UNITED STATES v. WILEY (2020)

MEMORANDUM **

Dejohn Wiley appeals from the district court’s judgment and challenges the 138-month sentence imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for: conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 922(a)(1)(A); being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); possession of an unregistered firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d); and distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). We dismiss.

Wiley contends that the district court abused its discretion by rejecting his sentencing entrapment argument and procedurally erred by failing to explain adequately its reasons for rejecting that argument. The government contends that this appeal is barred by the appeal waiver in the parties’ plea agreement. We review de novo whether a defendant has waived his right to appeal. See United States v. Watson, 582 F.3d 974, 981 (9th Cir. 2009). The language of the appeal waiver, which bars any challenge to Wiley’s sentence as long as it does not exceed 158 months, unambiguously encompasses the claims raised in this appeal. See id. at 986. Contrary to Wiley’s contention, the district court did not provide an unqualified advisement at the sentencing hearing that he had a right to appeal. See United States v. Arias-Espinosa, 704 F.3d 616, 619-20 (9th Cir. 2012). Accordingly, we enforce the valid appeal waiver and dismiss. See Watson, 582 F.3d at 988.

Wiley’s unopposed motion to file a late reply brief is granted. The Clerk will file the reply brief at Docket Entry No. 38.

DISMISSED.