United States v. Jose Cruz-Velez

382 F. App'x 415

Opinion

PER CURIAM: *

Jose Luis Cruz-Velez appeals his jury conviction for possession with intent to distribute 154.24 kilograms of marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B). He argues that, in light of the Supreme Court decision in Flores-Figueroa v. United States, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 1886, 173 L.Ed.2d 858 (2009), the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction because the Government failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he knew the specific type and quantity of controlled substance he possessed.

This issue is foreclosed by circuit precedent. See United States v. Gamez-Gonzalez, 319 F.3d 695, 699-700 (5th Cir.2003) (holding that knowledge of drug type or quantity is not an element of an offense under § 841). Moreover, this precedent has not been overruled by Flores-Figueroa. See United States v. Betancourt, 586 F.3d 303, 308-09 (5th Cir.2009), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 130 S.Ct. 1920, 176 L.Ed.2d 390 (2010). Accordingly, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

* Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.