Opinion ID: 653732
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether the district court erred in denying Chukwura a

Text: 19 downward adjustment for acceptance of 20 responsibility pursuant to U.S.S.G. Sec. 3E1.1. 21 Chukwura also contends that the district court erred in refusing to grant him a two-step reduction for acceptance of responsibility because he offered to cooperate with the government, entered a plea of guilty, expressed remorse, and saved the court and the government the expense of trial. 22 Pursuant to section 3E1.1(a) of the Sentencing Guidelines, criminal defendants may receive a two-level reduction if they clearly demonstrate[ ] a recognition and affirmative acceptance of personal responsibility for the criminal conduct. A defendant receives consideration under this provision without regard to whether his conviction is based upon a guilty plea or a finding of guilt by the court or jury or the practical certainty of conviction at trial. Sec. 3E1.1(b). The reduction, however, is not automatic. In appropriate circumstances, the sentencing court may deny a defendant the reduction following a guilty plea, if the defendant does not demonstrate an acceptance of responsibility. United States v. Rodriguez, 905 F.2d 372, 374 (11th Cir.1990). See also Sec. 3E1.1 application note 3 (guilty plea standing alone does not entitle defendant to reduction). 23 Because the sentencing court is in a unique position to evaluate a defendant's acceptance of responsibility, we give its determination great deference on review. Sec. 3E1.1 application note 5. United States v. Castillo-Valencia, 917 F.2d 494, 500 (11th Cir.1990), cert. denied, 499 U.S. 925, 111 S.Ct. 1321, 113 L.Ed.2d 253 (1991). We will not disturb such a finding unless it is clearly erroneous. United States v. Rowland, 906 F.2d 621, 622 (11th Cir.1990). In this case, sufficient evidence exists to support the district court's denial of a two-step reduction. 24 Initially, the probation officer recommended that Chukwura receive a two-step reduction for acceptance of responsibility. Chukwura objected to the presentence report and denied that he used twelve of the aliases attributed to him. 1 Evidence introduced at the sentencing hearings proved Chukwura's picture appeared in thirteen different driver's license photos, all bearing fictitious names corresponding with the names on fraudulently obtained bank accounts. Chukwura also denied involvement in any fraudulent activity other than that alleged in Counts V and VI of the indictment, covering the period from July 13, 1989, to June, 1990, even though the first bank fraud scheme Chukwura allegedly perpetrated took place in Atlanta in November of 1986. Because of these denials, the probation officer changed his recommendation and urged the court to deny Chukwura the reduction for acceptance of responsibility. 25 Chukwura also denied other illegal activity. During the investigation, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent uncovered evidence showing Chukwura's check kiting scheme comprised only part of a larger network involving other Nigerian nationals. Based on information gathered from law enforcement officials and other Nigerians involved in the fraud, the FBI agent concluded that Chukwura was a teacher who originally came to Atlanta to train other Nigerians how to perpetrate fraud. During the investigation, agents obtained evidence of this network while searching Chukwura's house. In the house, agents discovered two passports in the name of Larry Osa Ogbommon, containing fraudulent visa stamps, and between thirty and forty blank Virgin Island birth certificates. 2 Chukwura denied all of this. 26 With this evidence before it, the district court followed the probation officer's recommendation and denied Chukwura a two-step adjustment for acceptance of responsibility. Because significant evidence exists to support the district court's finding, we hold that the district court's finding is not clearly erroneous. 27