Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/18/1190/531262/
Timestamp: 2019-07-22 18:19:55
Document Index: 768387700

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 922', '§ 3742', '§ 844', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 922', '§ 924', '§ 924', '§ 924']

United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Gary Frank Condren, Defendant-appellant, 18 F.3d 1190 (5th Cir. 1994) :: Justia
Justia › US Law › Case Law › Federal Courts › Courts of Appeals › Fifth Circuit › 1994 › United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Gary Frank Condren, Defendant-appellant
United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Gary Frank Condren, Defendant-appellant, 18 F.3d 1190 (5th Cir. 1994)
US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit - 18 F.3d 1190 (5th Cir. 1994)
Gary Frank Condren's sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm was enhanced under Sentencing Guidelines Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) because illegal drugs, in addition to the firearm, were found in his home. The only issue on appeal is the construction to be given the "specific offense characteristic" (sentence enhancement) found in that section: "used or possessed any firearm or ammunition in connection with another felony offense". We AFFIRM.
Condren was indicted on, and pleaded guilty to, one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (1), possession of a firearm by a felon. The presentence investigation report (PSR) set his base offense level at 24;2 and added four points pursuant to the Guidelines section in issue, Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), which requires that adjustment if the firearm was possessed "in connection with another felony offense".3
As noted, only the sentence enhancement is in issue. It goes without saying that, in reviewing "sentences, we examine factual findings subject to the 'clearly erroneous' standard ... and ... accord great deference to the trial judge's application of the sentencing guidelines." United States v. Humphrey, 7 F.3d 1186, 1189 (5th Cir. 1993) (citing United States v. Martin, 893 F.2d 73, 74 (5th Cir. 1990) and United States v. Mejia-Orosco, 867 F.2d 216, 218 (5th Cir.), clarified, 868 F.2d 807, cert. denied, 492 U.S. 924, 109 S. Ct. 3257, 106 L. Ed. 2d 602 (1989)). The sentence will be upheld unless, inter alia, " 'it was imposed ... as a result of an incorrect application of the ... guidelines....' " United States v. Haymer, 995 F.2d 550, 552 (5th Cir. 1993) (quoting United States v. Howard, 991 F.2d 195, 199 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 114 S. Ct. 395, 126 L. Ed. 2d 343 (1993)); accord, Humphrey, 7 F.3d at 1189 (quoting Mejia-Orosco, 867 F.2d at 218, and citing 18 U.S.C. § 3742(e) (1)).
Consistent with this court's order detailing the issues to be presented, Condren challenges the Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancement.8 It is mandated if, among other things, the "defendant used or possessed [the] firearm ... in connection with another felony offense".9 Condren contends that the government failed to show that his firearm possession was "in connection with," i.e., in any way related to, his commission of "another felony".10 Therefore, we must first identify the other felony employed in the district court's enhancement calculus.
U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) requires that if the defendant possessed a firearm in connection with another felony offense, four-levels should be added. The defendant was in possession of a firearm while involved in the distribution of crack/cocaine. Therefore, four-levels are added.
In response to Condren's written (apparent) objection to this, the Probation Officer stated only that "section [2K2.1(b) (5) ] ha [d] been appropriately applied."
As stated, at sentencing, except for its finding acceptance of responsibility, the district court adopted the findings in the PSR. Thus, it adopted the finding that Condren possessed the firearm "while involved in" drug distribution.11 See United States v. Sherbak, 950 F.2d 1095, 1099 (5th Cir. 1992) (court need not explicitly adopt individual findings, but may adopt PSR as a whole).
