Opinion ID: 3048104
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Count VI Sentence

Text: Roy contends that the district court did not adequately explain the reasons for the sentence imposed on Count VI, as required by 18 U.S.C. § 3553(c). He also contends that the district court did not adequately explain how it determined that the offense level should be 46 for this count. “All counts involving substantially the same harm shall be grouped together into a single Group.” U.S.S.G. § 3D1.2. Counts are grouped together “[w]hen the offense level is determined largely on the basis of . . . the quantity of a substance involved.” U.S.S.G. § 3D1.2(d). Count II, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and Count VI, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, accordingly were grouped together in Group One. The court concluded that Count II involved at least three kilograms of methamphetamine (which included the 21.19 grams separately alleged in Count VI), resulting in a base offense level of 38, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(a)(3).5 The court then added two levels for the firearm possession, four levels for role in the offense, and two levels for obstruction of justice, resulting in an offense level of 46. The offense level for Group Two, the money laundering conviction for Count IV, was 34. The offense level for Group Three, the felon in possession convictions for Counts VII and VIII, was 28. The total offense level, accord- 5 Under the Drug Quantity Table found in U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1, 30 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, or 3 kilograms or more of methamphetamine (actual) has a base offense level of 38. UNITED STATES v. CABACCANG 3681 ingly was 46, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3D1.4.6 The district court adequately explained its reasons for the offense level of 46. Moreover, despite Roy’s contention to the contrary, the district court thoroughly discussed the requisite factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553 in imposing Roy’s sentence. The court first expressed its awareness that the guidelines are advisory. It then discussed its considerations of the § 3553 factors. For example, the court stated that Roy was responsible for bringing “a substantial amount of methamphetamine onto this island,” and had been engaged in that activity for six to ten years. The court also stated that Roy had “manipulated and exploited numerous people in the community, and members of his own family, all for his own personal gain.” The court described the “complex and far-reaching” nature of the drug ring, the money involved, and the manner in which the conspiracy was carried out. The court further stated that Roy had “been obstructing justice continually, carrying and supplying firearms and laundering a substantial amount of money.” The court then discussed the effects of Roy’s conduct on the community and his family. The court discussed Roy’s conduct in prison, his prior convictions and other offenses, the seriousness of the offense, and the need for deterrence. The court also considered the need to protect the public, Roy’s continued choices to disobey the law and his failure to acknowledge wrongdoing, as well as the ways Roy could benefit from education or vocational training, medical care, and other treatment in prison. Finally, the court considered the kinds of sentences available and the range of 6 Section 3D1.4 provides that “[t]he combined offense level is determined by taking the offense level applicable to the Group with the highest offense level and increasing that offense level by the amount indicated.” U.S.S.G. § 3D1.4. As the district court stated, the total number of units was one, so no more increases in offense level were warranted. U.S.S.G. § 3D1.4. 3682 UNITED STATES v. CABACCANG punishment. The court’s discussion of the § 3553 factors was extensive, thoughtful, and thorough. [12] Roy briefly asserts that the sentence was not reasonable. The district court did not misconstrue or misinterpret the guidelines. See United States v. Mix, 457 F.3d 906, 911 (9th Cir. 2006) (discussing this court’s review of sentences). Nor did the court abuse its discretion in applying the guidelines to the facts of the case or make any clear error in its factual findings. See id. Furthermore, the court engaged in a very thorough and thoughtful consideration of the § 3553 factors. For all these reasons, we find that the sentence imposed by the district court is reasonable. See United States v. Nichols, 464 F.3d 1117, 1126 (9th Cir. 2006) (concluding that the sentence was reasonable where “[t]he district court’s approach was reasoned and addressed factors specified in § 3553(a),” and the defendant had not shown that the district court “overlooked any significant factor, gave improper weight to any factor or otherwise imposed an unreasonable sentence”). The sentence imposed by the district court is affirmed.7 AFFIRMED. 7 Roy briefly challenges the sentences imposed on Counts IV, VII, and VIII. These counts, however, were not before the district court on remand because Cabaccang I affirmed the sentences on the convictions that were not importation-related, and Cabaccang II remanded only Count VI. Moreover, the arguments Roy raises were not raised in his prior appeal and were not raised in the district court. We have examined Roy’s arguments and conclude that any error, if there was error, did not affect his substantial rights.