UNITED STATES v. MCPHERSON (2020)

MEMORANDUM **

Dennis McPherson appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges the 76-month sentence and one condition of supervised release imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we affirm.

McPherson first contends that the district court erred by applying a four-level aggravating role enhancement pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3B1.1(a). We review the district court’s factual findings for clear error and its application of the Guidelines to the facts for abuse of discretion. See United States v. Gasca-Ruiz, 852 F.3d 1167, 1170 (9th Cir. 2017) (en banc). The district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing the enhancement because the facts showed that McPherson was the primary source of supply for the distributors in the conspiracy and that he collected a larger share of the sales. See U.S.S.G. § 3B1.1 cmt. n.4; United States v. Ingham, 486 F.3d 1068, 1075-76 (9th Cir. 2007). The record does not support McPherson’s contention that the district court relied on clearly erroneous facts. See United States v. Graf, 610 F.3d 1148, 1157 (9th Cir. 2010) (“A finding is clearly erroneous if it is illogical, implausible, or without support in the record.”).

McPherson next contends that the district court procedurally erred by failing to consider mitigating evidence and respond to his arguments in favor of a lower sentence. We review for plain error, see United States v. Valencia-Barragan, 608 F.3d 1103, 1108 (9th Cir. 2010), and conclude that there is none. The record reflects the district court considered McPherson’s arguments and the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors, understood its discretion to vary from the Guidelines based on a policy disagreement, and thoroughly explained its reasons for imposing the within-Guidelines sentence, including the nature and seriousness of the offense and the need to protect the public. See United States v. Carty, 520 F.3d 984, 991-92 (9th Cir. 2008) (en banc); see also United States v. Perez-Perez, 512 F.3d 514, 516 (9th Cir. 2008) (sentencing judge need not expressly address every sentencing argument). Moreover, contrary to McPherson’s contention, the sentence is substantively reasonable in light of the § 3553(a) factors and totality of the circumstances. See Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51, 128 S.Ct. 586, 169 L.Ed.2d 445 (2007).

Lastly, McPherson argues that the condition of supervised release that permits the probation officer to require him to notify people and organizations to whom probation determines he poses a risk is unconstitutionally vague. We are not persuaded. The condition mirrors the amended language of U.S.S.G. § 5D1.3(c)(12), and does not include the language we found to be unconstitutionally vague in United States v. Evans, 883 F.3d 1154, 1163-64 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, ––– U.S. ––––, 139 S. Ct. 133, 202 L.Ed.2d 82 (2018) (discussing with approval the amended language of U.S.S.G. § 5D1.3(c)(12)). Moreover, the district court’s reasons for imposing the condition are apparent from the record. See United States v. Blinkinsop, 606 F.3d 1110, 1119 (9th Cir. 2010).

AFFIRMED.