Case Name: UNITED STATES of America, v. David M. WOODWARD, Appellant
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 2004-07-19
Citations: 105 F. App'x 369
Docket Number: No. 03-4600
Parties: UNITED STATES of America, v. David M. WOODWARD, Appellant.
Judges: Before SLOVITER, BARRY, and WEIS, Circuit Judges.
Reporter: West's Federal Appendix
Volume: 105
Pages: 369–370

Head Matter:
UNITED STATES of America, v. David M. WOODWARD, Appellant.
No. 03-4600.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.
Submitted Under Third Circuit L.A.R. 34.1(a) July 16, 2004.
Decided July 19, 2004.
Bonnie R. Schlueter, Office of United States Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA, for Appellee.
Bruce A. Antkowiak, Greensburg, PA, for Appellant.
Before SLOVITER, BARRY, and WEIS, Circuit Judges.

Opinion:
OPINION
WEIS, Circuit Judge.
Defendant David M. Woodward pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. He was sentenced to 18-months incarceration and three years of supervised release, in addition to an order of restitution. He contends that he should have been considered a minor participant and granted a reduced sentence.
Co-defendant Paul Goldstine embezzled $559,588.82 from his employer, Safeco Insurance Company. Woodward deposited Safeco checks in the amount of $243,209.65 and remitted 80% of that amount to Goldstine. Woodward netted approximately $48,000 from depositing and cashing 48 of these checks in his personal bank account over a period of three and one-half years.
The District Court commented that it had examined all of the conduct of both defendants and concluded that Woodward's role was particularly significant. The judge added, "I don't think the money tells the tale. I think the conduct tells the tale." She then denied the request for a downward departure under section 3B1.2 of the Sentencing Guidelines.
Woodward points out that Goldstine, who was sentenced to 30-months incarceration, was charged with embezzling more than $500,000. In comparison, he argues that the amounts for which he was held responsible indicate a minor role in the overall scheme. We are not persuaded.
Although Goldstine was the prime mover, Woodward was an active and substantial participant in the embezzlement. We acknowledge that Woodward was a respected member of the community, as well as a dedicated family man. Nevertheless, his conduct requires substantial punishment.
We find no error in the District Court's determination of the appropriate sentence and, therefore, the Judgment of the District Court will be affirmed.