United States v. Margarito Cortez

Margarito Cortez pleaded guilty to (1) conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture, fifty grams or more of actual methamphetamine, and cocaine salt, and (2) distribution of fifty grams or more of actual methamphetamine. At sentencing, the only issue was whether Cortez provided a complete and truthful statement as required by United States Sentencing Guideline § 5C 1.2(a)(5) to qualify for safety valve relief. The district court 1 held that Cortez failed to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that he had been truthful and sentenced Cortez to the mandatory…