United States v. Verduzco-Mendoza

* 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this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except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.
United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit
F I L E D
March 21, 2006
Charles R. Fulbruge III
Clerk
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT
No. 04-11322
Summary Calendar
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff-Appellee,
versus
LORENZO VERDUZCO-MENDOZA,
Defendant-Appellant.
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Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Texas
USDC No. 3:03-CR-361-3
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Before KING, WIENER, and DeMOSS, Circuit Judges.
PER CURIAM:*
Lorenzo Verduzco-Mendoza pleaded guilty to one count of
conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500
grams of methamphetamine. He appeals the denial of his motion to
withdraw his guilty plea. We find no error in the district
court’s application of the factors to be considered in deciding
whether to grant a motion to withdraw. See United States v.
Carr, 740 F.2d 339, 343-44 (5th Cir. 1984). Verduzco-Mendoza’s
assertions of innocence were not made under oath, and he has

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No. 04-11322
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provided no good justification for his delay in seeking to
withdraw his guilty plea. See id.; see also United States v.
Clark, 931 F.2d 292, 294-95 (5th Cir. 1991). His plea was
knowingly and voluntarily entered and he enjoyed the close
assistance of counsel. See Carr, 740 F.2d 343-44. The district
court’s finding that Verduzco-Mendoza’s motion to withdraw his
guilty plea was an attempt to manipulate the system was not
clearly erroneous, and the court did not abuse its discretion in
denying the motion. See id. at 343-45; see also United States v.
Powell, 354 F.3d 362, 370 (5th Cir. 2003).
AFFIRMED.

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