United States v. Manuel Vargas

After pleading guilty to distributing one kilogram of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), Manuel Vargas was sentenced based on the district court’s assessment of five criminal history points. On appeal, Mr. Vargas contends that the district court erred in assessing a point based on a bond forfeiture and in refusing to depart downward from Criminal History Category III, which Mr. Vargas claims overrepresents the seriousness of his criminal conduct. For the reasons set forth in the following opinion, we vacate the judgment of the district court and remand for further proceedings consistent with…