Opinion ID: 185366
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The leadership enhancement

Text: 18 Appellant Fields argues that the four-level increase that he received for his leadership role in various offenses was improper in light of Apprendi. He further maintains that the testimony of the various cooperating witnesses showed that they had their own businesses, kept their own money, and that Fields was not their boss. As noted above, the PIR divided the counts of conviction into six groups. In each of these groups, the report recommended a four-level increase in the guideline range based on U.S.S.G. 3B1.1(a), because Fields was an organizer or leader of criminal activity that involved five or more participants. 19 Count 1 (Narcotics Conspiracy) of the Indictment alleged that the conspiracy operated as an organization controlled and directed by Fields. Count 3 (RICO Conspiracy) alleged that Fields was the leader of the organization. The issue of leadership role, however, was not submitted to the jury with respect to Counts 1 and 3. Instead, it was submitted in conjunction with Count 2 (Continuing Criminal Enterprise) and the jury was deadlocked as to this count. 20 Because the fact of leadership role may increase a defendant's sentence beyond the prescribed statutory maximum, Apprendi applies. Accordingly, the issue of leadership must be charged in an indictment, submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Because Fields did not argue at trial that leadership should have been submitted to the jury, however, we review the record for plain error. 21 Though we have exercised our discretion to notice plain error with regard to the issue of drug quantity, we decline to do so with regard to leadership enhancement. On the issue of leadership, the record evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that Fields managed and masterminded various offenses committed by the L Street Crew. Fields enlisted members of the L Street Crew to assist him in distributing controlled substances, including marijuana, crack cocaine, and PCP, directed, procured, and participated in acts of violence against rival drug groups, and orchestrated the kidnaping, sexual assault, and shooting of K.D. Based on the sheer volume of largely uncontested evidence offered at trial, there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Fields held a leadership role in the criminal activities for which he was convicted. 22