News from July 2024
Nineteen charged with migrant smuggling into US via Pacific Ocean
Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization have been charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, primarily using personal watercraft via the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the 19 are currently in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against 14 members, and a complaint was filed against an additional five.
Federal court halts Biden-Harris Title IX rule implementation
Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued a statement regarding the preliminary injunction by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in Arkansas v. U.S. Department of Education, which halts the implementation of the Biden-Harris administration’s new rule interpreting Title IX.
Attorney General Miyares asks SCOTUS to block new EPA power plant regulations
RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares and representatives from 24 other states have filed an emergency motion requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new regulations on existing coal-, natural gas-, and oil-fired power plants.
AG Henry sues Pittsburgh-area contractor over illegal contracts
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a lawsuit against Brothers All Around Service, LLC and its owner, John McDonald, alleging that the Allegheny County home improvement company used illegal contracts and failed to complete jobs or provide refunds.
Attorney General challenges 'Open Primary Initiative' over alleged deceptive marketing
Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a petition today with the Idaho Supreme Court challenging a ballot initiative promoted as the “Open Primary Initiative.” The petition for a writ of prohibition or writ of mandate addresses two main issues with the initiative.
Michigan judiciary receives $17.5M boost for efficiency and security
LANSING, MI, July 24, 2024 – The state budget signed today by the Governor allocates over $17.5 million in new funding to the Michigan judiciary for the next fiscal year (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), along with limited additional funding for the remainder of this fiscal year. This budget aims to enhance efficiency through a statewide case management system and improve the safety of Michigan jurists.
New Jersey man charged with terrorism offenses related to Salman Rushdie attack
Hadi Matar, 26, of Fairview, New Jersey, was arraigned today in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists.
Ohio appeals court upholds conviction for threats against Amazon security manager
An Ohio appeals court considered the intent of text and social media messages from a former Amazon employee to a company security manager.
Justice Department hosts workshop on cooperation against environmental crime
The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) recently partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to host a workshop aimed at enhancing coordination in addressing environmental crime and examining improved enforcement techniques. Attendees included individuals from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as representatives from Europol and the governments of Scotland, Canada, and Mexico.
Multistate settlement reached with Cameo over consumer protection law violations
Attorney General Raoul announces multistate settlement with Cameo for violating consumer protection laws
Attorney General Todd Rokita's office achieves high success rate in civil and criminal appeals
Fulfilling a commitment to keep criminals behind bars and secure justice for victims, Attorney General Todd Rokita and his team won victories on behalf of Hoosiers in 96% of civil and criminal appeals in the first half of 2024.
Court blocks Biden's proposed changes to Title IX
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that the Eastern District of Missouri has granted his motion to block President Joe Biden’s proposed changes to Title IX, which would allow biological males in female spaces.
Ohio AG sues contractor over uncompleted home-improvement projects totaling nearly $11K
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal action against a contractor from the Village of Bremen, accused of accepting nearly $11,000 in payments from three consumers without completing the agreed-upon work.
Ohio Supreme Court rules multiple refilings allowed under savings statute
The Supreme Court of Ohio has ruled that state law permits the refiling of a dismissed lawsuit as long as it is refiled within the designated time limit. This decision rejects the notion of an unwritten “one-use” limit to the “savings statute,” which allows civil cases to be refiled after the statute of limitations has expired under certain conditions.
Admera Health agrees $5M settlement over false claims act violations
Admera Health LLC (Admera) has agreed to pay the United States $5,389,648 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying commissions to third-party independent contractor marketers in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Admera will also pay an additional $147,851 to individual states for claims paid to Admera by state Medicaid programs.
Florida man charged with acting as agent for China's government
An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Attorney General Miyares announces 30-state settlement with Cameo app
Attorney General Jason Miyares announced a 30-state settlement with Baron App, Inc., doing business as Cameo. The settlement addresses investigations into Cameo’s failure to comply with consumer protection laws and FTC Endorsement Guides.
Ithaca woman charged with embezzling from vulnerable adult
Cheryl Colburn, 65, of Ithaca, was arraigned on Monday in the 64B District Court in Stanton before Magistrate Brian G. Wagner on one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, $1,000 - $20,000, a five-year felony, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Colburn, who was serving as the professional guardian and conservator of the victim, allegedly kept the victim’s property for her own benefit.
Epstein Becker Green’s Dedication to DEI Recognized in Bloomberg Law's 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework
Epstein Becker Green (EBG) is proud to announce that it has once again been included in Bloomberg Law’s fourth annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework.
AG Nessel Successfully Defends Utility Bill Savings for I&M Power Co. Customers at the Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel successfully defended utility bill savings for Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) customers at the Michigan Supreme Court.