Opinion ID: 665997
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Applicability of the Sentencing Guidelines to Count One

Text: 50 Henderson contends that the bank fraud alleged in count one was complete before November 1, 1987, the effective date of the Sentencing Guidelines. The district court made a factual finding that count one continued past November 1, 1987, and therefore, applied the Guidelines. We review this finding for clear error. 51 The trial court heard the testimony concerning the letter dated November 5, 1985. Substantial evidence was offered to show that this letter was actually prepared in late 1987 or early 1988. Dr. Howard also testified that this letter was either prepared by Henderson or prepared at his request. Further, evidence from the grand jury investigation of Henderson, which was presented at the sentencing hearing, indicated that this letter was prepared a few months before the failure of FB & T. This evidence led the district judge to find 52 that the engagement between the defendant and Dr. Howard occurred in and after November of 1987 based upon what I heard at trial and based upon what you presented here in court; and if you find something in there different than that, then, read it to me. I would like to hear it. 53 But what I heard so far is that it was about the time the bank failed, which was in March of '88, or a few months prior to that. A few to me means three or less; and of course, that would put it back in November, December of 1987. 54 Given this evidence of Henderson's continuing efforts to deceive both FB & T and federal regulators into late 1987 or early 1988, we do not find the district court's conclusion clearly erroneous.