News from July 2009
Cuomo gets money back for students
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - As part of his broad investigation into the student loan industry, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that Emerson College has agreed to return $780,000 to students.
Sorrell settles claim with realtor over false filing
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) - Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell announced Tuesday that a St. Johnsbury realtor has agreed to a $10,000 settlement in civil penalties for a filing of a false lead paint compliance affidavit.
McGraw files suit against Ohio collection agency
McGraw CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw is suing an Ohio collection agency that allegedly has been making unlawful threats to several people in the state.
Sherwin-Williams says $7M verdict for football player unfair
Trellvion Gaines, former high school football player and basketball player in Mississippi's Jefferson County FAYETTE, Miss. (Legal Newsline) - Sherwin-Williams is doing everything it can to overturn a recent $7 million jury award against it in a lead paint lawsuit, claiming it is the result of sympathy for a small-town sports star.
Alabama wins water war
King MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) - After a 19-year legal battle, the State of Alabama has prevailed in a lawsuit stopping Georgia from what it says was excessive and unauthorized use of water from Atlanta's Lake Lanier.
Kroger announces settlement with DISH
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-Oregon Attorney General John Kroger has announced a consumer protection settlement with DISH network.
Arbitration company: Legal, legislative issues harming business
Swanson WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The country's trial lawyers say a settlement reached by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson shows a need for Congress to pass two bills that ban forced arbitration, while an arbitration company says it can't afford to defend itself anymore.
Cuomo: Bankrupt business will pay $250K in restitution
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has secured $250,000 in restitution after hundreds of customers were allegedly ripped off when a local bridal center shop closed unexpectedly.
Wedding photographer ripped off customers, Corbett says
Corbett HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett announced Friday that his office is filing a lawsuit against a Scranton photographer and his business over allegations he violated the Consumer Protection Act.
Cuomo ticks off Schwab, announces $456M settlement with TD Ameritrade
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Charles Schwab & Co. expressed its discontent with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's investigation into the fall of the auction-rate securities market Monday.
AGs reach agreement with DISH Network
Cooper NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) - Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper led a group of attorneys general in reaching a $5.9 million with satellite television provider DISH Network.
Coakley wants gas company to give refunds
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has requested $860,000 refund from Unitil Gas over allegations the company's customers paid higher than normal gas supply costs.
U.S. SC rejects challenge to N.H. prescription privacy law
Ayotte WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided not to hear an appeal that sought to overturn a New Hampshire law against the collection and disclosure of the prescribing practices of physicians.
Cuomo targets Florida marketing company
Cuomo SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that his office is filing charges against a Florida-based marketing company over an alleged deceptive promotion offering free gas.
AGs join forces to fight alleged mortgage fraud
Goddard PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) - A group of state attorneys general says it is leading the fight against an increasing epidemic of mortgage fraud throughout the country.
Swanson sues arbitration company
Swanson ST. PAUL, Minn. (Legal Newsline) - Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the National Arbitration Forum of Minnesota over allegations the company committed deceptive marketing tactics.
Scruggs' civil case stayed until DeLaughter learns fate
Scruggs OXFORD, Miss. (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge won't dismiss a civil lawsuit against incarcerated plaintiffs attorney Richard Scruggs, but he will put it on hold until the judicial bribery trial of Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Bobby DeLaughter is over.
Koster testifies about debt settlement
Koster JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Companies and individuals who specialize in preying upon consumers who have credit card debt are a growing threat to Missourians, state Attorney General Chris Koster said Tuesday.
Attorney bringing AG focus to ABA meeting
Taylor CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - The chair of the American Bar Association's subcommittee on state attorneys general will discuss multi-state actions with a pair of AGs when the ABA meets for its annual gathering July 31.
Leasing companies say AG Nickles has it all wrong
Nickles WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Leasing companies are wondering why their agreements with African-American churches have landed them in a lawsuit alleging a group of individuals and businesses defrauded the churches with shoddy computer equipment.