Opinion ID: 2995692
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: U.S.S.G. sec. 2D1.1 Drug Quantity

Text: Determination We review a district court’s factual findings in applying the Sentencing Guidelines for clear error. United States v. Williams, 272 F.3d 845, 851-52 (7th Cir. 2002), cert. denied, 122 S.Ct. 1339 (2002); United States v. Joiner, 183 F.3d 635, 640 (7th Cir. 1999). Under this familiar standard, we review the district court’s findings to determine if there is any evidence in the record to support the findings, and will reverse only if we have a ’firm and definite conviction that a mistake has been made.’ E.g., United States v. Miner, 127 F.3d 610, 614-15 (7th Cir. 1997) (citation omitted). Reasonable estimates of drug amounts based on the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR), testimony, and other evidence are permissible, while speculation is not. Westmoreland, 240 F.3d at 630-32; Joiner, 183 F.3d at 640; United States v. Jarrett, 133 F.3d 519, 530 (7th Cir. 1998).
Martin argues that he never intended or agreed to provide cocaine to Lisa Templin, and he asserts that any comments he made to that effect were the result of one too many drinks or mere boasting. (One frequently leads to the other in many areas of life.) The district court found 544.06 grams of cocaine attributable to Douglas Martin and sentenced him to 60 months (5 years) in prison and 3 years supervised release. The finding was based on the PSR, conversations Martin had with others, and remarks he made involving Templin. Martin joined the conspiracy late, but moved up in the ranks rather quickly to become Victor Matias, Jr.’s right hand man. Victor Matias, Jr. was found to have distributed some 7.7 kilograms of cocaine, but the district court took into account Martin’s late arrival and attributed only a portion of that amount to him. Martin told Templin that he could obtain 500 grams of cocaine from Victor Matias, Jr. The district court found this statement credible because Matias, Jr. dealt large amounts of cocaine and Martin was his very close assistant. It was not clear error for the district court to find Douglas Martin accountable for at least 544.06 grams of cocaine. See Westmoreland, 240 F.3d at 630-32.