Source: https://www.justice.gov/atr/case-document/plea-agreement-315
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 19:17:20+00:00

Document:
to appeal the imposition of sentence against him.
2.	Defendant knowingly and voluntarily waives the rights set out in Paragraph 1(b)-(g) above, and all jurisdictional and venue defenses to the prosecution of this case, and agrees voluntarily to consent to the jurisdiction of the United States to prosecute this case against him in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Defendant also knowingly and voluntarily waives the right to file any appeal, any collateral attack, or any other writ or motion, including but not limited to an appeal under 18 U.S.C. § 3742 or a motion under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241 or 2255, that challenges the sentence imposed by the Court unless the sentence imposed by the Court constitutes an upward departure from the Guideline range deemed applicable by the Court, as described in Paragraph 8, in which case defendant's appeal will be expressly limited to contesting the upward departure. This agreement does not affect the rights or obligations of the United States as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b), (c). Pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 7(b), defendant will waive indictment and plead guilty at arraignment to a one-count Information to be filed in the United States District Court for the Northen District of Illinois. The Information will charge defendant with one count of receiving, possessing, and concealing stolen money, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2315. Defendant admits that he knowingly received, possessed, concealed, and stored money of the value of $5,000 or more, which crossed a boundary of the United States after being stolen, unlawfully converted, and taken, and that he knew that the money had been stolen, unlawfully converted, and taken. Defendant is pleading guilty because he is guilty and understands that he will be adjudicated guilty of these offenses.
3.	Defendant, pursuant to the terms of this Plea Agreement, will plead guilty to the criminal charges described in Paragraph 2 above and will make a factual admission of guilt to the Court in accordance with Fed. R. Crim. P. 11, as set forth in Paragraph 4 below. Defendant agrees that the facts set forth in Paragraph 4 establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The "relevant period" herein is that period from in or about March 2004 until in or about September 2008. During the relevant period, defendant was a member of the Illinois Army National Guard in Chicago, Illinois. From in or about March 2004 until in or about March 2005, defendant's friend and fellow Illinois Army National Guard member, Major Christopher West ("West"), was deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan as the "S4" in charge of Base Operations.
During his deployment to Afghanistan, West sent money he had stolen, unlawfully converted and taken to defendant, who was not deployed to Afghanistan. Upon receiving the money, which was hidden in a series of boxes sent via the U.S. mail by West, defendant possessed, concealed and stored the money in his residence.
In or about the end of November 2004, upon West's return from Afghanistan during mid-tour leave, West came to defendant's home and retrieved the money.
Upon West's return to Afghanistan in December 2004, West continued to send boxes containing stolen and otherwise unlawfully converted money to defendant at his residence, which defendant received, possessed, and stored, knowing the money had been stolen and otherwise unlawfully converted and taken by West in Afghanistan.
In or about early April 2005, West requested defendant open a safe deposit box in defendant's name, which, with the intent to obstruct and impede the administration of justice with respect to the investigation of the instant offense, he did on April 11, 2005. Into this safe deposit box, defendant placed a large manila envelope containing approximately ten smaller sachets of money, each of which held approximately ten thousand dollars. Defendant received this envelope of money from West, knowing this money to have been stolen, unlawfully converted, and taken by West in Afghanistan.
During the remainder of the relevant period, defendant possessed, concealed, and stored this money in his safe deposit box, retrieving money for West, as requested, some of which he deposited into his own bank account prior to remitting it to West.
During the relevant period, defendant knowingly received, possessed, concealed, and stored at least as much as $100,000, which crossed a boundary of the United States after being stolen, unlawfully converted, and taken, knowing that money had been stolen, unlawfully converted, and taken by West in Afghanistan.
a term of supervised release of not more than three (3) years following any term of imprisonment. If defendant violates any condition of supervised release, defendant could be required to serve the entire term of supervised release in prison. 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559(a)(3); 3583(b)(2) and (e)(3); and United States Sentencing Guidelines ("U.S.S.G.," "Sentencing Guidelines," or "Guidelines") § 5D1.2(a)(2).
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3013(a)(2)(A), the Court is required to order defendant to pay a $100.00 special assessment upon conviction.
7.	Defendant understands that the Guidelines are advisory, not mandatory, and that the Court must consider the Guidelines in effect on the day of sentencing, along with the other factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), in determining and imposing sentence. Defendant understands that the Guidelines determinations will be made by the Court by a preponderance of the evidence standard. Defendant understands that although the Court is not ultimately bound to impose a sentence within the applicable Guidelines range, its sentence must be reasonable based upon consideration of all relevant sentencing factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Defendant agrees that this Plea Agreement along with any sentencing memoranda and the record that will be created by the United States and defendant at the plea hearing will provide sufficient information concerning defendant, the crime charged, and defendant's role in the crime to enable the meaningful exercise of the Court's sentencing authority as required by 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The defendant willfully obstructed and impeded the investigation into this matter when he placed the money from West into his own safe deposit box and thereafter withdrew money for West, as requested, and thus a two-level increase is appropriate pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1.
