Source: http://wa.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.19961022_0040810.C09.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2018-03-21 16:19:39
Document Index: 164968883

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1291', '§ 1030', '§ 2313', '§ 371', '§ 2511', '§ 1030', '§ 371', '§ 1029', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3']

filed: October 22, 1996.
JUSTIN TANNER PETERSEN, DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeals from the United States District Court for the Central District of California. D.C. Nos. CR-91-00956-SVW, CR-91-00995-SVW, CR-92-00575-SVW, CR-95-00214-SVW. Stephen V. Wilson, District Judge, Presiding.
Before: Betty B. Fletcher, Robert R. Beezer, and Andrew J. Kleinfeld, Circuit Judges. Opinion by Judge Fletcher.
Defendant Justin Tanner Petersen appeals from the sentence imposed after his plea of guilty to charges of computer fraud, possession of a stolen vehicle transported across state lines, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud, and interception of wire and electronic communications in four separate cases consolidated for sentencing. Petersen challenges the district court's (1) two-level upward adjustment for use of a special skill based upon his computer skills; (2) two-level upward adjustment for obstruction of Justice; (3) failure to reduce the offense level on the grounds that one of the frauds was merely an attempt; and (4) ordering of restitution in the amount of $40,000. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and affirm.
On July 20, 1992, Petersen pled guilty in three criminal cases. In CR 91-00995-SVW, he pled guilty to count one of an eight count indictment for computer fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2). The indictment charged that between February 11, 1991 and April 21, 1991, he gained unauthorized access to computers of TRW Information Services, a consumer credit reporting agency. The evidence at sentencing showed that Petersen, then in Texas, engaged in credit card fraud by selecting names from the telephone book and "hacking"*fn1 into credit reporting services to obtain information which he used to order fraudulent credit cards. He then made charges on the fraudulent credit cards.
In CR-91-00956-SVW, Petersen pled guilty to count one of a single count indictment for possession of a stolen vehicle which crossed state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2313. The evidence at sentencing showed that on or about January 12, 1991, Petersen, then in California, responded to an advertisement in a local newspaper offering a 1986 Porsche for sale. Petersen took the car for a test drive and drove off with the car. He transferred license plates from a car registered to him to the stolen Porsche and moved to Texas.
In CR 92-00575-SVW, Petersen pled guilty to all counts of a four-count information. Count one charged Petersen with conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a federal interest computer system to carry out a scheme to defraud and to intercept wire and electronic communications in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1030(a)(4) and 2511. Count two charged Petersen with interception of wire, oral and electronic communications in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2511. Counts three and four charged Petersen with unauthorized access to a federal interest computer system in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(4). With respect to the last count, the evidence at sentencing showed that on September 28, 1989, Petersen gained unauthorized access to the computers of Pacific Bell to facilitate intercepting and seizing the telephone lines of radio station KPWR FM. Petersen's confederates Kevin Lee Poulsen and Ronald Mark Austin had discovered a computer program which could be manipulated to "rig" radio station promotional contests by seizing control of the telephone lines leading to the radio station to ensure that they were the correct caller to win various prizes. They advised Petersen of this scheme, and Petersen used the information to call the radio station and "win" a $10,000 cash prize. Poulsen and Austin "won" at least two Porsche automobiles, a $20,000 cash prize, a $10,000 cash prize, and two trips to Hawaii.
On January 24, 1994, counsel appeared before the district court. Petersen remained a fugitive. The court took the sentencing date off calendar pending Petersen's capture or self-surrender.
On August 29, 1994, Petersen was captured. On March 27, 1995 he pled guilty to both counts of a two count information based on the crimes he committed while on bail. CR 95-00214-SVW. Count one charged conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1030(a)(4) and 1343. Count two charged Petersen with knowingly possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices (i.e., computer passwords) that were stolen and obtained with the intent to defraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a).
The four cases were consolidated for sentencing. On November 27, 1995, the district court sentenced Petersen to a total period of incarceration of 41 months, a three year term of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of approximately $40,000.*fn2 The sentence was based on an adjusted offense level of 18 and a criminal history category of III resulting in a guidelines range of 33-41 months. The adjusted offense level was calculated as follows: Base offense level under U.S.S.G. &sect; 2F1.1*fn3 (Fraud and Deceit; Forgery; Offenses Involving Altered or Counterfeit Instruments) [6 points]; loss of more than $200,000 under § 2F1.1(b)(1) [8 points]; more than minimal planning under § 2F1.1(b)(2) [2 points]; use of a special skill under § 3B1.3 [2 points]; obstruction of Justice under § 3C1.1 [2 points]; ...