United States v. Devon J. Bradford

United States Court of Appeals
FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT
___________
No. 99-3018
___________
United States of America, *
*
Appellee, *
*
v. *
*
Devon Julian Bradford, *
also known as Devo, *
*
Appellant. *
___________
Appeals from the United States
No. 99-3019 District Court for the
___________ District of South Dakota.
United States of America, * [PUBLISHED]
*
Appellee, *
*
v. *
*
Dana E. Boswell, *
also known as Blue, *
*
Appellant. *
___________
No. 99-3020
___________
United States of America, *
*
Appellee, *
*
v. *
*
Howard L. Harrison, *
also known as Big Bull, *
also known as Bull *
*
Appellant. *
___________
No. 99-3021
___________
United States of America, *
*
Appellee, *
*
v. *
*
Phillip D. Banks, *
also known as Debo, *
also known as Philbo, *
*
Appellant. *
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___________
No. 99-3975
___________
United States of America, *
*
Appellee, *
*
v. *
*
Joseph D. Andrews, *
also known as Jo Jo, *
*
Appellant. *
___________
Submitted: October 17, 2000
Filed: April 13, 2001
___________
Before BEAM, HEANEY and MORRIS SHEPPARD ARNOLD, Circuit Judges.
___________
PER CURIAM.
Devon J. Bradford, Dana E. Boswell, Howard L. Harrison, Phillip D. Banks, and
Joseph D. Andrews, appeal their convictions and sentences that stem from a conspiracy
to distribute crack cocaine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The defendants raise a
number of issues in this consolidated appeal, including the sufficiency of the evidence;
whether the sentencing comported with Apprendi v. New Jersey, 120 S. Ct. 2348(2000); whether one, or more than one, conspiracy was proven; whether the motions
to sever should have been granted; various evidentiary rulings; and other claims. We
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affirm the convictions, but, in light of Apprendi, vacate and remand the cases of
Andrews and Harrison for resentencing, and of Banks for reconsideration.
I. BACKGROUND
In 1996 and 1997, the defendants and their associates moved from Compton,
California to Sioux Falls. Testimony at trial established that the defendants began using
the back room of C.J. Stockman's bar in Sioux Falls to distribute crack cocaine. At one
point, Harrison, Banks, Boswell, and Bradford lived together in a house they rented
using the proceeds from their drug dealing. The defendants and their associates would
travel to California to obtain drugs, and would use Western Union to wire money to
California.
Controlled buys of crack cocaine were made from Andrews, Bradford, and
Banks, at C.J. Stockman's bar or their residences. Agents searching Andrews'
apartment pursuant to federal warrants found crack cocaine, travel documents, car
rental receipts, drug packaging materials, and telephone numbers for Boswell,
Bradford, and a supplier in Compton, California. A search of Bradford's apartment
revealed a quantity of crack cocaine and $3,800 in cash.
The indictment charged twelve individuals with conspiracy, money laundering,
and drug trafficking. Eight defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial. On April 6, 1999,
trial commenced for defendants Banks, Boswell, Bradford, and Harrison. The
defendants were found guilty on all counts except counts 3 and 4, which charged Banks
with distribution of cocaine base. Andrews remained a fugitive until a later arrest in
California. His trial began on July 27, 1999, and he was found guilty of drug trafficking
charges.
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II. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
Both Banks and Harrison argue that there was insufficient evidence to support
their convictions. In examining the sufficiency of the evidence, we must view the
evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict. See United States v. Maggard, 156
F.3d 843, 846 (8th Cir. 1998); United States v. Erdman, 953 F.2d 387, 389 (8th Cir.
1992). Having reviewed the evidence, we conclude that it is sufficient to uphold the
convictions of Banks and Harrison.
A. Banks' Convictions
The evidence established that Banks, along with the other defendants, followed
Duane Adams from Compton to Sioux Falls. Kimberly Van Noort testified that the
group, including Banks, would gather at the house she shared with Adams once a week
to meet and “hang out.” Another witness, Tara Clayton, testified that Banks once gave
her a large rock of crack cocaine to "hold" for him. Mark Washington, a confidential
informant, made a controlled buy from Banks at the bar, as did another informant,
Leonard Grajczyk. Gary Allen also testified that he purchased crack cocaine from
Banks. At one time, Banks split the expenses associated with the house where many
of the defendants lived. Taken as a whole, there was sufficient evidence to show that
there was a conspiracy, that Banks knew of the conspiracy, that he knowingly joined
the conspiracy, and that he was involved in the distribution of crack cocaine. Cf.
United States v. Davidson, 195 F.3d 402, 406 (8th Cir. 1999), cert. denied, 120 S. Ct.
1218 (2000) (listing elements required to obtain conviction for conspiracy).
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B. Harrison's Convictions
Numerous witnesses testified that they saw Harrison at C.J. Stockman's bar
selling crack cocaine. Harrison arranged for two co-defendants, Corissa Murray and
Jennifer Sarutzki, to rent the house where members of the conspiracy were to live. In
fact, several witnesses described Harrison as being the leader of the group; he was the
"boss" and enforced the rules regarding whose turn it was to sell cocaine at the bar.
Harrison told Autrie Kimble, whom he had previously supplied with drugs, that only
"Palmer Block" could sell from the bar. Harrison, Bradford, and Boswell later told
Kimble to slow down his drug sales because it was cutting into their business; Harrison
did “most of the talking” at that confrontation.
In his appellate brief, Harrison disputes the credibility of the witnesses who
testified at trial. Determining the credibility of the witnesses, however, is a function of
the jury. See United States v. Harris, 193 F.3d 957, 958 (8th Cir. 1999). There was
ample evidence presented to sustain Harrison's conspiracy conviction.
As to his money laundering conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(i),
Harrison argues that a wire transfer of $900 he received from Larry Williams in
December 1997 had no relation to drug dealing or drug profits. That argument is belied
by the evidence. Both Williams and Harrison were active participants in the drug
conspiracy. Further, the government presented evidence that neither Williams nor
Harrison had any legitimate source of income. “In proving that drug proceeds were
used to promote illegal drug activity, the government need not trace the proceeds to a
particular drug sale” and may instead rely on defendant's lack of any legitimate income
source and involvement in drug trafficking to raise “the inference that the money wired
. . . represented proceeds from drug distribution.” See United States v. Eastman, 149
F.3d 802, 804 (8th Cir. 1998) (quoting United States v. Blackman, 904 F.2d 1250,
1257 (8th Cir. 1990)). Although Harrison argues that the wire transfer represented
money for funeral expenses and not the proceeds of drug dealing, the only mention of
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funeral expenses at trial was that a separate transfer occurred in November 1997,
arranged by Andrews and Van Noort on Harrison's behalf.
III. SENTENCING AND APPRENDI
Defendants argue that they are entitled to resentencing under Apprendi, in that
both the indictment and the jury's verdict failed to specify any drug quantities.1 In
Apprendi, the Supreme Court held that any fact, other than a prior conviction, that
"increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum" must be
included in the indictment and proven to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt. 120 S.
Ct. at 2362-63.
This principle governs penalties for drug offenses listed in 21 U.S.C. § 841(a).
United States v. Aguayo-Delgado, 220 F.3d 926, 930, 934 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 121
S. Ct. 600 (2000). If an indictment or jury verdict fails to specify the quantity of drugs
involved, sentencing is limited by 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C), which provides a statutory
maximum penalty of twenty years or, if the defendant has a prior felony drug
conviction, thirty years. Id. at 930. Nevertheless, the sentence imposed in Aguayo-
Delgado did not exceed the statutorily authorized range and, therefore, did not violate
Apprendi. Id.
In the present case, the indictments failed to specify any drug quantity, nor did
the jury find the defendants responsible for any particular quantity. Consequently, we
must apply section 841(b)(1)(C) to determine whether any defendant's sentence
1
Although the defendants have raised numerous other arguments regarding their
sentences, we have considered those arguments and are satisfied such claims are
without merit. There was no clear error in the district court's factual findings.
Maggard, 156 F.3d at 847.
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exceeded the applicable statutory maximum. Id.; United States v. Nicholson, 231 F.3d
445, 453 (8th Cir. 2000).
We easily dispense with the Apprendi challenges of defendants Bradford and
Boswell. As both had prior felony drug convictions, their sentences of twenty-eight
and thirty years, respectively, fall within the statutory maximum. Therefore, neither
sentence warrants redetermination. Aguayo-Delgado, 220 F.3d at 934.
In contrast, the sentences imposed on defendants Harrison and Andrews
exceeded the statutory maximum. The district court imposed sentences of thirty-two
years on Harrison and thirty-three years on Andrews. The record is unclear as to
whether either had a prior felony drug conviction, and at this stage we will presume
they did not–a presumption that may be rectified on resentencing if incorrect. Given
the current state of the record, the statutory maximum for each sentence is twenty
years.2 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C); Nicholson, 231 F.3d at 453.
The government argues that the sentences of Harrison and Andrews are proper
because they were, or could have been, imposed according to the "career offender"
provision of the Sentencing Guidelines. U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual
[hereinafter U.S.S.G.] § 4B1.1 (2000). However, career offender sentences depend not
only on the defendants' criminal histories, but also on the calculation of drug quantities.
Compare id. (basing career offender offense level on comparison to relevant statutory
maximum) with U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(3) (establishing offense level based on drug
quantity), 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A) (setting statutory penalty when specific drug
quantity involved), and 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C) (setting statutory penalty when no
drug quantity specified). Since drug quantity determinations ultimately steer the career
offender's sentence, we believe that the district court should initially analyze the
2
Even if we are incorrect in our presumption, the statutory maximum for each
would be thirty years.
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government's arguments on remand. United States v. Rogers, 228 F.3d 1318, 1329-30
(11th Cir. 2000) (reconciling application of statute and career offender guideline, and
remanding for resentencing).
Even less clear is whether we must avert Apprendi violations by merely finding
that the district court could have imposed consecutive, rather than concurrent,
sentences to justify those actually imposed, or whether we may or should remand on
that point. Compare United States v. Sturgis, 238 F.3d 956, 960-61 (8th Cir. 2001)
(relying on plain error analysis in refusal to remand), with United States v. Apker, No.
99-3549, 2001 WL 194539, at *2 (8th Cir. Feb. 28, 2001) (remanding for resentencing
when unclear what the actual punishment would have been under appropriate analysis),
United States v. Butler, 238 F.3d 1001, 1005 (8th Cir. 2001) (finding plain error under
Apprendi when defendant had not admitted to the essential element of quantity at trial
and remanding for resentencing), United States v. Jones, 235 F.3d 1231, 1238 (10th
Cir. 2000) (remanding for sentencing within the statutory range for multiple offenses
of which defendant was convicted), and United States v. Joetzki, 952 F.2d 1090, 1098
(9th Cir. 1991) (remanding for resentencing on multiple counts when the district court
had imposed a sentence exceeding that of the count carrying the highest statutory
maximum and failed to clarify whether the sentences were to run consecutively or
concurrently).
In calculating the appropriate sentence, a district court must reconcile various
guidelines provisions. For instance, when sentencing on multiple counts, other than
those for which a statute mandates a consecutive sentence, comparison between the
"total punishment" calculation and the count bearing the highest statutory maximum
governs whether sentences are to run consecutively or concurrently. "If the sentence
imposed on the count carrying the highest statutory maximum is adequate to achieve
the total punishment, then the sentences on all counts shall run concurrently, except to
the extent otherwise required by law." U.S.S.G. § 5G1.2(c). In contrast:
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If the sentence imposed on the count carrying the highest statutory
maximum is less than the total punishment, then the sentence imposed on
one or more of the other counts shall run consecutively, but only to the
extent necessary to produce a combined sentence equal to the total
punishment. In all other respects, sentences on all counts shall run
concurrently, except to the extent otherwise required by law.
