UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EMANUAL SHORTEN (2016)

Emanual Shorten appeals the sentence imposed after he pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), 846 (2012). Counsel has filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), stating that he has found no meritorious grounds for appeal but questioning whether the district court should have granted a variance based on Shorten's family support and the sentencing disparity between cocaine base and powder cocaine. Shorten was advised of his right to file a pro se supplemental brief, but he has not done so.

Having carefully reviewed the record, we conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Shorten. See United States v. Martinovich, 810 F.3d 232, 242 (4th Cir. 2016) (stating standard of review). We discern no procedural sentencing error, see Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51 (2007), and Shorten has failed to rebut the presumption that his within-Guidelines sentence is substantively reasonable, see United States v. Louthian, 756 F.3d 295, 306 (4th Cir. 2014).

In accordance with Anders, we have reviewed the entire record for any meritorious grounds for appeal and have found none. Accordingly, we affirm Shorten's conviction and sentence. This court requires that counsel inform Shorten, in writing, of his right to petition the Supreme Court of the United States for further review. If Shorten requests that a petition be filed, but counsel believes that such a petition would be frivolous, counsel may move in this court for leave to withdraw from representation. Counsel's motion must state that a copy thereof was served on Shorten. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM: