Legal News Line News
South Dakota Commission on Access to Our Courts to meet on October 21
The South Dakota Commission on Access to Our Courts is scheduled to meet on October 21, 2024. The meeting will take place from noon to 2 p.m. CDT at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain. The public can join the session virtually through Zoom.
Former ATF analyst sentenced for PPP loan fraud
Tiesha Johnson, a former analyst for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, was sentenced in Oakland County's 6th Circuit Court to an eleven-month delayed sentence. This sentencing follows her no-contest plea to three counts of False Pretenses involving fraudulent acquisition of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the decision.
Indiana officials seek USCIS help on voter citizenship verification
Attorney General Todd Rokita and Secretary of State Diego Morales have requested assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the citizenship status of certain voters in Indiana. These voters registered without providing state-issued identification.
States challenge EPA's electric-truck mandate in court
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has taken legal action to halt an electric-vehicle mandate proposed by the Biden-Harris administration. A brief was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, opposing the rule that targets truck manufacturers. This move is part of a larger effort by 24 states, collectively challenging the mandate in Nebraska v. EPA.
Attorney General Yost sues Marysville couple for failing to deliver services
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a couple from Marysville, Ohio, alleging they failed to deliver promised services and provided subpar workmanship. The suit, filed in Union County Common Pleas Court, accuses Ransom and Maggie Kulasa and their business, MBR, of accepting payments for window and door installations without completing the agreed-upon work.
FTC updates 'Click-to-Cancel' rule with input from Pennsylvania Attorney General
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended the Negative Option Rule, also known as the "Click to Cancel" rule. This amendment incorporates several changes proposed by Henry's office to aid Pennsylvanians facing challenges with unwanted subscriptions.
South Carolina man receives life sentence for murder under hate crime statute
A South Carolina man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman. The crime took place in December 2019 in Allendale, South Carolina. On February 24, a jury found Ritter guilty on all charges, which included hate crime, federal firearms violations, and obstruction counts linked to Doe's murder.
Three convicted for fatal shooting linked to gang rivalry in Athens
Attorney General Chris Carr announced the conviction and sentencing of Anthony Brown, Glendarius Tate, and X’Zydric Faust for their roles in the fatal shooting of Ja’Vanni McDavid on March 5, 2023, in Athens, Georgia. The three individuals are members of Everybody Killa (EBK), a criminal street gang based in Athens.
Alabama man charged over alleged hack of SEC social media account
An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.
Director Rossi emphasizes pro bono work at awards dinner
Director Rachel Rossi delivered a keynote address at the Community Legal Services (CLS) 57th Annual Pro Bono Awards Dinner. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Executive Director Harvey and Andrea Ortiz, CLS’ Director of Pro Bono Services, for organizing the event. She also acknowledged Roger Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, for his office's collaboration with CLS.
Settlement reached with Hilcorp Energy over emission violations in New Mexico
The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) have reached a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company regarding violations of the Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law at its oil and gas production sites in New Mexico.
Former Tennessee mental health center owner faces tax crime charges
A federal grand jury in Nashville has indicted a former business owner on charges of failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS. The indictment alleges that Mari Alexander, from Columbia, South Carolina, who owned Ross Behavioral Group, did not remit withheld employee taxes to the IRS between 2015 and 2020.
Wilson challenges federal electric-truck mandate with support from 23 other states
Attorney General Alan Wilson has taken legal action against the Biden-Harris administration by filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The brief aims to halt an electric-vehicle mandate affecting truck manufacturers, introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A coalition of 24 states is challenging this new rule in the case of Nebraska v. EPA.
Stephanie M. Hinds appointed director of Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the appointment of Stephanie M. Hinds as the new Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA). In his announcement, Garland praised Hinds, stating, "Stephanie is a superb leader with decades of experience at the Justice Department who will be an outstanding advocate for all 94 of our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country." He highlighted her extensive career and dedication to the department.
Florida sues DHS over refusal to verify voter roll immigration records
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has initiated legal proceedings against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The lawsuit addresses DHS's refusal to verify immigration records for Florida, which aims to ensure the integrity of its voter rolls.
Southern California dentist charged with nearly $900k Medi-Cal fraud
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced criminal charges against Husam Aldairi, a Southern California dentist, and five of his employees. The group is accused of defrauding the state's Medi-Cal program of nearly $900,000 through a fraudulent billing scheme.
Justice Department files charges over alleged assassination plot involving Indian official
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed charges against Vikash Yadav, an Indian government employee, for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting a U.S. citizen in New York City. The indictment, unsealed in the Southern District of New York, accuses Yadav of orchestrating the plot from India with Nikhil Gupta, who was previously charged and extradited to the United States.
Troutman Pepper’s Sahara Shrestha and Quintessa Davis Honored with Inaugural Donald J. Ridings Service Award by Rising for Justice
Sahara Shrestha and Quintessa Davis, associates in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Donald J. Ridings Service Award by Rising for Justice.
Nelson Mullins Grows Nashville Office With Corporate Industry Veteran
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, a national full-service law firm with offices from coast to coast, is pleased to welcome partner Saraann Parker to the corporate group in Nashville, Tennessee.
State Grand Jury Declines to Criminally Charge Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer in Connection with Fatal Vehicle Collision in Secaucus, N.J., on August 16, 2023
A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Reymis Geronimo-Segura, 28, of North Bergen, New Jersey, during an encounter on August 16, 2023 with a Hudson County Sheriff’s officer in Secaucus.