Id. at § 5G1.2(d). Hence, the statutory maximum for any one count does not
necessarily cap the total punishment. United States v. Kroeger, 229 F.3d 700, 703 (8th
Cir. 2000) (interpreting U.S.S.G. § 5G1.2 and its accompanying comment); United
States v. Ervasti, 201 F.3d 1029, 1045-46 (8th Cir. 2000) (finding that the "'total
punishment' is the precise sentence determined by the sentencing judge from within the
appropriate guidelines range"). In addition, the sentencing court must wrestle with the
guidelines' grouping provisions. U.S.S.G. §§ 3D1.1 et seq.
Still, the district court holds fairly broad discretion to impose either concurrent
or consecutive sentences, see United States v. Goldman, 228 F.3d 942, 943 (8th Cir.
2000), and, under certain circumstances, may even depart from the applicable
guidelines scheme.3 In Jones, the Tenth Circuit rejected the government's argument
3
The First Circuit has pointed out that:
[A] district court retains discretion under 18 U.S.C. § 3584(a) and the
sentencing guidelines to order that sentences be served consecutively
notwithstanding the dictates of U.S.S.G. § 5G1.2. This discretion,
however, is not sui generis; it is simply another manifestation of the
district courts' departure power. Because this is so, a district court can
only impose consecutive sentences in derogation of U.S.S.G. § 5G1.2 if
it follows the accepted protocol for guideline departures.
United States v. Quinones, 26 F.3d 213, 217 (1st Cir. 1994); cf. United States v.
Edwards, 225 F.3d 991, 992 (8th Cir. 2000) (rejecting argument that court erred in
denying a downward departure based on situation being anomalous when court was
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that the district court had demonstrated its desire to impose a total sentence equal to the
one actually imposed simply by virtue of having imposed it. 235 F.3d at 1238 (stating,
"[w]e will not permit our result to be guided by idle speculation as to the sentence that
might be imposed by the district court on remand.). Although we recognize that, given
the appropriate record, we may often be able to recalculate the defendants' sentences
ourselves, see Sturgis, 238 F.3d at 960, we deem it prudent to remand to give the
district court the opportunity to determine the sentences of Harrison and Andrews
according to the Sentencing Guidelines' rather idiosyncratic calculation scheme, see
United States v. Peters, 215 F.3d 861, 863 (8th Cir. 2000) ("In a situation such as this,
the district court should be given the first opportunity to use its discretion in applying
the sentencing guidelines to the facts of the case.").
Finally, with regard to Banks, the district court found him responsible for only
a portion of the drugs involved in the conspiracy, adopting the presentence
recommendation of a lenient drug calculation, and sentenced him to twenty years'
imprisonment–the mandatory minimum sentence under section 841(b)(1)(A) when a
drug quantity has been ascertained and the defendant has previously been convicted for
a felony drug offense. In its statement of reasons for sentencing, the court indicated it
was "required by statute to impose a mandatory term." However, because no drug
quantity was specified in the indictment or proven at trial, the only statutory provision
that justifiedly applies to Banks is section 841(b)(1)(C). Under this provision, Banks'
sentence might constitute the maximum allowable sentence, depending on the particular
circumstances of his case. Although we recognize that Aguayo-Delgado, 220 F.3d at
933-34, permits us to affirm a sentence that falls within the statutorily authorized range,
aware of its authority to do so but chose not to exercise its discretion). While we also
note that departures for unusual cases are "'intended to be quite rare,'" United States
v. Goff, 20 F.3d 918, 919 (8th Cir. 1994) (citation omitted), here, we have no occasion
to decide whether Apprendi creates just such peculiarity or whether qualifying
peculiarities otherwise exist in this situation, nor do we express any opinion as to
whether departure is necessary or appropriate.
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in light of the record, we vacate Banks' sentence and remand for reconsideration, cf.
United States v. Orozco-Rodriguez, 220 F.3d 940, 942 (8th Cir. 2000) (indicating that
a district court's awareness of its authority under the guidelines directs our review).
In sum, on the subject of sentencing in light of Apprendi, we affirm the sentences
of Bradford and Boswell, vacate and remand those of Harrison and Andrews for
resentencing, and that of Banks for reconsideration.
IV. EXISTENCE OF MULTIPLE CONSPIRACIES
Defendants argue that the government proved multiple conspiracies rather than
one conspiracy. When an indictment alleges a single conspiracy, but the government
proves multiple conspiracies, reversal is required if the variance affects a defendant's
substantial rights. See Kotteakos v. United States, 328 U.S. 750, 756-57 (1946).
From our review of the record, it is clear that co-defendants Andrews, Banks,
Boswell, Bradford, and Harrison were all parts of a unitary conspiracy to distribute
crack cocaine in Sioux Falls. The defendants shared a common purpose and, to achieve
that purpose, used mutual dependence and assistance. See United States v. Massa, 740
F.2d 629, 636 (8th Cir. 1984) (quoting United States v. Zemek, 634 F.2d 1159, 1167
(9th Cir. 1980)).
That does not end the inquiry, however, because the defendants also argue that
the government proved the existence of another drug conspiracy, involving a separate
group, the Kimble conspiracy.4 The defendants argue that the evidence of the Kimble
4
The various defendants characterize the structure of this other conspiracy
differently. From our reading of all of the defendants' briefs and our review of the
testimony, the trial evidence showed the existence of one additional drug conspiracy
headed by Autrie Kimble.
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conspiracy prejudiced them because it had a “spillover” effect by inserting additional
evidence of drug dealing into the trial. The government contends that it is irrelevant
whether a witness at the trial was involved in another conspiracy, as long as the
defendants themselves were all involved in the same conspiracy. This issue has not
been precisely addressed by our precedent.
We are hesitant to say that the spillover of testimony about other conspiracies
in which witnesses were involved could never constitute error. See United States v.
Rosnow, 977 F.2d 399, 407-08 (8th Cir. 1992) (per curiam) (holding that evidence of
multiple conspiracies among co-defendants at trial resulted in prejudice and mandated
reversal of conspiracy conviction); United States v. Rounsavall, 115 F.3d 561, 564 (8th
Cir. 1997) (discussing multiple conspiracy issue even though only one defendant was
on trial). What is clear, however, is that in this case the co-defendants joined a unitary
conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and there was no appreciable prejudice from the
evidence of the Kimble conspiracy. The evidence showed that at times the co-
defendants supplied Kimble with drugs. At other times, the groups competed for the
same business. The purpose of the testimony regarding the Kimble conspiracy was to
show the connections between the co-defendants and how the co-defendants conspired
together, either to supply drugs to the Kimble conspiracy or to stop their competition.
That there was some overlap with, and some testimony about, Kimble's drug dealing
does not mean that there was any prejudice to the defendants in this case. Cf. United
States v. Roach, 164 F.3d 403, 412 (8th Cir. 1998) (stating that rival drug dealers may
still be part of same overall conspiracy).
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V. MOTIONS TO SEVER
Banks, Bradford, and Boswell argue that it was an abuse of discretion for the
district court to deny their motions to sever. As the defendants have failed to prove
prejudice from the denial of their motions to sever, this claim must fail.
There is a preference for a joint trial when defendants are indicted together,
because a joint trial promotes efficiency and eliminates the inequity of inconsistent
verdicts. See Zafiro v. United States, 506 U.S. 534, 537 (1993). A district court's
denial of a motion to sever “must be upheld absent a showing of clear prejudice that
indicates an abuse of discretion.” United States v. Horne, 4 F.3d 579, 590 (8th Cir.
