Second Circuit Orders Acquittal in Drug Case Because Proof Isn’t Assumption

Defendant: Yes, the gov't proved there was a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. And, yes, the gov't proved that I, an aircraft mechanic, entered the avionics compartment of an airplane to retrieve something  that I likely knew was illegal. But they didn't prove I knew it was narcotics. Second Circuit: You're right. Remanded for entry of acquittal.

The case is United States v. Belloisi, No. 24-2614 (2d Cir. 2026).