Opinion ID: 754758
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Defendant Key's Sentence

Text: 44 Defendant Key argues that the District Court incorrectly enhanced his sentence by two levels under USSG § 2D1.1(b)(1) for the possession of a firearm during a drug distribution offense. He asserts that there was insufficient evidence to prove the required nexus between the weapons found in the East Larned apartment and the drug offenses charged in this case. We review the District Court's finding that an enhancement was warranted under § 2D1.1 for clear error. United States v. Elder, 90 F.3d 1110, 1133 (6th Cir.1996). 45 The two-level enhancement under § 2D1.1(b)(1) is warranted whenever the defendant possessed a dangerous weapon, including a firearm. Proof of possession is all that is required to trigger this enhancement; no evidence that the firearm was actually used or carried is necessary. The application notes for this section of the Guidelines provide the following guidance: 46 The enhancement for weapon possession reflects the increased danger of violence when drug traffickers possess weapons. The adjustment should be applied if the weapon was present, unless it is clearly improbable that the weapon was connected with the offense. For example, the enhancement would not be applied if the defendant, arrested at his residence, had an unloaded hunting rifle in his closet. 47 USSG § 2D1.1, comment. (n.3). In the present case, there was overwhelming evidence that the weapons and defendant Key were present in the apartment in connection with the drug offenses, and we affirm the two-level enhancement under § 2D1.1.