Opinion ID: 689595
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Enhancement for the Use of a Firearm.

Text: 37 The district court enhanced the offense level by two levels because of the determination that Fuentes had displayed a firearm during the conspiracy in connection with the collection of a drug debt as testified to by Julio Jorge Cantillo, an unindicted member of the conspiracy. Cantillo related the firearm incident during cross-examination. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1(b)(1) provides for the enhancement of the offense level by two if a firearm was possessed during the conspiracy. Fuentes argues that the district court erred in the enhancement because the testimony of Cantillo was unsupported in any way. Again, the district court made a specific finding as to the credibility of Cantillo as he stated: 38 Well, the Court recalls that testimony, and that incident happened in connection with this conspiracy. It involved the collection of a drug debt, and a gun was drawn, according to the testimony, the sworn testimony that's on the record. The jury apparently found credible Mr. Cantillo's testimony regarding other matters. The court heard that testimony, and the Court heard the testimony regarding the handgun. The court believes that testimony credible, and the Court believes that the additional two-point enhancement is appropriate. (See, Joint Appendix, page 304) 39 The defendant's challenge to the enhancement for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy is denied. 40