8th Cir.

United States of America v. Joshua Allen Morris

June 8, 2026 ·24-3050 ·Panel Decision ·Per Curiam · By James Taylor

The Eighth Circuit reversed the district court's sentencing decision in the case of Joshua Allen Morris. The court found that the district court did not err in its application of sentencing enhancements.

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Background

Joshua Allen Morris was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after officers found firearms and drugs during two separate stops. He pleaded guilty to one count, and the district court imposed a 110-month sentence.

The court’s reasoning

The court reasoned that the district court did not clearly err in finding that the February and June possessions were part of the same course of conduct. It also upheld the enhancement for possessing a firearm in connection with another felony offense, citing that the firearm facilitated or had the potential to facilitate the drug possession.

The district court did not clearly err in finding that the February and June possessions were part of the same course of conduct.

United States v. Mahone, 688 F.3d 907, 909 (8th Cir. 2012)

What it means going forward

The decision clarifies the application of sentencing enhancements for possession of firearms in connection with drug offenses.