News from April 2024
Williams-Sonoma to Pay Record Civil Penalty for Misleading 'Made in the USA' Claims
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have announced that Williams-Sonoma Inc. will be paying over $3 million in civil penalties for falsely marketing imported goods as "Made in the USA." The settlement also requires Williams-Sonoma to cease making misleading claims about the origins of its products.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, "The Justice Department will vigorously enforce laws to stop deceptive advertisers from making misleading and fraudulent claims to sell products." This comes in response to...
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon Addresses Challenges and Initiatives in the Corrections Field
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon recently delivered remarks at the Elevating Our Profession Corrections Conference and Medal Of Honor Ceremony in Chicago. During her speech, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor the distinguished Medal of Honor recipients and acknowledged their exceptional contributions to the corrections field and the safety of communities. Solomon commended One Voice for recognizing heroes in the corrections field and for their leadership on behalf of America's corrections professionals.Reflecting on her extensive career...
Attorney General Skrmetti sues Nashville fertility specialist over clinic closure
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Jaime M. Vasquez, M.D., and his associated businesses following the sudden closure of the Center for Reproductive Health, P.C. The lawsuit, filed under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, seeks immediate relief for patients affected by the unexpected suspension of care.
Greene County man sentenced up to 120 years for violent assault
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Ian Nakonechni, a Greene County resident with a history of domestic violence, has been sentenced to 60 to 120 years in prison. The sentence follows his conviction for the 2022 strangulation and sexual assault of a woman in Jackson Township.
Michigan Supreme Court concludes session with four key cases
The Michigan Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in four significant cases on May 8, 2024.
Kansas Man Indicted for Stealing 41 Firearms
A federal grand jury indictment has been unsealed charging Frank Guereca, 22, of Olathe, with stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri. Guereca was arrested while crossing the border from Mexico back into the United States and made his initial court appearance in El Paso, Texas. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of cooperation with Mexican law enforcement in stopping the flow of firearms into Mexico, where they can end up in the hands of violent cartels.Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and...
Holland & Knight Welcomes Kevin Angle to the Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Group in Boston
Holland & Knight has expanded its Data Strategy, Security & Privacy (DSSP) Team with the addition of Kevin Angle as senior counsel in its Boston office.
Attorney General’s Office Investigating Death in Toms River, N.J., Involving Officers from the Island Heights and Toms River Police Departments and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a death that occurred following an arrest on April 19, 2024, in Toms River, Ocean County, New Jersey. The identity of one adult male civilian, who died after being arrested for outstanding warrants, is not being released at this time.
Statement from Attorney General Raúl Labrador on Ada County Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Our hearts are broken for Deputy Bolter, his family, and his colleagues at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and the Meridian Police Department.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez Releases First Phase Objective, Science-based Facts Related to the Maui Fire Investigation
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez announced Phase One of the three-part investigation into how state and county governments responded during the Maui wildfires.
Nevada Trucking Association CEO: ‘lawyers end up winning while the rest of Nevadans foot the bill’
Paul Enos, CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, criticized the legal system for being "rigged in favor of billboard attorneys and against everyone else," asserting that Nevada residents are left to "foot the bill" while "some of the richest attorneys in the country" reap significant profits. This statement was shared by Enos in a press release dated March 18.
Morrisey, Capito critical of new EPA rule targeting gas-, coal-fired power plants
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says he will be challenging a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule he says will force power plants fueled by coal or natural gas to capture smokestack emissions or shut down.
Attorney General Moody Leads Legal Action Against EEOC's Abortion Mandate
Attorney General Ashley Moody, leading a coalition of 17 state attorneys general, has taken legal action against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for its new rule mandating accommodations for abortion under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022. Moody expressed concerns stating, "Unelected commissioners under the Biden administration are seeking to hijack protections for pregnant workers by twisting language into an illegal interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022. We are fighting back against the unprecedented, attempted mutation of these...
Brief Filed Asking Wisconsin Supreme Court to Overrule Ban on Drop Boxes in Wisconsin Elections: Statement from Attorney General Kaul
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has filed a response brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, arguing against the ban on drop boxes in Wisconsin elections. In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the importance of safe, secure, and accessible voting, stating, "Voting should be safe, secure and accessible — and drop boxes are. Unfortunately, the use of drop boxes has been swept into the broader and baseless attacks on our elections and our democracy."The Attorney General further explained the rationale behind the filing, saying, "Through our filing,...
Attorney General Kaul Releases Update at Three-Year Anniversary of Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative
Attorney General Josh Kaul of Wisconsin has provided an update on the progress of the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative, as the state marks the three-year anniversary of its launch. The initiative aims to address and investigate cases of abuse by clergy and faith leaders in Wisconsin.In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the department's commitment to supporting survivors and conducting independent reviews of abuse cases. He urged individuals with information about clergy and faith leader abuse to come forward, stating, “If you have information about...
Justice Jay B. McCallum joins Council of Louisiana State Law Institute
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum has been appointed to the Council of the Louisiana State Law Institute.
Tax Attorneys and Insurance Agent Convicted in Tax Shelter Scheme
Three individuals, Michael Elliott Kohn, Catherine Elizabeth Chollet, and David Shane Simmons, have been convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States in a tax shelter scheme. The scheme involved the promotion and operation of a fraudulent tax shelter known as the Gain Elimination Plan.According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants designed the plan to hide clients' income from the IRS by inflating business expenses through fictitious royalties and management fees. These fees were paid to a limited partnership owned by a charity, but...
America First Legal Sues Department of Education Over Alleged Protection of Pro-Hamas Extremists on U.S. Campuses
WASHINGTON, D.C. – America First Legal (AFL) has taken legal action against the Department of Education for allegedly obstructing the release of government records related to pro-Hamas activities on American college campuses. The organization claims that the Biden Administration has chosen to protect pro-Hamas foreign extremists, as reported on April 25, 2024.In a statement, AFL emphasized the importance of upholding existing laws that prohibit support for Hamas and terrorism among individuals on F-1 student visas and naturalized citizens. They also pointed out the...
Man arrested in Louisiana for child porn possession and animal abuse
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's Cyber Crime Unit has arrested a man in Jena, Louisiana, on charges of possession of child pornography and sexual abuse of animals. Curtis Webb, 33, was apprehended for allegedly violating state laws concerning these offenses.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco Speaks at Disruptive Technology Protection Network Summit
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco recently delivered remarks at the Disruptive Technology Protection Network Summit, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in combating national security threats. Monaco expressed gratitude to the delegations from Japan and the Republic of Korea for their participation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the United States and its allies.Monaco underscored the necessity of partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges, stating, "To combat today’s national security threats, we cannot go it alone. We...