Opinion ID: 2996252
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Lopez’s Role in the Offense

Text: Lopez’s second argument is that the district court clearly erred by failing to apply a two-level reduction in his sentence because he was a “minor participant” in the offense. According to USSG § 3B1.2(b), the defendant’s offense level may be decreased by two levels if the sentencing court finds him to have been a minor participant in the offense. USSG § 3B1.2(b) (2002). We have held that a minor participant is one who is substantially less culpable 12 Nos. 02-1493 & 02-1734 than the average participant. United States v. Jones, 55 F.3d 289, 293 (7th Cir. 1995). In making this determination, however, we examine “whether the defendant was a minor participant in the crime for which he was convicted, not whether he was a minor participant in some broader conspiracy that may have surrounded it.” United States v. Brown, 136 F.3d 1176, 1185-86 (7th Cir. 1998). The burden lies upon the defendant to establish that he was substantially less culpable, though we will apply this sentence reduction infrequently. Id. at 1185, 1186. Lopez argues that his role was minor because he was not a party to the drug transaction and served only as a messenger to let Corral know the drugs were ready for pick up and to admit Corral to the apartment for that purpose. The district court, however, found that Lopez either resided in the Baring Street apartment or worked out of that apartment prior to his arrest. The court also concluded, quite reasonably, that the apartment served primarily as a stash house for the parties’ drug business. Lopez cannot claim he was unaware of drug operations within the apartment. By virtue of agreeing to maintain the stash house and open it to Corral, Lopez’s argument that he was substantially less culpable than others must fail. First, he was entrusted with delivery of a large quantity (one kilogram) of cocaine. Second, Lopez was trusted with sole possession of the apartment, which contained a large quantity of marijuana, $14,000, a quantity of cocaine, and a firearm. Finally, he was aware of Corral’s purpose for picking up the drugs (to sell them) and Lopez made that possible through his own actions. See id. at 1186 (noting that one cannot be a minor participant with respect to one’s own actions). Lopez further argues that his minor role is supported by the fact that he did not stand to profit from the transNos. 02-1493 & 02-1734 13 action. We have held, however, that whether a participant stands to profit from the crime does not reflect upon that person’s role within the offense. Id. at 1186. Lopez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and each of his actions was directed at possessing the cocaine and making distribution possible by giving Corral access to the apartment. For those reasons, we find that the district court did not clearly err by determining that Lopez was not substantially less culpable than others and in denying him a sentence reduction under § 3B1.2(b). The decision of the district court as to both Corral and Lopez is AFFIRMED. A true Copy: Teste: ________________________________ Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit USCA-02-C-0072—4-1-03