UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA AT CHARLESTON

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ALAN K. VANCE, D.D.S. CRIMINAL ACTION NO. 2:09-00020

DEFENDANTS SENTENCING MEMORANDUM COMES NOW the Defendant, Alan K. Vance, by and through counsel, Dwane L. Tinsley, and submits this Sentencing Memorandum: I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND On February 3, 2009, Alan K. Vance signed a written plea agreement and consented to the filing of a one-count information to be filed in the United States District Court for the Southern of West Virginia charging him with tax evasion in violation of 26 U. S. C. Section 7201. On March 19, 2009, Alan K. Vance, appeared before this Honorable Court and entered a guilty plea to a one-count information charging him with tax evasion in violation of 26 U.S.C. Section 7201 in accordance with the written plea agreement. Dr. Vance was then released on a $10,000.00 personal recognizance bond and placed under the supervision of the United States Probation Office. He has been under supervision since his release and has remained in full compliance with the condition of his bond. Dr. Vance accepted responsibility for his conduct and cooperated fully with federal authorities. He is awaiting sentencing which is currently scheduled for August 7, 2009.

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II.

GUIDELINES ANALYSIS The presentence report was completed on May 11, 2009, indicating a base offense level

of eighteen (18) pursuant to U.S.S.G. Section 2T4.1(G). It should be noted that at the time this report was completed, the Probation Officer did not have all the financial information requested so a supplemental presentence report will be submitted. Per an agreement with the Probation Officer, this information was submitted a few days later. Notwithstanding, it is believed that the submission of the supplemental presentence report will not change the base offense level and have no impact on the sentencing guidelines. Pursuant to the criteria set forth in U.S.S.G. Sections 3E1.1(a) and 3E1.1(b), Dr. Vances offense level was adjusted downward by three (3) levels. As a result, the adjusted total offense level has been calculated at a guideline level of fifteen (15). In sum, and pursuant to U.S.S.G. Chapter 5, Part A, based on a total offense level of fifteen (15) and a criminal history category of I, the guideline range for imprisonment is 18 to 24 months. Defendant Vance has reviewed the presentence report and has filed four objections to minor factual matters, but agrees that the offense level has been properly calculated. As of the date of this Sentencing Memorandum, the government has not filed any objections to the presentence report. At the time of sentencing, Dr. Vance, through counsel, will respectfully request this Honorable Court to impose a sentence below this guideline range, which is now advisory, based on a number of mitigating factors indicated in this memorandum. III. PERSONAL BACKGROUND Alan K. Vance, the youngest of four sons of Kelso and Rosie Lee Vance, was born on March 6, 1956, in Logan, Logan County, West Virginia. Both of his parents and one of his brothers are deceased. His father worked as a coal miner for 33 years and his mother stayed at home to raise her sons. Dr. Vances father was a good father and hard worker that provided for

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his family. Not only did his father provide for his immediate family, he also provided for his own brothers and sisters. They lived in a small two-bedroom house in a coal camp in Holden, Logan County, West Virginia. In fact, his parents lived in the same home for 50 years. Dr. Vances father was a strong disciplinarian and taught his sons strong family values. His mother was a good woman who also imparted strong moral values and discipline to her sons. In addition to these qualities, both parents stressed education even though neither of them graduated from high school. All of the siblings graduated from high school and three of them obtained college degrees. This is a significant achievement for a Black family living in a coal camp in southern West Virginia during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Alan K. Vance graduated from Logan High School in May 1974 and enrolled at West Virginia University in August 1974. After three years of undergraduate study in chemistry, he enrolled in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and graduated with the class of 1981 with a doctorate of dental surgery although he completed all his requirements in December 1980. Upon graduating from dental school, he was a full time clinical professor at the dental school for one year. He was the first Black professor in the history of the dental school. It should be noted that from 1981 to 1991, Dr. Vance worked as a part-time professor at the School of Dentistry. After working as a professor for one year, he worked one year for an HMO in Washington, D.C., from 1981 to 1982. He returned to West Virginia in 1983 and opened private practices in Charleston and Williamson, West Virginia. In 1999, he owned and operated a dry cleaning business in Charleston, West Virginia. The dry cleaning business was closed in October 2008. A typical work week for Dr. Vance is for him to see and treat 80 to 85 adults and children for various dental needs in Charleston and Williamson, West Virginia. He makes the two hour

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trip to Williamson, West Virginia two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, and returns home to Charleston, West Virginia at approximately 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. This has been his schedule for twenty-six years and it exemplifies his dedication and commitment to his patients and love for his profession. For twenty-six years, Dr. Vance has served his community as a mentor for students, a role model to the youth, a volunteer for the less fortunate and underserved and a true friend to others. Prior to his current legal problems, Dr. Vance has never been charged or involved in any criminal activity. He is well-regarded and respected in the community. Since the onset of this investigation and his current legal predicament, Dr. Vance has continued to maintain the values that were instilled in him at an early age by his parents and has exhibited remorse for his mistake that brings him before this Honorable Court. IV. ALAN K. VANCES CHARACTER The following individuals have submitted letters in support of Alan K. Vance. Several of the letters have been mailed directly to the Court, but some have not. The following letters should have been mailed to the Court: a. b. c. d. Ron L. Tucker, Esquire, attorney, Fairmont, West Virginia; Rodney L. Stephens, M. D., Charleston, West Virginia; S. Jeanette Tyce, General Sales Manager, WHUR Radio, Washington, D. C.; Gary Bowling, Chief Financial Officer, Employers Innovative Network, Cross Lanes, West Virginia; Connie Davis, patient, Kenna, West Virginia; Ross M. Scaggs, Senior Vice President Hilliard Lyons, Huntington, West Virginia; Kimberly Morris, friend, South Charleston, West Virginia;

e. f.

g.

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h. i. j. k. l.

Coach Donnie L. Tucker, WVU Football, Morgantown, West Virginia; Alice Houben, employee, Williamson, West Virginia; Bill Wooten, friend and patient; Timothy M. Spears, DDS, Charleston, West Virginia; Christopher A. Bukant, Business Banker, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Charleston, West Virginia; and John T. Bukant, Jr., friend, Charleston, West Virginia.

m.

