United States v. Powell

PAUL KELLY, Jr., Circuit Judge.

Defendants were convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana under 21 U.S.C. § 846. They appeal their convictions and sentences. Our jurisdiction arises under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 18 U.S.C. § 3742.

Background

In 1986, defendants Andrew J. (“A.J.”) Whitmore and Kenneth (“Keno”) Powell formed a partnership to import large quantities of marijuana from Texas to Oklahoma. The marijuana was transported by James B. (“Brent”) Bradley, Rosa Benavides (married to Brent Bradley), Nora Gonzales and other individuals, including Mexican nationals, usually in shipments of…