Tenth Circuit Vacates Passenger’s Drug Convictions For Lack of Knowledge

Oklahoma police stop car for traffic violations, search it, and discover 29 pounds of meth stashed in secret compartments (which carried a wholesale value of about $75k). The driver-husband knew, but there's no evidence that the passenger-wife did. Nevertheless, a jury convicts her of conspiracy to distribute meth and interstate travel in aid of drug trafficking. Tenth Circuit: The prosecution needed to prove that the wife at least knew about the meth, and speculation doesn't substitute for evidence. Prosecution had "no proof" of knowledge. Convictions reversed.

The case is United States v. Garcia Rodriguez, No. 22-6194 (10th Cir. Feb. 21, 2024).