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United States v. Ward
2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 22441
3rd Cir.
2010
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Background

  • Ward, a former Penn professor, pled guilty to five counts involving sexual exploitation of minors and false statements to obtain a U.S. visa.
  • He maintained a house in Fortaleza, Brazil, where he housed J.D., J.D.'s mother, and other boys during 2006 and engaged in sexual activity with J.D. there and in the United States.
  • Ward coerced J.D. via emails to participate in a
  • growth program

Issues

Issue Plaintiff's Argument Defendant's Argument Held
Second-victim enhancement validity Ward argues the district court erred by applying the second-victim enhancement. Ward contends more than one victim should not trigger the enhancement here. Enhancement properly applied; multiple victims shown.
General sentence on multiple counts Ward contends the court imposed a single general sentence rather than count-specific sentences. Ward argues this general sentence could be illegal given varying statutory maxima. Sentence on counts was improper; remand to specify sentences per count.
Fine versus restitution Ward challenges the imposition of a $100,000 fine instead of restitution. Ward notes restitution issues and seeks restitution to victims rather than a government fine. Fine imposed for restitution error; not plain error, remand not required.

Key Cases Cited

  • United States v. Tomko, 562 F.3d 558 (3d Cir. 2009) (en banc framework for reviewing sentencing procedures)
  • United States v. Brown, 595 F.3d 498 (3d Cir. 2010) (de novo review of legal rulings and procedural sentencing issues)
  • United States v. Moriarty, 429 F.3d 1012 (11th Cir. 2005) (remand for clarification of sentence on multi-count conviction)
  • United States v. Hall, 610 F.3d 727 (D.C. Cir. 2010) (reassignment of sentences per count on remand)
  • United States v. Vitillo, 490 F.3d 314 (3d Cir. 2007) (restitution limitations and analysis)
  • United States v. Pfaff, 619 F.3d 172 (2d Cir. 2010) (plain error standard for fines when restitution not objected to)
Read the full case

Case Details

Case Name: United States v. Ward
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Date Published: Oct 27, 2010
Citation: 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 22441
Docket Number: 09-4271
Court Abbreviation: 3rd Cir.