Opinion ID: 589408
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Finding of more than minimal planning

Text: 31 The term more than minimal planning is defined in relevant part as follows: 32 More than minimal planning means more planning than is typical for commission of the offense in a simple form. More than minimal planning also exists if significant affirmative steps were taken to conceal the offense.... 33 U.S.S.G. § 1B1.1 application note 1(f). The district judge offered the following justification for the two-level increase: 34 It certainly took minimal planning to figure out how to cut the corners off and piece them together. My recollection is also in looking at the presentence reports that he had glue in his pocket. 35 RT at 15 (Feb. 27, 1992). 36 Meek argues that the district court erred because Meek did not do any more planning than is typical for commission of an 18 U.S.C. § 484 violation in simple form. Meek's argument has a certain intuitive appeal. Gluing together pieces of currency would seem to be the bare essence of the instant offense, and it is hard to imagine a simpler modus operandi. 37 We nevertheless conclude that the district court's determination was not clearly erroneous. At the time of his arrest, Meek possessed the raw materials necessary to produce 23 altered bills. The Sentencing Guidelines commentary states that more than minimal planning is deemed present in any case involving repeated acts over a period of time, unless it is clear that each instance was purely opportune. U.S.S.G. § 1B1.1 application note 1(f). Where there is evidence that a defendant has made preparations for repeated commissions of an offense, an enhancement for more than minimal planning is justified. See United States v. Martinez-Gonzalez, No. 90-50561, slip op. 5165, 5171 (9th Cir. May 5, 1992) (as amended); see also United States v. Ojo, 916 F.2d 388, 392 (7th Cir.1990) (holding that forethought and planning required in obtaining multiple false identification cards over six-month period justified sentence enhancement for more than minimal planning for defendant charged with using false Social Security to open bank account); United States v. Sanchez, 914 F.2d 206, 207 (10th Cir.1990) (affirming § 2F1.1(b)(2) adjustment where defendant used stolen credit card 15 times). 38 Meek's sentence is AFFIRMED.