Mark Iandolo News
EEOC targets operator of a KFC in Georgia, alleging disability discrimination
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit June 12 against Hester Foods Inc., a company that operates a Kentucky Fried Chicken facility in Dublin, Georgia, for allegations of discriminating against an employee because of her disability.
D.C. attorney general supports fiscal year 2018 budget
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced June 14 that the district council has unanimously passed a fiscal year 2018 (FY18) budget for the district that that includes more funds for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
New York settles with health industry support company after massive data breach allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced June 15 that CoPilot Provider Support Services Inc. (CoPilot), a company providing support services to the health industry, will pay $130,000 and improve its legal compliance program after allegations of violating the state’s General Business Law.
EEOC: Growers subjected female employee to sexual harassment
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit June 13 against Stemilt Growers, the largest organic tree fruit grower in the United States, for allegations of subjecting a Latina tractor driver to sexual harassment and then retaliating against her after she reported the abuse.
Orlando staffing company settles EEOC allegations of religious discrimination
ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced June 14 that HospitalityStaff, a staffing company in Orlando that focuses on Central Florida’s massive hospitality industry, will pay $30,000 after allegations of religious discrimination.
California objects to EPA administrator's decision to deny ban on pesticide chlorpyrifos
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced June 6 that he has joined with the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Maine, Maryland and Vermont in submitting legal objections to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to drop a proposed ban on chlorpyrifos.
Jury convicts psychologist in alleged social security scam
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 12 that a federal jury has convicted clinical psychologist Alfred Bradley Adkins for his role in an alleged social security disability fraud scheme.
Washington joins multistate coalition challenging Trump administration delay of new energy standards
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced June 13 that he is suing the Trump administration along with 10 other state attorneys general over allegations the administration is delaying new energy efficiency standards that will result in consumer savings and a reduction in pollution to the environment.
Ohio targets pet adoption agency that allegedly misled, defrauded clients
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced June 2 that his office has filed a lawsuit against European Adoption Consultants and owner Margaret Cole for allegations of misleading clients and taking payment for adoption services never performed.
Consumer board encourages credit card companies to use more transparent promotions
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced June 8 that it has sent letters to top retail credit card companies encouraging them to consider using more transparent promotions.
Connecticut dentist barred from Medicaid participation for 10 years
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced June 6 that a Stamford-based dentist, Georgy Betser, his wife, Irina Betser, and their companies will forfeit $755,956.30 and be excluded from participation in the state's Medicaid program for 10 years after False Claims Act violation allegations.
EPA settles with petroleum marketing company involved in 2016 California oil spill
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced June 7 that the SoCo Group Inc., a petroleum marketing and distribution company based in Carlsbad, has agreed to pay $59,400 and resolve allegations related to its 2016 oil spill in San Diego.
Florida reaches settlement with Panama City Beach vehicle rental company
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced June 7 that her office has reached a settlement with Classy Cycles Inc. and owners Colleen Swab and Rich R. Roof after allegations of charging consumers for damage that did not occur.
New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky urge FCC to deny 'ringless robocall' petition
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced June 5 that they are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a petition requesting that so-called “ringless robocalls” be exempt from consumer protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Massachusetts joins coalition opposing the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced June 7 that she has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in opposing a federal bill that would cut the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
California receives $53.25 million of multistate settlement involving Dish Network
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced June 6 that California will receive $53.25 million after a judgment was levied against Dish Network in a national telemarketing case.
Justice Department issues memo ending third party settlement practice
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced June 7 that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued a memo ending the DOJ’s third party settlement practice.
FTC continues crackdown on tech support scams with recent $1 million settlement
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced June 7 that it has obtained settlements with a group of defendants based in St. Louis who allegedly tricked consumers into buying unnecessary technical support devices by targeting them with deceptive pop-up ads.
U.S. settles with Illinois city in case involving alleged RLUIPA violations
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 6 that the city of Des Plaines, Illinois, has agreed to resolve allegations of violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).
Consumer board penalizes Fay Servicing $1.15 million for alleged mortgage servicing violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced June 7 that it took action against Fay Servicing, a mortgage servicer based in Chicago, for allegations of failing to provide mortgage borrowers with federally mandated protections against foreclosure.