Sentencing Guidelines

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: United States of America v. Christopher Williams, Jr.

Case No.: 22-3099

Officials: Easterbrook, Rovner, and Pryor, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Sentencing Guidelines

Williams pleaded guilty to four charges under 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A); (b)(1)(B), stemming from his involvement in a substantial methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. According to the prosecution, Williams played a pivotal role as a major supplier to both other dealers and individual users, facilitating the distribution of over 48 kilograms (105 pounds) of methamphetamine throughout the course of the conspiracy. The government’s investigation linked three deaths to the methamphetamine supplied by Williams. Laboratory tests conducted on various drug batches provided by Williams and seized by law enforcement revealed purity levels ranging from 96 to 100% methamphetamine.

During his sentencing hearing, ten individuals who had purchased significant quantities of methamphetamine from Williams testified, detailing the amounts they had acquired from him. Some of them also recounted threats Williams had made to coerce payment and discussed his possession and use of firearms. Law enforcement officers had also orchestrated a controlled buy, complete with audio and visual recordings, during which Williams’ associate supplied approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine.

After calculating a United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) range of 360 months to life imprisonment, the court ultimately imposed a 360-month sentence. The Seventh Circuit upheld this decision, dismissing arguments related to sentencing disparities and the application of the enhancement for credible threats of violence.

Affirmed.

Decided 10/30/23

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