8th Cir.

United States of America v. Otis Rollins, Jr

June 17, 2026 ·25-3425 ·Panel Decision · By James Taylor

The Eighth Circuit affirmed the conviction and sentence of a defendant who purchased a firearm while prohibited due to felony and domestic violence convictions. The court found no error in the district court's denial of motions for acquittal or a new trial.

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Background

Otis Rollins, Jr. purchased a Ruger .380 caliber pistol from a licensed dealer in Iowa. He completed the required federal form and presented identification while knowing he was a felon, a user of controlled substances, subject to a restraining order, and had a domestic violence misdemeanor conviction. He later moved for judgment of acquittal and a new trial, which were denied.

The court’s reasoning

The court concluded the district court did not err in denying the motion for judgment of acquittal or abuse its discretion in denying the motion for a new trial. The court also found the thirty-month prison sentence was not unreasonable after weighing the relevant factors.

What it means going forward

The judgment of conviction and the thirty-month sentence are upheld, and appointed counsel is granted leave to withdraw from the case.