Verdict . News

•Knox pled guilty to conspiracy, carjacking, and firearm charges under federal law

4th Circuit Affirms Knox Conviction in Federal Carjacking Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit dismissed in part and affirmed in part the conviction of Michael Joseph Knox in a federal carjacking and conspiracy case. Knox had pled guilty to multiple federal charges including conspiracy and brandishing firearms in furtherance of violent crimes.

•The Fourth Circuit dismissed part of his appeal while affirming the conviction

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

8th Circuit Affirms Resentencing in Vincent Strauser Drug Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed the resentencing of Vincent Neil Strauser in a drug conspiracy case. After initially reversing his career offender classification, the appeals court upheld the district court's new sentence following remand for resentencing.

•Strauser initially received 200 months for drug conspiracy and firearm charges with career offender enhancement

•Eighth Circuit reversed career offender classification in 2024, leading to resentencing with 161-192 month range

•Fourth Circuit dismissed part of Smith's appeal while affirming other portions in mixed ruling

4th Circuit Dismisses Part of Criminal Appeal in Travis Smith Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a mixed ruling in United States v. Travis Smith, dismissing part of the defendant's appeal while affirming other portions. Smith had pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment.

•Smith pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of minor, sentenced to 151 months imprisonment

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

10th Circuit Denies Role Reduction in Indian Country Assault Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed a district court's denial of a mitigating role adjustment for Jasmine Rae Valdez, who pled guilty to federal assault charges in Indian country. The appeals court upheld the lower court's sentencing decision without oral argument.

•Tenth Circuit affirmed denial of mitigating role adjustment for defendant in Indian country assault case

•Valdez pled guilty to assault with dangerous weapon and assault causing serious bodily injury under federal law

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

11th Circuit Affirms Insurance Denial in Accidental Death Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed an insurance company's denial of accidental death benefits in *Brittany Finney v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company*, ruling that the insurer properly applied a policy exclusion when the deceased's chronic diseases contributed to her death following surgery for an accidental leg fracture.

•Eleventh Circuit affirmed Metropolitan Life's denial of accidental death benefits when chronic diseases contributed to death after accidental injury

•Selina Anderson died within a week of breaking her leg in a parking lot fall, but underlying health conditions made her vulnerable to fatal surgical complications

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

11th Circuit Reviews Inmate's Mail Obstruction Claims in Civil Rights Appeal

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is considering whether to extend appeal deadlines for pro se inmate Shaun Patrick Stewart, who alleges jail staff systematically obstructed his court mail and prevented timely filing of his civil rights lawsuit appeal.

•Pro se inmate Shaun Stewart seeks appeal deadline extension, claiming jail staff obstructed his court mail

•Stewart's civil rights lawsuit against two Florida counties and jail officials was dismissed in February 2025

•Fourth Circuit vacated district court's grant of § 2255 relief to Allen Gill in firearm conviction case

4th Circuit Vacates Relief Grant in Allen Gill § 2255 Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit vacated a federal district court's decision granting post-conviction relief to Allen Gill under 28 U.S.C. § 2255. The appeals court remanded the case with instructions to reinstate Gill's three federal firearm convictions.

•Appeals court remanded with instructions to reinstate three convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)

•Fourth Circuit dismissed part of appeal while affirming Travis Smith's conviction for child exploitation charges

4th Circuit Issues Split Ruling in Child Exploitation Case

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed part of Travis Smith's appeal while affirming his conviction for coercing a minor into criminal sexual activity. Smith received 151 months in prison following a guilty plea under a written agreement.

•Smith pleaded guilty and received 151 months in prison for coercing a minor into criminal sexual activity

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

11th Circuit Vacates Sentence in Child Pornography Case Over Statutory Limit

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit granted a defendant's motion to vacate his prison sentence after finding the district court exceeded statutory limits when sentencing Randolph Ashlock for violating supervised release. The court remanded the case for resentencing on child pornography convictions.

•11th Circuit found district court exceeded statutory maximum when sentencing defendant for supervised release violation

•Ashlock was originally convicted for possession and receipt of child pornography involving victim under 12 years old