First Circuit: US v. Cortes-Medina

Sentencing.

Facts in pre-sentencing report do not preserve challenge -- where deft does not challenge the omission in the argumentative portion, the challenge is waived.

Prior arrest record is distinct from acquitted conduct in sentencing considerations.

No abuse of discretion in sentencing court's omission of the recitation of sentencing factors.

Although the explanation of the sentence was insufficient under the statute, this alone does not suffice for plain error.

The substantive reasonableness of the sentence is determined with reference to the guidelines, not the agreement of the parties.

Dissent - When a court considers prior acquitted conduct without findings of at least a preponderance, it suffices even under plain error review.

http://media.ca1.uscourts.gov/pdf.opinions/14-1101P-01A.pdf