State v. Palacio

The defendant, Jose Palacio, appeals his conviction for possession of a large quantity of cocaine and for possession with intent to distribute. He alleges that these convictions, predicated on the theory of constructive possession, were not supported by sufficient evidence. We find, however, that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict, and so affirm defendant’s conviction.

I

On July 26,1984, defendant, Jose Palacio, was a passenger in a car owned and operated by Juan Londono. At approximately *5457:20 p.m., New Jersey State Trooper Andrew Mastella stopped the vehicle that Palacio…