Opinion ID: 592207
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: morris woodard

Text: 31 Woodard was sentenced pursuant to the guidelines for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute involving two kilograms in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Woodard pleaded guilty to the charge in exchange for the government's agreement not to seek enhancement above guidelines level twenty-eight. The plea agreement notified Woodard that he faced up to forty years imprisonment and that the ultimate sentence was within the district court's discretion. 32 The conduct to which Woodard pleaded guilty involved the purchase from a confidential informant of one to two kilograms of cocaine. Woodard was arrested by the Kentucky State Police at his tobacco warehouse following a meeting with the confidential informant at which Woodard was prepared to purchase one or more kilograms for $22,000 per kilogram. Most of the negotiations were conducted by Woodard's nephew, Sims, but Woodard provided the money for the cocaine. 33 The presentence report indicated that Woodard had been involved with two groups of cocaine dealers, one of which included defendant Caton. The report recommended a four-point enhancement based on Woodard's role in the offense and did not recommend a two-point reduction for acceptance of responsibility. Woodard requested access to the notes and memoranda used by the probation officer in preparing the report, but the court denied his request. 34 The government indicated that it would offer evidence at a hearing in support of a two (not four) level increase based on Woodard's role and that it would oppose a two-level decrease for acceptance of responsibility. The district court twice offered Woodard the opportunity to withdraw his plea, but Woodard declined. 35 The district court found that Woodard was the dominant figure in the transaction, that he had used Sims as a buffer, that he made false statements about his role stating he was only a simple money lender, and that he had also falsified the facts about his intentions to sell the cocaine. On this basis the district court enhanced the base level two points to thirty and refused to reduce it for acceptance of responsibility. The court then sentenced Woodard to 121 months imprisonment.