Opinion ID: 2975781
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Black’s sentence

Text: It was proper for the district court to use Black’s prior drug felony conviction to enhance his sentence. Before trial, the Government filed notice that it would use Black’s prior conviction for cocaine possession to seek an enhanced sentence under 21 U.S.C. § 841. JA at 40. Following his conviction, the district court sentenced Black to 20 years in prison on counts one and three of his - 12 - Nos. 06-5810, 06-5811 United States v. Lofton and Black indictment, the statutory mandatory minimum required due to his prior drug felony conviction. Black argues that it was improper under the Sixth Amendment for the court to enhance his sentence without first proving to a jury the fact of his prior conviction. As Black concedes, however, his argument is foreclosed by this court’s precedent. See United States v. Hill, 440 F.3d 292, 299 (6th Cir. 2006) (citing United States v. Barnett, 398 F.3d 516, 524-25 (6th Cir. 2005)); United States v. Watford, 468 F.3d 891, 915 (6th Cir. 2006). Consequently, this challenge fails.