Opinion ID: 554583
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Defendant Lee

Text: 16 Lee claims the district court erred in finding that Lee was a supervisor of criminal activity within the meaning of the sentencing guidelines. 17 An offense level may be increased based upon the defendant's aggravating role in the offense, [i]f the defendant was a manager or supervisor (but not an organizer or leader) and the criminal activity involved five or more participants or was otherwise extensive, increase by 3 levels. U.S.S.G. Sec. 3B1.1(b) (1989). Neither Lee nor any of his codefendants denies that at least five individuals participated in the conspiracy. 18 The district court's determination with respect to a defendant's role in the offense is subject to the clearly erroneous standard of review. United States v. Williams, 894 F.2d 208, 213-14 (6th Cir.1990). With respect to a sentence increase, the government must prove by a preponderance of the evidence facts upon which the court should rely in determining the sentence. United States v. Carroll, 893 F.2d 1502, 1506 (6th Cir.1990). In determining whether a defendant acted as an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor, we consider: 19 (1) the exercise of decision making authority; 20 (2) the nature of participation in the commission of the offense; 21 (3) the recruitment of accomplices; 22 (4) the claimed right to a larger share of the fruits of the crime; 23 (5) the degree of participation in planning or organizing the offense; 24 (6) the nature and scope of the illegal activity; and 25 (7) the degree of the control and authority exercised over others. 26 U.S.S.G. Sec. 3B1.1, comment. (n. 3) (emphasis added). 27 Lee's presentence report summarizes his involvement as follows: 28 The defendant, Robert E. Lee, is reported to have been second in charge of the Lee farms operation. He transported farm machinery and an automobile from Kentucky to Missouri, which was utilized at the marijuana farms. Robert E. Lee was also to receive a percentage of the profit from these farms; and, he was listed as a contact person should difficulties arise. 29 We hold that based upon this information, the district court's finding that Lee was a manager or supervisor of criminal activity is not clearly erroneous.