Opinion ID: 782294
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sentence Enhancement for Possession of a Dangerous Weapon

Text: 46 The Sentencing Guidelines provide for a two-point enhancement for possession of a dangerous weapon during a drug trafficking offense. U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(b)(1). This enhancement only applies where (1) the defendant actually or constructively `possessed' the weapon, and (2) such possession was during the commission of the offense. United States v. Bender, 265 F.3d 464, 474 (6th Cir.2001). We review a district court's factual determination at sentencing that a defendant possessed a weapon for clear error. United States v. Hill, 79 F.3d 1477, 1481 (6th Cir.1996). Donnell Simpson testified at trial that he saw Courtney in the basement of a crack house wearing a bullet-proof vest and in possession of a firearm and five kilograms of cocaine. Sondra Jackson, a co-conspirator, and Ronald Simpson also testified that Courtney carried a gun. In light of these facts, the district court's factual determination was not clearly erroneous. 47 For the forgoing reasons, we AFFIRM the jury's conviction and district court's sentencing of Defendants Brown and Courtney.