News from April 2017
Desco Industries to pay $45,000 EEOC penalty after alleged workplace retaliation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced Desco Industries Inc. will pay $45,000 after allegations of workplace retaliation.
Ohio attorney general targets charitable organization, alleging identity theft
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recently announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against Columbus charity operator Johnny R. Marcum and his organization, Central Ohio Sober Living, for allegations of violating state charitable laws and stealing clients' identities.
FTC approves Washington state supermarket application to divest store it bought during merger case
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced it has approved SuperValu Inc.’s application to sell one of two supermarkets bought in 2015 after Safeway and Albertsons merged and were required to divest 168 stores.
FTC settles with companies accused of misrepresenting participation in APEC CBPR system
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced that it has approved final orders with three companies following allegations of deceiving consumers through the misrepresentation of company participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system.
D.C. reaches settlement with debt collection company over allegations of illegal collections
District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine announced April 14 that his office has settled with Collect Pros LLC, a California-based debt collection company, and Michael Ross, who owns and manages the company.
Wells Fargo to pay $5.4 million, settles allegations of terminating employee for whistleblowing
The U.S. Department of Labor announced April 3 that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ordered Wells Fargo Bank N.A. to compensate and reinstate a former bank manager who lost his job after reporting suspected fraudulent behavior to superiors and a bank ethics hotline.
Mississippi SC upholds ruling in Winn-Dixie injury case
On March 30, in a 5-to-4 decision, the Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's ruling in plaintiff Cynthia Kuljis' case against Winn-Dixie Montgomery LLC.
Consumer accuses bodybuilding supplement supplier of fraud
A Michigan man has filed a class action lawsuit against a bodybuilding supplement provider, alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Government accuses explosive detection companies of unfair competition
The U.S. government sued four companies, alleging unfair competition and violation of federal law.
Second public comment period on DOL’s fiduciary rule ends; some groups say more time is needed for review
The U.S. Department of Labor’s controversial new rule mandates financial professionals who service individual retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k) plans, to serve the “best interest” of the savers and disclose conflicts of interest.
Dog owner sues, claims she was duped into buying fake ham bone
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — A Missouri consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against a pet foods business, alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Consumer accuses oregano distributor of false advertising
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — A Washington, D.C., consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against an oregano distributor, alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Rhode Island court reinstates man's lawsuit over work injury
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) – A former Rhode Island state employee won his latest battle in a negligence case based on a Supreme Court opinion; but he still has a war to fight.
Foreclosure action involving fill-in judge upheld by Montana high court
&&& HELENA, Mont. (Legal Newsline) – The Supreme Court of the state of Montana said a retired judge who was temporarily hearing some cases in the District Court of the 11th Judicial District, in and for the County of Flathead was right to grant summary judgment to Capital One, NA in a mortgage foreclosure proceeding.
Maine Supreme Court upholds decision to deny disability retirement application for teacher
PORTLAND, Maine (Legal Newsline) – The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has affirmed a decision made by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS) board of trustees (the board) denying a teacher’s disability retirement application earlier this month.
Courts overrule jury's verdict in $78K lawsuit blaming property owner for fall
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) – The Rhode Island Supreme Court has affirmed a Superior Court's ruling to overturn a jury's finding of $78,101 in a personal injury lawsuit.
New Jersey appeals court overturns quantum meruit jury verdict
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – The appellate division of the Superior Court of New Jersey on April 10 reversed the decision of a jury in a construction case that involved the awarding of damages under a quantum meruit theory.
Minn. SC rules for employer in pregnancy discrimination case
MINNEAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) – The Minnesota Supreme Court on April 5 reversed a Court of Appeals judgment in a case involving pregnancy and sex discrimination.
New Jersey: Two members of major pay-to-play scheme plead guilty
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced April 12 that two former executives of Birdsall Services Group (BSG) have pleaded guilty for allegations of participating in a scheme to avoid the state’s pay-to-play law through having firm employees make $1 million in corporate political contributions illegally.
Maine Supreme Court dismisses dog bite case against owner's employer
PORTLAND, Maine (Legal Newsline) – The Supreme Court of Maine has affirmed a summary judgment dismissing a $75,000 personal injury lawsuit.