June 8, 2026·25-1152·Panel Decision·By James Taylor
The Eighth Circuit upheld the conviction and sentence of Stephen Jay Thorp for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court found the conviction constitutional and the sentence reasonable.
Stephen Jay Thorp was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He appealed, arguing the statute was unconstitutional as applied to him and that his sentence was unreasonable.
The court’s reasoning
The court found Thorp’s constitutional challenge to be foreclosed by circuit precedent, specifically referencing United States v. Jackson. The court also determined that the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing, as it considered mitigating factors and had latitude in weighing them.
What it means going forward
The decision affirms the district court’s judgment, maintaining Thorp’s conviction and sentence.
