June 8, 2026·24-2536·Panel Decision·Stras, Circuit Judge·By James Taylor
The Eighth Circuit upheld the conviction of Teslauch K. Gatkuoth for illegal firearm possession. The court found no Fourth Amendment violation in the search that uncovered the weapon.
Teslauch K. Gatkuoth was arrested after a traffic stop led to a foot chase and the discovery of a firearm in a child’s bedroom. He claimed to be an overnight guest at the house where the gun was found.
The court’s reasoning
The court determined that Gatkuoth lacked a legitimate expectation of privacy in the child’s bedroom, as he was not an overnight guest. The court also found sufficient evidence to support the jury’s verdict that Gatkuoth possessed the firearm.
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
United States v. Teslauch K. Gatkuoth, No. 24-2536, slip op. at 1 (8th Cir. June 8, 2026).
What it means going forward
The decision affirms Gatkuoth’s conviction and clarifies the application of Fourth Amendment standing in similar cases.
