United States v. John Blount

E. GRADY JOLLY, Circuit Judge:

*383 John Steven Blount, who pled guilty to securities fraud crimes, on appeal challenges only his two-level sentencing enhancement based on his violation of a prior administrative order. He argues first that the order, handed down by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is not an administrative order within the meaning of § 2B1.1(b)(9)(C) of the Sentencing Guidelines. Second, he argues that even assuming § 2B1.1(b)(9)(C) is applicable to the FINRA order, he did not violate its terms. We hold that, under the plain error standard of review, the…