But also, at sentencing, see note 5, supra, the district court found that Condren possessed the firearm "at the same time that ... he was possessing controlled substances. It would appear to the Court that that [firearm] possession was then during the commission of another felony". Accordingly, it found that Condren possessed the firearm while in possession of small quantities of crack and marijuana seed,12 and determined that this possession was a felony, because he had been convicted previously of a narcotics offense.13 21 U.S.C. § 844(a); 28 C.F.R. Secs. 76.1, 1316.91(c). As Condren conceded at oral argument in our court, the district court did not err in ruling that, for enhancement purposes, Condren's drug possession was a felony.14
The phrase "in connection with" for Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) purposes is not defined in the Guidelines; and, as noted, our circuit has not squarely addressed the issue. The nexus requirement that Condren urges is borrowed from 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (proscribing the use or carrying of a firearm "during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime" (emphasis added)). See, e.g., United States v. Pace, 10 F.3d 1106, 1117-18 (5th Cir. 1993) (applying Sec. 924(c)); United States v. Capote-Capote, 946 F.2d 1100, 1104 (5th Cir. 1991), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 112 S. Ct. 2278, 119 L. Ed. 2d 204 (1992) (same). Although, as the Tenth Circuit has noted, the standard of proof required under Sec. 924(c) "provides some guidance" in construing Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), United States v. Gomez-Arrellano, 5 F.3d 464, 466 (10th Cir. 1993), we decline to adopt it as the controlling standard.
First, Sec. 924(c) expressly proscribes the use or carrying of a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence; in contrast, Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) mandates an enhancement even if the defendant only possesses a firearm in connection with any other felony. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5); see United States v. Sanders, 990 F.2d 582, 585 (10th Cir.) (rejecting defendant's contention that Sec. 924(c) standard should control Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) determination), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 114 S. Ct. 216, 126 L. Ed. 2d 172 (1993).17
Second, Sec. 924(c) is a criminal statute, requiring that the government prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the relationship of the firearm to the drug trafficking crime or the crime of violence. Pace, 10 F.3d at 1117. In contrast, because the subsection in issue is under the Sentencing Guidelines, the relationship need be proved only by a preponderance of the evidence. United States v. Angulo, 927 F.2d 202, 205 (5th Cir. 1991); United States v. Kinder, 946 F.2d 362 (5th Cir. 1991), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 112 S. Ct. 2290, 119 L. Ed. 2d 214 (1992), cited in United States v. Mergerson, 4 F.3d 337, 343 (5th Cir. 1993), petition for cert. filed (U.S. Dec. 21, 1993) (No. 93-7246).
"In the absence of any statutory definition, we construe th [e] phrase [i.e., "in connection with",] according to its ordinary and natural meaning." United States v. Guerrero, 5 F.3d 868, 872 (5th Cir. 1993), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 114 S. Ct. 1111, 127 L. Ed. 2d 422 (1994) (construing " 'in connection with' a crime of violence" language of U.S.S.G. Sec. 4B1.4(b) (3) (A), and citing Smith v. United States, --- U.S. ----, ----, 113 S. Ct. 2050, 2054, 124 L. Ed. 2d 138 (1993); Perrin v. United States, 444 U.S. 37, 43, 100 S. Ct. 311, 314-15, 62 L. Ed. 2d 199 (1979)). As noted in Guerrero, the Supreme Court
reads terms such as "used or possessed" quite expansively in the context of firearms. For instance, in order to prove a criminal defendant "use [d] a firearm ... during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime" for purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (1), the government need not show the firearm was even "use [d] as a weapon."
Id. at 872 (quoting Smith, --- U.S. at ---- - ----, 113 S. Ct. at 2053-54 (internal quotations omitted)). In Guerrero, for purposes of Sec. 4B1.4(b) (3) (A), we held that the defendant possessed firearms "in connection with" a burglary even where they were not used to commit the burglary, but were instead the fruits of it. Id.
In addition, as noted, other circuits have looked to U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1(b) (enhancement for possession of firearm during drug-trafficking crime) for guidance in interpreting Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). See, e.g., Gomez-Arrellano, 5 F.3d at 466 (10th Cir. 1993); Sanders, 990 F.2d at 585 & nn. 2-3 (10th Cir.), followed by Brewster, 1 F.3d at 54 & n. 4 (1st Cir.). They acknowledge, however, that Sec. 2D1.1, like 18 U.S.C. § 924, is an imperfect analogy to Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) for at least two reasons.
First, Sec. 2D1.1 mandates an enhancement whenever, in a crime involving the manufacture, import, export, trafficking, or possession of drugs, "a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was possessed". Arguably, this language requires less of a relationship, or specific connection, between the possession of the weapon, and the drug offense. That is, Sec. 2D1.1(b) (1) contains no language requiring that the possession of the weapon be "in connection with" (Secs. 2K2.1(b) (5), 4B1.4(b) (3) (A)), or "in relation to" (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) the other offense. Second, unlike Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), the commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 sets a standard by which to judge the relationship between the firearm and the drug offense: the enhancement applies unless it is "clearly improbable that the weapon was connected with the offense." U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1, comment. (n. 3); Sanders, 990 F.2d at 585 (noting "explanatory vacuum" accompanying Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), and declining to extend Sec. 2D1.1's "clearly improbable" standard to it).
Nonetheless, similar policy reasons militate in favor of the enhancement provided by both Sec. 2D1.1(b) and Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). Sanders, 990 F.2d at 585; Guerrero, 5 F.3d at 872 & n. 9 (discussing Sanders in context of analogy between Sec. 2D1.1(b) (1) and "in connection with" language of Sec. 4B1.4(b) (3) (A)). As does the original commentary to Sec. 2K2, the commentary to Sec. 2D1.1 "explains the enhancement for weapons possession ... as reflecting 'the increased danger of violence' " that exists when guns and drugs are present together. Sanders, 990 F.2d at 585 (discussing and comparing U.S.S.G. App. C, amend. 374 comment. (backg'd) (original commentary to Sec. 2K2) with U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (1) comment. (n. 3)).
Simply stated, the enhancement in issue reflects the undeniable fact that " [p]ossession of firearms obviously increases the danger of violence whether or not such weapons are actually used.... [I]t makes little difference how the [defendant] obtained [the] firearms." Guerrero, 5 F.3d at 873 (emphasis in original). As much as in a drug trafficking crime, e.g., Capote-Capote, 946 F.2d at 1104, or a crime of violence such as burglary, Guerrero, 5 F.3d at 873, this rationale applies in cases involving possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs.19
Section 2K2.1(c) (1) presents another useful, if imperfect, standard for comparison. As noted, it provides, as does Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), for an enhancement " [i]f the defendant used or possessed any firearm or ammunition in connection with" another offense. It specifies, however, that the firearm must be used or possessed in connection with "the commission or attempted commission of another offense". U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1) (emphasis added). The requirement that the firearm possession be in connection with the commission of another offense appears to mandate a closer relationship between the firearm and the other offense than that required for Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) purposes.
In other words, for Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) purposes, the connection could be even more remote and require less proof. Yet, in the only case from this circuit to address the issue (Hernandez, discussed supra at note 17) we did not require a specific showing of a close relationship between the firearm and the drug possession. There, as noted, we affirmed a Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1) enhancement based primarily on "undisputed evidence that the firearm was found in the room with the marijuana". Hernandez, No. 91-8249, slip op. at 2 (unpublished) (emphasis added). At bottom, in Hernandez, the simple physical proximity of the firearm to the drugs allowed the district court properly to "conclude that the firearm was used in connection with the possession of the marijuana." Id. (emphasis added).
In addition, it is well to remember that a sentencing enhancement is being construed; a "specific offense characteristic". Therefore, obviously, the purpose to be served by such an enhancement must guide our giving effect to the ordinary and natural meaning of the subsection. Specific offense characteristics, such as those described in Sec. 2K2.1(b), represent the Sentencing Commission's attempt to consider "real offense" aspects of the underlying offense. United States v. Manthei, 913 F.2d 1130, 1134 (5th Cir. 1990), citing and quoting U.S.S.G. Ch. 1, Pt. A, intro., 4(a); see also U.S.S.G. Ch. 1, Pt. A, intro., p.s. (3) (Guidelines attempt to establish "proportionality in sentencing through a system that imposes appropriately different sentences for criminal conduct of differing severity"). The Guidelines state that, although they are "closer to a charge offense [rather than a real offense] system", they
U.S.S.G. Ch. 1, Pt. A, intro. p.s. 4(a); see also U.S.S.G. Sec. 1B1.3, comment. (discussing consideration of relevant conduct in determining sentence). Specific offense characteristics represent an integral part of the Guidelines' "return [ ] ... to an earlier philosophy that the punishment should fit the crime...." Mejia-Orosco, 867 F.2d at 218.
Chapter Two of the Guidelines relates to offense conduct; its Part K--including Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5)--pertains to offenses "involving public safety", such as arson, use of explosives or firearms, and transportation of hazardous materials. Section 2K2.1 provides offense levels for unlawful receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms or ammunition. In 1991, the specific offense characteristic represented by the subsection in issue was added to the Guidelines (enacted in 1987). It was one of several changes to Sec. 2K2 that reflect increased concern about firearms, crimes of violence, and drug offenses. Needless to say, the unlawful use or possession of firearms represents an ever increasing assault on public safety; it is a clear and present danger. For example, 15,377 of the 22,540 murders in the United States in 1992 were committed with firearms, of which 1,144 concerned drugs. 1992 FBI Uniform Crime Rep. for the United States 20.
Finally, Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) mandates that if the resulting offense level--after the enhancement is applied--is less than 18, it must be increased to that level. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5); see note 9, supra. This is yet another indication that the enhancement represents an intention to impose a significantly heavier sentence, regardless of the other offense (felony).
Under the ordinary and natural meaning of "in connection with" as found in Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), especially as informed by the above discussion, we cannot credit either Condren's contention that the quantity of drugs involved was too small, or the possible contention that the source of the firearm was too unrelated, to support the enhancement.
Therefore, as discussed infra, it would likewise be more than reasonable to infer that Condren possessed the firearm in order to protect even the small amount of drugs kept, or intended, for his personal use. See United States v. Martinez, 808 F.2d 1050, 1057 (5th Cir.) ("Firearms are 'tools of the trade' of those engaged in illegal drug activities."), cert. denied, 481 U.S. 1032, 107 S. Ct. 1962, 95 L. Ed. 2d 533 (1987). In any event, Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) does not specify that a certain amount of drugs are required to support the enhancement. Indeed, it is mandated whenever a firearm is possessed in connection with any other felony, regardless of whether it involves drugs. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5).20
Moreover, Condren's assertion that Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) is not applicable, in this case, because only a small amount of drugs was involved, and was kept only for his personal use, is unsupported by the case law he relies on.21 The Sec. 2D1.1 cases Condren cites are inapposite; that they happen to involve larger quantities of drugs than does this case is perhaps due to the fact that Sec. 2D1.1 pertains specifically to offenses involving drugs, including drug manufacture, import, and trafficking.
In contrast, as noted, Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancements may be based on any felony, including, as here, felony possession of a small amount of drugs. See Sanders, 990 F.2d at 583, 585 (enhancement applied where defendant possessed firearm in connection with drug trafficking; defendant was carrying 7 grams of cocaine, 33.7 grams of heroin, and assorted drug paraphernalia); see also United States v. Rivera, 898 F.2d 442, 445-46 (5th Cir. 1990) (leaving open possibility that, on remand, defendant could receive enhanced sentence under Sec. 2D1.1(b) for possession of firearm during possession of as little as .37 grams of heroin).
We turn now to the findings of fact and conclusion of law concerning the connection. As stated, a finding is upheld unless it is clearly erroneous--it is implausible in light of the record as a whole. E.g. United States v. Martinez-Moncivais, 14 F.3d 1030, 1038-39 (5th Cir. 1994) (citing United States v. Sanders, 942 F.2d 894, 897 (5th Cir. 1991)).
