Opinion ID: 163077
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Plea Agreement and Guzman's Work with the Government

Text: On November 13, 2001, Guzman and the government entered into the Plea Agreement. Guzman agreed to plead guilty to the marijuana conspiracy count, to provide a full and truthful accounting and statement of his knowledge relating to this case, to submit to and pass a polygraph examination if asked to do so, and to testify, if required, in the trials of other individuals involved. PA ¶¶ 1, 4-6. Guzman also waived his right to appeal any sentence within the Guidelines range, except to the extent ... that the court may depart upwards from the applicable sentencing guideline range.... PA ¶ 3(A). For its part, the government promised to bring no further criminal charges relating to the activities underlying the indictment. PA ¶ 7(A). In addition, the government promised to make several recommendations to the sentencing court, all of which were contingent upon the defendant's continuing manifestation of acceptance of responsibility, and no attempts to obstruct justice, as defined by U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1. PA ¶ 7(B)-(E). These recommendations were: that Guzman receive a three-level adjustment for acceptance of responsibility pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1; that he not receive a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice; and that he receive a sentence at the lower end of the appropriate Guidelines range. PA ¶ 7(B)-(D). In addition, the government agreed to file a substantial assistance motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e), contingent upon Guzman's continuing cooperation as contemplated by the Agreement. PA ¶ 7(E). The Plea Agreement further provided that the government would be released from its obligations if Guzman were to deny.., or give conflicting statements as to his own involvement in the offense, or engage in additional criminal conduct. PA ¶ 7(B)-(E). If, in the opinion of the government, Guzman did not comply fully, truthfully and honestly with the terms of the Agreement, the plea shall be withdrawn, the [government] shall be immediately released from its obligations ... and shall reinstate prosecution as if no agreement had been reached. PA ¶ 14. The government debriefed Guzman on the same day that he signed the Plea Agreement. According to the government, during the debriefing, Guzman minimized the amount of marijuana with which he himself was involved. Nevertheless, between the date of his plea and January 7, 2002, Guzman was in contact with government agents on the case, providing them with various pieces of information, all of which they accepted; none led to any arrests. On January 6, 2002, Guzman told William Cox, a local police officer who was a neighbor of Guzman's sister, that Gary Hanus, a government investigator, had asked Guzman to plant drugs in the residence of a suspect. The next day, Officer Cox told Hanus about Guzman's allegations. All cooperation between Guzman and law enforcement then ceased.