United States v. Baltazar

Noe Barajas Baltazar appeals his jury conviction and sentence for conspiracy to kidnap and extort money and the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of threats to injure in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(c), 371, and 875(b). Baltazar contends: (1) that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction; (2) that the district court erred in applying upward adjustments for use of a dangerous weapon and for holding the victim longer than seven days; and (3) that the district court erred in not granting a downward departure for minor participant status.