9.	The United States does not oppose a two-level reduction in defendant's combined offense level, based upon the defendant's apparent prompt recognition and affirmative acceptance of personal responsibility for his criminal conduct. If the Court determines defendant's offense level to be 16 or greater prior to the operation of U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1(a), the United States agrees to make a motion under U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1(b) for an additional one-level decrease in recognition of defendant's timely notification of his intention to plead guilty. The United States may oppose any adjustment for acceptance of responsibility if the defendant (a) fails to admit each and every item in the factual stipulation; (b) denies involvement in the offense; (c) gives conflicting statements about his involvement in the offense; (d) is untruthful with the Court, the United States, or the Probation Office; (e) obstructs or attempts to obstruct justice prior to sentencing; (f) engages in any criminal conduct between the date of this agreement and the date of sentencing; or (g) attempts to withdraw his plea of guilty.
10.	Defendant understands that there is no agreement as to the sentencing provisions set out in Chapter Four of the Guidelines, and that the foregoing sentencing guidelines calculations could change based upon his criminal history category, or if he is a career offender, or if the instant offense was part of a pattern of criminal conduct from which he derived a substantial portion of his income.
11.	The United States and defendant agree that with respect to the calculation of the advisory Guidelines range, no other offense characteristics, sentencing guidelines factors, potential departures or adjustments as set forth in Chapters 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the Sentencing Guidelines will be raised, argued, or are in dispute.
12.	If the United States determines that defendant has provided substantial assistance in any investigation or prosecution, and has otherwise fully complied with all of the terms of this Plea Agreement, it will file a motion, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1, advising the sentencing judge of all the relevant facts pertaining to that determination and requesting the Court to sentence defendant in light of the factors set forth in U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1(a)(1)-(5). Defendant acknowledges that the decision with respect to whether he has provided substantial assistance in any investigation or prosecution, and has otherwise fully complied with all of the terms of this Plea Agreement is within the sole discretion of the United States and further agrees that he will not contest the departure level recommended by the United States, if the United States makes a motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1. It is understood that should the United States determine that defendant has not provided substantial assistance in any investigations or prosecutions, or should the United States determine that defendant has violated any provision of this Plea Agreement, such a determination will release the United States from any obligation to file a motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1, but will not entitle defendant to withdraw his guilty plea once it has been entered. Defendant further understands that whether or not the United States files a motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1, the sentence to be imposed on him remains within the sole discretion of the sentencing judge.
13.	Subject to the ongoing, full, and truthful cooperation of defendant described in Paragraph 20 of this Plea Agreement, and before sentencing in the case, the United States will fully advise the Court and the Probation Office of the fact, manner, and extent of defendant's cooperation and his commitment to prospective cooperation with the United States's investigations and prosecutions, all material facts relating to defendant's involvement in the charged offense, and all other relevant conduct. To enable the Court to have the benefit of all relevant sentencing information, the United States may request, and defendant will not oppose, that sentencing be postponed until his cooperation is substantially completed.
14.	Defendant, his attorney, and the United States acknowledge and agree that the above calculations are preliminary in nature and based on facts known to the United States as of the time of this Plea Agreement. Defendant understands that the Probation Office will conduct its own investigation and that the Court ultimately determines the facts and law relevant to sentencing, and that the Court's determinations govern the final Guidelines calculation. The validity of this Plea Agreement is not contingent upon the probation officer's or the Court's concurrence with the above calculations and defendant has no right to withdraw his Plea Agreement if the probation officer or the Court do not agree or concur with the calculations, stipulations, or recommendations of the parties. Defendant further understands that, as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(c)(3)(B), if the Court does not impose a sentence consistent with the calculations, stipulations, or recommendations contained in this Plea Agreement, he nevertheless has no right to withdraw his plea of guilty.
$100,000 to the United States Department of Defense.
16.	Defendant agrees to identify all assets over which defendant exercises or exercised control, directly or indirectly, within the past four (4) years or has or had during that time any financial interest. Defendant agrees to take all steps as requested by the United States to obtain from any other parties by any lawful means any records of assets owned at any time by the defendant. Defendant agrees to undergo any polygraph examination the United States may choose to administer concerning such assets and to provide and/or consent to the release of the defendant's tax returns for the previous five years.
$16,700 in United States currency seized from defendant's safe deposit box #1172 at Seaway National Bank on September 4, 2008.
Defendant agrees to hold the United States, its agents and employees harmless from any claims whatsoever in connection with the seizure or forfeiture of property covered by this agreement.
18.	Defendant further agrees to waive all interest in any such asset in any administrative or judicial forfeiture proceeding, whether criminal or civil, state or federal. Defendant agrees to consent to the entry of orders of forfeiture for such property and waives the requirements of Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2 and 43(a) regarding notice of the forfeiture in the charging instrument, announcement of the forfeiture at sentencing, and incorporation of the forfeiture in the judgment. Defendant acknowledges that he understands that the forfeiture of assets is part of the sentence that will be imposed in this case and waives any failure by the Court to advise him of this fact, pursuant to Rule 11(b)(1)(J), at the time his guilty plea is accepted.
