Case Explained: Non-Argument Calendar UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ALEJANDRA FLOREZ-MEZA

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Filed: 2026-07-02

Docket: 1:23-cr-20069-DPG-1

The eleventh-circuit affirmed the district court’s sentence of 63 months imprisonment imposed on Alejandra Florez-Meza for conspiracy to engage in money laundering. The court held that the district court committed no procedural error in calculating her advisory sentencing range under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, specifically rejecting her challenges regarding the denial of a two-level reduction for minor role under U.S.S.G. § 3B1.2(b) and a three-level reduction for incomplete acts under U.S.S.G. § 2X1.1(b). In applying the clear error standard to factual findings and de novo review to guideline interpretation, the court determined that Florez-Meza failed to meet her burden of proving she was a minor participant in the specific conduct for which she was held accountable. The court reasoned that while she may have been a small player in a broader conspiracy, she exercised significant decision-making authority over the single transaction at issue, including negotiating her fee and recruiting others to transport the funds. Regarding the attempted offense reduction, the court found no error in denying the adjustment because Florez-Meza had completed all acts she believed necessary to launder the money prior to police intervention, placing her on the verge of completion rather than in the early planning stages where such a reduction is typically warranted. As a result of this affirmation, Florez-Meza’s conviction and 63-month prison sentence remain in effect, and no further relief or resentencing is granted.

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