Thomas John Butler, appointed counsel for Vincent Knapp in this direct criminal appeal, has filed a motion to withdraw on appeal, supported by a brief prepared pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967). In response, Knapp has filed a motion to withdraw his appeal alleging his counsel has not directly communicated with him about counsel’s motion to withdraw.

Our independent review of the entire record reveals that counsel’s assessment of the relative merit of the appeal is correct. Because independent examination of the entire record reveals no arguable issues of merit on appeal as to Knapp’s convictions and sentences, counsel’s motion to withdraw is GRANTED, Knapp’s motion to withdraw his appeal is DENIED, and Knapp’s convictions and sentences are AFFIRMED.