Opinion ID: 723834
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sentencing Adjustment for Supervisory Role

Text: 16 Edwards also contends that the district court erred by applying a two-level upward adjustment for his role as a manager or a supervisor pursuant to guideline section 3B1.1(c). The government has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts supported the increase. United States v. Greene, 41 F.3d 383, 386 (8th Cir.1994). We review a district court's finding that a defendant played a supervisory role as a factual determination and will not overturn such a finding unless it is clearly erroneous. United States v. Hazelett, 80 F.3d 280, 284 (8th Cir.1996). 17 There was sufficient evidence for the district court to conclude that Edwards' co-defendants were working under his direction and control. The presentence report included post-arrest statements by both Welch and Bolden indicating that they were working under Edwards' direction. Welch stated that he was on a dope run for Edwards and Hamilton. Bolden told police that he was transporting drugs for two men. Although he said he could not name the men because they would kill him, the identities of the men were clearly implied by the totality of Bolden's statements. 18 The court could consider the post-arrest statements of Welch and Bolden for sentencing purposes. The sentencing court may consider hearsay evidence contained in the presentence report if the individual being sentenced is given an opportunity to explain or rebut the evidence and if the court makes an explicit factual finding on any disputed issue. United States v. Hammer, 3 F.3d 266 (8th Cir.), cert. denied 510 U.S. 1139, 114 S.Ct. 1121, 127 L.Ed.2d 430 (1994). Edwards was given a full opportunity to rebut Welch's and Bolden's post-arrest statements at the sentencing proceeding. He did not request an evidentiary hearing and stated that he would not submit any affidavits to rebut the post-arrest statements. The court found that the government had sustained its burden with respect to his supervisory role.