to prove he possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug-trafficking of fenses and that his sentence was unreasonable.

The government presented sufficient evidence to allow a reasonable jury to conclude that Defendant possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug-trafficking crimes. Defendant constructively possessed…