United States v. Hector Gomez

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States v. Hector Gomez, 470 F. App'x 568 (9th Cir. 2012)

United States v. Hector Gomez

Opinion

MEMORANDUM **

Hector Gomez appeals from the 60-month sentence imposed following his guilty-plea conviction for transportation of illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(l)(A)(ii). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we affirm.

*569 Gomez contends that the district court improperly imposed a sentencing enhancement under U.S.S.G. § 2Ll.l(b)(6) because there was inadequate evidence that he intentionally or recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. The record reflects that Gomez fled border patrol agents at a high rate of speed, nearly side-swiped a border patrol vehicle, and crashed on the premises of a junior high school, resulting in serious bodily injury to the passenger of his vehicle. Accordingly, the district court did not abuse its discretion by imposing the enhancement. See United States v. Mix, 457 F.3d 906, 911 (9th Cir. 2006).

Gomez also contends that the district court improperly imposed a four-level sentencing enhancement under U.S.S.G. § 2Ll.l(b)(7) for causing serious bodily injury because there was inadequate evidence that his actions proximately caused the passenger’s injuries. There was sufficient evidence in the record for the district court to conclude that Gomez was the cause of the passenger’s injuries. Accordingly, the district court did not abuse its discretion by imposing the serious bodily injury enhancement. See United States v. Mix, 457 F.3d 906, 911 (9th Cir. 2006).

AFFIRMED.

**

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.

Reference

Full Case Name
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Hector GOMEZ, Defendant-Appellant
Status
Unpublished