United States v. Huckins

Defendant-Appellee Scott James Huckins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B), and one count of criminal forfeiture, 18 U.S.C. § 2253(a)(3). Although the applicable United States Sentencing Guidelines ("U.S.S.G." or "Guidelines") (2006) range was 78 to 97 months, the district court, after weighing the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), sentenced Mr. Huckins to 18 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release, fined him $1,000, and required him to forfeit his computer equipment. The government appeals, arguing that it was substantively unreasonable for the district court to grant a downward variance. Our jurisdiction arises under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b), and we affirm.