News from June 2024
Louisiana leads lawsuit against Biden's LNG ban impacting Ukraine
President Biden’s LNG ban has now impacted Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine had secured a significant LNG deal with Virginia-based Venture Global, which operates several facilities in Louisiana.
Federal inmate indicted for international drug trafficking along with eight co-conspirators
An indictment was unsealed in the District of North Dakota today, charging a federal inmate and eight co-conspirators with international methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl trafficking.
Attorneys general support upholding FTC's ban on deceptive TurboTax advertising
Attorney General Kaul Joins Coalition Urging Court to Uphold FTC’s Ban on Deceptive TurboTax Advertising
Former Westland police sergeant faces trial for ethnic intimidation
Former Westland Police Sgt. Kevin Yudt, 42, of Grass Lake, has been bound over to stand trial for two counts of ethnic intimidation and two counts of assault and battery, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges relate to an incident on April 6, 2023, when security at MGM Grand Detroit denied Yudt and a friend access to the casino floor due to his apparent intoxication.
Kansas court system transitions domain from .org to .gov
The Kansas court system is set to change its domain from .org to .gov, starting with the judicial branch website and some of its online systems and information portals. This transition will commence on July 1, affecting the judicial branch website, the online attorney registration portal, and an online attorney directory.
Attorney General Tim Griffin supports legislation protecting Americans from International Criminal Court
Attorney General Griffin Leads 20-State Coalition Supporting Legislation to Protect Americans from Unlawful International Criminal Court Prosecutions
Attorney General reminds pharmacies of new California law on protected health information
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued letters to eight major pharmacy chains and five health data companies, reminding them of their obligations under the state's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) and new requirements introduced by Assembly Bill 352 (AB 352). The legislation, which takes full effect on July 1, 2024, mandates additional protections for patient information related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care.
Chief Justice Jensen visits federal district court externs in Bismarck
North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon J. Jensen met with federal district court externs in Bismarck on June 25, 2024. Chief Justice Jensen discussed his career and the operation of the North Dakota court system.
Chief Justice Ziegler addresses court document leak
Chief Justice Ziegler issued a statement today addressing the recent leak of a confidential draft document to the press. "Today the entire court was shocked to learn that a confidential draft document was ostensibly leaked to the press. I have contacted law enforcement to request that a full investigation be conducted. We are all united behind this investigation to identify the source of the apparent leak. The seven of us condemn this breach," said Ziegler.
Attorney General announces sentencing in New Hanover County healthcare fraud case
Attorney General Josh Stein announced the sentencing of a New Hanover County health care fraud conspiracy. "When people defraud the Medicaid program, they are defrauding North Carolina’s taxpayers," said Stein. "I will continue to do everything I can to protect North Carolinians’ investment and hold perpetrators accountable. I’m proud of the Medicaid Investigations Division’s work, along with state and federal investigators and prosecutors, to stop Medicaid fraud."
North Dakota appellate case system public portal maintenance scheduled for June 27
The North Dakota Appellate Case System Public Portal will undergo scheduled maintenance on Thursday, June 27th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM CST. During this period, the system will be unavailable.
AG Nessel urges court support on FTC ban against TurboTax ads
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a brief supporting a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) order that bars Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, from deceptively advertising “free” tax preparation software when its services are not actually free for most consumers. In a brief filed in Intuit v. Federal Trade Commission, the attorneys general argue that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit should reject an appeal filed by Intuit and uphold the FTC’s order.
Justice Department reaches settlement on additional funds linked to 1MDB scheme
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, members of his family, and trust entities Low established (collectively, the “Low Parties”) that resolves two civil forfeiture cases.
Deputy AG Monaco addresses annual Crime Gun Intelligence Center Conference
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco addressed attendees at the Justice Department’s Annual Crime Gun Intelligence Center Conference on June 26, 2024. In her remarks, she acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement leaders in addressing the rise in violent crime that began during the pandemic in 2020.
Hawaii County Bar Association recognizes scholarship winner
The Hawaii County Bar Association (HCBA) convened in Hilo on June 7 to honor the recipient of its annual essay contest and scholarship program.
Justice Department announces technical support for Uvalde Police under reform initiative
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced today it will engage with the Uvalde Police Department (UPD) through the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative’s Critical Response program.
Washington State launches pilot program for hate crimes hotline
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office will pilot a hate crimes hotline in Clark, King, and Spokane counties. The pilot program is set to launch by July 1, 2025, with plans for a statewide rollout by January 1, 2027.
Nebraska AG announces first settlements in Delta 8 retail crackdown
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the first two settlements in his statewide campaign to address the Delta 8 retail market. The settlements involve High Flow Cannabis, Stewart Scott Ritter, and Alejandro Castro, who were selling THC hemp products in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Ms. Vape Shop and Lisa Lomack, who were selling similar products in Crete, Nebraska.
Lisa Monaco addresses crime gun intelligence at annual DOJ conference
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks during the Regional Crime Gun Intelligence Center Annual Conference hosted by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance. The event was held in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Policing Institute.
Texas business owner sentenced for evading income tax
A Texas man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $529,551 in restitution to the United States for evading taxes on income earned from his business.