NOT PRECEDENTIAL

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

______________

No. 16-4055

______________

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

v.

JOHN DOE,

 Appellant

______________

Appeal from the United States District Court

for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

(D.C. No. 2-15-cr-00416)

District Judge: Hon. R. Barclay Surrick

______________

Submitted under Third Circuit L.A.R. 34.1(a)

March 14, 2019

______________

Before: McKEE, ROTH, and FUENTES, Circuit Judges.

(Opinion filed: August 9, 2019)

______________

OPINION*

______________

FUENTES, Circuit Judge.

 

* This disposition is not an opinion of the full Court and, pursuant to I.O.P. 5.7, does not 

constitute binding precedent.
2

Defendant John Doe pled guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor. The 

District Court sentenced him to 168 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised 

release, subject to certain special conditions.

Defendant now appeals his sentence, arguing that the District Court erred by 

imposing a sentence that was both procedurally and substantively unreasonable. For the 

following reasons, we reject Defendant’s arguments and will affirm.

I.1

For approximately five months, 43-year-old Defendant recruited females into 

prostitution by posting advertisements on the now-defunct website www.backpage.com 

(“Backpage”). One of the females recruited by Defendant was a 16-year-old runaway 

from Rhode Island. In March 2015, after interacting with the underage female online, 

Defendant drove from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Rhode Island to pick her up. He then 

drove the minor from Rhode Island to a motel in New Jersey.

Thereafter, Defendant posted an advertisement on Backpage offering the minor’s 

prostitution services. The advertisement included photographs of the minor and 

Defendant’s phone number. Based on that advertisement, clients would contact 

Defendant, who would then arrange the sexual encounters between the minor and the 

clients.

The minor worked as a prostitute for Defendant for approximately two weeks.

During that time, she had sex in exchange for money at different locations including the 

 

1 These undisputed facts are contained in the Presentence Investigation Report (“PSR”) 

provided by the parties, dated July 15, 2016. 
3

motel, another hotel, and a client’s residence. In addition to arranging the minor’s sexual 

encounters with clients, Defendant transported the minor to and from those encounters,

set the fees for those encounters, and kept a percentage of the minor’s earnings.

II.

In March 2016, Defendant entered an open plea of guilty to one count of sex 

trafficking of a minor,

2

a crime which carries a mandatory minimum ten-year prison 

term3and a mandatory minimum five-year supervised release term.

4 After the District 

Court accepted Defendant’s guilty plea, the United States Probation Office prepared a 

PSR. The PSR calculated an advisory Guidelines range of 168 to 210 months’ 

imprisonment.

At sentencing, the Government requested a 180-month prison term, while 

Defendant sought a downward variance, asking for a sentence “at or near” the 120-month 

mandatory minimum prison term.5 The District Court denied the parties’ requests, 

adopted an updated PSR without change,6and sentenced Defendant to 168 months’ 

imprisonment, the lowest end of the Guidelines range. The Court also imposed the 

 

2 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a).

3

Id. § 1591(b)(2).

4

Id. § 3583(k).

5

JA 87.

6 The parties did not provide us with a copy of the updated PSR. We note that the 

sentencing transcript reflects that neither the Government nor Defendant objected to the 

updated PSR. Moreover, both the transcript and the District Court’s Statement of Reasons 

indicate that the updated PSR calculated the same Guidelines range as the initial PSR.
4

mandatory minimum five-year term of supervised release, subject to several special 

conditions.

7

III.8

Generally, we review both the procedural and substantive reasonableness of a 

sentence for abuse of discretion.9 However, given that Defendant failed to object to the 

procedural reasonableness of his sentence at sentencing, we review his procedural claims 

for plain error.10 “The plain error test requires (1) an error; (2) that is clear or obvious[;]

and (3) affected the defendant’s substantial rights, which in the ordinary case means he or 

she must show a reasonable probability that, but for the error, the outcome of the 

proceeding would have been different.”11 If those three conditions are satisfied, we will 

exercise our discretion to correct the error if it “seriously affects the fairness, integrity or 

public reputation of judicial proceedings.”12

IV.

A. Procedural Reasonableness

On appeal, Defendant raises three procedural arguments, all of which are 

meritless.13 As explained below, the District Court committed no procedural errors.

 

7 18 U.S.C. § 3583(k).

8 The District Court had jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 3231. We have jurisdiction under 

18 U.S.C. § 3742(a) and 28 U.S.C. § 1291.

9 United States v. Tomko, 562 F.3d 558, 567 (3d Cir. 2009) (en banc). 

10 United States v. Flores-Mejia, 759 F.3d 253, 256 (3d Cir. 2014) (en banc).

11 United States v. Azcona-Polanco, 865 F.3d 148, 151 (3d Cir. 2017) (internal quotation 

marks omitted).

12 Id. (internal quotation marks omitted).

13 We will not review the merits of Defendant’s claim that the District Court committed

procedural error by applying the sentencing enhancement under § 2G1.3(b)(1)(B) of the 
5

1. District Court’s reliance on bare arrest record

First, Defendant asserts that the Court plainly erred by relying on his “bare arrest 

record” to determine his sentence. A bare arrest record “describes the reference to the 

mere fact of an arrest—i.e. the date, charge, jurisdiction and disposition—without 

corresponding information about the underlying facts or circumstances regarding the 

defendant’s conduct that led to the arrest.”14 We have held that a District Court cannot 

rely on a “bare arrest record” in sentencing a defendant.15 However, it may consider “the 

underlying conduct where reliable evidence of that conduct is proffered or where the PSR 

adequately details the underlying facts without objection from the defendant.”16

Here, at sentencing, in assessing Defendant’s background, the District Court made 

a single reference to the underlying conduct that led to Defendant’s October 2014 arrest

in New Jersey for stalking, coercion, and criminal trespass. It did so in the context of 

acknowledging that such conduct, along with the conduct underlying Defendant’s 

Pennsylvania convictions for harassment and disorderly conduct, created concerns that 

Defendant could pose a danger to the community.

17 Contrary to Defendant’s assertions, 

the Court did not commit error, let alone plain error. Rather, in sentencing Defendant, it 

 

Guidelines. Defendant waived his right to challenge that enhancement. See United States 

v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 733 (1993).

14 United States v. Harris, 702 F.3d 226, 229 (5th Cir. 2012).

15 See United States v. Mateo-Medina, 845 F.3d 546, 553 (3d Cir. 2017); United States v. 

Berry, 553 F.3d 273, 274 (3d Cir. 2009).

16 Berry, 553 F.3d at 284.

17 See 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1), (2) (requiring sentencing courts to consider, inter alia, the 

history and characteristics of a defendant, and the need for the sentence imposed to 

protect the public).
6

properly mentioned and considered the underlying facts of Defendant’s arrest as 

described in the uncontested PSR.18

2. District Court’s reliance on clearly erroneous facts

Second, Defendant argues that the District Court plainly erred by relying on 

clearly erroneous facts related to his criminal history.

19 According to Defendant, the 

Government incorrectly stated that Defendant had committed “very serious felonies”20

when in fact he had been convicted of Pennsylvania summary offenses.21 The District 

Court, says Defendant, committed procedural error by relying on the Government’s 

mischaracterization of those convictions in selecting Defendant’s sentence.

22 We 

disagree. The record indicates no such reliance.

Here, the PSR provided to us indicates that Defendant has prior convictions under 

Pennsylvania law for harassment and disorderly conduct, and was sentenced to one year 

 

18 As correctly noted by Defendant, the PSR filed in our Court does not include 

information about the underlying facts or circumstances of the arrest. See PSR ¶ 41

(stating that “[d]etails of this open matter have been requested,” and “will be included in 

the final report”). Although we would have preferred that counsel provide a copy of the 

final undisputed PSR, its absence from our docket does not affect our analysis of this 

issue. 

19 A factual finding “is clearly erroneous when[,] although there is evidence to support it, 

the reviewing [body] on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction 

that a mistake has been committed.” United States v. Grier, 475 F.3d 556, 570 (3d Cir. 

2007) (en banc) (alterations in original) (internal quotation marks omitted).

20 JA 92–93.

21 Under Pennsylvania law, a summary offense is an offense that is statutorily designated 

as such, or one that carries a maximum sentence of ninety days’ imprisonment. 18 Pa. 

Cons. Stat. § 106(c). 

22 See Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51 (2007) (describing “selecting a sentence 

based on clearly erroneous facts” as a “significant procedural error”).
7

of probation.

23 In Pennsylvania, harassment and disorderly conduct can be graded as 

summary offenses.

24 However, the PSR does not specify the grading of Defendant’s

convictions.

At sentencing, defense counsel referenced Defendant’s criminal history in general 

terms. He stated that Defendant “really has no record to speak of” and had “a couple [of] 

minor brushes with the law.”25 In response to those statements, the Government 

explained that it disagreed with the assertion that “[D]efendant’s criminal history is not 

much to mention.”26 It maintained that Defendant “repeatedly engaged in very serious 

criminal conduct . . . very serious felonies involving very grave impact on the persons 

who were victimized.”27

On appeal, it is undisputed that Defendant was convicted of summary offenses; 

therefore, his criminal history does not include felony convictions.

28 The Government 

urges us to interpret its comments as related to “the nature of [Defendant]’s recent course 

 

23 Defendant was sentenced to six months of probation on each count. The probationary 

term for the harassment conviction was ordered to run consecutively to the probationary 

term for disorderly conduct. 

24 See 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2709(c)(1) (stating that harassment qualifies as a summary 

offense if it is charged under one of the three subsections related to physical contact); Id.

§ 5503(b) (stating that disorderly conduct is “a misdemeanor of the third degree if the 

intent of the actor is to cause substantial harm or serious inconvenience, or if he persists 

in disorderly conduct after reasonable warning or request to desist. Otherwise disorderly 

conduct is a summary offense.”).

25 JA 85.

26 Id. at 92.

27 Id. at 92–93 (emphasis added).

28 In support of his claim that his convictions were for summary offenses, Defendant cites 

to publicly available state court docket sheets. The Government concedes that

Defendant’s criminal history does not include felony convictions. 
8

of conduct, rather than the classification of his prior conviction and his other criminal

conduct,”

29 while Defendant asserts that the comments related to his criminal history. 

Taking judicial notice of the fact that Defendant was convicted of summary 

offenses,30 and even assuming that the Government’s statements qualify as stating clearly 

erroneous facts about Defendant’s criminal history, Defendant’s argument nevertheless 

fails. There is no evidence that in sentencing Defendant, the District Court relied on the 

erroneous belief that Defendant had a criminal history including two felonies. Rather, the 

Court properly relied on the underlying facts of the offenses from the uncontested PSR, 

including the fact that Defendant “knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly, caused bodily 

injury” to his 10-year-old autistic son “by striking him with a closed fist.”31

Defendant is unable to show any error. The Court correctly recognized that 

Defendant did not have a “significant criminal record” but that the record was 

nevertheless “concerning” given the underlying facts.32

3. District Court’s reliance on unsubstantiated mental-health-related 

concerns

Third, and finally, Defendant argues that the District Court improperly diagnosed 

him with mental health problems, and based his sentence on “unsubstantiated concerns” 

about his mental health.33 This claim is likewise without merit. 

 

29 Gov’t. Br. 30.

30 See In re Indian Palms Assocs., Ltd., 61 F.3d 197, 205–06 (3d Cir. 1995) (“Judicial 

notice may be taken at any stage of the proceeding, including on appeal, as long as it is 

not unfair to a party to do so and does not undermine the trial court’s factfinding 

authority.”) (internal quotations and citations omitted). 