19.	Defendant further agrees to waive all constitutional and statutory challenges in any manner (including direct appeal, habeas corpus, or any other means) to any forfeiture carried out in accordance with this Plea Agreement on any grounds, including that the forfeiture constitutes an excessive fine or punishment. Defendant agrees to take all steps as requested by the United States to pass clear title to forfeitable assets to the United States and to testify truthfully in any judicial forfeiture proceeding. Defendant acknowledges that all property covered by Paragraph 17 of this agreement is subject to forfeiture as proceeds of illegal conduct.
when called upon to do so by the United States in connection with any Relevant Proceeding, testifying in grand jury, trial, and other judicial proceedings fully, truthfully, and under oath, subject to the penalties of perjury (18 U.S.C. § 1621), making false statements or declarations in grand jury or court proceedings (18 U.S.C. § 1623), contempt (18 U.S.C. §§ 401-02), and obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503 et seq.).
21.	Subject to the full, truthful, and continuing cooperation of defendant, as described in Paragraph 20 of this Plea Agreement, and upon the Court's acceptance of the guilty plea called for by this Plea Agreement and the imposition of the sentence, the United States will not bring further criminal charges against defendant for any act or offense committed before the date of this Plea Agreement that was undertaken in furtherance of the crimes arising from the facts set forth in the Information and in this Plea Agreement ("Relevant Offense"). The nonprosecution terms of this paragraph do not apply to civil matters of any kind, to any violation of the federal tax or securities laws, or to any crime of violence.
22.	Defendant understands that he may be subject to administrative action by federal or state agencies other than the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, based upon the conviction resulting from this Plea Agreement, and that this Plea Agreement in no way controls whatever action, if any, other agencies may take.
23.	Defendant has reviewed all legal and factual aspects of this case with his attorney and is fully satisfied with his attorney's legal representation. Defendant has thoroughly reviewed this Plea Agreement with his attorney and has received satisfactory explanations from his attorney concerning each paragraph of this Plea Agreement and alternatives available to defendant other than entering into this Plea Agreement. After conferring with his attorney and considering all available alternatives, defendant has made a knowing and voluntary decision to enter into this Plea Agreement.
24.	Defendant's decision to enter into this Plea Agreement and to tender a plea of guilty is freely and voluntarily made and is not the result of force, threats, assurances, promises, or representations other than the representations contained in this Plea Agreement. The United States has made no promises or representations to defendant as to whether the Court will accept or reject the recommendations contained within this Plea Agreement.
25.	Defendant agrees that should the United States determine in good faith, during the period that any Relevant Proceeding is pending, that defendant has failed to provide full and truthful cooperation, as described in Paragraph 20 of this Plea Agreement, or has otherwise violated any provision of this Plea Agreement, the United States will notify defendant or his counsel in writing by personal or overnight delivery or facsimile transmission and may also notify his counsel by telephone of its intention to void any of its obligations under this Plea Agreement (except its obligations under this paragraph), and defendant shall be subject to prosecution for any federal crime of which the United States has knowledge including, but not limited to, the substantive offenses relating to the investigation resulting in this Plea Agreement. Defendant agrees that, in the event that the United States is released from its obligations under this Plea Agreement and brings criminal charges against defendant for any of the Relevant Offenses, the statute of limitations period for such offenses will be tolled for the period between the date of the signing of this Plea Agreement and six (6) months after the date the United States gave notice of its intent to void its obligations under this Plea Agreement.
26.	Defendant understands and agrees that in any further prosecution of him resulting from the release of the United States from its obligations under this Plea Agreement based on defendant's violation of the Plea Agreement, any documents, statements, information, testimony, or evidence provided by him to attorneys or agents of the United States, federal grand juries, or courts, and any leads derived therefrom, may be used against him in any such further prosecution. In addition, defendant unconditionally waives his right to challenge the use of such evidence in any such further prosecution, notwithstanding the protections of Federal Rule of Evidence 410.
27.	This Plea Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the United States and defendant concerning the disposition of the criminal charges in this case. This Plea Agreement cannot be modified except in writing, signed by the United States and defendant.
28.	The undersigned attorneys for the United States have been authorized by the Attorney General to enter this Plea Agreement on behalf of the United States.
29.	A facsimile signature shall be deemed an original signature for the purpose of executing this Plea Agreement. Multiple signature pages are authorized for the purpose of executing this Plea Agreement.
I have read this agreement and carefully reviewed every part of it with my attorney. I understand it, and I voluntarily agree to it. I have reviewed the factual and advisory Guidelines stipulations with my attorney, and I do not wish to change any of them. I am completely satisfied with the representation of my attorney.
I am Charles Patton's attorney. I have carefully reviewed every part of this agreement with him. To my knowledge, his decision to enter into this Plea Agreement is informed and voluntary.

References: § 3742
 § 3742
 § 2315
 § 5
 § 3013
 § 3553
 § 3553
 § 3553
 § 3
 § 3
 § 3
 § 5
 § 5
 § 5
 § 5
 § 5
 § 1621
 § 1623
 § 1503