Opinion ID: 212690
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Special-Skills Enhancement

Text: Crosgrove argues that his role in the conspiracy was only that of a salaried claims adjuster, and that he did not use his skills as a lawyer as part of the fraud. The district court properly rejected Crosgrove's arguments and concluded that a special-skills enhancement was appropriate under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.3, the notes to which specifically identify lawyers as possessing special skills for guidelines purposes. The district court concluded that Crosgrove's use of his title and his degree did play a role in the case. In particular, Crosgrove had repeatedly held himself out as general counsel for Midwest Insurance, giving some members' attorneys the impression that they were dealing with a high-ranking attorney and that their claims would therefore be handled properly. Therefore, the application of the special-skills enhancement does not constitute error.