Opinion ID: 721790
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The district court committed sentencing errors by:

Text: 11 A. using cocaine powder found during an illegal search of a car driven by a co-conspirator to compute Walters' offense level; 12 B. converting the cocaine powder into crack for sentencing purposes; 13 C. using an improper conversion ratio assuming that such a conversion was proper; and 14 D. applying harsher sentence to crimes involving crack cocaine. 15 We have reviewed the record and the district court's opinion accepting the recommendation of the magistrate judge and find no reversible error as to claims IA2-5, IB, and IIA. Accordingly, we deny a certificate of appealability and dismiss these claims the reasoning of the district court. United States v. Walters, Nos. CR-93-190; CA-95-263-6 (M.D.N.C. Dec. 6, 1995). 16 Turning to the remaining claims, we find that Walters' inability to present his proffered alibi witness did not prejudice his defense as the witness's proposed testimony does not preclude the possibility that Walters was engaged in a drug conspiracy. We therefore dismiss claim I.A.1 for a lack of prejudice. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 17 As to Walters' remaining claims, we find claims IIB-C to be waived under Stone v. Powell, 428 U.S. 465, 477 n. 10 (1976), due to Walters' failure to present them on direct appeal. Conversely, Walters has already litigated claim IID on direct appeal and has not shown an intervening change in the law warranting reconsideration. He may not now relitigate the issue. See Davis v. United States, 417 U.S. 333, 342 (1974); Boeckenhaupt v. United States, 537 F.2d 1182 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 863 (1976). 18 Having disposed of all of Walters' claims, we deny a certificate of appealability and dismiss Walters' appeal. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process. DISMISSED