United States v. George Ancheta

Defendant George Ancheta appeals his convictions for distribution of crystal methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Ancheta also appeals the sentence imposed on him under the Sentencing Guidelines, contending that the district court should not have increased his offense level based on his obstruction of justice. We affirm the district court in both respects.

I.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

On April 14, 1991, Sonny Arceo, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informant, spoke with a Robert Deguzman concerning the purchase of four to five ounces of crystal methamphetamine. Deguzman introduced Arceo to Artemio Calderon, who offered to obtain the methamphetamine for Arceo.

The next day, after several abortive attempts, Arceo and Calderon arranged to meet in a local park to conclude the transaction. Arceo and an undercover police officer waited in a car at the park. Deguzman arrived in a car driven by Ancheta. Deguz-man left the ear and completed the drug sale. Government agents then arrived and arrested Deguzman and Ancheta.

Following his arrest, Ancheta told the agents that he had driven into the park alone. He denied any…