1994 PARTE

1994 Guidelines Manual

Chapter Two

PART E - OFFENSES INVOLVING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES AND RACKETEERING

1. RACKETEERING

 

 

Because of the jurisdictional nature of the offenses included, this subpart covers a wide variety of criminal conduct. The offense level usually will be determined by the offense level of the underlying conduct.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

2E1.1. Unlawful Conduct Relating to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 19; or

(2) the offense level applicable to the underlying racketeering activity.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 1962, 1963.

Application Notes:

1. Where there is more than one underlying offense, treat each underlying offense as if contained in a separate count of conviction for the purposes of subsection (a)(2). To determine whether subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) results in the greater offense level, apply Chapter Three, Parts A, B, C, and D to both (a)(1) and (a)(2). Use whichever subsection results in the greater offense level.

2. If the underlying conduct violates state law, the offense level corresponding to the most analogous federal offense is to be used.

3. If the offense level for the underlying racketeering activity is less than the alternative minimum level specified (i.e., 19), the alternative minimum base offense level is to be used.

4. Certain conduct may be charged in the count of conviction as part of a "pattern of racketeering activity" even though the defendant has previously been sentenced for that conduct. Where such previously imposed sentence resulted from a conviction prior to the last overt act of the instant offense, treat as a prior sentence under 4A1.2(a)(1) and not as part of the instant offense. This treatment is designed to produce a result consistent with the distinction between the instant offense and criminal history found throughout the guidelines. If this treatment produces an anomalous result in a particular case, a guideline departure may be warranted.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective June 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 26);November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 142).

2E1.2. Interstate or Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of a Racketeering Enterprise

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 6; or

(2) the offense level applicable to the underlying crime of violence or other unlawful activity in respect to which the travel or transportation was undertaken.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 1952.

Application Notes:

1. Where there is more than one underlying offense, treat each underlying offense as if contained in a separate count of conviction for the purposes of subsection (a)(2). To determine whether subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) results in the greater offense level, apply Chapter Three, Parts A, B, C, and D to both (a)(1) and (a)(2). Use whichever subsection results in the greater offense level.

2. If the underlying conduct violates state law, the offense level corresponding to the most analogous federal offense is to be used.

3. If the offense level for the underlying conduct is less than the alternative minimum base offense level specified (i.e., 6), the alternative minimum base offense level is to be used.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective June 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 27).

2E1.3. Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Activity

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 12; or

(2) the offense level applicable to the underlying crime or racketeering activity.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 1959 (formerly 18 U.S.C. 1952B).

Application Notes:

1. If the underlying conduct violates state law, the offense level corresponding to the most analogous federal offense is to be used.

2. If the offense level for the underlying conduct is less than the alternative minimum base offense level specified (i.e., 12), the alternative minimum base offense level is to be used.

Background: The conduct covered under this section ranges from threats to murder. The maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute ranges from three years to life imprisonment.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 143).

2E1.4. Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder-For-Hire

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 32; or

(2) the offense level applicable to the underlying unlawful conduct.

Commentary

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. 1958 (formerly 18 U.S.C. 1952A).

Application Note:

1. If the underlying conduct violates state law, the offense level corresponding to the most analogous federal offense is to be used.

Background: This guideline and the statute to which it applies do not require that a murder actually have been committed.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 144); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 311); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 449).

2E1.5. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E1.5 (Hobbs Act Extortion or Robbery), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 145), was deleted by consolidation with 2B3.1, 2B3.2, 2B3.3, and 2C1.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2. EXTORTIONATE EXTENSION OF CREDIT

2E2.1. Making or Financing an Extortionate Extension of Credit; Collecting an Extension of Credit by Extortionate Means

(a) Base Offense Level: 20

(b) Specific Offense Characteristics

(1) (A) If a firearm was discharged increase by 5 levels; or

(B) if a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was otherwise used, increase by 4 levels; or

(C) if a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was brandished, displayed or possessed, increase by 3 levels.

(2) If any victim sustained bodily injury, increase the offense level according to the seriousness of the injury:

Degree of Bodily Injury Increase in Level

(A) Bodily Injury add 2

(B) Serious Bodily Injury add 4

(C) Permanent or Life-Threatening Bodily Injury add 6

(D) If the degree of injury is between that specified in subdivisions (A) and (B), add 3 levels; or

(E) If the degree of injury is between that specified in subdivisions (B) and (C), add 5 levels.

Provided, however, that the combined increase from (1) and (2) shall not exceed 9 levels.

(3) (A) If any person was abducted to facilitate commission of the offense or to facilitate escape, increase by 4 levels; or

(B) if any person was physically restrained to facilitate commission of the offense or to facilitate escape, increase by 2 levels.

(c) Cross Reference

(1) If a victim was killed under circumstances that would constitute murder under 18 U.S.C. 1111 had such killing taken place within the territorial or maritime jurisdiction of the United States, apply 2A1.1 (First Degree Murder).

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 892-894.

Application Notes:

1. Definitions of "firearm," "dangerous weapon," "otherwise used," "brandished," "bodily injury," "serious bodily injury," "permanent or life-threatening bodily injury," "abducted," and "physically restrained" are found in the Commentary to 1B1.1 (Application Instructions).

2. See also Commentary to 2B3.2 (Extortion by Force or Threat of Injury or Serious Damage) regarding the interpretation of the specific offense characteristics.

Background: This section refers to offenses involving the making or financing of extortionate extensions of credit, or the collection of loans by extortionate means. These "loan-sharking" offenses typically involve threats of violence and provide economic support for organized crime. The base offense level for these offenses is higher than the offense level for extortion because loan sharking is in most cases a continuing activity. In addition, the guideline does not include the amount of money involved because the amount of money in such cases is often difficult to determine. Other enhancements parallel those in 2B3.2 (Extortion by Force or Threat of Injury or Serious Damage).

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 146-148); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 398); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 479).

3. GAMBLING

Introductory Commentary

This subpart covers a variety of proscribed conduct. The adjustments in Chapter Three, Part B (Role in the Offense) are particularly relevant in providing a measure of the scope of the offense and the defendant's participation.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

2E3.1. Gambling Offenses

(a) Base Offense Level:

(1) 12, if the offense was (A) engaging in a gambling business; (B) transmission of wagering information; or (C) committed as part of, or to facilitate, a commercial gambling operation; or

(2) 6, otherwise.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 15 U.S.C. 1172-1175; 18 U.S.C. 1082, 1301-1304, 1306, 1511, 1953, 1955. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E3.2. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E3.2 (Transmission of Wagering Information), effective November 1, 1987, was deleted by consolidation with 2E3.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E3.3. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E3.3 (Other Gambling Offenses), effective November 1, 1987, was deleted by consolidation with 2E3.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

4. TRAFFICKING IN CONTRABAND CIGARETTES

2E4.1. Unlawful Conduct Relating to Contraband Cigarettes

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 9; or

(2) the offense level from the table in 2T4.1 (Tax Table) corresponding to the amount of the tax evaded.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 2342(a), 2344(a).

Application Note:

1. "Tax evaded" refers to state excise tax.

Background: The conduct covered by this section generally involves evasion of state excise taxes. At least 60,000 cigarettes must be involved. Because this offense is basically a tax matter, it is graded by use of the tax table in 2T4.1.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

5. LABOR RACKETEERING

Introductory Commentary

The statutes included in this subpart protect the rights of employees under the Taft-Hartley Act, members of labor organizations under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, and participants of employee pension and welfare benefit plans covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

The base offense levels for many of the offenses in this subpart have been determined by reference to analogous sections of the guidelines. Thus, the base offense levels for bribery, theft, and fraud in this subpart generally correspond to similar conduct under other parts of the guidelines. The base offense levels for bribery and graft have been set higher than the level for commercial bribery due to the particular vulnerability to exploitation of the organizations covered by this subpart.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.

2E5.1. Offering, Accepting, or Soliciting a Bribe or Gratuity Affecting the Operation of an Employee Welfare or Pension Benefit Plan; Prohibited Payments or Lending of Money by Employer or Agent to Employees, Representatives, or Labor Organizations

(a) Base Offense Level:

(1) 10, if a bribe; or

(2) 6, if a gratuity.

(b) Specific Offense Characteristics

(1) If the defendant was a fiduciary of the benefit plan or labor organization, increase by 2 levels.

(2) Increase by the number of levels from the table in 2F1.1 (Fraud and Deceit) corresponding to the value of the prohibited payment or the value of the improper benefit to the payer, whichever is greater.

(c) Special Instruction for Fines - Organizations

(1) In lieu of the pecuniary loss under subsection (a)(3) of 8C2.4 (Base Fine), use the greatest of: (A) the value of the unlawful payment; (B) if a bribe, the value of the benefit received or to be received in return for the unlawful payment; or (C) if a bribe, the consequential damages resulting from the unlawful payment.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 1954; 29 U.S.C. 186.

Application Notes:

1. "Bribe" refers to the offer or acceptance of an unlawful payment with the specific understanding that it will corruptly affect an official action of the recipient.

2. "Gratuity" refers to the offer or acceptance of an unlawful payment other than a bribe.

3. "Fiduciary of the benefit plan" is defined in 29 U.S.C. 1002(21)(A) to mean a person who exercises any discretionary authority or control in respect to the management of such plan or exercises authority or control in respect to management or disposition of its assets, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other direct or indirect compensation with respect to any moneys or other property of such plan, or has any authority or responsibility to do so, or who has any discretionary authority or responsibility in the administration of such plan.

4. "Value of the improper benefit to the payer" is explained in the Commentary to 2C1.1 (Offering, Giving, Soliciting, or Receiving a Bribe; Extortion Under Color of Official Right).

5. If the adjustment for a fiduciary at 2E5.1(b)(1) applies, do not apply the adjustment at 3B1.3 (Abuse of Position of Trust or Use of Special Skill).

Background: This section covers the giving or receipt of bribes and other unlawful gratuities involving employee welfare or pension benefit plans, or labor organizations. The seriousness of the offense is determined by several factors, including the value of the bribe or gratuity and the magnitude of the loss resulting from the transaction.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 149); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 422); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E5.2. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E5.2 (Theft or Embezzlement from Employee Pension and Welfare Benefit Plans), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective June 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 28), November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 150), and November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 399), was deleted by consolidation with 2B1.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E5.3. False Statements and Concealment of Facts in Relation to Documents Required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; Failure to Maintain and Falsification of Records Required by the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act

(a) Base Offense Level (Apply the greater):

(1) 6; or

(2) If the offense was committed to facilitate or conceal a theft or embezzlement, or an offense involving a bribe or a gratuity, apply 2B1.1 or 2E5.1, as applicable.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. 1027; 29 U.S.C. 439, 461, 1131. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Background: This section covers the falsification of documents or records relating to a benefit plan covered by ERISA. It also covers failure to maintain proper documents required by the LMRDA or falsification of such documents. Such violations sometimes occur in connection with the criminal conversion of plan funds or schemes involving bribery or graft. Where a violation under this section occurs in connection with another offense, the offense level is determined by reference to the offense facilitated by the false statements or documents.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 151); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E5.4. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E5.4 (Embezzlement or Theft from Labor Unions in the Private Sector), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective June 15, 1988 (see Appendix C, amendment 29) and November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 152), was deleted by consolidation with 2B1.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E5.5. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E5.5 (Failure to Maintain and Falsification of Records Required by the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 153), was deleted by consolidation with 2E5.3 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).

2E5.6. [Deleted]

Historical Note: Section 2E5.6 (Prohibited Payments or Lending of Money by Employer or Agent to Employees, Representatives, or Labor Organizations), effective November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 422), was deleted by consolidation with 2E5.1 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 481).


United States Sentencing Commission