United States v. Katherine Williams

MEMORANDUM

Katherine Williams appeals her convictions of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 , and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 (a)(1), (b)(1)(A). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and affirm.

1. Sufficient evidence supported both convictions. When Williams was arrested, federal agents found a substantial quantity of cocaine hidden in a compartment of her car’s gas tank. “[I]t is well-settled that ‘[m]ere possession of a substantial quantity of narcotics is sufficient evidence to support a finding that a defendant knowingly possessed the narcotics.’ ” United States v. Hursh, 217 F.3d 761, 767 (9th Cir.2000) (quoting United States v. Collins, 764 F.2d 647, 652 (9th Cir.1985)). In particular, the evidence supports a possession conviction when the defendant is the “driver and sole occupant of a car whose gas tank contain[s]” a substantial quantity of narcotics. Id. Williams drove from the Canadian border to Arizona and gave her car to two men at an apparently pre-arranged meeting; the men placed the cocaine in the gas tank before returning the car to Williams the next morning. There was…