1993); see also United States v. Rodgers, 18 F.3d 1425, 1431 (8th Cir. 1994)
("'Severance will be allowed upon a showing of real prejudice to an individual
defendant. The motion to sever is addressed to the sound discretion of the district
court[. ]'") (quoting United States v. Miller, 725 F.2d 462, 467 (8th Cir. 1984)).
Here, Banks, Bradford, and Boswell argue that they were prejudiced by a joint
trial because the use of the various defendants' "street" nicknames confused the jury,
and the evidence was too complicated for the jury to sort out against each defendant.
During the trial, however, each defendant was identified by witnesses who knew them
by their nicknames, real names, or both. Further, pictures of several defendants were
taken into evidence. Although the case involved a substantial amount of evidence, it
did not involve a particularly complicated conspiracy. Finally, Bradford and Boswell
argue that they were prejudiced because at trial they sat next to Harrison, who had the
word "Palmer," the name of a gang and a street in Compton, tattooed over one
eyebrow. There is some dispute as to whether the jury even saw the tattoo. The tattoo
however, would not have linked either Bradford or Boswell to the “Palmers.”
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VI. EVIDENTIARY RULINGS
The defendants challenge several evidentiary rulings made during the course of
the trial. After our review of the record, we conclude that none of these challenges
reveal an abuse of discretion by the district court.
A. Gang Evidence
Defendants Bradford and Boswell contend that it was error to admit testimony
referring to the defendants' residence as the “Palmer House” because references to the
Palmer Block Crips gang would be prejudicial. They also argue that certain witnesses'
use of their “street” names constituted reversible error. We do not agree.
Prior to trial, defense counsel moved to exclude all gang evidence as more
prejudicial than probative. The district court granted the motion in part, prohibiting the
government from mentioning gang membership in its opening statement or closing
argument. The order, however, did not impose a blanket prohibition on all gang
evidence. The district court concluded that such evidence would only be admissible
to clarify the connections between the defendants. The district court cautioned the
government "to refrain from introducing evidence about gangs . . . not directly
relevant" to whether a conspiracy existed, and indicated that it would consider specific
evidence as it became relevant during the trial.
Bradford and Boswell argue that the government violated the court order during
the trial. At several points, there was testimony that a certain house, where four of the
defendants used to live, was called the “Palmer” house. Also, Autrie Kimble testified
that Harrison told him that only members of the "Palmer Block" could sell at C.J.
Stockman's bar. The defendants contend that other witnesses referred to them using
"street" names.
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After a careful examination of these references, we find no abuse of discretion
in their admission. To be certain, there is great potential for prejudice when evidence
regarding gangs is at issue. See United States v. Roark, 924 F.2d 1426, 1432-34 (8th
Cir. 1991) (holding that generalized and repeated testimony regarding drug dealing
activities of Hell's Angels motorcycle gang prejudiced defendant's trial). In this case,
however, no general testimony was offered regarding the Palmer Block Crips or their
activities. The "Palmer" remarks were admitted because they tended to show that these
co-defendants conspired together. The district court did not err in admitting the
evidence for this limited purpose. See United States v. Johnson, 28 F.3d 1487, 1497
(8th Cir. 1994) ("[s]pecific and circumscribed evidence of gang association may be
necessary to show 'the nature and extent of [the defendant's] association'") (quoting
United States v. Sparks, 949 F.2d 1023, 1026 (8th Cir. 1991)); United States v. Sills,
120 F.3d 917, 920 (8th Cir. 1997) (same). Further, the use of the defendants' "street"
names (witnesses referred to Bradford as "Devo" and to Boswell as "Blue") did not
prejudice them. The witnesses were describing the defendants as they knew them, and
the names themselves did not carry any negative connotation. See United States v.
