Opinion ID: 784563
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Shriver

Text: 59 Convicted of one count each of conspiracy and violating § 514(a)(2), Shriver had an adjusted offense level of 10 prior to any departure. The district court found this offense level did not accurately reflect the seriousness of her conduct and granted an 8-level upward departure under USSG § 5K2.0. In explaining the reasons for this departure, the court noted that the one sight draft at issue for $1.75 million was sent to the IRS at a time when Ruth and Jack Shriver had a tax obligation of $114,000. Given the amount of the sight draft, however, the district court did not increase the base offense level to account for intended losses. Nonetheless, the court found that the sight draft sent to the IRS was obviously designed to commit fraud and the tax liability related to her own anti-government animus. The district court also found that, in addition to the enhancement under USSG § 3B1.1(c), the extent of her participation in the larger conspiracy had not been taken into account. In deciding to upwardly depart 8 levels, the district court observed that a loss of $114,000 would alone result in a 6-level increase in the offense level under USSG § 2F1.1(b)(1). 17 60 Turning then to the question of departure under USSG § 5K2.7, the district court explained that additional upward departure was absolutely necessary because Shriver was one of the leaders of the disruptive behavior and because she repeatedly engaged in the disruptive behavior, all of which demonstrated contempt for the process and everyone from judge to jury. As a result, the district court found Shriver's conduct warranted an additional 6-level increase in the offense level. She contends that this departure was an abuse of discretion because her behavior during trial was adequately taken into account by the 2-level enhancement for obstruction of justice. The district court found otherwise, emphasizing that the significant disruption of the trial was separate from the obstruction of the grand jury and contempt proceedings. We agree. 18