United States v. Sells (Shelby) ( 2007 )

F I L E D
United States Court of Appeals
Tenth Circuit
PU BL ISH
March 1, 2007
UNITED STATES COURT O F APPEALS Elisabeth A. Shumaker
Clerk of Court
TENTH CIRCUIT
U N ITED STA TES O F A M ER ICA,
Plaintiff - Appellee,
v. Nos. 04-7061 & 04-7072
SHELB Y W AYNE SELLS;
ANTH ONY W AYNE SELLS,
Defendants - Appellants.
Appeal from the United States District Court
for the E astern District of Oklahom a
(D .C . N o. C R-03-69-W H )
Jill M . W ichlens, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Denver Colorado (Raymond
P. M oore, Federal Public D efender w ith her on the briefs) for D efendant-
Appellant Shelby W ayne Sells.
Donn F. Baker, Tahlequah, Oklahoma for Defendant-Appellant Anthony W ayne
Sells.
Dennis Fries, Assistant United States Attorney, M uskogee, Oklahoma (Sheldon J.
Sperling, United States Attorney, Jeffrey A. Gallant, Assistant United States
Attorney, on the briefs) for the Plaintiff-Appellee.
Before L UC ER O, M cKA Y, and M U RPH Y, Circuit Judges.
L UC ER O, Circuit Judge.
W e have combined these separate appeals solely for the purpose of
disposition. Between early 2002 and July 2003, Shelby Sells and his son Anthony
Sells were engaged in a large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing and
distribution operation on Shelby’s property in rural Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.
Both were convicted of drug and firearm offenses relating to their participation in
this enterprise, and sentenced to substantial terms of imprisonment. Anthony 1
appeals both his convictions and sentence. Because we conclude that reversible
error did not occur with respect to either, we AFFIRM . Shelby appeals only his
sentence. The government concedes that the district court comm itted Booker
error in sentencing Shelby, and that this error was not harmless. In addition, we
conclude the district court’s determination of the drug amount attributable to
Shelby was insufficiently particularized. Thus, on the government’s concession,
with respect to Shelby Sells, we REVERSE and REM AND for resentencing.
I
Sixty-one year old Shelby Sells lived with his wife M axine on a ten-acre
property he owned in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. In addition to Shelby’s
house, the property contained numerous small buildings, miscellaneous items
relating to Shelby’s junk business, and two other residences. One house, located
near the rear of the property and more than two hundred yards behind Shelby’s
1
Because three members of the Sells family are discussed in this opinion –
Anthony, Christopher, and Shelby – we refer to them by their first names when
appropriate.
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home, was occupied by Anthony. The other, approximately fifty yards away from
Shelby’s residence, was occupied by Shelby’s grandson Christopher Sells.
Based on information obtained from confidential informants that Anthony
was engaged in manufacturing methamphetamine, members of the Sequoyah
County Sheriff’s Department obtained a warrant to search Anthony’s home on
Shelby’s property. In the early morning hours of July 12, 2002, members of the
Sheriff’s Department, federal agents from the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms (“ATF”), and other law enforcement personnel executed the search.
After their attempts to knock and announce went unansw ered, agents forcibly
entered. They observed Anthony emptying a large jar of liquid into the kitchen
sink. 2 During the ensuing search, agents found substantial evidence that Anthony
was manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine, including: (1) a “bag lab”
in Anthony’s living room containing the precursor chemicals and equipment
needed to manufacture methamphetamine; (2) glass canisters, scales, protective
goggles, a respirator, and other equipment commonly used in the manufacturing
and distribution of methamphetamine; 3 (3) 38.3 grams of pseudoephedrine, the
base ingredient used to make methamphetamine; (4) 28.3 grams of a
2
Because the sink drained outside, agents were able to recover a sample of
the liquid, which tested positive for methamphetamine.
3
Some of these items contained a white powder residue. Others had amber
stains caused by contact with iodine, a chemical used in the manufacturing
process.
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methamphetamine mixture; and (5) precursor chemicals and cutting agents
comm only used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Also recovered from
the home were two firearms, both within Anthony’s reach when agents entered.
One officer testified that while inside the residence he smelled a strong chemical
odor associated with methamphetamine manufacturing.
Following the search, federal authorities continued their investigation,
ultimately obtaining search warrants for each of the three residences on the
property. On December 11, 2002, state and federal law enforcement officers
executed those warrants. In Anthony’s residence, agents initially did not find
substantial and direct evidence that Anthony was continuing to manufacture and
distribute methamphetamine. 4 W hen they opened the lit wood-burning stove in
his residence, however, authorities observed in the glow of the fire equipment
used in the manufacturing process 5 and burning U.S. currency. A sample of the
stove’s contents tested positive for pseudoephedrine and methamphetamine.
4
They did find nine pseudoephedrine tablets in Anthony’s shirt pocket, a
spray bottle filled with iodine, 78 empty blister packs previously containing
pseudoephedrine pills, a razor blade and a metal spoon containing white powder
residue, acetone (a solvent used to manufacture methamphetamine), and a piece of
PV C pipe painted with a camouflage pattern.
5
Inside the stove were melting blister packs previously containing
pseudoephedrine pills, multiple pills fused together by the heat, red phosphorous,
coffee filters containing caked substances, and other items containing white
powder residue.
-4-
Their search of Anthony’s residence was cut short, however, because the air
registered as unsafe soon after they opened the stove.
In Shelby’s home, authorities found assorted ammunition, a set of precision
digital scales (often used by narcotics dealers to weigh small quantities), a bucket
of assorted glassware near a set of rubber gloves, small plastic bags, and a
tobacco can containing $1500.00 in cash. W hen officers discovered the money,
Shelby claimed that he did not where it came from and abandoned it.
Inside the third residence, where Christopher lived, agents found a two-liter
plastic bottle containing a liquid that tested positive for methamphetamine, a
small plastic bag of methamphetamine, and a sack containing empty blister packs.
In addition to the drug paraphernalia, authorities recovered two shotguns and tw o
phone bills addressed to Shelby.
Approximately six months later, federal authorities received information
that, unrepentantly, Anthony was continuing to manufacture methamphetamine at
an abandoned structure near the Sells’ property and in his residence. They
obtained a third search warrant for his residence, and planned to execute the
warrant on the morning of July 18, 2003. Shortly before they were scheduled to
proceed, Anthony received a call informing him that a search was imminent.
Anthony instructed one of his guests, Robert Isaac, to hide a couple of bags and a
black case in the woods behind the property. He then instructed another
individual, W illiam K eith Edwards, to pack up other items, load them into the
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jeep, and hide them in the woods. W hen Edwards finished his task, he returned to
Anthony’s home and began burning various pieces of evidence in three large
barrels while Anthony washed glassware. Before Anthony left, he handed
Edwards the glassware and asked him to dispose of it. All others left soon
thereafter. 6
At approximately 5 a.m. federal and state authorities executed the search
warrant. The only person found near the residence w as M arion Royal Daniels,
found sitting outside Anthony’s home in his vehicle. Inside, agents discovered
assorted glassware in the sink, a digital scale on a coffee table in Anthony’s den,
and a BB gun. Outside, agents were able to extinguish the fire in one burning
barrel in time to take inventory of its contents: a can of carburetor fluid with a
hole punched in the bottom, 7 and blister packs of pseudoephedrine. In the woods
behind the Sells’ property, authorities uncovered evidence of a “large
6
M embers of the ATF’s special response team w ere dropped off before the
search to observe the premises, and witnessed these activities. ATF Special
Response Team Agent Ruben Chavez observed several people running back and
forth, getting into vehicles, knocking on doors, and putting items into fires lit
around Anthony and Chris’ residences.
7
M ethamphetamine manufacturers will often punch a hole in the bottom of
a can of carburetor fluid in order to obtain the ether. Ether is an ingredient often
used in manufacturing methamphetamine.
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methamphetamine laboratory,” 8 36.3 grams of pseudoephedrine, 66.3 grams of
pure methamphetamine, and 7.5 grams of pure amphetamine.
On November 14, 2003, a grand jury issued an eight-count superceding
indictment against Shelby, Anthony, and two other named individuals based on
their participation in the alleged methamphetamine conspiracy. 9 Anthony was
charged with seven counts: Conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess
with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and to knowingly and intentionally
manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, both in violation of 21 U.S.C.
§ 846 (“Count One”); Attempt To M anufacture M ethamphetamine on or about
July 12, 2002, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1) (“Count Two”);
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime on or
about July 12, 2002, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (“Count Three”);
8
Tucked under rocks and hidden among the trees, perversely reminiscent of
an egg hunt, were scales, assorted glassware containing gallons of various liquids
(many of which later tested positive for methamphetamine or precursor
chemicals), plastic hoses, an air purifier, pill bottles, iodine crystals, a PVC tube
covered in camouflage tape, and pseudoephedrine.
9
The other named individuals were Daniels (Anthony’s uncle) and
Edwards. The government dismissed the charges against Edwards prior to trial in
exchange for his cooperation and testimony. Daniels was charged with
conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine because: (1) H is fingerprints were
found on glassware obtained from Anthony’s residence during the July 18, 2003
search; and (2) He was found at the Sells’ property during the July 18, 2003
search. At trial, the only evidence presented establishing his involvement in the
conspiracy was provided by a witness deemed non-credible by the district court.
All other w itnesses testified that he did not assist in the drug operations.
Following closing arguments, Daniels moved for a judgment of acquittal, which
was granted.
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Felon in Possession of a Firearm on or about July 12, 2002, in violation of 18
U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (“Count Four”); Attempt To M anufacture M ethamphetamine
on or About July 18, 2003, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1)
(“Count Six”); Felon in Possession of a Firearm on or about July 18, 2003, in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (“Count Seven”); and Establishment of
M anufacturing Operations, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 856(a)(1) (“Count Eight”).
