United States v. Ashley Nehemiah Scaife
Opinion
In 2003, Ashley Scaife received a sentence of 188 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute more than fifty grams of cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”) in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. On March 11, 2009, Scaife brought a motion under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c) for a reduction in his sentence pursuant to a guidelines amendment (Amendment 706) which reduced the advisory base offense level for crack offenses by two levels. He also asked the district court 1 to conduct a full resentencing in order to weigh all the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) in support of a greater sentence reduction. The district court calculated an amended advisory guidelines range of 151-188 months and resentenced Scaife to 151 months, rejecting his request for a full resentencing.
Scaife appeals, arguing the district court had authority to conduct a full resentenc-ing and erred by not doing so. He acknowledges his argument is foreclosed by United States v. Starks, 551 F.3d 839, 843 (8th Cir. 2009) (concluding district courts do not have authority, in resentencing proceedings resulting from the crack cocaine amendments, to conduct full resentencings or grant reductions beyond the two-level decrease authorized by the Sentencing Commission), but brings this appeal in order to preserve the issue for further review.
In light of Starks, we affirm the judgment of the district court.
. The Honorable Michael J. Davis, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Appellee, v. Ashley Nehemiah SCAIFE, Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished