Opinion ID: 176991
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Shamah's Sentence Was Reasonable

Text: Shamah argues that his sentence was substantively unreasonable. Again, where the sentencing guidelines range has been properly calculated, we review the reasonableness of a sentence for an abuse of discretion. Gall, 552 U.S. at 41, 128 S.Ct. 586; Panaigua-Verdugo, 537 F.3d at 727. A below-guidelines sentence is presumed reasonable against a defendant's challenge that it is too high. Panaigua-Verdugo, 537 F.3d at 727. We do not reverse simply because we might have imposed a different sentence, United States v. Scott, 555 F.3d 605, 610 (7th Cir.2009), as reasonableness contemplates a range. The district court sentenced Shamah to 232 months' imprisonment, which was 60 months lower than the low end of his guidelines range. Our review of the record convinces us that the district court thoughtfully considered the § 3553(a) sentencing factors and adequately stated why its sentence was appropriate. See Scott, 555 F.3d at 608-09. The court addressed Shamah's personal history and strong family support, the nature of the offense, mitigating factors raised on Shamah's behalf, and the unlikelihood that Shamah would recidivate upon his release. Shamah argues that the district court spent too much time discussing the general problem of corrupt police officers and the need for general deterrence, but the court specifically stated that it was punishing Shamah for his actions and not the actions of others. Shamah also argues that the district court did not sufficiently take into consideration the disparity in the sentences between him and his co-conspirator, as Doroniuk was sentenced to 131 months' imprisonment. See 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(6) (requiring a sentencing court to avoid unwarranted sentence disparities among defendants with similar records who have been found guilty of similar conduct). A within-guidelines sentence necessarily gives weight and consideration to avoiding unwarranted sentencing disparities. United States v. Bartlett, 567 F.3d 901, 907-08 (7th Cir. 2009). Here, the district court gave a below-guidelines sentence, and specifically addressed the large disparity. Although the court recognized that Doroniuk would serve much less time for equally culpable conduct, the court believed the difference in sentencing was appropriate given Doroniuk's guilty plea, cooperation with the government, and testimony at trial against his fellow officer. See United States v. Statham, 581 F.3d 548, 556 (7th Cir.2009) (Statham's co-defendants entered plea agreements with the government, cooperated in the investigation, and had less-extensive criminal histories. The district court was entitled to take these facts into account when it chose each person's sentence.). The district court considered the relevant sentencing factors in choosing a below-guidelines sentence. We conclude that Shamah's below-guidelines sentence was a reasonable one, in light of all the relevant circumstances.