News published on Legal Newsline in August 2024

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced changes to the Use of Force policy for New Jersey law enforcement, revisions that are designed to increase the likelihood of peaceful resolutions to encounters between police and barricaded individuals, who are frequently in a behavioral or mental health crisis

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office is warning consumers about QR code scams.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson co-led a brief filed Monday in support of North Carolina laws that regulate the prescribing and dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs, such as mifepristone.

PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - A Muslim man's decade-long quest to have sex with his wife has been given a small measure of new life by a federal appeals court that says Pennsylvania must prove it would be a bad idea.

Lynnette Espy-Williams, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, has been named one of the 2024 Most Influential Black Lawyers in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine.

Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a letter to over 5,000 tobacco distributors and retailers in Minnesota, urging them to cease the distribution, marketing, and sale of unauthorized flavored tobacco products. These products include flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that have not received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

America First Legal (AFL) has called on the midwestern supermarket chain Hy-Vee, Inc. to halt its "OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit’s Pitch Competition," alleging it violates federal anti-discrimination laws. The competition, part of Hy-Vee's annual OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit, is designed to support local minority and women-owned businesses in Missouri and surrounding states with a commitment of $50,000.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has issued a permanent injunction against Miami tax return preparer Richard Louis, prohibiting him from preparing federal income tax returns, working for or owning any stake in a tax preparation business, assisting others in preparing tax returns, and transferring or assigning customer lists to any other person or entity. The court also ordered Louis to disgorge $390,000 in ill-gotten gains from his return preparation business. Louis agreed to both the injunction and the ordered disgorgement.

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an investor alert today, warning New Yorkers about scams involving fake videos created with artificial intelligence (AI). These AI-manipulated videos, known as deepfakes, feature celebrities and business leaders promoting fraudulent investment schemes. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has received complaints from New Yorkers about these scams and is urging residents to follow protective measures and report misleading content to law enforcement and social media platforms.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that a bipartisan coalition of 35 states has reached a settlement with Delaware, concluding the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the multi-state coalition, determining that unclaimed official checks issued by MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. are governed by the Federal Disposition Act. As a result, states including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin, and others will receive over $190 million...

Today, U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas held a press conference to announce a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation that targeted the largest known pharmacy burglary ring in DEA history. Over 50 defendants are allegedly responsible for over 200 burglaries in 31 states, mostly targeting small, 'mom-and-pop' pharmacies.

A total of 17 individuals were arrested this week in connection with firearms and drug crimes as part of the Justice Department’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative.

The 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed the district court ruling in United States v. John Richmond, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-1752.

A Providence pawn shop owner has been charged with buying 108 stolen Tiffany & Co. rings valued at $378,000, following an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General.

LANSING – John Hendrickson, 59, of Bellaire, pled no contest today to four counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in the 37th Circuit Court in Calhoun County. The charges stem from repeated sexual assaults on a minor relative over several years. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the plea agreement, under which Hendrickson is expected to serve 17-40 years in prison. Following his incarceration, he will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and sex offender registration.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has expanded a lawsuit to include Pecos property owners Richard and Jean Jenkins. Additionally, a contempt motion has been filed against Erik Briones for violating a consent decree agreed upon in March 2024.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of engaging in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation is being conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits discriminatory business practices.

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens. These events will take place in Bismarck on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2 at the William L. Guy Federal Building, located at 220 East Rosser Avenue.

The Supreme Court of Ohio today upheld a life sentence for Prince Charles Cotten Sr., also known as Charles D. Cotton, who was convicted of aggravated murder in 1976 and originally sentenced to death.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today the recovery of more than $5.2 million plus interest for Washingtonians through the state’s unclaimed property program. The funds are a result of Ferguson’s lawsuit over uncashed checks issued by international money transfer company MoneyGram.