Verdict . News

•Sixth Circuit affirmed conviction of Khaophone Sychantha for smuggling illegal pills from Canada

6th Circuit Affirms Drug Trafficking Conviction in Cross-Border Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the conviction of Khaophone Sychantha for smuggling illegal pills from Canada into the United States. The appeals court rejected his challenges regarding jurisdiction, constitutional violations, and sentencing procedures.

•Court rejected challenges to jurisdiction, Sixth Amendment rights, and sentencing procedures

•Sixth Circuit issued published opinion on federal drug sentencing enhancements under 21 U.S.C. § 841

6th Circuit Rules on Drug Sentencing Enhancement in Aaron Loines Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a published opinion January 21 in United States v. Aaron Loines, addressing federal drug sentencing enhancement requirements under 21 U.S.C. § 841. The case examines when prior drug convictions qualify for enhanced minimum sentences.

•Case addresses when prior drug convictions qualify for enhanced minimum sentences

•Sixth Circuit affirmed denial of habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2254

6th Circuit Affirms Denial of Habeas Petition in Ohio Murder Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has affirmed a lower court's denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Ohio prisoner Jamal Dye, who was convicted of murder following a fatal shooting at a party. The federal appeals court's decision, filed January 21, 2026, upholds the district court's rejection of Dye's constitutional claims challenging his state court conviction.

•Case involves Ohio prisoner Jamal Dye convicted of murder in shooting death of James Gray

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Seventh Circuit Affirms 160-Month Sentence for Illinois Bank Robber

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has affirmed a 160-month prison sentence for Reiquon Gaines, who pleaded guilty to robbing a Wilmette, Illinois bank of approximately $7,900 in January 2020.

•Gaines robbed Wilmette bank by jumping over counter and stealing $7,900 in cash

•Led police on dangerous 61-mph chase with 3-year-old daughter in car after arrest attempt

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

4th Circuit Affirms Convictions of Four Co-Defendants in Federal Case

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the federal convictions of four co-defendants in a consolidated appeal from the Eastern District of Virginia. Nelson Evans, Kalub Shipman, Jaquate Simpson, and Landis Jackson all challenged their convictions from a 2020 criminal case.

•Fourth Circuit affirmed convictions of four co-defendants in consolidated federal appeals

•All defendants were originally convicted in Norfolk federal court under the same 2020 criminal case

•Sixth Circuit affirmed dismissal of racial discrimination claims by Detroit Water Department employee LaDonna Blewett

6th Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Detroit Water Employee Discrimination Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed a lower court's dismissal of racial discrimination claims brought by LaDonna Blewett against the City of Detroit and her supervisor at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. The appeals court upheld summary judgment on all federal and state law claims.

•Court upheld summary judgment against both the City of Detroit and supervisor Nikole Howard-Whisett on federal and state law claims

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Tenth Circuit Hears Multi-State Moxie Pest Control Case vs. Nielsen

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit issued a published decision January 21, 2026, in a case involving 23 Moxie Pest Control entities across 15 states against Kyle Nielsen and other defendants. The ruling in case No. 24-4076 affects a national pest control company with operations spanning from California to North Carolina.

•23 separate Moxie Pest Control entities across 15 states involved in federal appellate case

•Tenth Circuit published decision creates binding legal precedent for multi-state business litigation

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

10th Circuit Reviews Wrongful Conviction Case of Exonerated Kansas Man

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a civil rights lawsuit filed by the estate of Olin Coones, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 12 years in prison before being exonerated. Coones died shortly after his release, and his widow is pursuing claims against Wyandotte County officials.

•Olin Coones was wrongfully convicted of murder in 2009 and spent 12 years in prison before exoneration

•Evidence later showed the actual victim had committed the crimes and framed Coones

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

9th Circuit Affirms Arbitration Stay Lift in Premier Financial Case

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision to lift a stay pending arbitration in an employment dispute involving Premier Financial Alliance, Inc. and three plaintiffs. The unpublished memorandum decision reinforces employers' obligations to participate in arbitration processes they mandate.

•Ninth Circuit affirmed district court decision lifting arbitration stay against Premier Financial Alliance

•Court reinforced principle that employers mandating arbitration must actively participate in the process