Legal News Line News
Wisconsin prepares for National Drug Take Back Day on October 26
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has announced that National Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024. More than 155 events are scheduled across the state with participation from over 275 law enforcement agencies. The initiative encourages residents to dispose of unwanted and unused medications safely.
Coalition defends HUD rule against discriminatory effects challenge
Attorney General Michelle Henry has aligned with a coalition of 19 state Attorneys General to defend the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Discriminatory Effects Rule. This rule is designed to ensure equitable access to insurance for homeowners across different classes and ethnicities.
Truist Bank resolves allegations over SunTrust's handling of trust accounts
Truist Bank has agreed to pay $9,125,000 to the United States to settle allegations related to SunTrust Bank's administration of certain trust accounts. The claims fall under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) and involve actions by SunTrust between December 2011 and December 2015. Truist Bank emerged from the merger of SunTrust with Branch Banking and Trust Company in December 2019.
Cochise County official pleads guilty in election interference case
Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced a plea deal in the Cochise County election interference case. Peggy Judd, the defendant, pleaded guilty to failing to canvass the election as required by law. This is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor under the charge of Failure or Refusal to Perform Duty by an Election Officer.
Georgia attorney pleads guilty in IRS obstruction case
A Georgia attorney, Vi Bui, has admitted guilt in a case involving the obstruction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through participation in a fraudulent tax scheme. Bui, formerly a partner at Sinnott & Co., was involved from 2012 to 2020 in promoting illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized by Jack Fisher and others. Fisher and Sinnott were previously convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Attorney General Bonta backs HUD's fight against housing discrimination
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Discriminatory Effects Rule. This rule, under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), addresses housing practices that may seem neutral but are discriminatory, causing a "disparate impact" on certain groups.
Justice Department proposes new rule on sensitive data access by foreign entities
The Justice Department has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement President Biden's Executive Order 14117, aimed at preventing access to sensitive personal data and U.S. government-related data by countries of concern. This move addresses national security threats posed by efforts from certain nations to exploit Americans' sensitive information.
Judge Ana Escobar reflects on career shaped by Spanish-speaking skills
Judge Ana Escobar, a member of the 20th Judicial District General Sessions Court, has built her career in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in Music City, she attended high school locally and graduated from Vanderbilt University before pursuing law at George Washington University.
Pierce County businessman fined over $360K for scamming local gas stations
A Pierce County judge has ordered Kevin Wilkerson, a local business owner, to pay over $360,000 in penalties and restitution. This decision follows a consumer protection lawsuit initiated by Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Division. The court found that Wilkerson and his companies, Northwest Environmental Services and Core Environmental Group, unlawfully charged gas station owners for unfinished or substandard work on underground fuel storage tanks.
Special election set for judicial nominating commissioner in District 8A
A vacancy has been announced for the position of Elective Judicial Nominating Commissioner in Judicial Election District 8A. Individuals interested in this role can now access nominating petitions to be included on the ballot. The successful candidate will serve the remainder of the term, which concludes on January 31, 2028.
Minnesota shuts down fraudulent debt firms; secures $1M refunds
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement with two debt settlement companies, Financial Solutions Group and Accelerated Debt Settlement. These companies were found to have collected illegal fees from consumers and misrepresented their services. As part of the settlement, they will cease operations in Minnesota and provide full refunds to affected customers.
Supreme Court issues orders on rule amendments
Orders of adoption have been issued by the Supreme Court regarding several matters. These include amendments to various rules and procedures.
Florida expands voter fraud awareness campaign through tax collector offices
Attorney General Ashley Moody is collaborating with the Florida Tax Collectors Association to disseminate crucial information on voter fraud and crime prevention. This initiative will provide Floridians with direct access to resources from Attorney General Moody's office, focusing on fraud detection and crime prevention. Many tax collectors are now displaying materials such as the "Scams at a Glance" brochures, Florida’s voter fraud hotline, the state’s new human trafficking hotline, and an anonymous crime-reporting tip line known as **TIPS.
North Dakota Courts website scheduled for maintenance on October 22
The North Dakota Courts have announced that the Public Access District Court Case Search and Payment Processing page on their website will undergo system maintenance. This will result in the unavailability of these services from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22nd.
Juvenile Court seeks part-time youth coordinator for flexible role
A new job opportunity has been announced for a part-time Juvenile Court Youth Coordinator position. This role involves providing services to youth and their families during their involvement with the Juvenile Court. The position offers flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, totaling approximately 20 hours per week.
Attorney General urges telecom companies to aid hurricane-hit areas with free data
Attorney General Josh Stein has called on major cell service and internet providers to assist residents of western North Carolina who are recovering from Hurricane Helene. Stein urged these companies to provide unlimited data and high-speed internet access, as well as reimburse customers for charges incurred during service outages.
West Columbia man arrested for alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Louis Alfonso Mouhteros, Jr., a 19-year-old resident of West Columbia. Mouhteros faces two charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators conducted the arrest, with assistance from the Attorney General's Office.
North Dakota Supreme Court selects clerks for upcoming term
The North Dakota Supreme Court has announced the selection of law clerks for the 2025-2026 term, which will begin on August 1, 2025. The chosen individuals will serve a one-year clerkship with the court.
Justice Department sues Rocket Mortgage over alleged racial discrimination
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against Rocket Mortgage LLC, Solidifi US Inc., Maverick Appraisal Group Inc., and Maksym Mykhailyna. The lawsuit alleges that these entities discriminated against a Black homeowner by undervaluing her home based on race during an appraisal required for a mortgage refinance application. Additionally, the complaint claims that Rocket Mortgage retaliated by canceling the homeowner's refinance application after she reported the alleged discrimination.
Josh Stein awards Dogwood honors to Triangle area leaders
Attorney General Josh Stein has recognized several individuals from the Triangle area of North Carolina with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. This award is given to those who have made significant contributions to improving the health, safety, and well-being of their communities.