United States v. Jose Pizano

MURPHY, Circuit Judge.

Jose Pizano pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to launder money. Although he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months for the drug conviction, he qualified for the safety valve. His guideline range was calculated at 70-87 months, and the government moved for a downward departure for his substantial assistance in investigating and prosecuting other members of the conspiracy. The district court 1 granted the substantial assistance motion and sentenced Pizano to 18 months. The government appeals the sentence, asserting…