No. 18-7896

Ricardo Montanez-Quinones v. United States

Lower Court: First Circuit
Docketed: 2019-02-13
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: child-pornography distribution evidence knowingly-distributed knowledge plea-agreement prosecutorial-discretion sentencing-enhancement sentencing-guidelines
Key Terms:
JusticiabilityDoctri
Latest Conference: 2019-03-22
Question Presented (from Petition)

What constitutes sufficient evidence of knowledge to support two level enhancement for "knowingly engaging in distribution" of child pornography under USSG §2G2.2(b)(3)(F)? In the present case the government did not prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Petitioner "knowingly" distributed child pornography as required by the 2016 amendments to USSG §2G2.2(b)(3)(F). The government did not introduce any evidence showing Petitioner knew of the file sharing properties of the application and knowingly used the application to distribute child pornography.

Whether the prosecutor breached the terms of plea agreement. Although the prosecutor requested the court impose an 87-month sentence, as specified in the plea agreement, she breached the agreement because she failed to advocate for the bargained for sentence; repeatedly and exclusively argued that the crime was "heinous" and "exceedingly grave in nature"; analogized possession of child pornography to murder, rape and child molestation; and argued Petitioner deserved a severe punishment.

Question Presented (AI Summary)

What constitutes sufficient evidence of knowledge to support two-level enhancement for 'knowingly engaging in distribution' of child-pornography under USSG-§2G2.2(b)(3)(F)?

Docket Entries

2019-03-25
Petition DENIED.
2019-03-07
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 3/22/2019.
2019-02-27
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2019-01-22
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due March 15, 2019)

Attorneys

Ricardo Montanez-Quinones
Jane Elizabeth Lee — Petitioner
United States
Noel J. FranciscoSolicitor General, Respondent