Roberts v. United States

445 U.S. 552 (1980)

Facts

Roberts (D) plead guilty to two counts of using the phone to facilitate the distribution of heroin. At first, during the investigation of his crimes, D cooperated with the authorities. However, when asked to name suppliers, D gave evasive answers. Investigators warned D that the extent of his cooperation would bear on the charges brought against him. D provided no further information. D was sentenced to consecutive sentences of one to four years on each count and a special parole term of three years. The court stated that D was on parole from a bank robbery conviction at the time of the offenses and that he was a dealer who refused to cooperate. D appealed.