Condren's firearm "was found in the same location where drugs or drug paraphernalia [we]re stored or where part of the transaction occurred." United States v. Hooten, 942 F.2d 878, 882 (5th Cir. 1991) (construing Sec. 2D1.1, and citing cases). It was in close "physical proximity to narcotics", Gomez-Arrellano, 5 F.3d at 466-67 (10th Cir. 1993)--in a drawer of the very desk where the drugs were found. Furthermore, it was fully loaded. Regardless of how it came into Condren's possession, it was readily available to him to protect his drug-related activities; and, based on our review of the record, the district court implicitly finding this was not clearly erroneous.22
Therefore, the district court did not err, as a matter of law, in concluding that the firearm possession was "in connection with" the drug possession. See Hernandez, No. 91-8249, slip op. at 2 (concerning Sec. 2K2.1(c); "From the undisputed evidence that the firearm was found in the room with the marijuana, the court could conclude that the firearm was used in connection with the possession of the marijuana."); United States v. Thomas, 12 F.3d 1350, 1361 (5th Cir. 1994) (under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), government need only show that gun was available to provide protection to defendant's drug activity); and Pace, 10 F.3d at 1117-19 (construing 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and quoting Capote-Capote, 946 F.2d at 1104 ("Weapons in the home may facilitate a drug crime because the defendants could use the guns to protect the drugs".) (emphasis in Pace; citations omitted)).
Accordingly, the court correctly applied Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). The sentence is
This is the required level for a Sec. 922(g) violation, where the defendant also had at least two prior felony convictions for crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses. See U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(a) (2) (setting offense levels for firearms possession offenses)
Because Condren had a criminal history category of VI, see U.S.S.G. Ch. 5, pt. A, the guideline imprisonment range was 140 to 175 months. But, because the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for Sec. 922(g) violations is 10 years, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(a) (2), the imprisonment term was adjusted downward to 120 months. U.S.S.G. Sec. 5G1.1(a) (if guideline range exceeds statutory maximum, the latter shall be guideline sentence). The PSR recommended the 120 months
Condren's written objection to his offense level was to PSR p 11, which set his base offense level. The enhancement, however, was covered (recommended) in PSR p 12. And, in the objection, he referred to the cross-reference provision of Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1). The objection stated that there should be "some nexus with the offense of conviction", and that Condren objected to the enhancement because there was no connection between "possession of a gun made in November, 1991 [when the firearm allegedly was taken as collateral], and on conduct alleged to have occurred in January, 1992". This may be similar to the contention made on appeal, because, apparently, the reference to the latter conduct concerns the possession and/or distribution of cocaine
As noted, the objection referred to PSR p 11, and to the cross-reference provision of Sec. 2K2.1(c); the written objections do not mention either PSR p 12, which covered the Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancement that is in issue, or that section. And, although Sec. 2K2.1(c) relates to use or possession of a firearm in connection with another offense, as does Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), it was not used for the sentence, as the Probation Officer pointed out in his responses to Condren's objections. Rather, as also pointed out by the PSR addendum, the enhancement was under Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5).
At sentencing, Condren was represented by a different federal public defender than the one who had prepared the written objections to the PSR. Condren's counsel for the first time described his objection to the enhancement in terms of Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). The following colloquy occurred:
Based on this exchange, however, the objection to the Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancement was arguably not raised adequately in the district court. It was based only on Condren's assertion that he had not used the firearm in connection with another offense, whereas the district court's conclusion that the Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancement applied was based on its finding, under the subsection's alternative ground, that Condren possessed it. Condren's counsel never addressed the firearm possession basis for the enhancement, which is mandated if the firearm is either used or possessed in connection with another felony. Nor did he object to the court's possession finding. Had he done so, the district court would have had the requisite opportunity to further address this point, and, therefore, possibly save this issue from being the possible basis for a remand for resentencing.
In short, it is arguable that the issue was not properly preserved in district court; if it was not, it would be reviewed here only for plain error. See, e.g., United States v. Olano, --- U.S. ----, 113 S. Ct. 1770, 123 L. Ed. 2d 508 (1993); United States v. Rodriguez, 15 F.3d 408 (5th Cir. 1994); Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b). In this instance, however, we fully review the issue, because, as discussed infra at note 8, it is here (took its present form) on instructions from our court, as contained in the order denying Condren's counsel's Anders motion to withdraw.
Because Condren was sentenced on November 19, 1992, the 1992 amendments were applicable. They provide, as did the 1991 Guidelines, for a two-point adjustment if the defendant "clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility". U.S.S.G. Sec. 3E1.1(a). Under the 1992 amendments, however, defendants whose offense level is 16 or greater and who qualify under Sec. 3E1.1(a) may also receive an additional one-point adjustment, if they have "assisted authorities in the investigation or prosecution of [their] own misconduct". U.S.S.G. Sec. 3E1.1(b). This assistance may be shown, inter alia, by the defendant's timely entering a plea of guilty. U.S.S.G. Sec. 3E1.1(b); see United States v. Tello, 9 F.3d 1119, 1123-24 (5th Cir. 1993) (construing Sec. 3E1.1(b)). In awarding Condren the full three points, the district court stated that the additional (third) point was included because of "the timeliness of [Condren's guilty] plea."
But, again Condren could not be given a term of imprisonment greater than the statutory maximum of 10 years. See U.S.S.G. Sec. 5G1.1(c), 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g), 924(a) (2)
Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S. Ct. 1396, 18 L. Ed. 2d 493 (1967), Condren's counsel (federal public defender) filed a motion to withdraw and supporting brief, maintaining that this case presented no non-frivolous issues. Among other things, the brief asserted that Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) had been properly applied, but it did not address the issue raised now: the construction to be given possession "in connection with another felony offense". Upon receiving, from our court, the requisite notice of the withdrawal submission, Anders, 386 U.S. at 741, 87 S. Ct. at 1398-99, Condren responded that, inter alia, the district court had erred in enhancing his sentence for possession of a firearm in connection with another felony for which he had not been convicted. (As discussed in note 11, infra, a conviction for the other felony is not required.)
Accordingly, although both Condren and his counsel addressed the Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) enhancement, neither raised the issue now before us. Moreover, as discussed, it was arguably not presented in the district court. See supra notes 4-5.
Of course, the duty to raise issues for appeal is usually counsel's, rather than the court's. Indeed, under Anders, counsel has an affirmative duty to advise the court of any non-frivolous issues that, even arguably, could support an appeal. Anders, 386 U.S. at 741, 744, 87 S. Ct. at 1398, 1400; Lofton v. Whitley, 905 F.2d 885, 887 (5th Cir. 1990), citing and quoting Anders, 386 U.S. at 744, 87 S. Ct. at 1400, and Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 109 S. Ct. 346, 102 L. Ed. 2d 300 (1988). Certainly, an issue of first impression, such as the one we consider now, should be brought to the court's attention.
Anders, 386 U.S. at 744, 87 S. Ct. at 1400; e.g., Moss v. Collins, 963 F.2d 44, 46-47 (5th Cir. 1992) (citing cases), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 113 S. Ct. 983, 122 L. Ed. 2d 136 (1993).
Upon such review, our court found the non-frivolous issue we now address. Indeed, research revealed no previous cases from this circuit construing the relevant language of Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). United States v. Hernandez, No. 91-8249 (5th Cir. Feb. 26, 1992) (unpublished), construed somewhat similar language in Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1); but, as noted, that section provides a cross-reference provision for, inter alia, firearm use or possession "in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another offense " (emphasis added); Condren was not sentenced under it. As shown, the language of Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1) differs from that of Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5).
Therefore, our court denied the motion to withdraw, and ordered counsel to file a brief addressing Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), as detailed below, "as well as any other non-frivolous issues [counsel] chooses to raise". The court stated:
A review of the record reveals that the issue of whether the district court correctly found that Condren's offense level should be increased by four points under U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) for use or possession of a firearm in connection with another felony offense is not frivolous under Anders.... Whether the evidence is sufficient to show that Condren used or possessed the firearm in connection with the offense of distribution of cocaine is not a frivolous issue. Whether the presence of the drugs and the firearm in the same room is sufficient to show use or possession of a firearm in connection with the offense of felony possession of controlled substances under Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5), as opposed to Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1), is not a frivolous issue. See United States v. Hernandez....
U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) (emphasis added).
Condren's wife filed for divorce approximately six weeks after Condren was arrested. In an interview with the probation officer who prepared the PSR, she stated that Condren periodically carried the firearm with him when he left their house. Condren objected to the use of this statement, stating that his ex-wife had "made all that up and has used it as vendetta to try to get him as much time in federal court as possible." The court required that the PSR "be supplemented to indicate the defendant's extreme disagreement with the statements of his ex-wife." It noted, however, that " [i]t doesn't appear to the Court that any of the statements of the wife resulted in raising the guideline levels for the defendant." As discussed infra, the enhancement is amply supported by the record, regardless of whether Condren carried the firearm outside the house. Mrs. Condren's statement, however, undermines his possible contention that the firearm could not have been in connection with his drug-related activities because it remained at all times in the desk drawer
The Tenth Circuit, one of the few to address "in connection with" for Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) purposes, appears to have taken two somewhat disparate positions. As discussed, in Gomez-Arrellano, 5 F.3d at 466-67, its more recent (Sept. 1993) pronouncement on the issue, it held that 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) was "more closely analogous" to Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) than was U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1(b) (enhancement when firearm "was possessed" during drug trafficking offense). But, as also noted, in Sanders, 990 F.2d at 585 (Apr. 1993), it had previously "reject [ed] at the outset defendant's suggestion that" it should apply Sec. 924(c)'s standard to Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5). Instead, it analogized Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5) to Sec. 2D1.1. See United States v. Brewster, 1 F.3d 51, 53-55 (1st Cir. 1993) (following Sanders) . Given this apparent inconsistency, and the fact that Gomez-Arrellano does not hold that Sec. 924(c)'s standard is controlling, we do not perceive our decision in this case to create a split between the circuits. This is especially true in light of our February 1992 unpublished opinion in Hernandez, see supra note 8, which construed Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1)'s similar language. Hernandez, decided over a year before either Sanders or Gomez-Arrellano, held that, for Sec. 2K2.1(c) (1) purposes, primarily because the firearm was simply found in the same room as drugs, it was used "in connection with" their possession. Hernandez, slip op. at 2
In so doing, the government also refers to the connection required between the firearm and the other offense as a "nexus". Although Condren uses this term to denote the relationship that 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) requires, the government uses it in a more generic sense, to signify only the relationship that the guideline requires. This use is consistent with the general definition of "nexus", i.e., a "connection, link". Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 797 (1990)
We reiterate that the enhancement is required not only for use, but also simply for possession, of a firearm in connection with another felony. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2K2.1(b) (5)
With regard to this issue, Condren cites United States v. Aguilera-Zapata, 901 F.2d 1209 (5th Cir. 1990) (defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana; district court applied Sec. 2D1.1(b) (1) because co-defendant possessed loaded revolver, and this court remanded to determine whether co-defendant's possession of weapon was reasonably foreseeable to defendant); United States v. Molinar-Apodaca, 889 F.2d 1417, 1424 (5th Cir. 1989) (presence of Uzi rifle, handgun, and ammunition "at the time when a considerable quantity of marijuana was seized on the premises" supported 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) conviction); United States v. Robinson, 857 F.2d 1006, 1010 (5th Cir. 1988) (jury could reasonably conclude that possession of firearms was integral part of felony of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, where availability of firearm increased likelihood that criminal undertaking would succeed)