Legal News Line News
Attorney General Raoul leads coalition supporting federal train staffing rule
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has taken the lead in a coalition of 15 attorneys general to support a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule. This rule mandates that freight and passenger trains generally be staffed with at least two crew members.
Pharmaceutical executives charged for unlawful sale of nearly 70 million opioid pills
Charges have been filed against ten pharmaceutical distributor executives, sales representatives, and brokers in connection with the illegal distribution of nearly 70 million opioid pills. The charges were unsealed in several districts including the Southern District of Texas, Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of Missouri, and Eastern District of North Carolina. This enforcement action also involved three Houston-area pharmacy operators.
Justice Department seizes Russian-operated domains linked to phishing schemes
The Justice Department has revealed the unsealing of a warrant authorizing the seizure of 41 internet domains used by Russian intelligence agents and their proxies for computer fraud and abuse in the United States. This action is part of a broader effort outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy, aiming to disrupt malicious cyber activities through public-private collaboration. The department's move was made alongside Microsoft's civil action to restrain 66 internet domains used by similar actors.
Attorneys general defend health coverage expansion for DACA recipients
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside a coalition of 18 attorneys general, has taken action to support a federal initiative aimed at expanding health insurance access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The group filed an amicus brief backing a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) rule that would allow DACA recipients to purchase health insurance through Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges. This rule is set to be implemented on November 1, 2024.
Attorneys general push for law mandating AM radios in all vehicles
Attorney General Ashley Moody of Florida, alongside Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and ten other state attorneys general, is advocating for the passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. This bipartisan effort aims to ensure that AM radios remain a standard feature in vehicles, especially as newer models, including electric vehicles, are being produced without them.
Connecticut joins multistate settlement over false Medicaid claims against Precision Diagnostics
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that the state has joined a coalition of the United States, the District of Columbia, and 42 other states in a $27 million settlement with Precision Toxicology, LLC, operating as Precision Diagnostics, Inc. The settlement addresses allegations that Precision submitted false claims to Medicaid for urine drug testing (UDT) that was either unnecessary or influenced by kickbacks. Connecticut will receive $277,780.24 as part of the restitution.
Texas AG sues pharma firms over alleged insulin price inflation
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against several major insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), including Eli Lilly, Express Scripts, and CVS Pharmacy. The lawsuit alleges a conspiracy to artificially inflate insulin prices.
Court upholds Lucas County pipeline despite landowner challenge
The Supreme Court of Ohio has upheld the decision of the Ohio Power Siting Board to approve the construction of a 3.7-mile natural gas distribution pipeline in Lucas County, dismissing a challenge from Yorktown Management. The court's unanimous opinion concluded that the board acted lawfully and reasonably in approving Columbia Gas of Ohio's Ford Street pipeline project in Maumee.
Drug trafficker sentenced following multi-state operation involving fentanyl distribution
Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the sentencing of Lino Bol, a member of a drug trafficking organization operating across multiple states including Arizona, Texas, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Court issues permanent injunction against Miami-based Brito brothers
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has issued a permanent injunction against Miami tax return preparers, George and Luis Brito, along with their businesses. This legal action prohibits George Brito from preparing federal income tax returns, participating in any tax preparation business, assisting others in preparing tax returns, or transferring customer lists to others. Similarly, Luis Brito is barred from preparing income tax returns for individuals. The brothers have consented to the entry of this injunction.
Justice Department hosts AI symposium focusing on cybercrime strategies
The Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) recently co-hosted a symposium focused on artificial intelligence at the Department of Justice. The event took place in Washington, D.C., at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on October 2.
North Dakota seeks attorney for HIDTA program under federal grant funding
The North Dakota Office of Attorney General is seeking candidates for the position of Special Assistant United States Attorney/Assistant Attorney General/HIDTA Attorney. This full-time role, offering a salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 annually based on experience, requires handling drug-related criminal cases and asset forfeiture under the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in both state and federal courts.
DOJ charges ten linked to illegal sale of 70M opioid pills
The Department of Justice has announced charges against ten individuals linked to pharmaceutical distributors. These individuals are accused of channeling approximately 70 million opioid pills and 30 million doses of other prescription drugs, primarily to "pill-mill" pharmacies in the Houston, Texas area. The estimated street value of these drugs exceeds $1.3 billion.
Michigan Supreme Court opens nominations for lifetime achievement awards
The Michigan Supreme Court is currently accepting nominations for two significant awards: the Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award and the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors will be presented at the Michigan Adoption Day celebration on November 18, 2024, at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.
Connecticut AG responds to Yankee Gas's $209 million rate hike proposal
Attorney General William Tong has issued a statement in response to Yankee Gas's upcoming request for a $209 million rate hike. This increase, if approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, would result in an average 29 percent rise in customer bills. Yankee Gas, owned by Eversource, serves 252,000 customers across 85 towns in Connecticut.
Lawsuit challenges Arizona's handling of non-citizen voter registrations
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal action against Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and his office. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona, known as "EZAZ.org," accuses the state officials of unlawfully withholding a list of over 218,000 registered voters who have not provided proof of citizenship.
Minnesota AG settles wage theft case with dairy farm
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement with Evergreen Acres Dairy and its associated entities, addressing wage theft and housing issues for dairy workers. The agreement requires Evergreen to pay $250,000 in back wages and improve employee housing conditions to meet legal standards.
Ken Paxton sues TikTok over alleged violations of child privacy laws in Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the social media giant has violated the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act. The lawsuit claims that TikTok's operations endanger the privacy and safety of children in Texas by not adhering to state laws requiring parental consent for sharing minors' personal data.
City of Bismarck seeks chief deputy clerk for municipal court
The City of Bismarck is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Deputy Clerk at the Bismarck Municipal Court. The application deadline is October 14, 2024, and the salary range for this role is between $51,058.23 and $57,440.50.
Pennsylvania attorney general focuses on combating human trafficking
The Office of Attorney General in Pennsylvania recently addressed the House Republican Policy Committee regarding human trafficking and the initiatives of Attorney General Michelle Henry's newly established Human Trafficking Section. Chief Deputy Attorney General Heather Castellino and Supervisory Special Agent Gabriel Fabian discussed various aspects of trafficking, including real-world scenarios, common misconceptions, and how victims are targeted.