US v. George, No. 18-50268 (2-4-20)(Miller w/Owens & R. Nelson). The 9th affirms sentences for fraud convictions. This was mortgage fraud. There were nearly 5000 homeowner victims. The 9th found the district court did not err in finding “substantial” financial hardship to more than 25 victims.

Although the losses for many were around $1000, for more than 25, this amount was substantial and had ramifications. The 9th stressed it depended on context and circumstances for what was substantial. The guidelines sentence was not an abuse of discretion.

Hard fought appeal by Ben Coleman.

The decision is here:

http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2020/02/04/18-50268.pdf