Topline: Kaleb Mickens pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a 2023 case where he claimed his dog killed his partner.
Published: April 13, 2026 6:00 am ET
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Kaleb Mickens, Sheila Cuevas, and the euthanized dog, Soldier (via X)
FORT WORTH, TX — A 34-year-old social media influencer was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2023 fatal assault of his girlfriend, an attack he initially told authorities was committed by his dog.
Kaleb Mickens, known online as Cash Cartier, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated assault family violence in connection with the death of Sheila Cuevas. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentence in a press release following Mickens’ plea regarding the Oct. 8, 2023, incident.
Police responded to a call from Mickens on the day of the death. He called 911 and said his dog Soldier attacked Cuevas, and she was no longer breathing. Cuevas was found deceased at the foot of her bed with several broken ribs and puncture wounds.
The dog was taken and euthanized by animal control. Investigators later determined the animal had no involvement in the injuries or death of Cuevas, the district attorney’s office said.
Mickens was also sentenced to 20 years for a probation revocation related to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. He received an additional 15 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas County.
The district attorney confirmed these previous offenses involved different women Mickens had been in relationships with. During the sentencing hearing several women provided victim impact statements.
The women described experiences of torture, manipulation, and sexual assault at the hands of Mickens. They shared messages of survival while noting Cuevas did not survive her encounter with him, according to a press release.
Cuevas’ brother addressed Mickens in court. He told the defendant, ‘there can be no justice that brings Sheila back, but there can be outcomes, and there can be accountability and you deserve this. ”
Mickens gained a following as Cash Cartier within the multi-level marketing organization IM Academy. Prosecutors said he recruited young people to his training team by promising they would earn thousands of dollars.
Mickens used his public image of wealth to manipulate people through threats and promises, according to the district attorney. Prosecutors said he used this status to hide a violent private persona.
At the peak of his career, Mickens earned $20,000 a week, as reported by Fox 4. His income had dropped by the time of Cuevas’ death.
Allenna Bangs, a Tarrant County assistant district attorney, told Fox 4 that Mickens is a master of manipulation. She described him as an abuser who used his nature to control others.
“He is a master of manipulation,” said Bangs. “He, by his nature, is just an abuser and that’s kind of what we found by investigating his case,” she added.
Bangs said Cuevas was a valedictorian with a graduate degree. She told the news outlet that Cuevas was unable to escape Mickens’ control despite having a supportive family.
Legal complications prevented a murder charge in the case. Fort Worth attorney Peter Gieseking told Fox 4 that difficulties with the medical examiner proving the specific cause of death led to the first-degree felony assault charge.
Mickens remains in custody to serve his combined sentences for the multiple assault convictions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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Texas Influencer ‘Cash Cartier’ Sentenced to 40 Years for Fatal Assault
Kaleb Mickens pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a 2023 case where he claimed his dog killed his partner.
By Kate Byrd
Published: April 13, 2026 6:00 am ET
Kaleb Mickens, Sheila Cuevas, and the euthanized dog, Soldier (via X)
FORT WORTH, TX — A 34-year-old social media influencer was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2023 fatal assault of his girlfriend, an attack he initially told authorities was committed by his dog.
Kaleb Mickens, known online as Cash Cartier, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated assault family violence in connection with the death of Sheila Cuevas. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentence in a press release following Mickens’ plea regarding the Oct. 8, 2023, incident.
Police responded to a call from Mickens on the day of the death. He called 911 and said his dog Soldier attacked Cuevas, and she was no longer breathing. Cuevas was found deceased at the foot of her bed with several broken ribs and puncture wounds.
The dog was taken and euthanized by animal control. Investigators later determined the animal had no involvement in the injuries or death of Cuevas, the district attorney’s office said.
Mickens was also sentenced to 20 years for a probation revocation related to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. He received an additional 15 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas County.
The district attorney confirmed these previous offenses involved different women Mickens had been in relationships with. During the sentencing hearing several women provided victim impact statements.
The women described experiences of torture, manipulation, and sexual assault at the hands of Mickens. They shared messages of survival while noting Cuevas did not survive her encounter with him, according to a press release.
Cuevas’ brother addressed Mickens in court. He told the defendant, ‘there can be no justice that brings Sheila back, but there can be outcomes, and there can be accountability and you deserve this. ”
Mickens gained a following as Cash Cartier within the multi-level marketing organization IM Academy. Prosecutors said he recruited young people to his training team by promising they would earn thousands of dollars.
Mickens used his public image of wealth to manipulate people through threats and promises, according to the district attorney. Prosecutors said he used this status to hide a violent private persona.
At the peak of his career, Mickens earned $20,000 a week, as reported by Fox 4. His income had dropped by the time of Cuevas’ death.
Allenna Bangs, a Tarrant County assistant district attorney, told Fox 4 that Mickens is a master of manipulation. She described him as an abuser who used his nature to control others.
“He is a master of manipulation,” said Bangs. “He, by his nature, is just an abuser and that’s kind of what we found by investigating his case,” she added.
Bangs said Cuevas was a valedictorian with a graduate degree. She told the news outlet that Cuevas was unable to escape Mickens’ control despite having a supportive family.
Legal complications prevented a murder charge in the case. Fort Worth attorney Peter Gieseking told Fox 4 that difficulties with the medical examiner proving the specific cause of death led to the first-degree felony assault charge.
Mickens remains in custody to serve his combined sentences for the multiple assault convictions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Texas Influencer ‘Cash Cartier’ Sentenced to 40 Years for Fatal Assault
Kaleb Mickens pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a 2023 case where he claimed his dog killed his partner.
By Kate Byrd
Published: April 13, 2026 6:00 am ET
Kaleb Mickens, Sheila Cuevas, and the euthanized dog, Soldier (via X)
FORT WORTH, TX — A 34-year-old social media influencer was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2023 fatal assault of his girlfriend, an attack he initially told authorities was committed by his dog.
Kaleb Mickens, known online as Cash Cartier, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated assault family violence in connection with the death of Sheila Cuevas. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentence in a press release following Mickens’ plea regarding the Oct. 8, 2023, incident.
Police responded to a call from Mickens on the day of the death. He called 911 and said his dog Soldier attacked Cuevas, and she was no longer breathing. Cuevas was found deceased at the foot of her bed with several broken ribs and puncture wounds.
The dog was taken and euthanized by animal control. Investigators later determined the animal had no involvement in the injuries or death of Cuevas, the district attorney’s office said.
Mickens was also sentenced to 20 years for a probation revocation related to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. He received an additional 15 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas County.
The district attorney confirmed these previous offenses involved different women Mickens had been in relationships with. During the sentencing hearing several women provided victim impact statements.
The women described experiences of torture, manipulation, and sexual assault at the hands of Mickens. They shared messages of survival while noting Cuevas did not survive her encounter with him, according to a press release.
Cuevas’ brother addressed Mickens in court. He told the defendant, ‘there can be no justice that brings Sheila back, but there can be outcomes, and there can be accountability and you deserve this. ”
Mickens gained a following as Cash Cartier within the multi-level marketing organization IM Academy. Prosecutors said he recruited young people to his training team by promising they would earn thousands of dollars.
Mickens used his public image of wealth to manipulate people through threats and promises, according to the district attorney. Prosecutors said he used this status to hide a violent private persona.
At the peak of his career, Mickens earned $20,000 a week, as reported by Fox 4. His income had dropped by the time of Cuevas’ death.
Allenna Bangs, a Tarrant County assistant district attorney, told Fox 4 that Mickens is a master of manipulation. She described him as an abuser who used his nature to control others.
“He is a master of manipulation,” said Bangs. “He, by his nature, is just an abuser and that’s kind of what we found by investigating his case,” she added.
Bangs said Cuevas was a valedictorian with a graduate degree. She told the news outlet that Cuevas was unable to escape Mickens’ control despite having a supportive family.
Legal complications prevented a murder charge in the case. Fort Worth attorney Peter Gieseking told Fox 4 that difficulties with the medical examiner proving the specific cause of death led to the first-degree felony assault charge.
Mickens remains in custody to serve his combined sentences for the multiple assault convictions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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