Opinion ID: 180585
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: George Rainey’s Sentence

Text: With a criminal history category of III, a total offense level of 33, and an advisory guideline range of 168 to 210 months, George Rainey was sentenced to 168 months in prison. George Rainey joins the other appellants in arguing that the district court erred procedurally and substantively by failing to consider the applicable § 3553(a) factors. His argument is based primarily on the court’s decision not to treat the crack cocaine/powder cocaine disparity as a mitigating factor. The district court adequately considered the other § 3553(a) factors. George Rainey was the only appellant who did not ask the district court to consider his personal history and characteristics and remorse for his actions. He also did not speak at his own sentencing to suggest additional mitigating factors or remorse. Still, the judge acknowledged his family history, the fact that he continued to sell drugs even after his children were removed from the home, and the fact that he had previously completed substance abuse treatment on five occasions. The judge noted that “if he obtains legitimate employment, limits his involvement with his immediate family, he could also increase his chances of a successful integration back into his community.” G. Rainey Sent. Tr. 8‐9. The judge concluded by finding that, “considering the seriousness of this crime, the defendant’s personal history and his characteristics, his rather extensive criminal record and all of the relevant factors that are set forth in Title 18 of the United States Code, Sec[tion] 3553 . . . the defendant’s request for a sentence of 120 months imprisonment is just not persuasive and I choose not to do that because I believe such a sentence is just not warranted under the facts and circumstances of this case.” Id. at 9. This statement, in the context of the judge’s statements acknowledging George Rainey’s family situation and past substance abuse, shows sufficient consideration of the § 3553(a) factors.