Opinion ID: 784813
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Improper application of sentencing guidelines

Text: 28 Sentencing issues presented for the first time on appeal are reviewed only for plain error. United States v. King, 341 F.3d 503, 505 (6th Cir.2003). Carter contends the district court erred by applying a four-level increase for possessing the firearm in connection with another felony offense. To establish plain error, Carter must first show that an error occurred. Id. 29 The district court is required to add four points to the offense level if the pistol was possessed in connection with another felony offense. USSG § 2K2.1(b)(5). So long as the government proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the firearm served some purpose with respect to the felonious conduct, section 2K2.1(b)(5)'s `in connection with' requirement is satisfied. United States v. Spurgeon, 117 F.3d 641, 644 (6th Cir.1997)(quoting United States v. Wyatt, 102 F.3d 241, 247 (7th Cir.1996)). A firearm is used or possessed `in connection with' an offense if the weapon facilitated or potentially facilitated the felonious conduct, or emboldened the defendant during the felonious conduct. United States v. Sanders, 162 F.3d 396, 404 (6th Cir.1998). 30 The PSR detailed Carter's involvement during his possession offense with a drug transaction for which his companion, Matthews, was convicted. Carter did not lodge an objection to the PSR; indeed, his counsel specifically accepted it. The district court is allowed to accept as true all factual allegations in a presentence report to which the defendant does not object. United States v. Levy, 250 F.3d 1015, 1018 (6th Cir.2001); see also United States v. Garcia-Meza, 315 F.3d 683, 686 (6th Cir.2003)(no plain error where the district court accepts a PSR to which no objection was lodged). The court found, without objection, that Carter possessed the firearm in conjunction with a felony drug offense. There was no plain error in this finding.