News from 2016
SEC announces deal with Weatherford after allegations of fraudulently inflated earnings
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced Weatherford International, an oil services company, will pay $140 million after allegations it inflated earnings through deceptive income tax accounting.
Court backs FTC in case against COORGA Nutraceuticals
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that a U.S. district court judge has ruled that COORGA Nutraceuticals Corporation and its principal Garfield Coore violated the law by alleging their “Grey Defence” dietary supplements reversed or prevented gray hair.
Massachusetts attorney general concerned NEIA is mistreating students
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced she has asked the state’s Board of Higher Education to hold a hearing to discuss the performance of New England Institute of Art’s (NEIA) current teach-out plan.
Kirby Inland Marine OKs $4.9 million settlement to resolve Clean Water Act allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice has announced that Kirby Inland Marine LP has agreed to a $4.9 million settlement to resolve Clean Water Act violation allegations stemming from a 168,000 gallon oil spill in the Houston Ship channel in March 2014.
U.S. settles 17 tribal government claims
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — United States Attorney General
Loretta E. Lynch and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell have announced the U.S. has reached settlements with 17 tribal governments that had alleged the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Treasury mismanaged monetary assets and natural resources held in trust by the U.S. for the benefit of the tribes.
Lucas-Milhaupt Warwick settles for $69,265 after allegations of violating federal right-to-know law
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in September that it had settled with Lucas-Milhaupt Warwick LLC over allegations the company failed to file the proper “Toxic Release Inventory” (TRI) reporting forms for copper and silver for 2012, 2013 and 2014, in violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Woman files class action against Adoreme
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A consumer is suing a New York business, alleging unfair competition and violation of state law.
Two Massachusetts companies settle with state after allegations of illegal debt collection
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced two medical companies that allegedly operated unlicensed dermatology clinics in Brookline and West Roxbury will write off more than $1 million in alleged debts owed by state consumers.
Maryland announces new circuit administrative judges effective November
In Annapolis, Maryland, changes in judicial leadership have been announced by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals.
Artis Capital to pay nearly $9 million after allegedly failing to detect insider trading
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced this week that San Francisco-based Artis Capital Management and Michael W. Harden will settle allegations of failing to detect insider trading.
SOCI Petroleum to pay $50,000 after allegations of sex discrimination
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced in September that SOCI Petroleum and Santmyer Oil Company Inc. (collectively referred to as SOCI) will pay $50,000 after allegations of federal sex-based pay discrimination.
California consumer accuses web optimization company of phone violations
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A California man is suing a web optimization company, alleging he has received multiple unwanted phone calls.
Sprint accuses federal government of failure to apply correct regulations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Sprint is suing federal agencies and officials, alleging failure to apply the correct regulations.
Two consumers accuse retailers of false advertising
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers are suing retailers, alleging false advertising, misrepresentation, fraud, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.
Common stock holder accuses tech-based education providers of negligent misrepresentation
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A common stock holder is suing technology-based education providers, alleging misrepresentations and/or omissions of material facts.
Seattle law firm looks to file class action over Samsung Note 7 smartphones
Keller Rohrback LLP has been investigating Samsung’s recent recall of the newly launched Note 7 for the last month. The smartphones pose a safety risk, the firm said in a press release, reportedly catching fire and exploding while charging.
Stockholder alleges Medivation, board violated federal law
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A stockholder is suing a company and its board, alleging negligent misrepresentation and violation of federal law.
General Mills scoffs at lawsuit alleging cereals aren't healthy
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) -- General Mills has written off a lawsuit brought by two individuals who filed a class action lawsuit, accusing the company of promoting its cereals as healthy and nutritious while loading them up with sugar.
Court backs Washington state in case against 5-hour ENERGY
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced a King County Superior Court ruling against the makers of 5-hour ENERGY in which the court sided with the state.
Stockholder accuses Twitter of artificially inflating stock price
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A stock holder is suing Twitter, alleging false and misleading representations of the defendant's stock price.