Alvin L. Barnett Missouri Cases

Alvin Barnett was convicted by a jury of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, stemming from contraband found in a vehicle he occupied with two others. On appeal, Barnett argued the State failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove constructive possession. The Eastern District reversed the trial court's judgment, holding that the evidence of Barnett's nervousness, proximity to the contraband, and inferences from drug ledgers were insufficient to establish he knew the contraband was in the vehicle, an essential element for constructive possession or accomplice liability.