Shelby was charged with only three counts: Count One (Conspiracy), Count
Eight (Establishment of M anufacturing Operations), and Felon in Possession of
Ammunition on December 11, 2002, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)(“Count
Five”).
During a five-day trial, the government presented numerous witnesses who
testified to the Sells’ methamphetamine operations. Holly Brow n, Anthony’s
former girlfriend, testified that she assisted Anthony with manufacturing two to
four ounces of methamphetamine more than 200 times, that Shelby would obtain
his methamphetamine from Anthony, and that approximately 20 to 25 people
visited the Sells’ property each day. She also established that the two firearms
found during the July 12, 2002 search were owned by Anthony. George Hanna, a
frequent visitor to the Sells’ property, testified that he purchased a total of
approximately five pounds 10 of methamphetamine from Anthony and Shelby.
10
Although Hanna clearly testified to purchasing a five-pound quantity,
(continued...)
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Jamie Landherr, another individual who frequented the Sells, testified that she
purchased one to two ounces of methamphetamine during each of her six to eight
visits to the Sells’ property, and that she personally observed Shelby obtain
methamphetamine from Anthony for distribution. M ark Osburn testified that
Anthony attempted to manufacture methamphetamine the evening prior to the July
12, 2002 search. He also corroborated other testimony regarding the Sells’ illegal
activities. Edwards testified that Anthony attempted to manufacture
methamphetamine the night before the July 18, 2003 search, and described how
he assisted Anthony in manufacturing approximately a pound of
methamphetamine on several prior occasions. M ultiple federal and state law
enforcement authorities testified that the items recovered from Anthony and
Shelby’s residences during the searches were consistent with the manufacture and
distribution of methamphetamine.
Anthony was convicted on six of the seven counts for which he was
charged and sentenced as follows: 240 months’ imprisonment for Counts One,
Two, Six, and Eight, all to run concurrently; 120 months’ imprisonment for Count
Four, to run concurrently with his 240 month sentence; and 60 months’
im prisonment for C ount Three, to run consecutively to the other sentences. H e
10
(...continued)
neither party challenges the one-pound figure attributed to Anthony via H anna in
the PSR, and which the district court relied upon at sentencing.
-9-
was acquitted of Count Seven (Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug
Trafficking Crime on July 18, 2003). Shelby was convicted on all counts, and
sentenced at the low end of the Guidelines range: 240 months’ imprisonment for
Counts One and Eight, to be served concurrently, and 120 months’ imprisonment
for Count Five, to be served consecutively to the 240 month sentence. Anthony
appeals his convictions and sentence. Shelby appeals only his sentence.
II
A
Anthony argues the district court erred in failing to enforce a state plea
agreement he entered into with state prosecutors for charges stemming from the
July 12, 2002 search of his home. He alleges that during the state proceedings the
federal government agreed not to prosecute him in federal court based on
evidence obtained during that search if he accepted the state plea. He accordingly
requests that all charges relying on such evidence be dismissed. The district court
rejected that argument. W e take the trial court’s view of the matter.
Following the July 12 search, Anthony was charged in Oklahoma state
court with multiple drug and firearm offenses. He pled nolo contendre to one
count of “possession of [a controlled dangerous substance] w ith intent to
distribute” pursuant to a plea agreement, and received a five-year suspended
sentence. Addendum B to that plea agreement states:
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It is further understood that based upon statements of [sic] Assistant
District Attorney that with the entering of these pleas that Federal
Authorities have agreed not to institute any proceedings or
indictments against this Defendant for any offense surrounding these
cases. That Defendant has been told that the various Federal
authorities are in agreement with this plea and failure to enter this
plea agreement will result in the intervention of said Federal
Authorities.
Counts Two, Three, and Four are based entirely on items discovered during
the July 12 search, and Counts One and Eight rely in part on such evidence, but
also address conduct occurring after Anthony entered into the state plea
agreement.
Ordinarily, the federal government is not bound by provisions of a state
plea agreement or the representations of a state prosecutor unless it was a party to
the state proceedings. See United States v. Padilla, 589 F.2d 481, 484 (10th Cir.
1978). The federal government may become a party to state proceedings if it has
knowledge of those proceedings and consents to the representations made by state
prosecutors. See United States v. Fuzer, 18 F.3d 517, 520 (7th Cir. 1994)
(“[S]tate prosecutors cannot bind federal prosecutors without the latter’s consent
and knowledge.”); Hendrix v. Norris, 81 F.3d 805, 807 (8th Cir. 1996) (same).
Anthony argues the federal government was a party to the state
proceedings because his attorney during those proceedings, Bill Ed Rodgers,
believed that Oklahoma A ssistant District Attorney Lynn Anderson was
communicating with federal authorities. During the sentencing hearing, Rogers
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testified on this issue, conceding that he knew the state district attorney was not
authorized to speak for the federal government at the time. Further, the plea
agreement is not signed by an Assistant United States A ttorney, nor does it
identify the U.S. Attorney who allegedly consented to the inclusion of Addendum
B. Notably, Anthony has not produced any evidence that he communicated
directly with federal authorities. Absent such evidence, we hold there is no basis
to bind the federal government to the terms of the state plea agreement. 11
B
Anthony also argues the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to
support his conviction for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute
methamphetamine. In evaluating this claim, our “restrictive standard of review
for a sufficiency of the evidence question provides us with very little leeway.”
United States v. Evans, 970 F.2d 663, 671 (10th Cir. 1992).
W e review de novo whether the government presented sufficient
evidence to support a conviction. In so doing, we view the facts in
evidence in the light most favorable to the government. W e will not
weigh conflicting evidence or second-guess the fact-finding decisions
of the jury. Rather, our role is limited to determining whether a
reasonable jury could find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, based on
11
State prosecutors should proceed cautiously in making similar
representations to state defendants without written authorization by U.S.
Attorneys. See, e.g., Santobello v. New York, 404 U.S. 257, 262-63 (1971)
(holding that a defendant later prosecuted by federal authorities when assured by
state authorities that such prosecution would not occur may use the representation
to void the state plea agreement).
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the direct and circumstantial evidence, together with the reasonable
inferences to be drawn therefrom.
United States v. Summers, 414 F.3d 1287, 1293-94 (10th Cir. 2005) (citations and
quotations omitted).
To establish a conspiracy, the government was required to show: “(1) that
two or more persons agreed to violate the law, (2) that the defendant knew at least
the essential objectives of the conspiracy, . . . (3) that the defendant knowingly
and voluntarily became a part of it, and (4) that the alleged coconspirators w ere
interdependent.” Evans, 970 F.2d at 668 (internal quotation and citation omitted).
This burden may be met by either direct or circumstantial evidence. Id. On our
review of the lengthy record in this case, the evidence was clearly sufficient to
support the jury’s verdict.
Anthony appears to have incorrectly assumed that because the charges
against Daniels were dismissed, the A nthony-Daniels conspiracy to manufacture
methamphetamine charge was no longer provable, thus leaving only a charge that
he conspired with Shelby to possess and distribute methamphetamine.
Accordingly, he limits his sufficiency challenge to the evidence demonstrating his
conspiracy with Shelby.
Count One of the superceding indictment, however, charged that Anthony,
Daniels, Shelby, Edwards, and unnamed others conspired to (1) “knowingly and
intentionally possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine,” and (2)
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“knowingly and intentionally manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.”
Edwards testified to assisting Anthony manufacture methamphetamine on
multiple occasions. Brown, his former girlfriend, testified that during a ten-
month period she continually aided Anthony’s manufacturing operations. Isaac
and Edwards testified to abetting Anthony by hiding evidence of his activities in
the woods prior to the July 18, 2003 search. This unrefuted evidence alone
supports his conviction on Count One. See United States v. Vaziri, 164 F.3d 556,
566 (10th Cir. 1999) (holding that a defendant charged in a conspiracy with
multiple objectives may be convicted based on proof that the defendant conspired
to commit any one of the objectives).
Nonetheless, Anthony is also incorrect that there is insufficient evidence to
support the finding that he conspired with Shelby. Although there was no
evidence of an express agreement between Anthony and Shelby, such an
agreement is not required. An agreement “may be inferred from the facts and
circumstances of the case,” including “frequent contacts among the defendants
and from their joint appearances at transactions and negotiations.” Evans, 970
F.2d at 669 (citations and quotations omitted); see also United States v.
Hartsfield, 976 F.2d 1349, 1354 (10th Cir. 1992).
At trial, Hanna testified that Shelby introduced him to Anthony, and told
him that “if he didn’t have [the drugs], then I could get them from his son.”
Brown testified that every time Anthony manufactured methamphetamine, Shelby
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would come to his house and collect drugs for distribution. Landherr observed
Anthony provide Shelby with methamphetamine, which Shelby sequentially sold
to Hanna. Edwards testified that Shelby was often nearby while he and Anthony
cooked a batch of methamphetamine. Taking all inferences in favor of the
government, a reasonable jury could conclude based on these facts that Anthony
had a tacit agreement with Shelby, whereby Anthony manufactured
m etham phetamine and he and Shelby would then distribute it. Accordingly, w e
A FFIR M . 12
C
Anthony’s third challenge to his conviction concerns evidence admitted
during the trial obtained from Christopher’s residence. He claims that the district
12
Anthony’s confusion about whether a buyer-seller relationship
establishes a conspiracy stems from a misunderstanding of the retail buyer rule.
