United States v. Magnuson

Rudolph Carl Magnuson pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, pursuant to a written agreement. Magnuson argues that the district court erroneously imposed a two-level sentencing enhancement for using “mass-marketing” in the commission of his offense and clearly erred in assessing a $20,000 fine. We affirm.

Magnuson operated an advance fee scheme, placing ads in grocery store tabloid newspapers promising interest-free loans. After collecting “application fees” and “deposits” from unwitting victims, Magnuson kept the money for his own use and did not extend a loan to any applicants.

He objects to…