Opinion ID: 161699
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sentencing and the Withheld Reports

Text: 22 The probation office prepared a presentence report (PSR) recommending, among other things, that Walters receive a four-level enhancement for possessing a firearm in connection with a felony, viz., possessing a stolen truck (Center's), see USSG 2K2.1(b)(5), and a two-level enhancement for possessing a stolen firearm (Gowers's), see USSG 2K2.1(b)(4). Walters did not challenge the accuracy of the relevant facts contained in the PSR. Therefore, under the law of this circuit, they are deemed admitted as true. See United States v. Graves, 106 F.3d 342, 344 (10th Cir. 1997). 23 Walters complains, however, that the government violated Walters's due process rights by failing to turn over during discovery FBI 302 reports which support the two sentencing enhancements he challenges on appeal. It is undisputed that the government did give to Walters the Deputy Van Roosendaal report regarding both his interview with Avery on the night of the assault and his statement that the computer check did not reveal that the gun was stolen. However, Walters objects, first, that the government failed to disclose two reports which, he alleges, could have been used to impeach Avery: (1) a subsequent interview of Avery by an FBI agent 3 and (2) an interview with Avery's mother in which she describes what Avery told her about the night of the assault. Second, Walters complains the government failed to turn over the report detailing the FBI's subsequent investigation of Gowers's handgun. 4 It was this report that provided the factual basis for the PSR's conclusion that the gun was stolen. 24 In addition to these due process complaints, Walters also moved the sentencing court to consider a reduction to Walters's sentence under 5K2.10 (Victim's Conduct), arguing that Center's complicity in carrying out the check forgery scheme led to Walters's taking Center's truck. 25 Despite being very troubled by the government's failures to disclose evidence appropriately during discovery, the district court found that both sentencing enhancements relevant to this appeal applied. 5 First, the district court found that Walters possessed Gowers's gun in connection with the felony of unlawfully possessing Center's truck. The court decided that possessing the gun had the potential to facilitate the continued illegal possession of the truck by Walters because it emboldened him to keep the truck vis-a-vis Mr. Center or anyone else for that matter. Thus, the court determined that 2K2.1(b)(5)'s four-level enhancement applied. Second, the district court increased Walters's offense level by two levels under 2K2.1(b)(4) due to the fact that the gun was stolen. (Vol. VI at 31.) The district court never addressed Walters's motion for a reduction of his sentence under 5K2.10. 26 Walters appealed.