United States v. Zachary Baca

FILED NOT FOR PUBLICATION JUN 23 2011 MOLLY C. DWYER, CLERK UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS U .S. C O U R T OF APPE ALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, No. 09-50181 Plaintiff - Appellee, D.C. No. 5:08-cr-00180-VAP v. MEMORANDUM * ZACHARY JAMES BACA, Jr., Defendant - Appellant. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Central District of California Virginia A. Phillips, District Judge, Presiding Submitted June 15, 2011 ** Before: CANBY, O’SCANNLAIN, and FISHER, Circuit Judges. Zachary James Baca, Jr., appeals from the 156-month sentence imposed following his guilty plea conviction for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(viii). We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291, and we dismiss. * This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3. ** The panel unanimously concludes this case is suitable for decision without oral argument. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2). Baca pleaded guilty pursuant to a written agreement that included an appeal waiver. He contends that the government breached the agreement by making arguments in its sentencing memorandum that were designed to influence the court to impose a higher sentence then what was called for in the agreement. This contention lacks merit. The record reflects that the government fulfilled its obligation to recommend a 151-month sentence, and the information set forth in its sentencing memorandum did not constitute a breach of the plea agreement. See United States v. Maldonado, 215 F.3d 1046, 1051-52 (9th Cir. 2000). Because the 151-month sentence was within the parameters of the appeal waiver, and the waiver was knowingly and voluntarily made, we dismiss the appeal. See United States v. Watson, 582 F.3d 974, 986 (9th Cir. 2009). DISMISSED. 2 09-50181