News from March 2012
N.J. AG sues travel club after 54 complaints
Chiesa NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa and the Division on Consumer Affairs filed a lawsuit on Thursday against a vacation travel club and its owner for allegedly defrauding consumers.
Report: Fla. AG makes changes to Medicaid fraud unit
Bondi TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly fired the chief of a state Medicaid fraud investigative unit and removed its director.
Wis. SC dismisses case over new political ad rule
Abrahamson MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - The Wisconsin Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging new state campaign advertisement rules.
TaxMasters files for bankruptcy
Abbott HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) - Facing legal actions brought by two state attorneys general, a tax relief company on Monday filed for bankruptcy.
Houston company responds to OSHA
HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it is citing the Piping Technology and Products Inc. for nine serious violations.
N.Y. men indicted for illegal asbestos removal
MALONE, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York says two New York State residents have been indicted on 11 felony counts of illegal asbestos removal and disposal.
Iowa governor says SC ruling could mean layoffs
Branstad DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) - The Iowa Supreme Court, in a ruling last week, called Gov. Terry Branstad's use of item vetoes unconstitutional.
Hawaii AG takes action against Ore. company
Louie HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) - Hawaii Attorney General David Louie has issued a cease and desist order against a Beaverton, Ore.-based company that allegedly pretended to be a charitable organization.
Calif. AG appoints UC Irvine prof as monitor of banks
Porter SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced Friday she has appointed a law professor to be the state's independent monitor of banks as part of a settlement with the nation's five largest banks.
Wal-Mart settles pollution suit with Mo. AG
Koster EFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a $1.25 million settlement on Friday with Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Ill. AG releases results of latest synthetic drugs sting
Madigan CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced on Friday that retailers in Macomb and Peoria were the latest targets in Operation Smoked Out, an initiative geared toward removing illegal synthetic drugs from stores in Illinois.
Judge signs off on Honda Civic settlement
Taylor SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A California state judge has approved a class action settlement that will give consumers up to $200 while awarding attorneys more than $8 million.
Texas AG suing feds over women's health care program
Abbott AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed a complaint in federal court Friday, challenging the Obama administration's decision to stop federal funding for a state women's health program.
Wis. judicial commission wants Prosser disciplined
Prosser MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - The Wisconsin Judicial Commission, in a filing with the state Supreme Court Friday, said it has "found probable cause" to believe that Justice David Prosser "willfully violated" the state code of judicial conduct.
Ohio Senate mulling change to asbestos claims
Behrens COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - The Ohio Senate heard testimony Wednesday about a bill passed by their colleagues in the House which concerns full disclosure by plaintiffs in asbestos litigation.
Injunction issued against Mass. oil co.
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has announced that a preliminary injunction has been issued against an Oxford oil company that allegedly left families in the cold during the holiday season.
N.Y. AG continues fight against roll-your-own cigarette stores
Schneiderman SYRACUSE, New York (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a federal lawsuit on Friday against Tobacco House C.C.W. Inc. in Dewitt for allegedly evading cigarette taxes by providing customers with materials and equipment for roll-your-own cigarettes.
Ind. AG seeks reimbursement for misappropriated township funds
Zoeller BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Legal Newsline) - Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller filed a lawsuit on Friday against a former Benton Township trustee who allegedly misappropriated more than $97,000 in public funds.
Attorneys trade accusations of manipulating asbestos courts
Behrens Whether non-settling defendants in Madison County asbestos cases are entitled to know set-offs prior to trial is subject to interpretation - with plaintiff and defense bars trading barbs that their opponents want to "game" the system.
N.J. SC: Statute provides immunity to 911 operators
Albin TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - The New Jersey Supreme Court says a state statute does provide immunity to 911 operators and their public-entity employers for negligence in delivering 911 services, including the mishandling of emergency calls.