United States v. Morales-De Jesus

The First Circuit affirmed the sentence imposed in connection with Appellant’s convictions, holding that the district court’s application of a four-level leadership enhancement under U.S.S.G. 3B1.1(a) was proper and that the sentence was substantively reasonable.Appellant pleaded guilty to leading a large drug distribution conspiracy in Puerto Rico housing projects over a five-year period and to using and carrying a firearm in connection with that drug offense. At sentencing, the district court calculated a higher offense level than the plea agreement and imposed a longer total sentence. The First Circuit affirmed, holding (1) there was no error in assigning Appellant a four-level leadership enhancement; and (2) Appellant’s 228-month federal sentence was substantively reasonable. View "United States v. Morales-De Jesus" on Justia Law