United States of America v. Rotimi Williams

United States Court of Appeals
For the Eighth Circuit
___________________________
No. 14-1152
___________________________
United States of America
lllllllllllllllllllll Plaintiff - Appellee
v.
Rotimi Williams
lllllllllllllllllllll Defendant - Appellant
____________
Appeal from United States District Court
for the District of Minnesota - St. Paul
____________
Submitted: May 23, 2014
Filed: September 17, 2014
[Unpublished]
____________
Before BYE, COLLOTON, and GRUENDER, Circuit Judges.
____________
PER CURIAM.
Rotimi Williams appeals the fourteen-month sentence imposed by the district
court following his guilty plea to conspiracy to obstruct the lawful functioning of the1
The Honorable Paul A. Magnuson, United States District Judge for the District1
of Minnesota.

-- 1 of 3 --

Internal Revenue Service and identity theft. Williams contends the sentence was
substantively unreasonable because the district court failed to give proper
consideration to his good character and years of public service. We affirm.
At times between 2008 and 2011, Williams worked as an income tax preparer.
To generate fraudulent refunds for several clients, Williams used stolen identity
information to allow his clients to claim dependents they did not have. On April 15,
2013, National Tax Day, a grand jury indicted Williams with one count of conspiracy,
in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and twelve counts of identity theft, in violation of 18
U.S.C § 1028(a)(7).
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Williams pleaded guilty to the conspiracy count
and four of the identity theft counts. Williams's adjusted offense level was calculated
to be 13, with an anticipated criminal history category of I, which yielded an advisory
guideline sentence range of 12-18 months. Williams sought a downward variance,
citing several factors, including: (a) the need to assist his half-brother who is
afflicted with end-stage renal disease, (b) that Williams is a dedicated public servant
and former employee of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity,
and (c) that Williams is a good father to his two children.
During sentencing, the district court specifically acknowledged each of the
factors cited by Williams. The district court also emphasized, however, Williams had
committed "one of the more serious crimes that stand before this Court," noting
Williams was a professional tax preparer which made his case different from the
"average guy" who cheated on his tax return. The district court also noted Williams
broke the trust upon which the voluntary tax payment system is based. The court then
imposed a within-guidelines sentence of fourteen months in prison.
Williams challenges only the substantive reasonableness of his sentence.
"When we review the imposition of sentences, whether inside or outside the
-2-

-- 2 of 3 --

Guidelines range, we apply 'a deferential abuse-of-discretion standard.'" United
States v. Feemster, 572 F.3d 455, 461 (8th Cir. 2009) (en banc) (quoting, inter alia,
Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 41 (2007)). “A district court abuses its discretion
when it (1) fails to consider a relevant factor that should have received significant
weight; (2) gives significant weight to an improper or irrelevant factor; or (3)
considers only the appropriate factors but in weighing those factors commits a clear
error of judgment.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Simply because we
"might reasonably have concluded that a different sentence was appropriate is
insufficient to justify reversal[.]" Gall, 552 U.S. at 51. "[I]t will be the unusual case
when we reverse a district court sentence—whether within, above, or below the
applicable Guidelines range—as substantively unreasonable." Feemster, 572 F.3d at
464 (quoting United States v. Gardellini, 545 F.3d 1089, 1090 (D.C. Cir. 2008)
(internal quotation marks omitted)).
Our review of the record indicates the district court properly considered the 18
U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors and imposed a within-guidelines sentence, which we
presume to be reasonable. United States v. Rubashkin, 655 F.3d 849, 869 (8th Cir.
2011). Nothing indicates the district court failed to consider a relevant factor, gave
improper weight to an improper or irrelevant factor, or committed a clear error in
judgment in weighing those factors. The district court considered Williams's
devotion to his family and community. Yet, the district court also highlighted the
seriousness of Williams's conduct and his position as a professional tax preparer. In
considering these factors and the district court's reasoning, we cannot say this is "the
unusual case" requiring reversal. Therefore, we affirm.
______________________________
-3-

-- 3 of 3 --