United States v. Leon J. Brandriet

Leon J. Brandriet pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and now appeals the district court’s 1 application of a two-level sentencing enhancement. For the following reasons, we affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

In September 2011, a van struck the home of Mary Ann, Espelien in Watertown, South Dakota. Espelien hired Brandriet, an independent insurance adjustor, to act as an agent on her behalf to adjust a claim with her insurer,. DeSmet Farm Mutual Insurance Company. They agreed that in exchange Brandriet would keep ten percent of payments made for reimbursement for damages to the structure and contents…