News from August 2024
Idaho Supreme Court denies innocence compensation claim over procedural grounds
The Idaho Supreme Court has denied John Wurdemann access to a compensation fund intended for defendants who have been wrongfully convicted and can demonstrate their innocence. This fund has previously been used for individuals exonerated by DNA evidence.
DOJ announces update on 2022 San Antonio human smuggling case
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri delivered remarks on a significant update to a 2022 human smuggling case in San Antonio, Texas.
Former energy trader pleads guilty in international bribery scheme involving Mexican officials
A former energy trader pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a scheme to bribe Mexican government officials to secure contracts for his then-employer, Vitol Inc. (Vitol), the U.S. affiliate of the largest independent energy trading firm in the world.
AG Henry reaches $50K settlement with Butler County landlord over alleged overbilling
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a $50,000 settlement with Butler County-based landlord A.R. Building Company, Inc. regarding its alleged unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices.
Missouri AG launches probe into potential breach of social security numbers
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today the initiation of an investigation into National Public Data, a background check company, over allegations of inadequate security measures to protect Missourians' personally identifiable information. The data potentially exposed includes Social Security numbers, addresses, full names, and other private records.
Grand Forks announces vacancy for deputy clerk of district court
The Clerk of Court Office in Grand Forks, ND, has announced an opening for the position of Deputy Clerk of District Court. The annual salary for this full-time role is $51,900. The application period opened on August 22, 2024, and will close on September 5, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Time.
Attorney General Weiser comments on new Aurora police chief selection
Aug. 22, 2024 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser released a statement regarding the selection of Todd Chamberlain as the new Aurora police chief.
Man sentenced after repeated threats against judges
A man who sent letters from state prison expressing a desire to kill federal judges, U.S. Marshals, and federal prosecutors was sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison.
Retired MSP sergeant bound over for trial on charges related to Samuel Sterling's death
LANSING – In the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, Judge Amanda H. Sterkenburg has bound over retired Michigan State Police (MSP) Detective Sergeant Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, to stand trial in the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Attorney General Marshall joins coalition against ATF's 'frame or receiver' rule
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 27 states in an amicus brief, requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to limit the Biden administration’s "Frame or Receiver" firearms rule. Issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2022, the rule expanded its definition of “firearm” to include certain weapon parts kits that can be converted into firearms, as well as partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frames or receivers.
Ohio Supreme Court rules doctor did not waive service defense despite active participation
The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today that a doctor who had preserved his defense that he had not been properly served with the complaint against him did not waive that defense by actively participating in the proceedings for two years.
Justice Department announces update in San Antonio smuggling case
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas held a joint press conference with Joint Task Force Alpha Co-Directors Ian Hanna and Jim Hepburn to discuss a significant arrest in the case regarding the 2022 human smuggling incident that resulted in the death of 53 men, women, and children, along with 11 injured. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Criminal Division, provided remarks.
Tennessee man pleads guilty to Clean Water Act violation
On Aug. 20, Christopher Domermuth, 49, and Domermuth Environmental Services LLC (DES), based in Knoxville, Tennessee, both pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by knowingly discharging pollutants into a navigable waterway without a permit. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Seven charged in alleged $20M embezzlement scheme involving Boilermakers Union
A federal grand jury in Kansas has indicted seven individuals, including five current and former high-ranking officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union), for their alleged involvement in a $20 million embezzlement scheme spanning 15 years.
America First Legal challenges Washington State law allowing shelters' discretion over gender dysphoria treatments
America First Legal (AFL) filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to challenge a Washington State law that allows shelters to take in children with gender dysphoria and provide them with gender transition services without parental consent or knowledge. This legal action continues AFL's opposition to Senate Bill 5599, signed into law by the Washington Legislature last year.
Missouri Supreme Court orders new evidentiary hearing in Marcellus Williams case
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that the Missouri Supreme Court has sided with his office and issued a preliminary writ requiring the trial court to hold an evidentiary hearing in the Marcellus Williams case.
Yost seeks Supreme Court intervention on EPA emissions regulation
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a federal rule mandating states and power plants to adhere to what he describes as “unrealistic” and “unlawful” air pollution regulations.
Ohio Supreme Court issues stayed suspension for ex-law director's misconduct
The Supreme Court of Ohio issued a fully stayed six-month suspension to the former city of Campbell law director for professional misconduct related to his private practice.
Attorney General Mayes announces sentences in Pima County drug trafficking case
Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the sentencing of three defendants in a Pima County drug trafficking case. Francisco Abril received a sentence of 4.5 years in prison, followed by 3 years on probation upon release, for crimes including obtaining approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine for sale and conducting an illegal enterprise to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the Tucson area. Abril also pled guilty to possessing a handgun despite being prohibited by law due to prior convictions.
8th Circuit affirms district court ruling in Curtis McGarvey v. United States
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the district court in Curtis McGarvey v. United States, U.S. Court of Appeals case No: 23-3236 on August 22.