UNITED STATES v. GASCA ROJAS (2019)

MEMORANDUM **

Martin Gasca Rojas appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges the 151-month sentence imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we affirm.

Gasca Rojas contends that the district court procedurally erred by failing to recognize its discretion to vary below the Sentencing Guidelines on policy grounds, and by failing to explain its rejection of his request for a downward variance. Contrary to the government’s waiver argument, we review both claims for plain error, see United States v. Depue, 912 F.3d 1227, 1232 (9th Cir. 2019) (en banc), and conclude that there is none. The record reflects the district court recognized its discretion but declined to exercise it. See United States v. Henderson, 649 F.3d 955, 964 (9th Cir. 2011). Moreover, the district court sufficiently explained the within-Guidelines sentence. See Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338, 358-59, 127 S.Ct. 2456, 168 L.Ed.2d 203 (2007).

AFFIRMED.