Opinion ID: 819878
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Guerra-Guala

Text: Guerra-Guala argues that the evidence was insufficient to support the district court’s finding that he was an “organizer” or “leader” of the conspiracy under Guidelines § 3B1.1(a). He contends that he was simply a contact person for the conspiracy and that Yuris was actually in charge. The evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Guerra-Guala purchased drugs for the conspiracy, determined the price at which these drugs were sold, and directed his coconspirators concerning the management of the drug proceeds, the storage and processing of the drugs, and the delivery of the drugs to customers. Freichels testified that “[i]t was always Mr. Guala that was directing everyone. No one told him what to do.” Tr. 30. Indeed, when Guerra-Guala decided to return to Guatemala, he determined who his successors would be and what roles they would play in the conspiracy. Construing the terms “organizer” and “leader” broadly, United States v. Molina-Perez, 595 F.3d 854, 862 (8th Cir. 2010), we conclude that the district court did not clearly err by imposing an enhancement under Guidelines § 3B1.1(a).