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