The following individuals have offered letters that were not mailed directly to the court and are attached as exhibits to this memorandum. The following excerpts describe these individuals opinions of Dr. Vances character: n. Willie D. Akers, Jr., Coach, patient and friend, Logan, West Virginia: He was a student athlete on the basketball team I coached. He was always respectful and a truly good person. It was with much pride that I watched him achieve his goal in becoming a dentist. He is now my dentist and my good friend. o. LaSalle P. Smith, friend, Montgomery, West Virginia: I have known Alan since we were small children growing up together in Logan. We have remained best friends for over 45 years. During that time I have been amazed as Alan has always remained diligent and hard working. Alan is a person that had certain goals and objectives he wanted to achieve in life. One of his greatest achievements was when he finished Dental School at WVU. Alan has been there as a friend to me as long as I have known him and has been there every time I called on him. p. Camille Alberico Arceneaux, RDH, MS, West Virginia Health Right, Inc., Charleston, West Virginia: When West Virginia Health Right opened its free clinic in 2001, I was hired to oversee it. I then contacted Dr. Vance and asked him to volunteer his services to help our low-income and underserved patients. He quickly agreed to volunteer his services for the clinic and he provided a much needed service for the community through 5
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his free dental care. Since that time, Dr. Vance has shown a true commitment to our free dental program. He continues to serve West Virginia Health Right patients with gentle understanding and dental expertise. He is a true hero in our dental clinic. q. William C. Hogue, friend: Alan Vance is a special person. He graduated from West Virginia University with his Dentistry Degree and, unlike so many others, he opted to stay in West Virginia and serve the community of Southern West Virginia. He is one of the few, if not the sole, black dentist in Southern West Virginia. He not only provides a vastly important service to this community, but is also an excellent role model for the youth of the area. r. Kenneth E. Tyree, Sr., Lew G. Tyree, Esquire, and Howard E. Tyree, friends, Charleston, West Virginia: To know Dr. Vance is to know one who can be depended on and who offers to Charleston, the kind of quality citizen needed for the community to grow and prosper. Many of our families have come to know and grow with Dr. Vance, as a professional and as a positive role model in the community. He can be and is an asset to this community, his family and to his friends. The community would suffer to lose him. s. James McCallister, patient and friend, Huntersville, North Carolina: I am a native of West Virginia and now reside in Huntersville, N. C. . I know for a fact that many residents of Charleston and surrounding areas depend on Dr. Vance for their primary dental care. Many of his patients began at an early age (ie, with braces) and have progressed to more involved care and procedures as they grow older. I personally depend on Dr. Vance for my dental care and drive from Huntersville to Charleston when needed. I also know that Dr. Vance is willing to make himself available in this situation and that he volunteers his time and talent to provide dental care to the indigent and less fortunate of West Virginia. t. Deborah Watson, employee, Belfry, Kentucky: I have been an employee of Dr. Vances for almost a year now where I am one of his dental assistants in his Williamson, WV office. While learning about my job, I have also come to learn about Dr. Vance. Dr. Vance helps with the youth in the area and mentors them with their advancement in society. He gives his time 6
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at free clinics and speaks at both dental and school functions. Therefore, he gives and contributes so much of himself to his community, family, and friends that he makes a difference in all of the lives that he touches. u. Lisa K. Williams, friend, Charleston, West Virginia: I have had the pleasure and distinct honor of knowing Dr. Alan Vance in a unique way for 35 years. I immediately wanted to work for Dr. Vance and become a part of helping him to achieve his goal of providing southern W. V. with the dental care they were so desperately in need of. While maintaining his office in Charleston, Dr. Vance has spent countless hours over the past 25 years driving to Southern W V to provide dental care. This shows an undeniable desire to give to a community in need. He is a role model to those that never thought they could accomplish their dream. Through his leadership and encouragement he has taught many how to excel through education and lots of hard work. The letters from the above individuals are insightful and describe their opinions of Dr. Vance. They illustrate that Dr. Vances character is one of hard work, determination, commitment, caring, family-oriented and concern for the community. Although he achieved success professionally, he did not forget where he came from or his friends, always willing to give back. The letters further illustrate that Dr. Vances character is such that a sentencing departure and/or variance would be appropriate. Upon reviewing the letters in totality, they paint a picture of an individual who has spent a large portion of his personal and professional life helping his friends and neighbors, serving the needs of his community and giving of himself whenever needed. Dr. Vance has been a strong advocate for education and has consistently provided advice and guidance to young students, instilling in them the value of hard work and perseverance. As Kimberly Morris stated in her support letter, he is one of the special role models that West Virginia needs.

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V.

SENTENCING FACTORS TO CONSIDER The Supreme Court recently examined the constitutionality of the Federal Sentencing

Act, specifically 18 U.S.C. Sections 3553 and 3742. United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005). Holding that the mandatory nature of the Guidelines violated the Sixth Amendment, the Court severed and excised subsection (b)(1) of 18 U.S.C. Section 3553, as well as subsection (e) of 18 U.S.C. Section 3742. Id. at 245-46. The Court held that any sentenced imposed is reviewed for reasonableness. The Booker decision makes the Guidelines effectively advisory. Accordingly, a sentencing court is required to consider Guideline ranges, see 18 U.S.C.A. Section 3553(a)(4) (Supp.2004), but it permits the court to tailor the sentence in light of other statutory concerns as well, see Section 3553(a) (Supp.2004), Id. The seven concerns cited by the Court include: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed (A) to reflect the seriousness of the offense, to promote respect for the law, and to provide just punishment for the offense; (B) to afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct; (C) to protect the public from further crimes of the defendant; and (D) to provide the defendant with needed educational or vocational training, medical care, or other correctional treatment in the most effective manner; (3) the kinds of sentences available; (4) the kinds of sentence and the sentencing range established for

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(A) the applicable category of offense committed by the applicable category of defendant as set forth in the guidelines; or (B) in the case of a violation of probation or supervised release, the applicable guidelines or policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to section 994(a)(3) of title 28, United States Code, taking into account any amendments made to such guidelines or Policy statement by act of Congress (regardless of whether such Amendments have yet to be incorporated by the Sentencing Commission into amendments issued under section 994(p) of title 28; (5) any pertinent policy statement; (6) the need to avoid unwarranted sentence disparities among defendants with similar records who have been found guilty of similar conduct; (7) the need to provide restitution to any victims of the offense. Id. at 268-70, citing 18 U.S.C.A. Section 3553(a). When the Court in Booker held that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are merely advisory, it reaffirmed a courts ability to depart from the applicable guideline range. In United States v. McBride, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Sixth Circuit explained that while the Guidelines remain important, they are now just one of the numerous factors that a district court must consider when sentencing a defendant. 434 F.3d 470, 475 (6th Cir. 2006). When considering a departure, the court must take into consideration all information about the defendant as directed by Section 3661, as well as the seven statutory factors of Section 3553(a), keeping in mind that the sentence will be reviewed for its reasonableness. Furthermore, after the Booker decision, many of the very factors that used to be grounds for downward departure under the Guidelines are now considered by the district court---with greater latitude---under section 3553(a). McBride, 434 F.3d, at 476 (emphasis added). In fact,

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the Sixth Circuit points out that there is not complete agreement among the courts over whether the Guideline-based departures truly even exist at this point. Id. At 477. The assertion that departures are obsolete has an element of truthfor there is now no mandatory guideline range from which to depart----and does properly shift the focus of our review to reasonableness. Id. A district court in the post-Booker era is bound by the mandate in Section 3553(a) in determining the appropriate sentence for a defendant. Vonner,__ F.3d __, 2006 WL 1770095 at *4. Included in this mandate is the instruction that the court shall impose a sentence sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the purposes set forth in the provision. Section 3553(a) (emphasis added). Even before Booker, the Supreme Court indicated that [i]t has been uniform and constant in the federal judicial tradition for the sentencing judge to consider every convicted person as an individual and every case as a unique study in the human failings that sometimes mitigate, sometimes magnify, the crime and the punishment to ensue. Koon v. United States, 518 U.S. 81, 113 (1996). As articulated by the Fourth Circuit in the case of U.S. v. Moreland, 437 F.3d 424 (4th Cir.1996): Thus, in imposing a sentence after Booker the district court must engage in a multi-step process. First, the court must correctly determine, after making appropriate findings of fact , the applicable guideline range. See United States v. Hughes, 401 F.3d 540, 546 (4th Cir.2005). Next, the court must determine whether a sentence within that rangeserves the factors set forth in 3553(a) and, if not, select a sentence [within statutory limits] that does serve those factors. United States v. Green, 436 F.3d 449, 455 (4th Cir.2006). In doing so, the district court should first look to whether a departure is appropriate based on the Guidelines Manual or relevant case law. If an appropriate basis for departure exists, the district court may depart. If the resulting departure range still does not serve the factors set forth in 3553(a), the court may then elect to impose a non-guideline sentence (a variance sentence).

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In the instant case, there are mitigating factors that suggest it is not only more reasonable, but also more just for the sentencing court to depart below the applicable guideline range and to fully consider alternative sentencing possibilities. The bases for a downward departure from the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other mitigating factors which must be considered under Section 3553(a) include: A. U.S.S.G. Section 3E1.1 Acceptance of Responsibility 1. Pursuant to USSG Section 3E1.1(a): a. Dr. Vance admitted to the conduct charged and clearly demonstrated an acceptance of responsibility for his actions relative to the offense charged. Dr. Vance has abided by all of the terms and conditions of his bond.

b.

2.

Pursuant to USSG Section 3E1.1(b): a. Dr. Vance notified the United States Attorneys Office of his intention to enter a guilty plea in a timely manner. Dr. Vances timely notification of his intent to enter a plea allowed the government to avoid the time and financial expenses that could have been incurred for trial preparation.

b.

