United States v. Nieves-Velez

OPINION AND ORDER

JUAN M. PÉREZ-GIMÉNEZ, District Judge.

Before the court is defendant Jose M. Nieves-Velez’s “Motion for Downward Departure and/or Variance” (Docket No. 569) and the government’s opposition (Docket No. 583). After careful consideration, the court GRANTS the defendant’s motion.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 2, 2012, a jury found defendant Jose M. Nieves-Velez (hereinafter “Defendant” or “Nieves”) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841; one count of attempt to…