Opinion ID: 2994844
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Carter’s Objection to his Sentencing

Text: Enhancement United States Sentencing Guideline Section 2K2.1(b)(5) authorizes an increase in the base offense level in firearms offenses if the defendant possessed or transferred any firearm or ammunition with knowledge, intent, or reason to believe that it would be used or possessed in connection with another felony offense. U.S.S.G. sec. 2K2.1 (b)(5). Carter argues (in order that it might benefit his own situation) that the sentencing court should have interpreted section 2K2.1(b)(5) so that the mere transfer of multiple firearms to a street gang, in and of itself, is insufficient for a court to hold that he had reason to believe such weapons would be used in felonious activities. Essentially Carter asserts that the guideline requires the prosecution to establish that he had reason to believe that the pistols would be used in a specific offense in the future. We review the district court’s finding at sentencing that Carter attempted to transfer firearms with reason to believe they would be used in connection with other felonies for clear error. United States v. Purchess, 107 F.3d 1261, 1265 (7th Cir. 1997). We have previously affirmed imposing an increased penalty under section 2K2.1(b)(5) for defendants whose actions have resulted in multiple gang members illegally coming into the possession of firearms. United States v. Gilmore, 60 F.3d 392 (7th Cir. 1995); United States v. Messino, 55 F.3d 1241 (7th Cir. 1995). Based upon our review, we are convinced that Carter knew or possessed good reason to believe that any firearms he purchased and in turn re-sold to members of the Gangster Disciples would in all probability be used in connection with felonious activities. Unlike the defendant-appellant in Gilmore, Carter admitted that he intended to provide firearms to members of a street gang, specifically the Gangster Disciples. The Gangster Disciples, of course, are an infamous nationwide criminal organization based in Chicago, Illinois, whose far-ranging illegal activities have in the past included the sale of illicit drugs under terms often negotiated and enforced, literally, at gunpoint. See United States v. Smith, 223 F.3d 554 (7th Cir. 2000). We are well aware that judges and the public are not blissfully ignorant of the connection between criminal violence and street gangs. See United States v. Sargent, 98 F.3d 325, 328 (7th Cir. 1996). Like the trial judge stated, we believe it would be naive for either the trial court or this court to conclude that Carter never had any reason to believe that the firearms he supplied to the Gangster Disciples would be used in the commission of future felonies.