Case library · Square Grouper
Where the Cargo Was Going
United States v. Michelena-Orovio (1983)
Charge: Conspiracy to import and to distributeCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit (en banc)State: LouisianaDocket: Square Grouper
Does helping to carry a huge drug cargo in also prove agreement to the separate plan to sell it onward?
The facts
A converted shrimp boat, her booms cut away and no fishing gear aboard, was stopped on the high seas running north from Colombia toward a meeting point. There was no captain aboard and no papers. Her holds held 363 bales, about twelve tons. Eight men were found on the stern with their bags packed. One, a low-ranking crewman, was charged both with agreeing to bring the cargo in and with agreeing to sell it.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Michelena-Orovio, 719 F.2d 738 (5th Cir. 1983)
Read more at openjurist.org. The source reveals the outcome.