United States v. Watkins

86 F. App'x 578

Opinion

PER CURIAM.

Dejuan Anderko Watkins appeals his conviction, after a jury trial, for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) (2000).

On appeal, Watkins contends that his uncorroborated confession is insufficient to support his conviction. After a careful review of the record, we conclude that there was substantial independent evidence to corroborate Watkins’ confession, and the evidence as a whole proved Watkins’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Smith v. United States, 348 U.S. 147, 156, 75 S.Ct. 194, 99 L.Ed. 192 (1954).

Watkins also contends that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction because he did not take a substantial step towards the completion of the offense. We disagree. The record clearly establishes that Watkins took several substantial steps toward the completion of the crime. See United States v. Neal, 78 F.3d 901, 906 (4th Cir.1996).

Accordingly, viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the Government, and assuming that the jury resolved all contradictions in the testimony in favor of the Government, we conclude that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to sustain Watkins’ conviction. Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 80, 62 S.Ct. 457, 86 L.Ed. 680 (1942); United States v. Sun, 278 F.3d 302, 313 (4th Cir.2002); United States v. Burgos, 94 F.3d 849, 862 (4th Cir.1996). We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED