United States v. Ceballos-Torres

E. GRADY JOLLY, Circuit Judge:

After a bench trial, Javier Ceballos-Tor-res was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841, and knowing possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)®. Cebal-los now appeals the latter conviction, asserting that the evidence was insufficient to convict him of that offense. He argues that “in furtherance” requires more than the mere presence of the firearm in an area where drug trafficking occurs. We consider the plain language and the legislative history and conclude that a posses*411…