Opinion ID: 547209
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defendant-appellant Davis

Text: 17 Defendant-appellant Davis initially contends that application of the preponderance of the evidence standard to disputed sentencing factors likely to result in a significant upward departure from the recommended sentencing range violates due process. We disagree. This Circuit has consistently held that, in considering the factual basis for an upward departure, the appropriate standard of proof is the preponderance of the evidence standard. See, e.g., United States v. Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 899 F.2d 177, 182 (2d Cir.1990); United States v. Rivalta, 892 F.2d 223, 230 (2d Cir.1989); United States v. Guerra, 888 F.2d 247, 251 (2d Cir.1989), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 1833, 108 L.Ed.2d 961 (1990). Davis invokes the language in United States v. Lee, 818 F.2d 1052, 1058 (2d Cir.) (Oakes, C.J., concurring), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 956, 108 S.Ct. 350, 98 L.Ed.2d 376 (1987), that at some future time in some other context the clear and convincing evidence standard of proof may be appropriate for sentence enhancements. However, Davis fails to offer a persuasive argument that now is such a time or that this case presents such a context. Considering this Circuit's consistent application of the preponderance of the evidence standard of proof to disputed sentencing factors, we reject Davis' argument that a higher standard of proof should apply in this case. 18 Davis contends that, even under the preponderance of the evidence standard, there is insufficient evidence to establish his involvement in the murder of Charlene Baskerville. In our view, however, the sentencing judge's determination that Davis was involved in the Baskerville murder was not clearly erroneous. Accordingly, this factual determination will not be disturbed. See 18 U.S.C. Sec. 3742(e) (1988); United States v. Lanese, 890 F.2d 1284, 1291 (2d Cir.1989), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 2207, 109 L.Ed.2d 533 (1990). 19 The evidence connecting Davis to the Baskerville murder included a confidential informant's written statement which provided a detailed account of the murder and Davis' role therein. Davis challenges the propriety of relying on the confidential informant's statement since the identity of the informant was never revealed. However, a sentencing judge may rely on such evidence provided there is good cause for not disclosing [the identity of the source], and the information he furnishes is subject to corroboration by other means. United States v. Carmona, 873 F.2d 569, 574 (2d Cir.1989) (quoting United States v. Fatico, 579 F.2d 707, 709 (2d Cir.1978)). In the present case, good cause existed for not disclosing the confidential informant's identity. Davis' involvement in the Bebos organization created a reasonable fear of violent retribution for testimony against Davis. Moreover, the confidential informant's testimony was corroborated by physical evidence from the murder scene, by the interviews conducted by Detective Eisner during his investigation, and by the proffered testimony of Viola Nichols that Davis had admitted to her his involvement in the murder. Although Davis now challenges the credibility of Nichols as a corroborative witness, this attack cannot be maintained because Davis expressly waived his right to cross-examine Nichols at the pre-sentencing hearing. See Lee, 818 F.2d at 1057. 20 Finally, Davis contends that even if a preponderance of the evidence established his involvement in the Baskerville murder, the district court erred in applying Criminal History Category VI at his sentencing. We disagree. 21 Section 4A1.3 of the Sentencing Guidelines provides that, [i]f reliable information indicates that the criminal history category does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the defendant's past criminal conduct or the likelihood that the defendant will commit other crimes, a higher Criminal History Category may be applied. U.S.S.G. Sec. 4A1.3 at 4.9. In upwardly departing under this section, the Guidelines require a judge to 1) determine which category best encompasses the defendant's prior history, and 2) use the corresponding sentencing range for that category 'to guide its departure.'  United States v. Cervantes, 878 F.2d 50, 53 (2d Cir.1989) (quoting U.S.S.G. Sec. 4A1.3 at 4.9). See also United States v. Coe, 891 F.2d 405, 412 (2d Cir.1989). In considering which category to apply, the sentencing judge must proceed sequentially through the categories, considering whether the next higher category adequately reflect[s] the seriousness of defendant's record. Id. at 412; see Cervantes, 878 F.2d at 54-55; U.S.S.G. Sec. 4A1.3 at 4.9. In egregious cases, such as those involving prior misconduct accompanied by wanton cruelty, Coe, 891 F.2d at 413 (quoting Cervantes, 878 F.2d at 55), an upward departure even above the sentencing range corresponding to Criminal History Category VI may be appropriate, id. In making any upward departure, the court must clearly articulate its grounds for the departure and must provide defendant's counsel with notice and an opportunity to present argument concerning the departure. Cervantes, 878 F.2d at 54-56. 22 The sentencing judge's determination that the nature and extent of Davis' prior criminal conduct warranted an upward departure from Category III to Category VI was not an abuse of discretion. See Coe, 891 F.2d at 409 n. 4. This determination was based on Davis' violent attempted murder of Rufus Parsley, for which he received lenient juvenile offender treatment, see U.S.S.G. Sec. 4A1.3 (commentary) at 4.10, and Davis' involvement in the Baskerville murder. The basis for this departure was articulated by the sentencing judge at a January 1990 hearing. Judge Korman expressly referred to the seriousness of Davis' prior criminal acts and to his belief that any lessor category failed to reflect Davis' violent conduct. In addition, the Probation Memorandum, which was adopted by the sentencing judge, fully discussed the possible bases for an upward departure from Category III to each of Category IV, Category V, and Category VI. 23 Finally, counsel for Davis was provided with notice and an opportunity to challenge the upward departure from Criminal History Category III to Criminal History Category VI. The Probation Memorandum discussing the availability of such a departure was provided to Davis. In addition, during the January 1990 hearing, the court requested that Davis' counsel address at least category V. After announcing his decision to apply Category VI, the district court again provided Davis' counsel an opportunity to address what sentence was appropriate. Thus, Davis was adequately provided with the procedural safeguards to which he is entitled.