UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Mervin SPENCER, also known as Marvin Spencer, Defendant-Appellant, 234 F. App'x 233

PER CURIAM: Mervin Spencer appeals the sentence imposed after his jury conviction for one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (count one) and two counts of distribution of cocaine base (counts two and three). Because Spencer had prior drug convictions, he was sentenced to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for count three and to concurrent terms of imprisonment of 210 months for counts one and two.

On appeal, Spencer contends that the Government impermissibly manipulated his sentence by delaying his arrest until after a second controlled purchase so that the aggregate quantity of cocaine exceeded 50 grams. Sentencing factor manipulation “occurs when a defendant, although predisposed to commit a minor or lesser offense, is entrapped in committing a greater offense subject to greater punishment.” United States v. Washington, 44 F.3d 1271, 1280 n. 29 (5th Cir.1995) (internal quotation marks omitted). There is nothing in the record suggesting that the Government’s conduct was outrageous.

Spencer’s participation in the two drug transactions constituted conduct properly considered in determining Spencer’s sentence. Spencer also asserts that the district court erred by enhancing his sentence based on his prior drug convictions. Spencer cannot challenge his prior 1987, 1989, and 1990 state convictions that were alleged in the information filed by the Government because the prior convictions occurred more than five years before the date of the information filed by the Government. See 21 U.S.C. § 851(e).

After briefs had been filed, Spencer filed motions requesting this court to appoint new counsel and strike Spencer’s current appeal brief. Attorneys appointed by the district court under the Criminal Justice Act “shall continue to provide representation on appeal unless relieved by court order.” Fifth Circuit Plan Under the Criminal Justice Act, § 5(B). “Counsel may be relieved upon a showing that there is a conflict of interest or other most pressing circumstances or that the interests of justice otherwise require relief of counsel.” Id. Spencer has not made the required showing. AFFIRMED; MOTIONS DENIED.

Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.