Opinion ID: 804580
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The “Pattern” Enhancement

Text: Under USSG § 2S1.3(b)(2)(A), a two-point sentencing enhancement is applicable if the defendant knew or believed the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity, and, under USSG § 2S1.3(b)(2)(B), if the defendant committed the offense as part of a pattern of unlawful activity involving more than $100,000 in a 12-month period. The jury found that Curtis knew that the money Beeckman gave him was obtained through unlawful activity, and in a special verdict form, the jury also found, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Curtis committed the wire fraud as part of a pattern of unlawful activity involving over $100,000 over a 12-month period. Moreover, during the sentencing hearing defense counsel stated that “[the theft] clearly went over a course of a year, and it clearly exceeded $100,000 in a year. So, candidly, [the enhancements] probably apply.” Based on the jury’s findings and defense counsel’s statement, the sentencing enhancement is supported by the facts, and the district court did not err in applying the enhancements to Curtis’s sentence.