United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Arnoldo Lopez-antillon, Defendant-appellant, 65 F.3d 178 (10th Cir. 1995)

The parties have agreed that this case may be submitted for decision on the briefs. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(f); 10th Cir. R. 34.1.2. After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a); 10th Cir. R. 34.1.9. The case is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Mr. Lopez-Antillon, convicted after a sting operation of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, appeals the enhancement of his sentence pursuant to 3B1.1(c) of the Sentencing Guidelines. We review for clear error. See United States v. Torres, 53 F.3d 1129, 1142 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, 115 S. Ct. 2599 (1995). We affirm.

The record contains ample evidence to support our conclusion that the relevant finding by the district court was not clearly erroneous. Although Mr. Lopez-Antillon did not originate or negotiate the deal that led to his arrest, the arresting officer testified that Mr. Lopez-Antillon controlled the final stages of the transaction. He ordered the release of the cocaine and coordinated with the mule to ensure its timely delivery. He counted the money. He proposed an ongoing relationship in which his suppliers would sell not less than 50 kilograms of cocaine per transaction. This evidence more than suffices to establish that Mr. Lopez-Antillon " 'exercised some degree of control over others involved in the commission of the offense.' " United States v. Bernaugh, 969 F.2d 858, 862-63 (10th Cir. 1992) (quoting United States v. Reid, 911 F.2d 1456, 1464 (10th Cir. 1990), cert. denied, 111 S. Ct. 990 (1991)).

AFFIRMED.