Opinion
No. 06-50492 Summary Calendar.
June 28, 2007.
Joseph H. Gay, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office Western District Of Texas, San Antonio, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
Daniel Vela, Vela Del Fierro, San Antonio, TX, for Defendant-Appellant.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, USDC No. 2:05-CR-206-ALL.
Before DeMOSS, STEWART and PRADO, Circuit Judges.
Juan Arnulfo Vasquez-Munoz (Vasquez) appeals the 121-month sentence imposed following his plea of guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Vasquez challenges the imposition of a two-level enhancement for importation of methamphetamine pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1(b)(4), asserting, inter alia, that § 2D1.1(b)(4) requires proof of knowledge of importation; that the district court erred by failing to consider his knowledge; and that the evidence was insufficient to support a finding of knowledge. In the district court, however, Vasquez argued only that importation must be alleged and proven in light of United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220, 125 S.Ct. 738, 160 L.Ed.2d 621 (2005). Because Vasquez did not object to the enhancement on the ground he now raises on appeal, we review for plain error. See United States v. Garcia-Mendez, 420 F.3d 454, 456 (5th Cir. 2005), cert. denied, 546 U.S. 1199, 126 S.Ct. 1398, 164 L.Ed.2d 100 (2006). Under that standard, Vasquez must demonstrate (1) error, (2) that is plain, i.e., clear or obvious, and (3) that affected his substantial rights. See United States v. Garza-Lopez, 410 F.3d 268, 272 (5th Cir. 2005). Even if all three conditions are met, this court may exercise its discretion to correct the error only if the error "seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings." Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
The unrebutted information in the presentence report reflected that Vasquez admitted in a post-arrest statement and during his presentence interview that he agreed to transport drugs from Mexico to Dallas and that he drove the delivery car with drugs from Mexico to the United States. Accordingly, even if knowledge is a required element of a § 2D1.1(b)(4) enhancement, the evidence amply supported the imposition of the enhancement. There was no error, plain or otherwise.
The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.