Our circuit has previously held that a buyer in a retail drug transaction is not
considered part of the larger conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a drug. See
Evans, 970 F.2d at 669 (“Evidence that an intermediate distributor bought from a
supplier might be sufficient to link that buyer to a conspiracy to distribute drugs
because both buyer and seller share the distribution objective. However, a
consumer generally does not share the distribution objective and thus would not
be part of a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.”); United States v. M cIntyre,
836 F.2d 467, 471 (10th Cir. 1987). As discussed supra, Anthony’s role was
much larger than that of a retail buyer. At a minimum, it established that
Anthony and Shelby shared a common distribution objective.
M oreover, although Anthony may be correct that Shelby had additional
suppliers – such as “Boss Green” or “Old M an Green” – this information is
irrelevant to whether a conspiracy existed between father and son. See United
States v. Small, 423 F.3d 1164, 1183-84 (10th Cir. 2005) (rejecting defendant
drug seller’s claim that purchaser’s use of an additional supplier precluded a
reasonable jury from convicting him of the conspiracy charge).
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court improperly admitted this evidence against him because it was irrelevant and
prejudicial. He further argues that the district court erred when it denied his
motion for a mistrial because admission of this evidence caused a “fatal
variance.”
1
W e review the district court’s decision whether to grant a mistrial based on
a prejudicial variance for abuse of discretion. See United States v. Caballero, 277
F.3d 1235, 1242 (10th Cir. 2002). 13
This circuit recognizes tw o types of variances. A constructive amendment,
which is reversible per se, occurs when the district court’s instructions and the
proof offered at trial broaden the indictment. United States v. W right, 932 F.2d
868, 874 (10th Cir.1991) (overruled on other grounds). A simple variance arises
when the evidence adduced at trial establishes facts different from those alleged
in the indictment, and triggers harmless error analysis. Hunter v. New M exico,
916 F.2d 595, 598 (10th Cir. 1990). The defendant bears the burden of proof both
13
Anthony claims that we review de novo whether a variance existed and
whether it was fatal. Generally, this statement of the law is correct. See United
States v. M cLatchey, 217 F.3d 823, 831 (10th Cir. 2000); United States v.
W illiamson, 53 F.3d 1500, 1512 (10th Cir.1995). However, his argument that the
evidence caused a “fatal variance” was in the form of a motion for a mistrial
leading to application of a different standard of review. See Caballero, 277 F.3d
at 1242. Under either standard, however, our conclusion on this issue is the same.
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to show that a variance occurred and that it was fatal. United States v. M oore,
198 F.3d 793, 795-96 (10th Cir. 1999).
A nthony has not met that burden. He does not distinguish between the two
types of variances, instead arguing generally that “admission of the testimony
and exhibits [related to the items seized from Christopher’s home] that had no
connection to him” resulted in a fatal variance. Nor does he identify in detail
which charges w ere subject to the “fatal variance,” w hich is particularly
problematic in light of the multiple-count indictment. Based on our independent
review, we conclude that the only charge potentially affected by this evidence
was Count Eight, which charged Shelby and Anthony with Establishment of
M anufacturing Operations at Rural Route 3, Box 129 (the address of the entire
ten-acre property). 14
Admission of evidence found in Christopher’s residence did not constitute a
constructive amendment to this charge. The indictment broadly alleged that
Anthony established manufacturing operations throughout the entire property, and
Christopher’s residence is located on the property. The only question is whether
a simple variance occurred. Even if admission of this evidence caused a simple
variance, it was not fatal, because Anthony is unable to satisfy the second prong
14
All other counts of the indictment refer to items discovered during the
July 12, 2002 and July 18, 2003 searches, and only Anthony’s house was searched
on those dates. The conspiracy charge is not implicated by this evidence, because
nothing found in Christopher’s residence establishes any form of conspiracy.
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of the harmless error analysis: that the variance substantially prejudiced his
rights. See United States v. W indrix, 405 F.3d 1146, 1154 (10th Cir. 2005) (“A
defendant’s substantial rights are not prejudiced merely because the defendant is
convicted upon evidence which tends to show a narrower scheme than that
contained in the indictment, provided that the narrower scheme is fully included
within the indictment.”) (quotations and citations omitted).
In order to convict someone of establishing manufacturing operations the
government must show that “the defendant (1) knowingly (2) opened or
maintained a place (3) for the purpose of manufacturing by repackaging,
distributing, or using any controlled substance.” United States v. Verners, 53
F.3d 291, 295 (10th Cir. 1995). A defendant “knowingly maintains” a residence
through the follow ing actions:
Acts evidencing such matters as control, duration, acquisition of the
site, renting or furnishing the site, repairing the site, supervising,
protecting, supplying the food to those at the site, and continuity are,
of course, evidence of knowingly maintaining the place considered
alone or in combination with evidence of distributing from that place.
Id. at 296 (citing United States v. Clavis, 956 F.2d 1079, 1091 (11th Cir. 1992)).
There is overwhelming evidence that Anthony established manufacturing
operations at his residence and used the property generally for such illegal
purposes. Even if the evidence proved, as Anthony alleges, that he was not
responsible for evidence found in Christopher’s house, and thus he did not
establish manufacturing operations on the entire property, this merely shows that
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the part of the property Anthony established for illicit purposes was smaller than
alleged in the indictment. Proof of a narrower scheme than alleged in the
indictment does not prejudice a defendant’s substantial rights. See W indrix, 405
F.3d at 1154; United States v. M cClatchey, 217 F.3d 823, 833-34 (10th Cir. 2000)
(same).
A variance may affect the substantial rights of the accused, however, if it
is more likely than not that the jury imputed the evidence to the defendant in
determining guilt. U nited States v. Harrison, 942 F.2d 751, 758 (10th Cir. 1991).
Based on the record, it is highly unlikely the jury attributed the items found in
Christopher’s home to Anthony. Eric Booker, the ATF special agent who
performed the search of Christopher’s residence, admitted that there was no basis
to conclude Anthony had any association with that residence or the items found
therein. M oreover, the jury demonstrated that it was able to distinguish which
items were attributable to whom by acquitting Anthony of Count Seven, which
charged him with possession of a firearm found in the woods near his home. See
W indrix, 405 F.3d at 1155 (noting that the jury’s ability to distinguish the
defendant from his co-defendants was demonstrated by its acquittal of a co-
defendant on all counts while convicting the defendant).
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Anthony has been unable to identify the “fatal variance.” Even if there was
a variance, it did not prejudice his substantial rights. Accordingly, the district
court did not abuse its discretion in declining to grant a mistrial. 15
2
Anthony contends that evidence of items found in Christopher’s home
should have been excluded as irrelevant and unduly prejudicial. W e review the
district court’s decision to admit evidence for abuse of discretion. United States
v. Samaniego, 187 F.3d 1222, 1223 (10th Cir. 1999).
Relevant evidence is “evidence having any tendency to make the existence
of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more
probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.” Fed. R. Evid.
401. Federal Rule of Evidence 403 provides that such evidence “may be excluded
if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair
prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of
undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.”
15
The question of whether a variance occurred on these facts is admittedly
a close call. On the one hand, the government alleged that Anthony and Shelby
maintained the entire property for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing,
and using methamphetamine. Evidence that Christopher’s house contained
contraband is arguably within the scope of the indictment. However, no evidence
was introduced that Anthony knowingly maintained or had any connection to
Christopher’s residence. Thus, introducing evidence that Christopher may have
been manufacturing methamphetamine at his home when the indictment states
only that Anthony and Shelby were involved in manufacturing and distributing
the drug arguably constitutes a simple variance.
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The government argues that evidence found in Christopher’s home was
relevant to Count Eight. Its theory of the case was that Anthony and Shelby
maintained the entire property for their illegal purposes. Thus, it contends that
anything found on the property was relevant to that charge. However, when the
place allegedly maintained for manufacturing operations is a residence, the
defendant must have a “substantial connection” to the home, as opposed to simply
being a “casual visitor.” Verners, 53 F.3d at 296.
Had the government presented evidence that Anthony had any connection
to Christopher’s house, the evidence found there may have been relevant to
whether Anthony had a sufficient connection to the premises. However, such
evidence simply was not provided at trial. Christopher’s home was consistently
treated as a separate residence by law enforcement authorities. The agent
conducting the search of Christopher’s home found nothing tying the premises to
Anthony, no witness testified that Anthony ever conducted operations at
Christopher’s home, and there was no testimony establishing that Christopher was
part of the larger conspiracy. M oreover, the government’s decision to search
Christopher’s house on only one of the three occasions it raided the property
demonstrates that it believed Christopher’s residence was at most tangential to the
methamphetamine operation. W e hold that evidence found in an entirely
unrelated residence is irrelevant to whether Anthony maintained a manufacturing
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and distribution operation, and accordingly conclude that the district court erred
in admitting such evidence against Anthony during the trial. 16
Nevertheless, this error does not lead to reversal of Anthony’s conviction
because it did not affect his substantial rights. See Fed. R. Evid. 103(a). An
error affects a defendant’s substantial right when it has a “substantial influence”
on the outcome of the trial or creates a “grave doubt” as to whether it had such
effect. United States v. Rivera, 900 F.2d 1462, 1469 (10th Cir.1990) (en banc)
(quoting Kotteakos v. United States, 328 U.S. 750, 765 (1946)). W e entertain no
such doubt; as noted above, overwhelming evidence of Anthony’s guilt exists as
to C ount Eight. Thus, w e conclude the district court’s error in admitting this
evidence was harmless.
III
W e review the legality of an appellant’s sentence de novo. United States v.
Price, 75 F.3d 1440, 1446 (10th Cir. 1996). Anthony was sentenced in June 2004,
before the Supreme Court decided United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005),
or its predecessor, Blakely v. W ashington, 542 U.S. 296 (2004). He argues that
his sentence is invalid under Booker because the district court relied on judge-
16
To the extent the district court concluded the evidence was admissible as
to Shelby, but not admissible as to Anthony, it should have issued a limiting
instruction to cure the inherent prejudice accompanying admission of evidence in
joint trials. See United States v. Rogers, 925 F.2d 1285, 1288 (10th Cir. 1991).
