UNITED STATES v. TERRY (2019)

MEMORANDUM **

In these consolidated appeals, Derek Lamont Terry appeals from the district court’s judgments and challenges his guilty-plea convictions and concurrent 240-month sentences for sex trafficking of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a)(1), (b)(2), and (c), and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in prostitution, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2 and 2423(a). Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), Terry’s counsel has filed a brief stating that there are no grounds for relief, along with a motion to withdraw as counsel of record. Terry’s motion to file a pro se supplemental brief is granted. The brief has been filed and considered. No answering brief has been filed.

Terry waived his right to appeal his convictions and sentences. Our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 80, 109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988), discloses no arguable issue as to the validity of the waiver. See United States v. Watson, 582 F.3d 974, 986-88 (9th Cir. 2009). We accordingly dismiss these consolidated appeals. See id. at 988.

We decline to address on direct appeal Terry’s pro se claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. See United States v. Rahman, 642 F.3d 1257, 1259-60 (9th Cir. 2011).

Counsel’s motion to withdraw is GRANTED. Terry’s pro se motions to appoint new counsel are DENIED.

DISMISSED.