Opinion ID: 730849
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Enhancement of Nale's Sentence for an Abduction to

Text: Facilitate a Carjacking 13 The district court enhanced Nale's sentence by four levels because an individual, Steven Cool, was abducted to facilitate the commission of the offense. Under § 2B3.1(b)(4)(A) if any person was abducted to facilitate the commission of the offense or to facilitate escape, the sentence should be increased by four levels. The commentary to § 1B1.1 states that abduction means the victim was forced to accompany an offender to a different location. U.S.S.G. § 1B1.1, comment. (n.1). 14 Nale claims the movement of the victim of the carjacking (Cool) was minimal, and that his abduction did not facilitate the offense. However, the length of Cool's abduction was sufficient since even a temporary abduction can constitute an abduction for purposes of the sentencing guidelines. U.S.S.G § 2B3.1(b)(4)(A); United States v. Elkins, 16 F.3d 952, 953 (8th Cir.1994); United States v. Oliver, 60 F.3d 547, 554 (9th Cir.1995). 15 In addition, Nale argues that the abduction did not facilitate the offense. However, the abduction delayed notification of the police, and assisted Nale in making a speedier escape. The abduction thus facilitated the offense and the application of § 2B3.1(b)(4)(A) was proper. 16