Man’s Convictions for Unclaimed Property Scheme Hold on Appeal

A Georgia man lost an appeal to undo convictions for a scheme to steal other people’s unclaimed property after the Eleventh Circuit rejected his constitutional and sufficiency-of-the evidence challenges on Monday.

The court vacated Allen Pendergrass’s 46-month prison sentence however, agreeing that the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia plainly erred when it denied him the opportunity to make a statement at his sentencing hearing.

On remand, Pendergrass will have the opportunity to say what he wishes to the judge, but that’s the extent of it. He isn’t entitled to re-argue his objections or file a new ...