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found facts – the drug quantity attributable to him – to mandatorily enhance his
sentence under the G uidelines.
In Booker, the Supreme Court held that “[a]ny fact (other than a prior
conviction) which is necessary to support a sentence exceeding the maximum
authorized by the facts established by a plea of guilty or a jury verdict must be
admitted by the defendant or proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.” 543
U.S. at 244. In U nited States v. Gonzalez-Huerta, 403 F.3d 727 (2005) (en banc),
we identified two potential errors arising from a court’s pre-Booker sentencing of
a defendant. Non-constitutional Booker error occurs if the court “appl[ies] the
Guidelines in a mandatory fashion . . . even though the resulting sentence was
calculated solely upon facts that were admitted by the defendant, found by the
jury, or based upon a prior conviction.” 403 F.3d at 731-32. Constitutional
Booker error occurs w hen the court “rel[ies] upon judge-found facts . . . to
enhance a defendant’s sentence mandatorily.” Id. at 731. If we conclude that a
Booker error occurred, the government bears the burden of proving the error was
harmless. United States v. W aldroop, 431 F.3d 736, 743 (10th Cir. 2005).
As to the claim of constitutional Booker error, the district court found that
14,974 kilograms of marijuana were attributable to Anthony based on a
preponderance of the evidence standard, and relied on that finding to mandatorily
increase his sentence under the Guidelines. Anthony did not admit to this
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quantity, this amount was not charged in the indictment, and the jury made no
finding as to the drug quantity. Thus, constitutional Booker error occurred.
However, this error is harmless if it did not affect the substantial rights of
the accused. United States v. Lang, 405 F.3d 1060, 1064 (10th Cir. 2005). A
defendant’s substantial rights are affected if “a jury applying a reasonable doubt
standard would not have found the same material facts that a judge found by a
preponderance of the evidence.” United States v. Dazey, 403 F.3d 1147, 1175
(10th Cir. 2005). W hen overwhelming evidence is presented at the trial
supporting the judge-found facts, taking into account the inferences raised by the
jury’s verdict, the error is harmless. See United States v. Riccardi, 405 F.3d 852,
875-76 (10th Cir. 2005).
The government has sufficiently proven that there is overwhelming
evidence in the record to support the drug quantity determination found by the
district court, which corresponded to a base offense level of 36. The PSR
attributed 14,974 kilograms of marijuana to Anthony, which included: (1) 28.3
grams of methamphetamine mixture and 38.3 grams of pseudoephedrine, both of
which were recovered from his home during the July 12, 2002 search, equivalent
to 439.6 kilograms of marijuana, (2) 8.2 grams of pseudoephedrine and 1.3 grams
of pure methamphetamine seized from Christopher’s home during the December
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11, 2002 search, equivalent to 108 kilograms of marijuana, 17 (3) 36.3 grams of
pseudoephedrine, 66.3 grams of pure methamphetamine, and 7.5 grams of pure
amphetamine seized during the July 18, 2003 search, equivalent to 1,839
kilograms of marijuana, and (4) 453.6 grams of methamphetamine mixture based
on Hanna’s testimony that he purchased one pound from Anthony and Shelby,
170.1 grams of methamphetamine mixture based on Landherr’s testimony that she
purchased one ounce on six occasions, and 5.67 kilograms of methamphetamine
mixture based on Brown’s testimony, which equate to a combined marijuana
equivalent of 12,587.4 kilograms. During sentencing, the district court found that
“the probation officer relied on the most conservative estimates and testimony in
favor of the defendant when determining the amount of drugs involved.”
Anthony argues the findings are not supported in the record because Hanna,
Landherr, and Brown – whose testimony regarding Anthony’s activities
established the vast majority of the drug quantity finding – were inherently
unreliable. Thus, he contends their testimony would not have established beyond
17
Drugs found in Christopher’s house appear to have been attributed to
Anthony in calculating his drug quantity amount. Nonetheless, inclusion of that
amount did not affect Anthony’s base offense level. See U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(c)(2).
Under § 2D1.1(c)(2), his base offense level was 36 based on a finding that he was
responsible for 14,974 kilograms of marijuana. He correctly points out that 108
kilograms of that amount related to drugs recovered from Christopher’s residence,
and thus should have been excluded. The base offense level for a drug quantity
finding of 14,866 kilograms of marijuana – w hich excludes this amount – is also
36. Therefore, this error did not affect his substantial rights.
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a reasonable doubt the drug quantity attributable to him. He is correct that these
witnesses admitted to using drugs during the time in question, and further
admitted that they were testifying pursuant to an agreement with the government.
