Verdict . News

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal Circuit

Jan 13, 2026•4 min read

6th Circuit Affirms 11-Year Sentence for Kentucky Fentanyl Dealer

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed a 132-month prison sentence for Davaughn Ellis West, who pleaded guilty to distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. West challenged his sentence as unreasonable on appeal, but the three-judge panel rejected his arguments in a ruling filed Jan. 13, 2026.

•West received 132 months in prison plus 4 years supervised release for distributing 40+ grams of fentanyl

•The Sixth Circuit unanimously rejected West's appeal claiming his sentence was unreasonable

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal Circuit

Jan 9, 2026•4 min read

11th Circuit Upholds Healthcare Kickback Conviction for David Copeland

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has affirmed the conviction of David Byron Copeland on federal healthcare fraud charges. Copeland was found guilty by a jury in the Middle District of Florida on multiple counts of soliciting, receiving, offering, and paying healthcare kickbacks and bribes in violation of federal anti-kickback statutes.

•David Copeland convicted on five counts of healthcare kickbacks and bribes under federal anti-kickback statute

•Eleventh Circuit affirmed conviction but jury had acquitted him on conspiracy charge

•Matthew Christopher Yates, 31, sentenced to 15 years in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan

Ex-St. Augustine Teacher Gets 15 Years for Child Exploitation

A former eighth-grade teacher from St. Augustine was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 14-year-old child to produce sexually explicit material. Matthew Christopher Yates also received 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

•Former St. Augustine eighth-grade teacher attempted to entice 14-year-old to produce sexual abuse video

•Former IRS employee Hector Cavazos received a two-year federal prison sentence for preparing false tax returns

Former IRS Employee Sentenced to 2 Years for Tax Fraud Scheme

Hector Cavazos, a former Internal Revenue Service employee, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for preparing fraudulent tax returns. The case highlights serious misconduct by a government worker in a position of public trust.

•The case represents a breach of public trust by a government employee with access to sensitive tax information

•Massachusetts man sentenced to 30 months in prison for animal torture video conspiracy

Massachusetts Man Gets 30 Months for Animal Torture Video Conspiracy

A Massachusetts man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his involvement with online groups that created and distributed videos showing extreme violence and sexual abuse against animals. The federal case demonstrates law enforcement's efforts to combat organized animal cruelty networks operating online.

•Case involves online groups creating and distributing extreme animal abuse content

•Duane Watts received 54 months in prison plus 3years supervised release for unemployment fraud

Baltimore Man Gets 54 Months for $167K Unemployment Fraud Scheme

A federal judge sentenced Duane Watts, 46, of Baltimore to 54 months in prison for orchestrating an unemployment insurance fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable victims with cognitive impairments. The scheme caused financial losses exceeding $167,000 through the fraudulent use of personal identifying information.

•The scheme targeted vulnerable victims with mental status or cognitive impairments

•Felder received 157 months (over 13 years) in federal prison for leading fentanyl distribution operation

Jan 7, 2026•4 min read

D.C. Man Gets 13+ Years for Leading Fentanyl Network

Kahlil G. Felder, 41, was sentenced to 157 months in federal prison for operating a fentanyl distribution network in Washington D.C.'s Southeast Highlands neighborhood. The sentencing represents a significant federal prosecution targeting opioid trafficking operations.

•The drug network operated in Washington Highlands neighborhood in Southeast D.C.

•Hassan Hubbard received 10-year federal sentence for trafficking semiautomatic rifles and 800 rounds of ammunition

Jan 7, 2026•4 min read

Bronx Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearms Trafficking

Hassan Hubbard received a 10-year federal prison sentence for trafficking semiautomatic rifles and 800 rounds of ammunition. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced the sentencing from the Southern District of New York.

•U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced the sentencing from the Southern District of New York

•Port Arthur resident sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking

Jan 6, 2026•4 min read

Port Arthur Man Gets 19+ Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking

A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced the lengthy sentence, which reflects federal enforcement priorities against drug trafficking operations.

•Case prosecuted in Eastern District of Texas under U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs