United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Javier Roberto Rodriguez, Defendant-appellant, 972 F.2d 1346 (9th Cir. 1992)

MEMORANDUM^** 

Javier Roberto Rodriguez appeals his conviction following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) (1) and 846. Pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), Rodriguez's counsel has filed a brief stating that he finds no issues for review. Our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 83 (1988), discloses no issues for review.

The only possible issue that counsel raises is whether the district court erred by adjusting Rodriguez's offense level upward under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.1(c) based on his leadership role in the offense. This issue lacks merit because in his plea agreement Rodriguez waived the right to appeal his sentence. See United States v. Bolinger, 940 F.2d 478, 480 (9th Cir. 1991) ("an express waiver of the right to appeal in a negotiated plea of guilty is valid if knowingly and voluntarily made").

We AFFIRM the district court's judgment and GRANT the motion of Daniel Carrasco, Jr., Esq., to withdraw as counsel of record.