Supreme Court Report

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Natasha Nicole Newberry v. United States

IFP petition · United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, No. 24-4297 · judgment November 25, 2025


Certiorari denied · April 20, 2026

Question presented

Whether an inmate’s intercepted letter discussing introduction of contraband inside a federal prison constitutes a “substantial step” sufficient to sustain a conviction for attempt under 18 U.S.C. § 1791(a)(2), where the inmate did not have any agreements, follow up communication, or take any further action to advance the crime.

Counsel of record

For petitioner
Linn Richard Walker
Federal Public Defender

For respondent
D. John Sauer
Solicitor General

Case

Conference history
Distributed for 1 conference

Proceedings

  1. Apr 20 2026
    Petition DENIED.
  2. Mar 26 2026
    DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 4/17/2026.
  3. Mar 17 2026
    Waiver of right of respondent United States of America to respond filed.
  4. Feb 23 2026
    Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due April 3, 2026)