United States v. Williams

MEMORANDUM

Charles Williams appeals his conviction and sentence after pleading guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2 (a), 2113(a). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and affirm.

Because the parties are familiar with the factual and procedural history of this case, we do not recount it here except as necessary to explain our decision.

1. Denial of reduction for acceptance of responsibility

Williams challenges the district court’s denial of a 3-point reduction for acceptance of responsibility. “We review for clear error a district court’s decision to deny a reduction for acceptance of responsibility.” United States v. Fleming, 215 F.3d 930, 939 (9th Cir.2000). “In reviewing a district court’s determination as to a defendant’s acceptance of responsibility, we must afford the district court ‘great deference’ because of its unique position to evaluate a defendant’s acceptance of responsibility.” United States v. Scrivener, 189 F.3d 944, 948 (9th Cir.1999) (citations and internal quotations omitted). A preponderance of the evidence standard applies to the district court’s factual findings. See United States v. Collins,…