Verdict . News

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

1w ago•4 min read

7th Circuit Affirms Drug Conviction Despite Surveillance Challenge

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the drug trafficking conviction of Antonio Carrazco-Martinez, rejecting his Fourth Amendment challenge to government surveillance using cell-site simulators and hidden cameras. The February 5, 2026 decision addresses key questions about modern investigative technology in criminal cases.

•Seventh Circuit affirmed drug trafficking conviction despite Fourth Amendment challenge to surveillance methods

•Government used warrant-authorized cell-site simulators and hidden cameras to investigate Chicago-Mexico drug operation

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

1w ago•4 min read

Eleventh Circuit Affirms Cocaine Distribution Sentence

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed a federal criminal sentence against Joseph Acevedo, who was convicted on cocaine distribution and firearm charges after police discovered drugs, cash, and a weapon during a traffic stop in Florida.

•Eleventh Circuit affirmed federal sentence against Joseph Acevedo for cocaine distribution and firearm charges

•Case began with traffic stop that revealed cocaine, $12,540 in cash, and loaded pistol

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fourth Circuit Affirms Drug, Firearms Convictions for Jones

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the drug and firearms convictions of Lawrence Levon Jones, rejecting his challenges to evidentiary rulings, motion denials, and sentencing enhancements. Jones received a 480-month prison sentence for his role in a drug-trafficking operation.

•Fourth Circuit affirmed Lawrence Levon Jones's drug and firearms convictions and 480-month sentence

•Jones challenged evidentiary rulings, motion denials, and sentencing enhancements on appeal

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

11th Circuit Upholds Sentence for Dominican National in Illegal Reentry Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the sentence of Jarle Del Rosario Medina, a Dominican Republic citizen who challenged his nine-month prison term for illegal reentry after deportation. The appeals court rejected his argument that the sentence was unreasonable.

•Jarle Del Rosario Medina lost his appeal challenging a 9-month sentence for illegal reentry after deportation

•The 11th Circuit affirmed the district court's decision to exceed the joint recommendation of 5 months imprisonment

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Upholds 40-Year Sentence for Fentanyl Dealer

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the conviction and 40-year prison sentence of Eugene Laron Fishback, who purchased and resold over 150,000 fentanyl-laced pills in eastern Kentucky. The appeals court rejected his challenges to both his conviction and sentencing guidelines.

•Eugene Fishback purchased over 150,000 fentanyl-laced pills and resold them in eastern Kentucky

•Sixth Circuit affirmed his 40-year federal prison sentence and rejected all appeals arguments

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

6th Circuit Affirms Drug Dealer's Conviction on Gun Charges

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the federal conviction of Lawon Carter, a repeat felon who operated drug sales from two Detroit houses while possessing loaded firearms. The court rejected Carter's challenges to the search warrant and evidence sufficiency.

•Carter operated drug sales from two Detroit houses while possessing loaded firearms as a convicted felon

•The Sixth Circuit rejected challenges to the search warrant's validity and evidence sufficiency

State Court

•Parris was sentenced to life plus 185 years for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a church during a police sting

Arkansas Supreme Court

Arkansas High Court Upholds Life Sentence for Church Zone Drug Dealer

The Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed most convictions against Kent Parris, who received life imprisonment plus 185 years for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a church during a police sting operation. The court reversed only one firearms-related conviction due to insufficient evidence.

•Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed six of seven convictions while reversing theft-by-receiving charge due to insufficient evidence about stolen firearm

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

3w ago•4 min read

8th Circuit Affirms Resentencing in Vincent Strauser Drug Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed the resentencing of Vincent Neil Strauser in a drug conspiracy case. After initially reversing his career offender classification, the appeals court upheld the district court's new sentence following remand for resentencing.

•Strauser initially received 200 months for drug conspiracy and firearm charges with career offender enhancement

•Eighth Circuit reversed career offender classification in 2024, leading to resentencing with 161-192 month range

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

3w ago•4 min read

6th Circuit Affirms 92-Month Sentence in Meth Distribution Case

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a 92-month prison sentence for Jeffrey Scott Munro, who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Munro had challenged his sentence as substantively unreasonable.

•Sixth Circuit affirmed Jeffrey Munro's 92-month sentence for methamphetamine distribution conspiracy

•Investigation revealed Munro was part of network supplying Marquette County with methamphetamine by the pound