Guzman submitted an emergency motion for compassionate release due to his obesity, which put him at greater risk of harm if he were to contract COVID-19. His motion was denied because "general concerns about potential exposure to COVID-19 do not
meet the criteria for extraordinary and compelling reasons for a reduction in sentence" and the court concluded that Guzman's obesity was being managed by the prison. Also, the court concluded that Guzman's criminal history of possession and distribution of illicit substances did "not favor a reduced sentence."
United States v. Guzman, No. CR 13-00565 HG-01, 2020 WL 5579548 (D. Haw. Sept. 17, 2020)
DETAILS
Decision
Date
9/17/2020
Practice Area
Criminal (Federal Charges)
Relief Requested
Release
Type of Court
Federal District Court
Location
Hawaii
Type of Case
Individual
Case Characteristics
Post-Conviction Detention [jail or prison], Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Release Granted
No
Compassionate Release Case
Yes
Case Tracking Number
1:13-cr-00565-HG
MORE CASE INFORMATION
Court Name
D. Haw.
Decision
Motion Denied
Place of Incarceration
Federal Prison
Name of Facility
United States Penitentiary Lompoc
Legal Authority
First Step Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)
Convictions
Conspiracy to Possess 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and 841 (b)(1)(A); Possession of 500 Grams or More Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A); criminal history of possessing and distributing illicit substances starting at age 12.
Case Status
Decision Made
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Obesity
Pre-Existing Health Conditions Notes
Obesity (BMI 33.2)
COVID-19 Positive or Symptomatic
No
COVID-19 in Jail Prison or Detention Center
Not Discussed
Litigation Database
Crowdsourced legal documents from around the country related to COVID-19 and incarceration, organized, collected, and summarized for public defenders, litigators, and other advocates. Created and managed by Bronx Defenders, Columbia Law School’s Center for Institutional and Social Change, UCLA Law COVID-19 Behind Bars Data Project, and Zealous. Mostly federal court opinions, but now expanding to states and legal filings, declarations, and exhibits.
This resource is designed to help lawyers, advocates, researchers, journalists, and others interested in challenging, remedying, or drawing attention to the grave risk that Covid-19 poses to individuals who are detained.