Taylor, 554 F.2d 200, 203 (5th Cir. 1977) (holding that use of alias in indictment was
permissible where there was testimony that defendant went by that name); United
States v. Skolek, 474 F.2d 582, 586 (10th Cir. 1973) (per curiam) (same). The use of
these nicknames merely assisted in the accurate identification of the defendants.
B. Wire Transfers
Andrews contends that evidence of wire transfers was improperly allowed at his
trial. First, Andrews argues that he had a Fourth Amendment right to privacy in the
records of the Western Union transfers. This argument is foreclosed by our decisions
in In re Grand Jury Proceedings, 827 F.2d 301, 303 (8th Cir. 1987), and Johnson, 28
F.3d at 1499. Andrews also argues that the Western Union records were inadmissible
hearsay. We do not agree. The "send" portions that were filled in by Andrews
constituted admissions of a party-opponent. See Johnson, 28 F.3d at 1498-99.
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C. Other Documents
Andrews argues that certain other "documents" were inadmissible as hearsay.
We note that Andrews has failed to specify which documents he takes issue with; we
assume, as the government does in its brief, that the documents at issue were slips of
paper and address books with names and telephone numbers found at the residences
of Andrews, Larry Williams, Duane Adams, Aletha Bray, Autrie Kimble, and Corissa
Murray and Jennifer Sarutzki.
It does not appear that these names and telephone numbers were offered for the
truth of the matter asserted; rather they were offered as additional evidence showing
associations among the co-defendants. See United States v. Mazyak, 650 F.2d 788,
792 (5th Cir. 1981) (holding letter to defendants not hearsay because it was offered
only to show connections between defendants and smuggling vessel). In addition, it
seems that certain papers would be admissible as statements of co-conspirators, see
Fed. R. Evid. 801(d)(2)(E), as the government had already introduced sufficient
circumstantial evidence to document the existence of a conspiracy. See United States
v. Helmel, 769 F.2d 1306, 1312-13 (8th Cir. 1985). There was no abuse of discretion
in the admission of this evidence.
VII. OTHER CLAIMS
The defendants advance several arguments that have been foreclosed by circuit
precedent. Boswell asserts that African-Americans were under-represented in the jury
pool. As Boswell acknowledges, “[w]e have consistently upheld the use of voter
registration lists to select jury pools.” United States v. Sanchez, 156 F.3d 875, 879
(8th Cir. 1998). Because Boswell has made no showing of an impediment to the
registration of minority voters, this claim must fail. See, e.g., Floyd v. Garrison, 996
F.2d 947, 949 (8th Cir. 1993); United States v. Clifford, 640 F.2d 150, 156 (8th Cir.
1981).
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Bradford, Boswell, and Andrews assert that the district court erred in allowing
the testimony of witnesses who had either entered plea agreements or received
compensation for making controlled buys. Such an argument, however, is foreclosed
by previous decisions. See United States v. Albanese, 195 F.3d 389, 394 (8th Cir.
1999); United States v. Fairchild, 189 F.3d 769, 777 (8th Cir. 1999); United States v.
Johnson, 169 F.3d 1092, 1097-98 (8th Cir. 1999).
Andrews and Banks argue that the enhanced penalties for crack, as opposed to
powder, cocaine result in a disparate impact on minorities and amount to cruel and
unusual punishment. We have repeatedly rejected this argument. See, e.g., United
States v. Bass, 121 F.3d 1218, 1222-23 (8th Cir. 1997); United States v. Carter, 91
F.3d 1196, 1198 (8th Cir. 1996) (per curiam). In the face of the precedent that has
been established on these three issues, it would serve no useful purpose to revisit them
at the present time.
VIII. CONCLUSION
For the forgoing reasons, the judgments of conviction are affirmed. We vacate
the sentences of Andrews, Harrison, and Banks, and remand for action consistent with
this opinion, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C), and Apprendi.
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HEANEY, Circuit Judge, concurring.
I concur in all aspects of the majority opinion, and Section III insofar as it relates
to the sentencing of Bradford and Boswell. I write separately to express that I only
concur with respect to the sentencing of Harrison, Andrews, and Banks in Section III
because our precedent requires me to do so.
My view is that Sturgis was incorrectly decided. I believe that Apprendi made
it quite clear that the stacking argument should not be available, at least in those cases
where the district court did not impose consecutive sentences originally. In Apprendi,
the State argued that although a twelve-year sentence had been imposed for an offense
that carried a maximum sentence of ten years, the twelve-year sentence was permissible
because the judge could have imposed consecutive sentences for two other counts. The
Supreme Court, however, stated that the additional counts were not relevant and could
not ameliorate the constitutional problem. See Apprendi v. New Jersey, 120 S. Ct.
2348, 2354 (2000).
I realize that the sentencing guidelines, particularly § 5G1.2(d), permit the use
of consecutive sentences in order to achieve what it calls “the total punishment.” As
I read Apprendi, however, a court of appeals on review cannot justify the sentence
retroactively by stating that the district court should have stacked the sentences
originally. The problem is that the district court reached the original sentence based on
a determination of the quantity of drugs involved when no quantity was charged in the
indictment. This is contrary to the spirit of Apprendi and contrary to the very specific
views of some of the Supreme Court Justices.
Consecutive sentences in drug cases are extremely rare. Moreover, U.S.S.G. §
5G1.2(d) was used only once in 2000. We had 187 authored opinions with sentencing
issues in the Eighth Circuit in 2000. Of these authored opinions, only seven cases dealt
with consecutive sentences. Only one, United States v. Ervasti, 201 F.3d 1029 (8th
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Cir. 2000), a tax evasion case, involved the application of U.S.S.G. § 5G1.2(d). There,
the district court exercised its discretion to impose a consecutive sentence initially.
Three of the other cases involved consecutive sentences for carry a weapon on
conjunction with a drug offense. See United States v. Bailey, 235 F.3d 1069 (8th Cir.
2000); United States v. Edwards, 225 F.3d 991 (8th Cir. 2000); and United States v.
Goldman, 228 F.3d 942 (8th Cir. 2000). The remaining three cases all involved
nondrug offenses where the district courts originally used their discretion to impose
consecutive sentences. See United States v. Amsden, 213 F.3d 1014, 1016 (8th Cir.
2000) (remanding for resentencing in mail threats case where district court had imposed
consecutive sentences for extreme conduct under U.S.S.G. § 5K2.8; United States v.
Waugh, 207 F.3d 1098, 1102 (8th Cir. 2000) (holding in assault and involuntary
manslaughter case that district court has discretion to impose concurrent or consecutive
sentences based on finding of whether multiple counts involved the same harm); United
States v. Lewis, 200 F.3d 1177 (8th Cir. 2000) (holding that district court should have
grouped counts of harboring illegal alien as involving substantially the same harm).
In my view, when the district court has imposed a sentence that exceeds the
statutory maximum because no drug quantities were stated in the indictment, this court
should not affirm the sentence on the theory that the district court could have given
consecutive sentences. This practice will encourage some prosecutors to continue their
current practice of refusing to charge a defendant with the quantity of drugs they seek
to hold a defendant responsible for, particularly when the prosecutor is seeking a
sentence in excess of the twenty-year maximum provided by § 841(b)(1)(C). Other
prosecutors, including some in our circuit, have had a practice of charging drug
amounts in the indictments, and there is no good reason why we should not expect all
prosecutors to do the same.
There is one additional reason for my view and that is that the statistics indicate
that 95% of defendants plead guilty. There is absolutely no reason why defendants
who agree to plead guilty should not know at the time they plead what the
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government’s intentions are with respect to the amount of drugs. The probation officer
who prepares the presentence report receives all the information he or she has from the
records of the prosecutor and law enforcement officials, whether it be a police
department, the FBI, or the DEA.
For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully concur.
A true copy.
Attest:
CLERK, U. S. COURT OF APPEALS, EIGHTH CIRCUIT.
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