

Instagram, Wiretaps, and Rap Videos: How Investigators Built a Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
United States v. Franklin, Smith, Toombs & Duncan, (8th Cir. June 1, 2026) TL;DR The Eighth Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentences of four members of a Kansas City drug-trafficking organization known as "246." The court upheld social media search warrants, wiretap authorizations, the admission of rap lyrics and music videos, and convictions arising from a drive-by shooting connected to the conspiracy. The decision provides important guidance for law enforcement on es
5 min read


Third Circuit Upholds Hotel Room Drug-and-Gun Convictions Despite Improper Expert Testimony
United States v. Evans, No. 24-2156 (3d Cir. May 19, 2026) TL;DR The Third Circuit affirmed the convictions of a New Jersey man after police found guns, fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, packaging materials, and cash inside his hotel room. Officers discovered additional drugs hidden above ceiling tiles during the execution of a search warrant. The Court held: Officers acted reasonably when they searched the hotel room ceiling after noticing signs that con
4 min read


