Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

United States v. Whitfield

An attorney and two former Mississippi state judges were charged with participating in two separate bribery schemes. Since their role as presiding judges in two cases at issue had no "connection with any business, transaction, or series of transactions" of the Mississippi Administrative Office of the Courts, by its own plain language, 18 U.S.C. �666 applies neither to former judges' acceptance of bribes nor to the attorney's offering of bribes in connection with those cases. 5th U.S. Court of Appeals, No. 07-60748, 12-11-2009

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Before GARWOOD, BENAVIDES, and HAYNES, Circuit Judges.

Defendants-appellants, attorney Paul Minor and former Mississippi state judges John Whitfield and Walter (“Wes”) Teel, were charged with participating in two separate bribery schemes in which Minor arranged, guaranteed, and eventually paid off loans for Whitfield and Teel, allegedly in order to corruptly influence the outcome of cases Minor filed in their courts. A jury found all three appellants guilty of conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; mail, wire, and honest services fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1346, and 2; and federal program bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666. Additionally, Minor was convicted of racketeering in violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. § 1962. Appellants appeal their convictions and sentences on numerous grounds. For the following reasons, we VACATE all the convictions related to federal program bribery under 18 U.S.C. § 666, including the conviction of Minor and Teel for conspiracy to violate section 666. We AFFIRM all other convictions, and we REMAND for resentencing as to all appellants in accordance with this opinion.

FACTS

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
New Jersey Legal Awards 2024
October 29, 2024
East Brunswick, NJ

New Jersey Law Journal honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in New Jersey with their dedication to the profession.


Learn More
Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2024
May 15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The Legal Intelligencer honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in Pennsylvania and Delaware.


Learn More
Consulting Leaders in Technology 2024
May 16, 2024
Dallas, TX

Consulting Magazine recognizes leaders in technology across three categories Leadership, Client Service and Innovation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ASSOCIATE

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...


Apply Now ›
Associate Attorney

Associate attorney position at NJ Immigration Law firm: Leschak & Associates, LLC, based in Freehold, NJ, is looking for a full time ass...


Apply Now ›
Attorney

Seeking a compassionate and experienced estate administration attorney for growing boutique estate planning and elder law practice. Huge eq...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Clifford Law Offices, PC
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
MELICK & PORTER, LLP
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, P.C.
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements