Verdict . News

•Frandsen received two concurrent life sentences with 20-year fixed terms following his 2023 conviction

Idaho Supreme Court Affirms Life Sentences in Child Sexual Abuse Case

The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and life sentences of Todd Marshall Frandsen, who was found guilty in 2023 of two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen. The court issued an amended opinion on January 7, 2026, upholding the district court's judgment and rejecting Frandsen's appeal.

•The Idaho Supreme Court rejected four main arguments raised in Frandsen's appeal

Supreme Court of South Dakota

South Dakota Supreme Court Rules on Estate Undue Influence Claim

The South Dakota Supreme Court addressed a family estate dispute involving allegations that James Anthony O'Neill unduly influenced his mother's will to disinherit his siblings. The case centers on procedural issues regarding the use of prior court findings in probate proceedings.

•Tony O'Neill petitioned to probate his mother's will that left him everything and disinherited his siblings

•Siblings objected claiming the will was product of undue influence by Tony

•Kyle Xavier Wallentine received eight consecutive sentences of 8-15 years each for sexual abuse of a minor, totaling up to 120 years in prison

Wyoming Supreme Court

Wyoming Supreme Court Affirms 120-Year Sentence for Child Sex Abuse

The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a district court's decision to impose eight consecutive prison sentences totaling up to 120 years for Kyle Xavier Wallentine, who pleaded no contest to sexual abuse of a minor charges. The court rejected his pro se appeal after appointed counsel withdrew under the Anders procedure.

•His court-appointed appellate counsel withdrew under the Anders v. California procedure, indicating no meritorious grounds for appeal

Supreme Court of Minnesota

Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses on Attorney General Enforcement Authority

The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision, ruling that litigation over civil investigative demands tolls the statute of limitations for the Attorney General's civil enforcement actions. The January 7, 2026 decision in State of Minnesota Office of the Attorney General v. Madison Equities, Inc. strengthens the state's investigative authority.

•Minnesota Supreme Court ruled litigation over civil investigative demands tolls the statute of limitations for Attorney General enforcement actions

•Decision reverses Court of Appeals ruling in wage-theft investigation case against Madison Equities, Inc.

Supreme Court of South Carolina

SC Supreme Court Reverses Ruling in Property Rights Case

The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed and remanded a lower court decision in Spring Valley Interests, LLC v. The Best for Last, LLC, addressing whether state law abolished the common law rule against perpetuities for certain property interests. The case involves a perpetual option to purchase real estate.

•South Carolina Supreme Court reversed circuit court ruling in property dispute involving perpetual real estate option

•Case addresses whether 1987 state law abolished common law rule against perpetuities for commercial property transactions

•Idaho Supreme Court reversed district court judgment in estate dispute between widower and deceased wife's children

Idaho Supreme Court Reverses Estate Decision in Nelson v. Wylie

The Idaho Supreme Court reversed a district court's judgment in a contentious estate dispute involving the late Glenna Mae Wylie-Nelson. The high court vacated the lower court's decision, reversed orders denying amendment requests and awarding attorney fees, and remanded the case for further proceedings.

•Court overturned orders denying leave to amend pleadings and awarding attorney fees to respondents

•Idaho Supreme Court reversed Industrial Commission's denial of workers' compensation benefits to drywall worker Christopher Miklos

Idaho Supreme Court Reverses Workers' Comp Denial in Drywall Case

The Idaho Supreme Court reversed the Idaho Industrial Commission's denial of workers' compensation benefits to Christopher Miklos, a drywall delivery worker who injured his ankle in 2019. The court ruled the commission applied an incorrect legal standard in denying Miklos' claim for additional medical treatment.

•Court ruled the commission applied incorrect legal standard in evaluating Miklos' claim for ongoing treatment of ankle injury

•Montana Supreme Court granted writ of supervisory control over district court's denial of judicial substitution motion

Montana Supreme Court

Montana Supreme Court Grants Supervisory Writ Over Judge Substitution Denial

The Montana Supreme Court issued a writ of supervisory control on January 6, 2026, in a criminal case involving a 16-year-old defendant who challenged a district court's denial of her motion to substitute judges. The high court stayed the underlying proceedings while considering the petition.

•16-year-old defendant S.L. faces serious criminal charges including aggravated burglary and assault on peace officer

•Idaho Supreme Court reversed Industrial Commission decision denying benefits to injured drywall worker

Idaho Supreme Court Reverses Workers' Comp Decision in Miklos v. L&W Supply

The Idaho Supreme Court reversed the state Industrial Commission's decision in a workers' compensation dispute involving Christopher Miklos, who injured his ankle while working as a drywall delivery employee for L&W Supply Corporation in 2019.

•Christopher Miklos sustained ankle injury in 2019 that employer initially accepted as compensable