Verdict . News

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit Affirms 27-Month Sentence in Federal Wire Fraud Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a 27-month prison sentence for Ernesto Villarreal, Jr., who was convicted of wire fraud and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The court rejected his challenge to a sentencing enhancement for abusing a position of trust.

•Fifth Circuit affirmed 27-month sentence for wire fraud and theft from federal programs

•Court rejected challenge to sentencing enhancement for abusing position of trust

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Affirms Insurance Sub-Limit in Religious Building Case

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court ruling that upheld a $100,000 insurance sub-limit for code-compliance costs in a dispute between Piatt Lake Bible Conference Association and Church Mutual Insurance Company. The religious organization sought $1.3 million in additional coverage after a building collapse.

•Sixth Circuit affirmed district court's dismissal of PLBCA's tort claims against Church Mutual Insurance

•Court upheld $100,000 insurance sub-limit for code-compliance costs despite insurer's statements about full replacement coverage

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit Affirms Dismissal in Foster v. IAMAW District Lodge 141

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's dismissal of Sheila Foster's lawsuit against her union for failing to prosecute workplace grievances. The appeals court ruled that Foster's breach of contract and misrepresentation claims were time-barred under the statute of limitations.

•Fifth Circuit affirmed dismissal of Foster's lawsuit against union for failing to prosecute her workplace grievances

•Lower court found Foster's breach of contract and misrepresentation claims were time-barred by statute of limitations

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

7th Circuit Affirms University Sexual Misconduct Expulsion in Title IX Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed Loyola University Chicago's expulsion of Matthew Metzler for sexual misconduct, rejecting his claims of sex discrimination under Title IX and breach of contract. The court found insufficient evidence to support Metzler's allegations that his 2017 expulsion constituted unlawful discrimination.

•Seventh Circuit unanimously affirmed Loyola University's expulsion of Matthew Metzler for sexual misconduct

•Court rejected Metzler's claims that expulsion violated Title IX sex discrimination prohibitions

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

8th Circuit Rules Officer's Stray Bullet That Hit Dog Owner Not 'Seizure'

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that when a police officer fires at a dog and accidentally hits the dog's owner with a stray bullet, this does not constitute a constitutional 'seizure' under the Fourth Amendment. The decision in Tina Hight v. Brian Williams clarifies the legal boundaries of police liability in unintended shooting incidents.

•Deputy Brian Williams fired at a 9-pound Pomeranian during a domestic violence call, with a stray bullet fragment hitting homeowner Tina Hight in the leg

•The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this accidental shooting does not constitute a Fourth Amendment 'seizure'

Federal Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

Federal Circuit Affirms Google Victory Over Patent Firm WSOU

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling in favor of Google LLC in a patent dispute with WSOU Investments LLC, a licensing entity also known as Brazos Licensing and Development. The January 12, 2026 ruling represents another victory for Google against patent assertion entities.

•Federal Circuit affirmed Google's victory against patent licensing entity WSOU Investments in nonprecedential ruling

•Case originated in Western District of Texas under Judge Alan Albright, known for handling major patent disputes

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

4th Circuit Affirms Bank Fraud Conviction in United States v. Seck

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction of Diape Seck on multiple counts of bank and wire fraud conspiracy following an eight-day federal trial. The court upheld a 36-month sentence and ordered $1.7 million in restitution.

•Federal jury convicted Diape Seck after eight-day trial on nine counts including conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud

•Fourth Circuit unanimously affirmed conviction and 36-month sentence with $1.7 million restitution order

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 12, 2026•4 min read

5th Circuit Affirms Wire Fraud Conviction, $125K Restitution Order

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Jennifer Lynn Thornton's appeal of her wire fraud conviction. Thornton pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting, receiving 41 months in prison and approximately $125,000 in restitution.

•Jennifer Lynn Thornton's conviction for 10 counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting was affirmed by the Fifth Circuit

•She received 41 months in prison and must pay approximately $125,000 in restitution to victims

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Jan 12, 2026•2 min read

Third Circuit Affirms Supervised Release Violation for Firearms Convict

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a district court's finding that Thomas Clay Wade violated his supervised release conditions. The non-precedential decision addressed the admissibility of out-of-court statements in violation proceedings.

•Third Circuit affirmed district court's finding that Thomas Wade violated supervised release conditions

•Court ruled good cause existed for admitting out-of-court statements in violation proceedings