United States v. Solomon Goddy Lato

Solomon Goddy Lato appeals his sentence for mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341 . He argues that the district court erred in finding that he had obstructed justice and that he had not accepted responsibility under the Sentencing Guidelines. We affirm.

BACKGROUND FACTS

On April 28, 1989, Solomon Goddy Lato (“Lato”) was arrested for his role in an extensive insurance fraud scheme. Evidence showed that he had obtained numerous auto insurance policies on the same vehicles. He then submitted false accident reports and claimed the accidents were his fault. Lato conspired with several individ uals who then falsely claimed to be the accident victims. Lato also submitted a false accidental death insurance claim for a non-existent wife.

Although the initial investigation of his wrongdoing contemplated state prosecution and was conducted by state authorities, Lato eventually was prosecuted for that wrongdoing on federal charges instead. After his arrest, Lato denied using any names other than Solomon Lato, although he had fraudulent social security cards and a passport using different names. He also mailed a series of letters to a witness instructing her to lie to the police and…