However, there is no prohibition in this circuit on using co-conspirator statements
and the testimony of former addicts to establish the drug quantity amount, even
when those individuals are cooperating with the government. See Cook, 949 F.2d
at 296 (holding testimony of co-defendant was sufficiently reliable to establish
drug quantity because the witness was “quite familiar with [the defendant’s] drug
trafficking”). 18 M oreover, these same w itnesses presented the crucial testimony
used to convict A nthony. W e can infer from the jury’s verdict that it expressly
found these witnesses credible. In addition, the government correctly notes that
Hanna, Landherr, and Brown were reliable because their testimony was consistent
and corroborated by the physical evidence found during the searches. Thus, the
constitutional Booker error was harmless. 19
18
But see United States v. M iele, 989 F.2d 659, 667 (3d Cir. 1993)
(“Because of the questionable reliability of an addict-informant, we think it is
crucial that a district court receive with caution and scrutinize with care drug
quantity or other precise information provided by such a witness before basing a
sentencing determination on that information.”); United States v. Simmons, 964
F.2d 763, 776 (8th Cir. 1992) (rejecting drug quantity estimates by
addict-informant); United States v. Robison, 904 F.2d 365, 371-72 (6th Cir. 1990)
(same).
19
Anthony also challenges the drug quantity finding made by the district
court on the same grounds – that it w as based on unreliable witness testimony.
Because there was overwhelming evidence to support the district court’s drug
(continued...)
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As for the non-constitutional Booker error, the government concedes that
the district court committed non-constitutional Booker error by applying the
Guidelines mandatorily. Nevertheless, we conclude that this error was also
harmless. Non-constitutional Booker error is harmless unless there is “a
reasonable probability that, under the specific facts of his case as analyzed under
the sentencing factors of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), the district court judge would
reasonably impose a sentence outside the Guidelines range.” United States v.
Clifton, 406 F.3d 1173, 1181 (10th Cir. 2005). Once again, the government bears
the burden of proof to show that the non-constitutional Booker error was
harmless. W aldroop, 431 F.3d at 743.
Generally, non-constitutional Booker may have affected a defendant’s
substantial rights if there is “evidence of (1) a substantial disconnect between the
§ 3553(a) factors and his sentence, and (2) the district court’s expressed
dissatisfaction with the mandatory Guidelines sentence in his case.” Id. The
government has sufficiently proven that there is no reasonable probability the
district court would have imposed a sentence outside the Guidelines range. There
is no evidence in the record that the district court expressed any dissatisfaction
with Anthony’s sentence. M oreover, there is no indication that any of the §
19
(...continued)
quantity finding, and corresponding base offense level determination, we reject
this claim.
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3553(a) factors would have led the district court to impose a different sentence.
In fact, the district court stated that it considered the “nature and circumstances”
of the defendant in formulating the appropriate sentence. M oreover, Anthony has
not identified any § 3553(a) factor that the district court may have considered in
formulating a different sentence. Accordingly, the non-constitutional Booker
error is harmless.
IV
A
The government concedes that the district court comm itted constitutional
Booker error in sentencing Shelby by relying on judge-found facts regarding the
drug quantity to mandatorily increase his sentence. See United States v.
Gonzalez-Huerta, 403 F.3d 727, 731 (10th Cir. 2005). Unlike the position it has
taken with respect to Anthony, the government concedes that this error was not
harmless, because the district court sentenced Shelby to the low end of the
Guidelines range. See United States v. Labastida-Segura, 396 F.3d 1140, 1143
(10th Cir. 2005) (holding that when the district court sentences a defendant at the
bottom of the Guidelines range it “places us in the zone of speculation and
conjecture – we simply do not know what the district court would have done after
hearing the parties”). Accordingly, as conceded, the district court comm itted
constitutional Booker error in sentencing Shelby, and this error was not harmless.
B
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Shelby also challenges the district court’s drug quantity finding on the
ground that it failed to make particularized findings as to (1) the scope of the
criminal activity Shelby agreed to undertake regarding the conspiracy, and (2) the
total amount of drugs involved that were foreseeable to him. United States v.
Green, 175 F.3d 822, 837 (10th Cir. 1999) (holding that the district court must
make these two particularized findings when determining the proper amount of
drugs to attribute to a defendant involved in a conspiracy). W e agree. Although
the district court adopted the findings contained in the PSR, the PSR did not make
particularized determinations with respect to either of these points. W e do not
know whether, upon close examination of the evidence, the district court might
agree with Shelby that his knowledge of Anthony’s operations was limited and
decrease his sentence accordingly. Thus, upon remand, the district court should
address these questions. See United States v. M elton, 131 F.3d 1400, 1404 (10th
Cir. 1997) (remanding for resentencing when the district court failed to make the
necessary particularized findings regarding the scope of the defendant’s
participation in the conspiracy); see also United States v. Tucker, 90 F.3d 1135,
1145 (6th Cir. 1996) (same).
V
Accordingly, we A FFIR M Anthony’s conviction and sentence, and
REVERSE Shelby’s sentence and REM AND for resentencing.
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