Legal News Line News
Records release delayed until post-election at request of Obama-Biden legal teams
America First Legal (AFL) has reported that the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted an extension under the Presidential Records Act, delaying the release of records from Joe Biden's vice presidency. This delay, requested by representatives of both President Biden and former President Obama, postpones the public availability of these documents until November 6, 2024, the day after Election Day.
State attorneys general sue FCC over new inmate call cost regulations
Attorney General Todd Rokita is spearheading a legal challenge against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alongside 13 other states. The coalition opposes a new FCC rule that limits phone call costs for inmates, which they argue could impede local law enforcement's ability to monitor inmate communications.
Attorney General shuts down Utah-based AR Industries over illegal ghost gun sales
Attorney General William Tong announced today that Utah-based AR Industries will cease operations following a settlement with the State of Connecticut. The company was involved in selling illegal untraceable ghost gun parts.
Justice Department settles with Maryland State Police over alleged discriminatory hiring
The Justice Department has announced a settlement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) concerning allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. The United States claims that MDSP's hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. According to these allegations, the written test used by MDSP discriminates against Black candidates, while the physical fitness test discriminates against female candidates. The settlement agreement is pending approval from a federal judge.
Precision Toxicology agrees to pay $27M over false claims allegations
Precision Toxicology, operating as Precision Diagnostics, has agreed to pay $27 million to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act and similar state statutes. The company was accused of billing Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for medically unnecessary urine drug tests and providing free items to physicians who referred laboratory testing business to Precision. Based in San Diego, Precision is one of the largest urine drug testing laboratories in the United States.
Grant supports creation of El Paso County's first domestic violence fatality review board
Attorney General Phil Weiser announced that the Colorado Department of Law is granting $44,263 to TESSA. This funding will support the management of El Paso County’s newly established local domestic violence fatality review board for two years. The announcement was made during a press conference at TESSA’s offices in Colorado Springs, attended by law enforcement officials and community partners.
California Supreme Court concludes year focused on stability and key legal decisions
The California Supreme Court has completed a year marked by stability and a focus on its judicial responsibilities. Under the leadership of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, who assumed her role during the previous court year, the court addressed significant legal issues including those related to voter initiatives, COVID-19 implications, environmental law, and equal protection.
America First Legal sues White House Council over concealed records
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal action against the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), accusing it of illegally concealing records related to political appointees within the agency. This lawsuit is part of AFL's broader effort to identify individuals implementing the Biden-Harris agenda within federal institutions.
Texas hospital CEO settles kickback allegations with $5M payment
Former hospital CEO Jeffrey Madison has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to settle allegations under the False Claims Act. The claims involve illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison will also cooperate with ongoing Justice Department investigations related to these allegations.
Russian man sentenced for illegal money transmission involving over $150 million
Feliks Medvedev, a 43-year-old resident of Buford, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. Following his release, he will undergo three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $10,000 fine. This sentencing comes after Medvedev was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that facilitated the transfer of over $150 million in Russian funds.
Foster County Courthouse announces closure due to power outage
The Foster County Courthouse will close on October 3 at 1:00 PM for the rest of the day. The closure is due to a planned power outage. Those needing immediate assistance during this period can reach out to the Wells County Clerk’s office at 701-547-3122.
Randolph E. Stefanson passes away; no services planned per his wishes
Randolph E. Stefanson, a graduate of the UND Law School, passed away on September 27, 2024. He is survived by his wife Corinne, daughters Susan, Lisa, and Leslie, as well as five grandchildren: Clare, Will, Eleanor, John, and Nathanael. Stefanson was known for his dedication to advocating for those in need within the community.
GSA invites feedback for sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan
The U.S. Open Government Secretariat, part of the Government Services Administration (GSA), is inviting public comments for the development of the Sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP). This initiative is part of the United States' commitment as a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The GSA seeks input from various stakeholders, including those in public, private, advocacy, not-for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. Contributions are also encouraged from state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
State employee charged with forgery for using fake psychology credentials
Shannon McShane, 57, has been indicted on multiple charges by a statewide grand jury for allegedly using false credentials to obtain a state license as a psychologist. This allowed her to gain employment with various state agencies and serve in child custody cases across Colorado. The announcement was made by Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Justice Department unveils strategic approach to countering cybercrime
Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Head of the Criminal Division, addressed a symposium organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Her remarks focused on the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
Arizona dealer sentenced for fentanyl and methamphetamine offenses
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that Eduardo Cruz has been sentenced to five years in prison, followed by three years of probation, for dealing fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. The sentencing took place in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Over 1,000 acres returned to Onondaga Nation as part of environmental settlement
New York Attorney General Letitia James, Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams, and Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill have announced the transfer of over 1,000 acres in Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation. This significant land return is part of a settlement with Honeywell International under the Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program.
California releases inaugural report on fight against ghost gun crisis
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report from the Department of Justice's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, addressing the state's efforts against ghost guns. These firearms are made by unlicensed individuals using products sold without background checks or serial numbers. The report provides data analysis on ghost guns recovered from crimes in California and highlights the state's response to this issue.
Medicaid fraud control unit secures $700K settlement from toxicology lab
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has successfully secured over $700,000 from Precision Toxicology, LLC in a multistate legal action. The case involved allegations that the company submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for unnecessary urine drug testing and engaged in kickback practices.
Attorney General Aaron Ford highlights achievements in recent biennial report
Earlier this month, Attorney General Aaron Ford's office submitted its biennial report to the Nevada Legislature and Governor Joe Lombardo. The document, spanning over 50 pages, details the achievements of the Office of the Attorney General over the past two years.