Opinion
The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without oral argument. See Fed. R.App. P. 34(a)(2).
NOT FOR PUBLICATION. (See Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure Rule 36-3)
Defendant was convicted in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Lourdes G. Baird, J., of being a deported alien found in the United States. Defendant appealed, challenging his sentence. The Court of Appeals held that use of defendant's prior aggravated felony conviction which had led to his deportation as basis to enhance his sentence did not violate his rights under Apprendi.
Affirmed.
Page 517.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Lourdes G. Baird, District Judge, Presiding.
Before LEAVY, THOMAS, and RAWLINSON, Circuit Judges.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as may be provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.
Aurelio Narvaez appeals his conviction, pursuant to a guilty plea, and sentence for being a deported alien found in the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
Relying on Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), Narvaez contends that the district court erred when it increased his base offense level by 16 points, because the fact that his prior deportation followed an aggravated felony conviction was neither admitted nor proven beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. He further contends that Apprendi calls into question the continuing validity of Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 118 S.Ct. 1219, 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998). Narvaez's contentions, however, are foreclosed by our recent decision in United States v. Pacheco-Zepeda, 234 F.3d 411, 413-14 (9th Cir.2000), as amended (Feb.8, 2001).
AFFIRMED.