So while this case winds its way to the Supreme Court Teel, Whitfield and Minor get new sentences for the remaining counts.(H/T Bellesouth for the order.)
As to Paul Minor, we REVERSE his conviction for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery under Count Two and his convictions for federal program bribery under Counts Twelve and Fourteen. We AFFIRM his convictions on all other counts. Because of our reversal as to Counts Two, Twelve, and Fourteen, his sentences on all counts are VACATED and the cause as to him is remanded for resentencing on all the remaining counts of conviction.
As to John Whitfield, we REVERSE his conviction for federal program bribery under Count Eleven. We AFFIRM his convictions on all other counts. Because of our reversal as to Count Eleven, his sentences on all counts are VACATED and the cause as to him is remanded for resentencing on all the remaining counts of conviction.
As to Walter Teel, we REVERSE his conviction for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery under Count Two and his conviction for federal program bribery under Count Thirteen. We AFFIRM his convictions on all other counts. Because of our reversal as to Counts Two and Thirteen, his sentences on all counts are VACATED and the cause as to him is remanded for resentencing on all the remaining counts of conviction.
Just talked to Nowdy who is on the road again. This is a HUGE deal. For reference, I take you to her post 5th Circuit Panel questions federal jurisdiction in USA v Minor, wherein she discusses at length why this is such a huge deal.
From the CL:
Belle as you know Nowdy has blogged extensively on the intersection of federal $$$$ as the basis for prosecuting on honest services and in light of today’s opinion from the 5th Circuit I rather suspect her post on the topic will wear well with time, unlike Chapter 4.
We’ll have more on this as Nowdy deserves to blow her own horn. Though a nonlawyer her blogging on this has been spot on from a legal standpoint and frankly better than anything else written in detail on this case.
sop
I know, sop! I can’t wait for Chapter 4. She has absolutely been spot-on WRT to this topic from day one.