Aberrational Conduct

United States v. Ortega, No. 09-CR-742-01 (JBW), 2010 WL 2541364 (E.D.N.Y. June 17, 2010)

Ortega pled guilty to having imported cocaine into the United States, for which he faced an advisory Guidelines range of imprisonment of between 30 and 37 months.  He was sentenced to a year-and-a-year in prison.   Why?  

This is a very serious offense involving the importation of drugs. Drugs are responsible for the destruction of many lives, especially those of young people. An incarceratory sentence is warranted. The defendant seems to be an individual of good character, in light of his supportive family and work history. The defendant's conduct seems to be aberrational, because at the time of the offense, he was under significant financial stress.