State v. Williams

WEISSBARD, J.S.C.

Whether there can be accomplice liability for a simple possessory offense, and if so, under what circumstances, is the deceptively simple, but apparently unresolved, issue raised in this case. This opinion constitutes an amplification of a ruling made during the course of jury deliberations.

The facts are uncomplicated. The State’s proofs established that Shane Connor, a juvenile, was selling drugs for defendant, Herron Faison. Connor failed to remit to Faison $145 from his drug sales. As a result, Faison, with the assistance of defendants Wali Williams and Toma Williams,…