News from May 2024
Charles A. Stock receives inaugural North Dakota Criminal Justice Act award
Charles A. Stock has been recognized with the inaugural District of North Dakota Criminal Justice Act Distinguished Panel Attorney Award. The award was established this year by the District’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Committee to annually honor one outstanding CJA Panel attorney for their dedication and service to the CJA Panel, indigent defendants, and the District of North Dakota.
Buckeye Institute urges SCOTUS to address alleged discrimination in elite public schools
On Monday, The Buckeye Institute, in collaboration with the Mountain States Legal Foundation, submitted an amicus brief in the case of Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence Corp. v. School Committee for the City of Boston. The organizations are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case and put an end to what they describe as discrimination-by-proxy in elite public schools.
Justice Department introduces framework to enhance national response to sexual assault and domestic violence
The Justice Department has unveiled a new resource aimed at bolstering the national response to sexual assault and domestic violence. The Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims, crafted by prosecutors, outlines five principles that promise improved outcomes for victims, safer communities, and increased accountability for perpetrators.
Massachusetts sober home owner found liable for sexual harassment
Peter McCarthy, 49, the owner of Steps to Solutions Inc., a group of residential sober homes in Lynn, Massachusetts, was found liable following a five-day jury trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit in August 2021 alleging that McCarthy sexually harassed female tenants, thereby violating the Fair Housing Act.
Vermont resident arraigned on child sexual abuse material charges
The Attorney General’s Office has announced the arraignment of Wentworth C. Comes, Jr., 83, of Hancock, Vermont, on three felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and two misdemeanor counts. The charges against Mr. Comes are the result of a criminal investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which includes personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Vermont State Police, and Randolph Police Department.
Oklahoma AG responds defiantly after DOJ threatens lawsuit over immigration reform
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2024) – Two days after the Biden Administration sent a letter threatening to sue Oklahoma over its new immigration reform law, Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a sharply worded response vowing to defend the law.
Mayes releases unredacted indictment in Arizona's fake electors case
Attorney General Kris Mayes released an unredacted copy of the indictment issued in late April by the State Grand Jury. This is part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged fake elector scheme in Arizona.
Attorney general sues over secrecy clauses in long-term care facilities
Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated legal action to nullify a secrecy clause imposed on the family of a man who died due to neglect in a long-term care facility. The clause, according to Mayes, contravenes Arizona law that mandates notifying the Attorney General when cases involve abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Taiwanese national arrested for operating a major dark web narcotics marketplace
Rui-Siang Lin, a 23-year-old Taiwanese national known by various aliases including Pharoah and faro, was arrested in connection with his operation of "Incognito Market." This online narcotics marketplace on the dark web allowed users to anonymously buy and sell illegal drugs worldwide. Lin was apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport on May 18 and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willis in Manhattan federal court.
Red Lobster closures may impact consumer rewards and gift cards: AG Henry
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has issued a warning to consumers regarding the potential impacts of Red Lobster restaurant closures and the national chain's bankruptcy filing. Although most of the affected locations are in other states, