The Honorable Avern Cohn, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of *

Michigan, sitting by designation. 

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION

File Name: 06a0848n.06

Filed: November 20, 2006

No. 04-6091

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS 

FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Plaintiff-Appellee,

v.

ON APPEAL FROM THE

DEMARCUS FIFER UNITED STATES DISTRICT

Defendant-Appellant. COURT FOR THE WESTERN

DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE

OPINION

_____________________________________/

Before: BATCHELDER and MOORE, Circuit Judges; COHN , District Judge *

AVERN COHN, District Judge. This is a criminal case. Defendant-Appellant

Demarcus Fifer (Fifer) appeals his jury conviction of felon in possession of a firearm,18 U.S.C. §

922(g), and his conviction of possession with intent to distribute approximately 13 grams of

cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Fifer, by way of counsel, presents six issues on appeal: (A)

whether the district court erred in denying his request for a continuance on his motion to

suppress; (B)whether the district court erred in allowing a Government fact witness to also testify

as an expert witness; (C&D) whether the district court erred in allowing Fifer’s prior counsel to

testify about statements Fifer made during a proffer session with law enforcement, and whether
2

the district court erred in allowing a FBI For m 302 (a summary created by law enforcement of **

Fifer’s statements made during the proffer session) to be admitted into evidence; (E) whether the

district court’s instructions to the jury concerning the FBI Form 302 were erroneous; and (F)

whether the district court erred in refusing to hold a post-conviction hearing at which a juror

could have testified about alleged confusion about the district court’s instructions regarding the

FBI Form 302. 

Fifer independently filed a pro se brief, in which he raises two additional challenges to

his conviction. Fifer argues that (G) the district court improperly found him to be a “career

offender” pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1, in violation of United States v. Shepard, 544 U.S. 13

(2005), and Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990); and that (H) the district court viewed

the sentencing guidelines as mandatory, in violation of United States v. Booker, 542 U.S. 220

(2005). 

For the reasons that follow, Fifer’s conviction will be affirmed, and his sentence will be

vacated and remanded for resentencing.

I. BACKGROUND

Fifer was charged in a two-count indictment. Count One, felon in possession of a

firearm, stems from events that occurred on May 11, 2001. Count Two, possession with intent to

distribute approximately thirteen grams of cocaine base, stems from events that occurred on May

30, 2001. On May 11, 2001, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kevin Helms (Helms)

and Deputy C. Cunningham (Cunningham) were on foot patrol monitoring for narcotics

transactions in the area of Sumner Wells and Piney Woods Streets in Memphis, Tennessee. 
3

After witnessing what they believed to be a drug transaction, Helms and Cunningham

approached two African American men, one standing outside of a red pick-up truck, and the

other sitting inside of the truck. Helms and Cunningham attempted to arrest the two men. Helms

reached into the truck to turn the engine off, but the driver sped away. Shortly thereafter, the

truck was found abandoned at the end of a dead-end street. Helms testified at the trial that he

found a 9mm Jennings pistol lying on the floorboard of the truck. He further testified that after

approximately ten days to two weeks of investigation in which he canvassed the neighborhood

and spoke with locals, he learned that a man named Fifer matched the description of the truck

driver. Helms gave this name to his supervisor who then compiled a photo lineup which

included Fifer’s picture. Helms picked Fifer’s picture out of the lineup, and a warrant for Fifer’s

arrest was issued based on this identification. 

On May 30, 2001, officers observed Fifer enter apartment three at 3523 Frankie Carroll

(or Carolyn) Drive in Memphis. He was arrested upon his departure from the apartment. Helms

testified at trial that Fifer was in possession of a white rock substance and a small amount of

marijuana in a clear bag when he was arrested. Following Fifer’s arrest, officers searched the

apartment and found a box matching the 9mm pistol collected from the abandoned red pickup

truck, drug paraphernalia, and papers in Fifer’s name.

On July 24, 2002, Fifer was indicted by a federal grand jury. Prior to trial, Fifer and his

then attorney, James V. Ball (Ball) submitted a proffer letter signed by himself and Fifer which

stipulated the following on page one, paragraph three: 

[T]he government may use (a) information derived directly or indirectly from the

meeting for the purpose of obtaining and pursuing leads to other evidence, which

evidence may be used in any prosecution of your client by the government, and (b)
4

statements made by you or your client at the meeting and subsequent meetings as

well as all evidence obtained directly or indirectly from those statements for the

purpose of cross-examination should your client testify, or to rebut any evidence,

argument or representations offered by or on behalf of your client in the

government's case-in-chief in connection with the trial and/or at sentencing,

should any prosecution of your client be undertaken. 

The proffer letter further stated on page two, paragraph three:

[I]f the government should ever conclude that your client has knowingly withheld

material information from the government or otherwise has not been completely

truthful and candid, the government may use against your client for any purpose

(including sentencing) any statements made or other information provided by you

or your client during the meeting.

Fifer gave an oral statement to the Government during the proffer session. He allegedly

said he was the driver of the red truck on May 11, 2001. Law enforcement officers documented

Fifer’s statement of admission on a FBI Form 302. The FBI Form 302 includes a line on which

to mark the “date of transcription,” as well as a signature line for the person who completed the

document. The FBI Form 302 does not include a line for the person whose statement was taken

to sign or otherwise verify its accuracy. 

Due to health reasons, Ball withdrew as Fifer’s counsel and was replaced by Robert Irby

(Irby). On December 17, 2003, Fifer filed a “Motion to Suppress a Suggestive Pretrial

Identification,” and on January 6, 2004, Fifer filed an “Amended Motion to Suppress a

Suggestive Pretrial Identification” (amended motion to suppress). The amended motion to

suppress was never heard on the merits, because the district court denied Fifer’s request for a

continuance on January 22, 2004, and Fifer thereafter withdrew the amended motion to suppress.

A jury trial commenced on February 3, 2004. During the trial the Government called Ball

to testify about Fifer’s proffer statement and the proffer letter. Fifer objected to Ball’s testimony
5

on the basis of Fed. R. Evid. 403, 408, and 410, but was overruled. The district court also

admitted the FBI Form 302, after overruling similar objections by Fifer. 

Additionally, the district court allowed one of the arresting officers, Deputy Reginald

Hubbard (Hubbard) to testify as a fact witness as well as an expert witness in the field of

narcotics trafficking and investigations. A cautionary instruction regarding how much weight to

give each type of testimony was given to the jury.

During deliberations, the jury sent the district court a question concerning the FBI Form

302. The jury asked: “Is Fifer admitting to the events in Exhibit 42 [the FBI Form 302], even

without his signature on this exhibit?” The district court heard arguments by both parties, and 

rejected Fifer’s request that it include in its answer a statement that the FBI Form 302 was not a

transcript of an interview with Fifer. The district court responded to jury’s question by stating: 

Exhibit 42 [the FBI Form 302] has been admitted into evidence as the summary

of an oral statement that defendant is alleged to have made. You, the members of

the jury, must determine from all of the evidence admitted in this case whether the

statement was made and whether, if you determine it was made, it was truthful

and accurate. You are the sole finders of fact in this case. 

Deliberations continued until February 6, 2006, when the jury returned a guilty verdict as

to Counts One and Two. On August 19, 2004, Fifer was sentenced to 120 months custody on

Count One, and 292 months custody on Count Two; with the sentences to be served

concurrently. Additionally, Fifer was found to be a “career offender” pursuant to U.S.S.G. §

4B1.1.

After the trial, in February, 2004, Fifer’s attorney Irby stated in a motion for new trial that

he was approached by a man who identified himself as Lewis Brown (Brown). Brown had

served on Fifer’s jury. Brown asked Irby to explain the meaning of the district court’s response
6

to the jury’s question concerning the FBI Form 302. Brown allegedly stated that seven or eight

persons jurors believed that the FBI Form 302 was a transcript, and that they had to believe it

despite their desire not to do so. Brown allegedly stated that had he and two or three other jurors

known that the FBI Form 302 was a summary of someone else’s recollection of an interview with

Fifer, that they would have voted “not guilty.” Fifer included in his motion for new trial an offer

of proof on the issue of jury confusion as a result of the admission into evidence of the FBI Form

302. Fifer requested leave to either obtain an affidavit from Brown or subpoena him to testify. 

The district court denied Fifer’s motion for new trial on May 13, 2004. Fifer filed a timely notice

of appeal. This Court exercises jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291.

II. ANALYSIS

A. Whether the District Court Erred in Denying Fifer’s Request for a Continuance of the

Hearing on his Amended Motion to Suppress. 

1. Standard of Review

This Court reviews issues relating to denials for continuances under an abuse of

discretion standard. United States v. Gallo, 763 F.2d 1504, 1523 (6th Cir. 1985). 

2. Analysis

Fifer argues that the district court abused its discretion by denying his motion for a

continuance of the suppression hearing. Fifer says that Helms’ identification of him was tainted

by the way in which he obtained Fifer’s name, and moreover, Helms already knew who Fifer was

before picking his photograph out of the lineup. Fifer says that he needed more time to produce

witnesses to challenge the validity of Helms’ identification.
7

 The Government contends that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying

Fifer’s motion for a continuance, which was made at the suppression hearing. The Government

points out that Fifer failed to present any information concerning the identity of witnesses,

whether they were willing to testify, and whether they would provide substantial favorable

evidence on Fifer’s behalf. Moreover, the Government says that the motion for a continuance

was not timely filed. Finally, the Government contends that Fifer did not suffer any prejudice

from the denial because he ultimately withdrew the amended motion to suppress.

Whether to grant a motion to continue is within the broad discretion of the district court. 

Morris v. Slappy, 461 U.S. 1, 11-12 (1983). The denial of a motion for a continuance will be

found to be an abuse of discretion only when the court exhibits “an unreasoning and arbitrary

insistence upon expeditiousness in the face of a justifiable request for a delay.” Id. at 11-12

(internal quotation marks omitted); see also, United States v. Crossley, 224 F.3d 847, 854-855

(6th Cir. 2000). To justify a continuance to secure the appearance of a witness, the moving party

must establish that the witness will give substantial favorable evidence and that the witness is

available and willing to testify. United States v. Boyd, 620 F.2d 129 (6th Cir. 1980). In Bennet

v. Scroggy, 793 F.2d 772 (6th Cir. 1986), we considered the following factors in determining

whether a district court deprived a defendant of his Sixth Amendment right to compulsory

process when it denied defendant’s motion for a continuance to allow him more time to locate a

witness: 1) the diligence of the defense in interviewing witnesses and procuring their presence, 2)

the probability of procuring their testimony within a reasonable time, 3) the specificity with

which the defense is able to describe their expected knowledge or testimony, 4) the degree to

which such testimony is expected to be favorable to the accused; and 5) the unique or cumulative
 It is only now, on appeal, that Fifer says that he can produce a witness to testify that 1

Helms knew of Fifer prior to choosing his photograph out of the line-up. In order to consider

this on appeal, this Court would need to look outside the record available to the district court. 

Normally we do not address issues that were not raised for the first time before the district court,

and we decline to do so here. Foster v. Barilow, 6 F.3d 405, 407 (6th Cir. 1993). 

8

nature of the testimony. Id. at 774. 

Here, Fifer failed to provide the district court with any information to support his motion

for a continuance. At no time did Fifer provide the district court with information regarding the

identities of witnesses, their proposed testimony, and how such testimony would benefit him. 

Nor did Fifer explain his attempts, if any, to procure such witnesses. In his motion for a

continuance, Fifer merely stated: “The defendant is having difficulty locating a couple of

witnesses who would be needed for such a hearing.” Considering Fifer’s failure to support his 1

motion to suppress, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Fifer his motion for a

continuance for lack of good cause. 

We further note that the district court never reached the merits of Fifer’s amended motion

to suppress because Fifer himself ultimately withdrew the motion after his motion for a

continuance was denied. Accordingly, Fifer has not shown that the district court’s decision

caused him to suffer prejudice.

 B. Whether the District Court Erred in Allowing a Government Fact Witness to Testify

as an Expert Witness.

1. Standard of Review 

A district court’s admission of expert testimony will not be disturbed unless the district

court abused its discretion. United States v. Bender, 265 F.3d 464, 472 (6th Cir. 2001).

2. Analysis
9

Fifer argues that the district court erred in allowing Hubbard, one of the police officers

who arrested Fifer, to testify as both a fact and expert witness because (1) Hubbard did not

demonstrate sufficient uniqueness as to his testimony; (2) the subject of Hubbard’s testimony

was not the sort that would require the testimony of an expert in order to help the jury decide the

issues presented; and (3) allowing Hubbard to testify as both a fact and an expert witness gave

him excessive credibility with the jury, which resulted in prejudice to Fifer. 

The Government argues that police officers are allowed to testify as expert witnesses

about criminal activity since their knowledge of such activity is generally beyond the

understanding of the average layperson. Additionally, the government argues that Hubbard did

not possess “excessive credibility” because the district court gave a cautionary instruction to the

jury.

Police officers may testify as expert witnesses about criminal activity where knowledge

of such activity is generally beyond the understanding of the average layperson. United States v.

Thomas, 74 F. 3d 676, 682 (6th Cir. 1996). Expert testimony is appropriate where drugs are

involved, because without expert testimony, the average juror is unlikely to understand, "the

significance of drug paraphernalia, quantities, and prices, or appreciate the difference between

'street level' drug dealers and other types of distribution operations." Id.; United States v. Pearce,

912 F.2d 159, 163 (6th Cir. 1990). Furthermore, we held in Thomas that expert testimony by a
 In Thomas, we explained that, 2

[a]lthough the Government should exercise caution when using the same officer

as an expert and a fact witness, we refuse to adopt a per se prohibition of this

practice. We note that both the district court and the prosecutor should take care to

assure that the jury is informed of the dual roles of a law enforcement officer as a

fact witness and an expert witness, so that the jury can give proper weight to each

type of testimony. 

 74 F.3d at 683. 

10

police officer who also testifies as a fact witness is not unfairly prejudicial, particularly when the

district court provides a cautionary instruction. 74 F.3d at 683.2

 The district court did not err in qualifying Hubbard as an expert in narcotics

investigations and trafficking, although he testified as a fact witness regarding Fifer’s arrest. 

Hubbard’s significant experience investigating persons who buy and sell narcotics, and his

familiarity with Shelby County and West Tennessee methods of distribution of cocaine and other

narcotics is precisely the sort of knowledge about criminal activity that is outside the knowledge

of the average juror. Moreover, any "excessive credibility" Hubbard might have possessed as a

dual witness was negated by the district court’s cautionary instruction to the jury regarding the

proper weight to give each type of testimony. 

C. and D. Whether the District Court Erred in Allowing Fifer’s Prior Counsel to Testify 

about Fifer’s Statements during the Proffer Session, and Whether the District Court Erred

in Allowing The FBI Form 302 to be Admitted into Evidence. 

1. Standard of Review

A district court’s ruling regarding an evidentiary matter will not be reversed absent a clear

showing of abuse of discretion. United States v. Phillips, 888 F.2d 38, 40 (6th Cir. 1989). In
 Rule 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or 1

Waste of Time: Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is

substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading

the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of

cumulative evidence.

11

reviewing the district court’s Fed. R. Evid. 403 rulings, the appellate court must view the 1

evidence in the light most favorable to its proponent, maximizing its probative value and

minimizing its prejudicial effect. United States v. Moore, 917 F.2d 215, 233 (6th Cir. 1990). 

2. Analysis

Fifer argues that the admission of Ball’s testimony regarding Fifer’s proffer, and the

admission of the FBI Form 302 which summarizes Fifer’s statements allegedly made during the

proffer session, violates Fed. R. Evid. 403 because it was unfairly prejudicial and greatly

outweighed any probative value it might have had. Fifer contends that the prejudicial effect of

Ball’s testimony and the admission of the FBI Form 302 was overwhelming and prevented the

jury from fairly considering his theory of the case. Second, Fifer argues that the admission of
 Rule 408. Compromise and Offers to Compromise: Evidence of (1) furnishing or 4

offering or promising to furnish, or (2) accepting or offering or promising to accept, a valuable

consideration in compromising or attempting to compromise a claim which was disputed as to

either validity or amount, is not admissible to prove liability for or invalidity of the claim or its

amount. Evidence of conduct or statements made in compromise negotiations is likewise not

admissible. This rule does not require the exclusion of any evidence otherwise discoverable

merely because it is presented in the course of compromise negotiations. This rule also does not

require exclusion when the evidence is offered for another purpose, such as proving bias or

prejudice of a witness, negativing a contention of undue delay, or proving an effort to obstruct a

criminal investigation or prosecution. 

Rule 410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussion, and Related Statements: 5

Except as otherwise provided in this rule, evidence of the following is not, in any civil or

criminal proceeding, admissible against the defendant who made the plea or was a participant in

the plea discussions:

(1) a plea of guilty which was later withdrawn;

(2) a plea of nolo contendere;

(3) any statement made in the course of any proceedings under Rule 11 of the Federal

Rules of Criminal Procedure or comparable state procedure regarding either of the

foregoing pleas; or

(4) any statement made in the course of plea discussions with an attorney for the

prosecuting authority which do not result in a plea of guilty or which result in a plea of

guilty later withdrawn. 

However, such a statement is admissible (i) in any proceeding wherein another statement made in

the course of the same plea or plea discussions has been introduced and the statement ought in

fairness be considered contemporaneously with it, or (ii) in a criminal proceeding for perjury or

false statement if the statement was made by the defendant under oath, on the record and in the

presence of counsel.

12

Ball’s testimony and the FBI Form 302 violates Fed. R. Evid. 408 and Fed. R. Evid. 410 4 5

because this evidence was generated during negotiations that were essential parts of plea

bargaining with a prosecutor and law enforcement agents. 

The Government argues that no Fed. R. Evid. 403 violation occurred because Fifer’s

defense was adversely affected by the legitimate probative force of the evidence. Moreover, the

Government argues that no violation of Fed. R. Evid. 408 or 410 occurred because Fifer was
13

represented by counsel and voluntarily waived any objections by knowingly and voluntarily

signing the proffer letter. 

A Fed. R. Evid. 403 violation does not occur when a defendant's case is adversely

affected by the legitimate probative force of the evidence; rather, it occurs only when prejudicial

evidence “tends to suggest [a] decision on an improper basis." United States v. Schrock, 855

F.2d 327, 335 (6th Cir. 1988). Evidence that is prejudicial only in that it paints the defendant in

a bad light, but does not confuse or mislead the jury, is not unfairly prejudicial. United States v.

Logan, 250 F. 3d 350, 368 (6th Cir. 2001). Moreover, absent evidence that a waiver is

unknowing or involuntary, defendants may waive Fed. R. Evid. 408 and 410 objections

implicitly and explicitly during plea bargaining. See, e.g., United States v. Mezzanato, 513 U.S.

196, 200 (1995). 

The district court did not abuse its discretion by allowing Ball to testify about the proffer

session or proffer letter, or in admitting FBI Form 302. First, Fifer has not argued that the

testimony or admission of the contents of the FBI Form 302 suggest a decision on an improper

basis. Instead Fifer merely disagrees with the admission of his own statements because they are

damaging to his defense. Second, Fifer waived his objections under Fed. R. Evid. 408 and 410

by signing the proffer letter which stipulated that the Government may use statements made

during the proffer session to “[r]ebut any evidence, argument or representations offered by or on

behalf of your client in the Government's case-in-chief in connection with the trial and/or at

sentencing, should any prosecution of your client be undertaken.” P. 1, ¶ 3. Ball's testimony and

the contents of the FBI Form 302 were admissible to rebut Fifer's argument that Helms

misidentified him as the driver of the red truck. Finally, Fifer freely signed the proffer letter in
14

the presence of his attorney, and has not argued that doing so was unknowing or involuntary. 

E. Whether the District Court’s Instructions to the Jury Concerning the FBI Form 302

were Erroneous.

1. Standard of Review 

This circuit has set a high standard for the reversal of a conviction on grounds of

improper jury instructions. United States v. Sheffey, 57 F.3d 1419, 1429 (6th Cir. 1995). We

review jury instructions as a whole in order to determine whether they adequately inform the jury

of the relevant considerations and provide a sound basis in law to aid the jury in reaching its

decision. A reviewing court may reverse a judgment only if the instructions, viewed as a whole,

were misleading and prejudicial. United States v. Clark, 988 F.2d 1459, 1468 (6th Cir. 1993). 

 Specifically, we review for abuse of discretion the trial court’s supplementary instruction

 given to a deliberating jury that has asked for a clarification of law. See United States v. Nunez,

889 F.2d 1564, 1568 (6th Cir. 1989). The propriety of such an instruction must be measured by

whether it “fairly responds to the jury’s inquiry without creating ... prejudice.” United States v.

Giacalone, 588 F.2d 1158, 1166 (6th Cir. 1978). 

2. Analysis

Fifer argues that the district court’s answer to the jury’s question regarding the FBI Form

302 was confusing, misleading, and prejudicial because it allowed the jury to draw conclusions

about the FBI Form 302 that were not based in fact. Pointing to Brown’s alleged statements to

Irby, Fifer argues that at least part of the reason why the jury found him guilty was because some

jurors believed that the FBI Form 302 was a transcript of Fifer’s statement. Fifer argues that the

judge failed to explain to the jury that the FBI Form 302 contained a summary of someone else’s
15

recollection of what Fifer said during the proffer session, and not Fifer’s actual words. 

The Government argues that the district court’s answer was not confusing, misleading, or

prejudicial. The Government points out that Fifer had no objections to the final jury instructions,

and that the reason why the district court did not inform the jury that the FBI Form 302 was not a

transcript was because it believed that such a statement would be inaccurate. The district court

explained to the attorneys that it found that FBI Form 302 was in fact a type of transcript – a

summary of Fifer’s statements during the proffer session. 

Fifer’s arguments are without merit for several reasons. First, it is not clear whether the

jury was in fact confused about whether the FBI Form 302 was a transcript, because they did not

ask whether the FBI Form 302 was a transcript. Instead, they asked: “Is Fifer admitting to the

events in Exhibit 42 [the FBI Form 302], even without his signature on this exhibit?” Second,

even if the jury was confused about whether the FBI Form 302 was a transcript, the district court

certainly did not lead them to believe that it was, and in fact, the district court’s answer negates

this contention. The district court instructed the jury that it was up to the jury to determine

whether the statements contained in the FBI Form 302 were made at all, and if the jury

determined that they were made, whether the statements were truthful and accurate. Finally, 

neither this Court or the district court may properly examine Brown’s alleged statements to

determine the validity of the district court’s answer to the jury’s question. Pursuant to Fed. R.

Evid. 606(b), 

[u]pon an inquiry into the validity of a verdict or indictment, a juror may not testify as to

any matter or statement occurring during the course of the jury's deliberations or to the

effect of anything upon that or any other juror's mind or emotions as influencing the juror

to assent to or dissent from the verdict or indictment or concerning the juror's mental

processes in connection therewith ... Nor may a juror's affidavit or evidence of any
 U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1, Career Offender provision states that: 6

a) A defendant is a career offender if (1) the defendant was at least

eighteen years old at the time the defendant committed the instant offense

of conviction; (2) the instant offense of conviction is a felony that is either

a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; and (3) the

defendant has at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of

16

statement by the juror concerning a matter about which the juror would be precluded from

testifying be received for these purposes.

 Viewed as a whole, the instructions, including the answer to the jury’s question regarding

FBI Form 302, were not confusing, misleading, or prejudicial. 

F. Whether the District Court Erred in Refusing to Hold a Hearing at Which the Juror

Brown Could Have Testified.

Neither party includes a separate argument on this issue. As explained in subsection “E”

neither this Court or the district court may properly examine the juror Brown’s alleged

statements. FED. R. EVID. 606(b). 

G. Whether the District Court Committed Error in Finding Fifer to be a Career Criminal.

1. Standard of Review

A district court’s determination that a defendant is a career offender under the Sentencing

Guidelines is subject to de novo review. United States v. Dolt, 27 F.3d 235 (6th Cir. 1994).

 

2. Analysis 

Fifer argues that his Sixth Amendment rights were violated when the district court 

sentenced him as a “career offender” under U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1 without a jury determination that 6
violence or a controlled substance offense.

17

he was a person convicted of the predicate offenses alleged or that the predicate offenses were

committed on occasions different from one another. Second, Fifer argues that the district court

did not comply with the requirements of United States v. Shepard, 544 U.S. 13 (2005), and

Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990), in concluding that Fifer’s prior convictions

constituted violent felonies within the meaning of the provision. The Government did not

respond to Fifer’s arguments. 

 First, Fifer is not entitled to a jury determination of whether he meets the requirements of

U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1. See United States v. Bradley, 400 F.3d 459, 462 (6th Cir. 2005) (The 

§ 4B1.1 career-offender enhancement “stems from the very type of recidivism enhancement that

Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224 (1998)(parallel citations omitted), held need

not be charged and proved before a jury.”); See also United States v. Coteat ,133 Fed. Appx. 177,

181 (6th Cir. 2005)(“[The Supreme] Court has continued to except such fact finding from the

requirements of the Sixth Amendment.”)

Next, we find that the district court’s determination that Fifer’s prior offenses constituted

violent felonies or serious drug offenses within the meaning of U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1 was made

without sufficient proof. The district court appears to have relied solely on the presentence

report in determining that Fifer met the career offender definition. In Shepard, the Supreme

Court explained that in determining whether a defendant meets the definition of an armed career

criminal under U.S.S.G. § 4B.1.4 based on his prior convictions, the sentencing court “could
18

look to statutory elements, charging documents, and jury instructions to determine whether an

earlier conviction after trial was for [a generic predicate offense].” 544 U.S. at 15-16 (emphasis

added)(discussing Taylor). Further, where a conviction is based on a plea bargain, “a later court

determining the character of a [predicate offense] is generally limited to examining the statutory

definition, charging document, written plea agreement, transcript of plea colloquy, and any

explicit factual finding by the trial judge to which the defendant assented.” Id. 

The Sixth Circuit has interpreted Shepard and Taylor to mean that a district court’s

determination of whether a defendant is a career offender under U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1 must be based

on information contained in the judicial record. United States v. Calloway, 2006 WL 2075282 at

* 4 (6th Cir. July 26, 2006). Regarding whether a district court may look to a presentence report

for predicate offences, we explained in Calloway that a presentence report could theoretically

pass muster under Shepard if the facts relied upon by the district court in the report had been

incorporated into the report by judicial reference. Id. (citing, United States v. Sanders, 404 F.3d

980 (6th Cir.2005)). 

In Sanders, we vacated and remanded a district court’s determination that the defendantappellant was an armed career criminal under U.S.S.G. § 4B1.4, where the decision appeared to

have depended solely on a presentence report that did not reference the judicial record as the

basis for the information contained therein. We explained in Sanders that, 

[w]e are unable to determine from the present record on appeal whether the district court

complied with the requirements of Shepard and Taylor in concluding that [appellant’s]

prior convictions constituted violent felonies within the meaning of the Act. The transcript

of the sentencing hearing indicates that the district court found that Sanders “ha[d] been

previously convicted of three violent felonies, specifically, burglary in Mahoning County

Common Pleas case number 80CR421, robbery in Trumbull County Common Pleas case
19

number 81CR11, and aggravated robbery in Trumbull County Common Pleas case number

83CR359,” but the record fails to indicate on what basis the district court concluded that

these prior convictions were for qualifying offenses.

The only documentation in the record on appeal concerning these prior convictions

is found in the presentence report prepared by the probation officer. The district court

never explicitly indicated, however, that it was relying upon that report in determining

whether Sanders was an armed career criminal. In any event, even if a presentence report

could generally satisfy the requirements of Shepard and Taylor, which is doubtful, the

presentence report in this case clearly does not; it fails to include even the most basic

information about Sanders's prior convictions—such as: (1) for each of the three offenses,

what statute Sanders was convicted of violating; and (2) whether the respective prior

convictions were resolved by trial or by plea agreement... 

 The facts in Sanders bear similarity to Fifer’s case, and we apply a similar analysis here. It

appears from the sentencing transcript and the record on appeal that the only document that the

district court relied on in finding that Fifer’s prior convictions were qualifying offenses under

U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1 was the presentence report prepared by the probation officer. Like the

presentence report in Sanders, the presentence report here also fails to indicate for each of Fifer’s

prior convictions (1) the statute Fifer is convicted of violating, and (2) whether the respective

prior convictions were resolved by trial or by plea agreement. In light of this absence of

information, the presentence report does not meet the requirements set forth in Shepard and

Taylor. Accordingly, we remand to the district court to either explain the basis for its conclusion

that the prior convictions were qualifying offenses under U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1, or to sentence Fifer

anew in accordance with Shepard and Taylor.

H. Whether the District Court Committed a Booker Error in Sentencing Fifer. 

Fifer argues that the district court committed plain error by sentencing him under

mandatory guidelines rather than advisory guidelines. The Government avers that the defendant’s

sentence should be vacated and remanded for re-sentencing in light of United States v. Booker,
20

543 U.S. 220 (2005). 

At the time of the sentencing the district court was required to find that the Sentencing

Guidelines were mandatary pursuant to this Court’s decision in United States v. Koch, 383 F.3d

436 (6th Cir. 2004). However, in Booker, the Supreme Court held that the Sentencing Guidelines

are “effectively advisory.” 543 U.S. at 245. We vacate and remand Fifer’s sentence to be

recalculated by the district court in accordance with Booker. 

III. CONCLUSION

Finding no errors warranting reversal of Fifer’s conviction regarding issues A-F, we 

AFFIRM the district court’s rulings. However, we REMAND to the district court whether Fifer

was properly deemed a “career offender” under to U.S.S.G. § 4B1.1. The district court is required

to explain the basis for its conclusion that Fifer’s prior convictions were qualifying offenses, or to

sentence Fifer anew in accordance with Shepard and Taylor. Finally, we VACATE and

REMAND Fifer’s sentence to be recalculated in accordance with Booker.