The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed an enhanced sentence for a Tennessee man who robbed a check-cashing business and later posted threatening images on social media, according to a published opinion released Feb. 17, 2026.
Imari C. Glover, also known as Omar Glover, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery after robbing a Cash Express with help from his then-girlfriend, Shelby Beam. The case originated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where District Judge Curtis L. Collier presided over the proceedings.
The key issue in the appeal centered on events that occurred after Glover entered his guilty plea. Eleven days after signing his plea agreement, an image of a rat in the crosshairs of a riflescope appeared on Glover's Facebook profile. This social media post became central to the district court's sentencing decision and the subsequent appeal.
At sentencing, the district court enhanced Glover's Guidelines range based on the threatening Facebook image. The enhancement likely fell under provisions that allow for increased sentences when defendants engage in obstruction of justice or witness intimidation. Federal sentencing guidelines permit courts to impose longer prison terms when defendants attempt to interfere with the judicial process or threaten witnesses.
The timing of the Facebook post proved significant to the court's analysis. By posting the threatening image just 11 days after pleading guilty, Glover's actions suggested an attempt to intimidate potential witnesses or send a message about cooperation with authorities. The "rat" imagery carries particular significance in criminal cases, as it commonly refers to informants or cooperating witnesses.
Glover's defense attorney, Terra L. Bay of Chattanooga, argued the case before the three-judge panel on Jan. 28, 2026. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. McLaurin from the Knoxville office. The panel consisted of Circuit Judges Gilman, Griffin, and Murphy, with Judge Griffin authoring the opinion.
The Sixth Circuit's decision to publish the opinion indicates the court viewed the case as establishing important precedent for similar situations. Published opinions carry greater weight as legal authority and guide future cases involving social media posts and sentencing enhancements.
The Hobbs Act, under which Glover was convicted, criminalizes robbery that affects interstate commerce. Check-cashing businesses like Cash Express typically qualify for federal jurisdiction because they handle money orders and other financial instruments that cross state lines. Hobbs Act robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Federal sentencing guidelines calculate prison terms based on multiple factors, including the defendant's criminal history and specific offense characteristics. Courts can enhance sentences for various aggravating factors, including attempts to obstruct justice or intimidate witnesses. These enhancements can add years to a defendant's prison term.
The case highlights growing judicial attention to social media conduct by criminal defendants. Courts increasingly consider online posts when determining sentences, particularly when the content suggests witness intimidation or obstruction of justice. Defendants who post threatening content after arrest or conviction often face enhanced penalties.
Social media evidence has become routine in federal criminal cases. Prosecutors regularly introduce Facebook posts, Instagram photos, and other online content as evidence of criminal activity or relevant conduct. Defense attorneys must now counsel clients about the risks of social media use during pending criminal proceedings.
The timing of Glover's Facebook post particularly damaged his case. Had the image appeared before his plea agreement, it might have been viewed differently by the court. The post-plea timing suggested deliberate intimidation following his cooperation with authorities through the guilty plea.
Witness intimidation remains a serious concern in federal criminal cases. The Department of Justice has prioritized prosecution of defendants who threaten witnesses or attempt to obstruct justice. Social media platforms provide new avenues for such conduct but also create permanent records that prosecutors can use as evidence.
The Sixth Circuit's affirmance sends a clear message about the consequences of threatening social media posts. Criminal defendants who use online platforms to intimidate witnesses or obstruct justice can expect enhanced prison sentences. The published nature of the opinion ensures this precedent will guide future cases throughout Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Glover's case also demonstrates the collaborative nature of federal prosecutions. The involvement of his girlfriend, Shelby Beam, in the original robbery shows how conspiracy charges often accompany individual crimes. Federal prosecutors frequently target criminal networks rather than isolated defendants.
The decision represents the final resolution of Glover's appeal unless he seeks review by the Supreme Court. The high court accepts few criminal cases for review, making the Sixth Circuit's decision likely final. Glover must now serve his enhanced sentence as determined by the district court.