United States v. Shed
Opinion
Kevin Shed appeals his sentences for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and for conspiracy to commit laundering of monetary proceeds. Following a remand from this court, the district court sentenced Shed to concurrent sentences of 480 and 240 months of imprisonment.
Shed first argues that his Sixth Amendment rights were violated because he was sentenced on the basis of information provided by individuals who were not subject to cross-examination. This argument is without merit. “[T]here is no Confrontation Clause right at sentencing.” United States v. Navarro, 169 F.3d 228, 236 (5th Cir. 1999).
Shed argues that the district court abused its discretion by refusing to allow him to testify at sentencing. Shed has not shown that there was a dispute over material facts that the district court could not resolve without a hearing. See United States v. Mueller, 902 F.2d 336, 347 (5th Cir. 1990). Shed had an opportunity to review the presentence report, to file objections, and to present affidavits to support his position; accordingly, the district court did not abuse its discretion by refusing to allow Shed’s testimony at sentencing. See United States v. Henderson, 19 F.3d 917, 927 (5th Cir. 1994).
Shed argues that the district court must find all sentencing facts beyond a reasonable doubt, although he concedes that this court holds that a preponderance of the evidence standard applies at sentencing. To the extent that Shed challenges United States v. Mares, 402 F.3d 511, 519 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 126 S.Ct. 43, 163 L.Ed.2d 76 (2005), as wrongfully *479 decided, one panel of this court cannot overrule a prior panel’s decision in the absence of an intervening contrary or superseding decision by this court sitting en banc or by the United States Supreme Court. See United States v. Ruff, 984 F.2d 635, 640 (5th Cir. 1993).
Finally, as Shed concedes, the remedial holding of United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005), may be retroactively applied to his case. See United States v. Charon, 442 F.3d 881, 892-93 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S —, 127 S.Ct. 260, 166 L.Ed.2d 202 (2006); United States v. Scroggins, 411 F.3d 572, 575-76 (5th Cir. 2005); see also Ruff, 984 F.2d at 640 (one panel of this court generally may not overrule another).
AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir R. 47.5.4.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Kevin SHED, Defendant-Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished