People v. Ortiz

HERNDON, J.

Appellant Raymond Gomez and five other persons were charged with a violation of section 11500 of the Health and Safety Code, possession of marijuana. After a nonjury trial, appellant Gomez, and his codefendant Fraijo, were found guilty. The other four defendants were found not guilty. This appeal is from the judgment of conviction and from the order denying appellant’s motion for new trial. The sole question presented is whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain the judgment of conviction as to appellant. We have concluded that this question must be answered in the affirmative.

At approximately 11:45 p. m. on September 4, 1959, appellant Gomez and five codefendants were sitting in a 1950 Chevrolet sedan which was parked in front of 2421 Chelsea Street, Los Angeles. Earlier that evening police officer Celaya and a fellow officer had responded to a call reporting a juvenile disturbance in the 2400 block of Chelsea Street. They had been advised to be on the lookout for vehicles containing several male persons who were members of different gangs and who were looking for a fight.

Observing the parked Chevrolet with six male persons sitting in it, the officers approached it to investigate. They observed that three persons were seated in the front seat and three others in the rear seat. The persons occupying the rear seat were one Ortiz, who was seated on the left side, one Fraijo, who sat in the middle, and appellant Gomez who was seated on the right. Directing his flashlight beam on the floor board of the rear compartment, Officer Celaya observed a plastic bag containing a small quantity of a green, leafy substance, which was later identified as containing marijuana. The plastic bag was resting on the floor between the feet of Ortiz. Officer Celaya asked Ortiz what was lying between his feet; Ortiz replied that he did not know what it was, but Gomez stated, “That’s fiber glass, man.” Later Officer Celaya

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observed two brown paper-wrapped cigarettes lying on the street between the right side of the Chevrolet and the curb. The evidence showed that these cigarettes contained marijuana. The officers asked all the defendants, including Gomez, concerning the ownership of the Chevrolet. All the defendants at that time pretended lack of knowledge as to the ownership of the car. Later at the police station, however, Fraijo admitted that the Chevrolet was his. There was evidence that Gomez knew that the Chevrolet belonged to Fraijo.