United States v. Jose Arreola

THOMAS, Circuit Judge.

In this appeal, we consider whether in using the phrases “possesses” and “uses or carries,” 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) defines two offenses or two means of committing a single offense. We conclude that the statute defines one offense, and affirm the judgment of the district court.

I

Jose Arreola appeals his conviction for the usé of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The circumstances that led to his conviction began in April 2001, when Arreola met Roberto Martinez, an undercover police officer, in a Taco Bell…