United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ____________
No. 25-20221
Summary Calendar
____________
United States of America, Plaintiff—Appellee,
versus
Christopher Obaze,
Defendant—Appellant.
______________________________ Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas USDC No. 4:21-CR-502-1
______________________________
Before Stewart, Graves, and Oldham, Circuit Judges. Per Curiam:*
Christopher Obaze appeals his guilty plea convictions for conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances and aiding and assisting the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return. He raises several claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel, which we decline to review on direct appeal. See United States v. Isgar, 739 F.3d 829, 841 (5th Cir. 2014). He also _____________________
* This opinion is not designated for publication. See 5th Cir. R. 47.5. United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit
FILED
May 21, 2026 Lyle W. Cayce Clerk
Case: 25-20221 Document: 79-1 Page: 1 Date Filed: 05/21/2026
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No. 25-20221
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asserts that his guilty plea was involuntary because he did not understand his sentencing liability or know that he was pleading guilty to a felony that was punishable by 20 years in prison. However, this claim is contradicted by the record, including his own testimony at the plea hearing. He thus fails to show error, plain or otherwise. See United States v. Vonn, 535 U.S. 55, 59 (2002); Blackledge v. Allison, 431 U.S. 63, 74 (1977); United States v. King, 979 F.3d 1075, 1079-80 (5th Cir. 2020).
AFFIRMED.
Case: 25-20221 Document: 79-1 Page: 2 Date Filed: 05/21/2026
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