UNITED STATES v. SIMMONS (2020)

Oscar Fred Simmons, Jr., seeks to appeal the 108-month sentence imposed by the district court after he pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) (2018). He argues on appeal that his sentence is procedurally unreasonable because the district court did not address his nonfrivolous argument for a downward variance from the Sentencing Guidelines range. The Government contends that the appeal is barred by Simmons’ waiver of the right to appeal included in the plea agreement.

Upon review of the plea agreement and the transcript of the Fed. R. Crim. P. 11 hearing, we conclude that Simmons knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to appeal and that the issue Simmons seeks to raise on appeal falls squarely within the compass of his waiver of appellate rights. See United States v. Dillard, 891 F.3d 151, 156 (4th Cir. 2018) (stating standard of review and providing standard for enforcement of appeal waiver). Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal.

We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the material before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

DISMISSED

PER CURIAM:

Dismissed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.