Opinion ID: 465088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Harshness of Sentence.

Text: 9 Finally, Kohley alleges that his fifty-four month sentence is too harsh and violates the eighth amendment, citing Solem v. Helm, 463 U.S. 277, 103 S.Ct. 3001, 77 L.Ed.2d 637 (1983). He states: 10 Kohley's sentence is disparit [sic] to sentences given in this district for the same crime and to the same criminal background. Between 7/1/82 through 6/30/83; 29 people were sentenced for a similar offense; 27 people received probation, with the other 2 persons receiving a split sentence comprised of 90 days in prison and 5 years probation. Under the same test, Kohley's sentence is disparit [sic] when compared to sentences given for the same crime and same offender background nationally. For a 12 month period ending June 30, 1984, convictions of similar offenses totalled 957. Only 23 persons received a longer sentence and the majority of those was greater because of consecutive sentences to serve. 11 The statute under which Kohley was convicted provides for a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. 18 U.S.C. Sec. 656. 12 The factors to be considered under Solem are (1) the gravity of the offense and the harshness of the penalty; (2) how the sentence compares with other sentences imposed for the same crime in the same jurisdiction; and (3) how the sentence compares with sentences imposed for the same crime in other jurisdictions. 463 U.S. at 290-92, 103 S.Ct. at 3009-10. Given that Kohley was accused of the wrongful application of approximately $950,000.00 and in his capacity as bank president, we cannot say that his sentence, which was less than the maximum sentence, was unfairly harsh. See United States v. Lewis, 759 F.2d 1316, 1333-35 (8th Cir.1985); United States v. Stead, 740 F.2d 657, 659 (8th Cir.) (per curiam), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 105 S.Ct. 600, 83 L.Ed.2d 709 (1984). 13 No basis for Sec. 2255 relief appearing, the judgment of the district court is affirmed.