Verdict . News

Jan 13, 2026•4 min read

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

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.

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

Jan 13, 2026•4 min read

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

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.

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

•Wilson killed a man with a modified handgun after discovering he was sold a fake firearm

5th Circuit Upholds Sentence for Modified Gun Killing After Fake Sale

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the federal sentence of Jamaion Wilson, who killed a man with a modified handgun after discovering he had been sold a fake firearm. Wilson pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun under federal law.

•The weapon was equipped with a "Glock switch" that converted it to fire like a machinegun

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

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.

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

•Fifth Circuit reviews copyright dispute over 'Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)' between Vetter and Resnik parties

5th Circuit Hears Copyright Fight Over 'Double Shot' Song Rights

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a copyright ownership dispute between Cyril E. Vetter and Robert Resnik over the classic song 'Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)'. The case involves competing claims to worldwide copyright ownership of the recording.

•Vetter co-wrote the song, later recaptured rights after terminating publisher assignment

•Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment dismissing age discrimination and retaliation claims against Harris Health System

5th Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Age Bias Claims Against Harris Health

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of Harris Health System in an employment discrimination case. The court ruled that former chaplain Ayodeji Awe failed to establish a prima facie case for age discrimination under the ADEA and could not prove retaliation claims.

•Former chaplain Ayodeji Awe failed to establish prima facie case under ADEA after being denied rehiring in 2021

•Fifth Circuit affirmed two-level sentencing enhancement for distribution of child exploitation material

5th Circuit Affirms Sentencing Enhancement in Child Coercion Case

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a two-level sentencing enhancement for Bailey Warren Lowe, who was convicted of coercing a 13-year-old to send intimate images. The court rejected Lowe's argument that his conduct constituted mere solicitation, finding he actively participated in distribution through threats and specific demands.

•Court rejected defendant's argument that his conduct constituted 'mere solicitation'

•Fifth Circuit denied both panel and en banc rehearing in Johnson v. Guerrero involving Texas prison director

Fifth Circuit Denies En Banc Rehearing in Johnson Prison Rights Case

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied both panel rehearing and en banc rehearing petitions in Johnson v. Guerrero, rejecting a bid for full court review of a case involving Texas Department of Criminal Justice Director Eric Guerrero. The court polled its members, with nine judges voting against rehearing and seven in favor.

•Court split 9-7 against rehearing after polling full membership, with Judge Oldham not participating

Jan 9, 2026•4 min read

•Fifth Circuit affirmed $4 million fraud judgment against Juan Fernando Pastrana

5th Circuit Affirms $4M Fraud Judgment Against Texas Oil Executive

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a $4 million fraud judgment against Juan Fernando Pastrana, who defrauded investors in a Texas oil recycling facility scheme. The appeals court upheld both the bankruptcy court's damages award and the district court's affirmance in the multi-million dollar case.

•Case involved fraudulent oil recycling facility scheme in Harris County, Texas