April 8, 2026·25-3376·Panel Decision·By James Taylor
The Eighth Circuit affirmed Velma Taper's sentence for fraud offenses after reviewing the district court's ruling. The court granted counsel's motion to withdraw under Anders v. California, finding no non-frivolous issues for appeal.
Velma Taper appealed her sentence after pleading guilty to fraud offenses. Her counsel moved to withdraw and filed a brief under Anders v. California challenging the substantive reasonableness of the sentence.
The court’s reasoning
The court concluded the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Taper. After independently reviewing the record under Penson v. Ohio, the court found no non-frivolous issues for appeal.
What it means going forward
The sentence stands, and appointed counsel is permitted to withdraw from the appeal.
