McLaren v. State

OPINION

SUSAN LARSEN, Justice.

Richard Lance McLaren appeals his conviction for the offense of engaging in organized criminal activity. Finding legally insufficient evidence to support an element of the offense, we reverse and render a judgment of acquittal.

FACTS

McLaren and his co-defendant, Robert “White Eagle” Otto, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity stemming from the kidnaping of Joe and Margaret Ann Rowe on April 27, 1997. The Rowes lived in an area of Jeff Davis County, Texas known as the Davis Mountain Resort; McLaren also owned property in the resort, where he…