ORDER ON DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SPECIAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Defendant Alexander Sanchez has moved that the Court submit two special questions to the jury: one asking whether the defendant conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one asking the same question as to 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy involving 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(ii). Defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years if the government proves the charge of 500 grams or more. If it proves 5 kilograms or more, defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
The government agrees that it must prove a drug quantity of 500 grams beyond a reasonable doubt. The question is whether the higher drug weight issue-that is, whether the defendant is responsible for 5 kilograms or more of cocaine-is an issue for the jury (as an element of the offense) or for the Court at sentencing (as a sentence factor). The answer to that question has been supplied by the Supreme Court and the First Circuit.
A fact that increases a statutory minimum sentence may be found by the sentencing judge by a preponderance of the evidence. Harris v. United States, 536 U.S. 545, 568-69 (2002); McMillan v. Pennsylvania, 477 U.S. 79 (1986). Thus, "drug quantity for purposes of § 841 is a sentencing factor that may be determined by a preponderance of the evidence." United States v. Goodine, 326 F.3d 26, 32 (1st Cir. 2003); see United States v. Malouf, 466 F.3d 21, 26-27 (1st Cir. 2006).
In light of that case law, it appears clear that a special jury question as to drug weight is not appropriate. Accordingly, defendant's motion for special jury questions is DENIED.
So Ordered.
F. Dennis Saylor IV United States District Judge