31 PSR ¶ 37. See id. at ¶¶ 48–49.

32 JA 99.
9

At sentencing, after expressing concern about the underlying facts of Defendant’s

instant offense and prior convictions, the District Court concluded that mental health 

treatment should be part of Defendant’s sentence. In doing so, the Court stated: 

[i]t’s clear to me that the defendant has significant problems. He has mental 

health problems, that’s apparent. He has problems of a psychosexual 

nature. He needs treatment and I’m going to provide treatment for him as 

part of this sentence.34

It then informed Defendant that it would be “very strongly” recommending to the Bureau 

of Prisons that Defendant “go to an institution in the federal system that can deal with his 

mental health and psychosexual problems.”35

The Court further explained that placing Defendant in such an institution serves 

the twofold purpose of providing Defendant with the treatment that he needs and 

protecting society upon Defendant’s release from prison. Defense counsel did not object 

to these statements.

In our view, the Court’s comments do not render the sentence procedurally 

unreasonable. There is ample support in the record for the Court’s decision 

recommending that Defendant be imprisoned in an institution where he could be 

evaluated and receive treatment as needed. The record reflects that Defendant engaged in 

a series of troubling events starting in September 2014 when he was arrested in 

Pennsylvania for striking his 10-year-old autistic son with a closed fist. Nearly one month 

 

33 Def. Br. 16.

34 JA 100.

35 Id. at 100–01. Accordingly, in the judgment of sentence, the Court “strongly 

recommended” to the Bureau of Prisons “that Defendant be designated to an institution 

where Defendant will receive a comprehensive psycho-sexual evaluation and mental 

health and psycho-sexual treatment.” Id. at 3.
10

after that arrest, Defendant was arrested in New Jersey for stalking an 18-year-old

female, coercion, and criminal trespass. Thereafter, in March 2015, while on probation 

for the Pennsylvania summary offenses, he committed the instant offense of sex 

trafficking of a minor.

Given Defendant’s lack of interaction with the criminal justice system until 2014

when he was forty-two years old, the close temporal relationship between the offenses, 

and the underlying facts of the offenses, the Court did not err in considering Defendant’s 

mental health needs and determining that mental health treatment should be part of 

Defendant’s sentence.

For the same reasons, we are also unpersuaded by Defendant’s claim that the 

Court had no basis for imposing mental health evaluation and treatment as a special 

condition of supervised release.36 Defendant’s sentence is therefore procedurally 

reasonable.

B. Substantive Reasonableness

Next, Defendant argues that his 168-month prison sentence was greater than 

necessary to further the goals of sentencing.37 This argument is unavailing.

Here, after carefully considering the sentencing factors enumerated in 18 U.S.C. § 

3553(a), the District Court rejected Defendant’s request for a downward variance and 

 

36 The judgment states: “[D]efendant shall participate in a psycho-sexual and mental 

health program for evaluation and/or treatment and abide by the rules of any such 

program until satisfactorily discharged.” Id. at 6.

37 Defendant also maintains that the Court’s procedural errors rendered his sentence 

substantively unreasonable. However, given our conclusion that the Court did not commit 

any of those errors, we will not discuss them in the context of assessing the substantive 

reasonableness of Defendant’s sentence.
11

concluded that a sentence “at the very bottom” of the Guidelines range was appropriate.38

Based on the facts of the underlying sex-trafficking-of-a-minor offense as well as 

Defendant’s history and characteristics, we cannot say that “no reasonable sentencing 

court would have imposed the same sentence.”39 Defendant’s sentence is thus 

substantively reasonable.

IV.

The sentence imposed by the District Court is neither procedurally nor 

substantively unreasonable. We will therefore affirm the judgment of sentence.

 

38 JA 100.

39 Tomko, 562 F.3d at 568.