B.

The Nature and Circumstance of the Offense 1. The offense in the instant case is a non-violent offense and will not compromise his ability to be a useful and productive member of society. Dr. Vance is not a violent person and does not present any danger to the public. This offense has caused considerable devastation to Dr. Vances personal life, most significantly, the disappointment he has caused to his family, i.e. his brothers. It has caused him extreme embarrassment with his friends, family and colleagues.

2.

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C.

The History and Characteristics of the Defendant Defendants History 1. Dr. Vance is fifty-three (53) years of age and presents an extremely low risk of committing any other crime, especially given his complete lack of a prior criminal record. Dr. Vances actions which led to the present charge are out-of-character conduct and not consistent with the character traits that he has exhibited throughout his life. Defendants Characteristics 1. Dr. Vance has spent most of his professional career providing advice and counsel to the youth, serving the needs of the community, especially, providing free dental services to low-income and underserved patients. Dr. Vance was the rock for his family when his mother was ill and after her death. Dr. Vance has always been there when his friends were having personal problems, i.e. health issues, divorce, etc.

2.

2.

3.

D.

The Need for the Sentence Imposed 1. Dr. Vances offense is less likely to be deterred by a prison sentence than it already has been deterred by the loss of his professional reputation as a dentist, the loss of his social status in the communities that he works and lives, the loss of his status as a role model to the youth and the embarrassment and humiliation felt by Dr. Vance and his family. The governments goal of criminal deterrence would not be furthered by incarceration. As opposed to incarceration, Dr. Vance has the ability to provide free dental services to low-income and underserved patients. According to the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Virginia has one of the lowest percentages of adults who go to a dentist and the state continues to lead the nation in the prevalence of residents who have lost six or more teeth to decay and/or gum disease. Poor oral health remains a neglected West Virginia epidemic. WV Healthy People 2010 reports that only one-half of West Virginians obtain

2.

3.

4.

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regular dental care. Among persons having a low income, the proportion is even higher. 5. WV Health Right located in Charleston, West Virginia is the only free full service adult dental clinic in the state. It provides the only adult dental clinic that offers comprehensive and continuous service to the uninsured poor; the dental program is a key component of WV Health Rights system of care. Arrangements have been made with Patricia H. White, Executive Director of WV Health Right, Inc., for Dr. Vance to provide dental services to patients without any other means of accessing care and treatment for oral health care. Further, Ms. White is willing to work with the Court and Probation Office to provide this needed service to a large number of patients in southern West Virginia. To further explain the critical need for dental care in southern West Virginia, Patricia H. White, will offer testimony, if needed, in support of the role that Dr. Vance could play in providing a service to a community in need.

6.

7.

Wherefore, the Defendant, Alan K. Vance, based on the foregoing reasons, would make an excellent candidate for a reduction in sentence or alternative sentencing as suggested in this Memorandum. When considering the various options that are available to this Court, the circumstances of this case and the benefit this Defendant can provide to the community as opposed to incarceration, some form of alternative sentence is appropriate in this case. Respectfully submitted, ALAN K. VANCE, D.D.S., By Counsel,

/s/ Dwane L. Tinsley, Esquire West Virginia State Bar #3767 Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, PLLC 214 Capitol Street Charleston, West Virginia 25301 Phone: (304) 346-5500 Fax: (304) 346-5515 [email protected] 13
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA AT CHARLESTON

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ALAN K. VANCE, D.D.S. CRIMINAL ACTION NO. 2:09-00020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on July 28, 2009, I served the foregoing Defendants Sentencing Memorandum with the Court using CM/ECF which will automatically serve all electronic filers. L. Anna Forbes Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney Southern District of West Virginia Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse 300 Virginia Street, East, Suite 4000 Charleston, West Virginia 25301 [email protected]

/s/ Dwane L. Tinsley, Esquire West Virginia State Bar #3767 Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, PLLC 214 Capitol Street Charleston, West Virginia 25301 Phone: (304) 346-5500 Fax: (304) 346-5515 [email protected]

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