U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 1999

United States v. Hidalgo

United States v. Hidalgo
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit · Decided December 8, 1999 · Edmondson, Barkett, Cohill
197 F.3d 1108 (Federal Reporter, Third Series)

United States v. Hidalgo

Opinion

*1109 BARKETT, Circuit Judge:

Appellants Peter Hidalgo, Samuel Oliv-era, and Andres Campillo appeal their convictions and sentences on multiple federal drug and firearm charges. For a variety of .reasons, each appellant seeks to have his conviction overturned and his sentence vacated. Based upon the record in this case, and having considered the arguments of the parties, we find no reversible error.

We find one sentencing issue meriting discussion. Appellants contend that the district court erred in enhancing their sentence by two levels for “restraint of a victim” under § 3A1.3 of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The victim in this case was a co-conspirator who was suspected of betraying the other defendants, and who rejoined the conspiracy after he was released. The appellants argue that, as a matter of law, a co-conspirator may not be considered a victim under this provision in the guidelines. We disagree, finding that the guideline provision allowing enhancement for restraint of a victim contemplates the restraint of any victim, co-conspirátor or otherwise. Accordingly, we affirm the appellants’ convictions and sentences.

AFFIRMED.

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