⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Fifth Circuit considers Charles Ray Keys' challenge to drug and firearm convictions arising from a New Orleans house search. Investigators were looking into a child's fentanyl death connected to the property. A later search uncovered cocaine, fentanyl and guns. A jury convicted Keys of possessing drugs with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The central dispute concerns the sworn statement used to obtain the search warrant. A local detective signed it, but an FBI agent supplied much of the underlying investigation. Several statements incorrectly credited the detective with investigative steps. The trial judge allowed the evidence, finding no intent to mislead or reckless disregard for the truth. Keys' lawyer will argue that the misstatements undermined the warrant; the government will defend the ruling and argue that sufficient grounds for the search remained. Under Franks, deliberate or reckless falsehoods can invalidate a warrant if the remaining facts do not establish probable cause. The lawyers will also dispute constructive possession: whether Keys had control over the drugs and guns, even without holding them. Sentencing questions involve the Armed Career Criminal Act, which increases penalties for defendants with certain qualifying prior convictions.

United States v. Charles Ray Keys (No. 25-30664) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued November 2, 2026.