Opinion ID: 658168
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Two-Point Increase In Sentencing For Possessing A Firearm

Text: 24 Williams argues that the district court erred in granting a two-point increase to his base offense level for possession of a firearm during the commission of the offense pursuant to the enhancement provision of the federal sentencing guidelines, Sec. 2D1.1(b)(1). The semi-automatic firearm was found in a second-floor bedroom, behind a television console, in a briefcase which contained approximately $2,500.00 in currency. Because the officers found Williams, the cocaine and other drug paraphernalia in the kitchen on the first floor of the apartment, Williams argues that there was no nexus between the firearm and the offense conduct of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. We disagree. 25 The district court's finding that a defendant's base offense level should be increased by two points for possession of a firearm during the commission of an offense will not be disturbed unless found to be clearly erroneous. United States v. Bost, 968 F.2d 729, 731 (8th Cir.1992). Section 2D1.1(b)(1) of the federal sentencing guidelines provides the enhancement should be applied if the firearm was present unless it is clearly improbable that the weapon was connected with the offense. According to the guidelines commentary, the enhancement for the possession of a firearm reflects the increased danger of violence when drug traffickers possess weapons. U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1(b)(1), comment. (n. 3). All that is necessary is to find that Williams possessed the firearm during the commission of the offense. This court has held that constructive possession exists where there is dominion or control over the premises by the defendant. United States v. Matra, 841 F.2d 837, 841-43 (8th Cir.1988). Upon examination of temporal and geographical proximity between the firearm and the cocaine, we hold the district court's enhancement of Williams' sentence was not clearly erroneous. 26 Williams was arrested in the Chalmette apartment, a residence involved in the storing and selling of quantities of cocaine. Law enforcement officers searched the apartment and found cocaine, drug paraphernalia, the firearm, and $2,500.00 in cash. The fact that Williams was arrested and the cocaine seized on the first floor of the apartment, while the firearm and currency were seized on the second-floor of the apartment, is insignificant. The distance between Williams and the firearm was minimal. See United States v. Baker, 907 F.2d 53, 55 (8th Cir.1990) (increase in base offense level where the weapon was found in a metal box in the bedroom and cocaine found in bathroom); United States v. Green, 889 F.2d 187, 188 (8th Cir.1989) (increase in base offense level where the weapon was found in a bedroom and cocaine base was found in other rooms of an apartment). The firearm was loaded and found in close proximity to the cocaine, currency and drug paraphernalia. The firearm was found inside a briefcase along with $2,500.00 in currency. We hold the district court's finding that a sufficient nexus existed between the cocaine and the firearm to support Williams' two-point enhancement was not clearly erroneous. 27 Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court.