Case Name: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Chad M. ELVE, Defendant-Appellant
Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 2004-12-16
Citations: 115 F. App'x 310
Docket Number: No. 04-1176
Parties: UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Chad M. ELVE, Defendant-Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: West's Federal Appendix
Volume: 115
Pages: 310–311

Head Matter:
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Chad M. ELVE, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 04-1176.
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit.
Dec. 16, 2004.
Brian K. Delaney, Joan E. Meyer, Grand Rapids, MI, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
Lawrence J. Phelan, Grand Rapids, MI., for Defendant-Appellant.
Before SILER, SUTTON, and FARRIS, Circuit Judges.
The Hon. Jerome Farris, United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, sitting by designation.

Opinion:
FARRIS, Circuit Judge.
We understand but reject Elve's argument that the district court erred in enhancing his sentence by two levels for more than minimal planning. An enhancement for more than minimal planning is warranted if a defendant takes significant affirmative steps to conceal his offense. Here, Elve provided false information on his loan application and thereby concealed that he had illegally obtained the HUD-owned property. He also provided his bank with a false warranty deed, which incorrectly showed that he had purchased the property for $70,000. The district court did not commit clear error in concluding that Elve took significant steps to avoid detection of his crime.
AFFIRMED.