Opinion ID: 782000
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Baker's Sentencing

Text: 12 Baker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture fifty grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Before sentencing, Baker filed several objections to his presentence investigation report (PSR), which recommended that he be classified as a career offender and assigned an adjusted offense level of 37. He filed a motion for a downward departure, arguing that his career offender status over-represented the seriousness of his criminal history. He subsequently filed a supplemental motion for a downward departure based on his post-conviction drug rehabilitation. The United States moved for a § 5K1.1 downward departure for substantial assistance and filed a supplemental motion describing Baker's testimony before a federal grand jury. 13 At sentencing, the district court found that Baker was a career offender and that his offense level was 37. The parties then argued their downward departure motions before the court. The government summarized Baker's assistance thus far and indicated that Baker would likely be used as a witness in cases that were already pending or would be brought in the future. The following colloquy occurred: 14 Court: And should he render substantial assistance in those cases, would you anticipate filing a motion pursuant to Rule 35? 15 Government:I would, Judge. Of course, as the Court is clear — as the Court well knows, you know, we can't consider his future assistance or the possibility of his future assistance in assessing the 5K. But to answer your questions, yes, you know, I would anticipate those events occurring. 16 J.A. at 314 (Sentencing Tr.). 17 The district court denied Baker's motions for downward departure, but granted the government's § 5K1.1 motion for a downward departure. The court reduced Baker's guideline range from 262-327 months to 188-235 months, departing downward two levels for his general cooperation and one additional level for his testimony before the grand jury. J.A. at 326 (Sentencing Tr.). Baker was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment. He appeals his sentence.