Opinion ID: 534894
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency of the information at sentencing.

Text: 19 Appellant's second argument is that the information before the sentencing judge did not support the judge's finding that appellant was an organizer or leader of the criminal activity. 7 We review this factual finding under a clearly erroneous standard. 18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 3742(e) (West Supp.1989); United States v. Velasquez-Mercado, 872 F.2d 632, 635 (5th Cir.1989), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 187, 107 L.Ed.2d 142; United States v. Wright, 873 F.2d 437, 445 (1st Cir.1989). Thus, we will not reverse the district court unless the court's finding was without factual support in the record, or if after reviewing all the evidence we are left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made. Bill's Coal Company v. Board of Public Utilities of Springfield, Mo., 887 F.2d 242, 244 (10th Cir.1989). Our review of the information available to the sentencing judge discloses that the judge's finding was amply supported by the record. 20 There are several factors that distinguish a leadership and organizational role from one of mere management or supervision. These factors include the exercise of decision making authority, the nature of participation in the commission of the offense, the recruitment of accomplices, the claimed right to a larger share of the fruits of the crime, the degree of participation in planning or organizing the offense, the nature and scope of the illegal activity, and the degree of control and authority exercised over others. Commentary to Sentencing Guidelines Sec. 3B1.1. The information presented at sentencing in this case showed that the drug conspiracy began with appellant and Russell Allen and that it grew to include numerous other individuals. Russell Allen testified at the sentencing hearing 8 that the conspiracy began when appellant approached him and asked him to help in the manufacture of amphetamine. Allen also stated that appellant asked him to find other individuals to help purchase chemicals and that appellant directed him to rent storage space for the laboratory equipment used in the manufacturing process. Several cooks took place at appellant's house and were concededly under his supervision. Appellant gave several individuals instructions to purchase chemicals. Regina Chester, Clint Bowen, and Virginia McNeill all testified at the trial that appellant was in charge of the amphetamine operation. Indeed, appellant admitted at the sentencing hearing that he had been in charge of the cooks. He also admitted that he supervised other individuals and that he was entitled to a share of the finished product. Although appellant claimed that Russell Allen was the leader of the conspiracy, appellant admitted that he continued to manufacture amphetamine after Allen was arrested. Taken together, the information available to the judge showed appellant's extensive involvement in the planning and organization of the conspiracy. The judge's conclusion that appellant was an organizer or leader of the operation is not clearly erroneous. 21 The conviction and sentence are AFFIRMED.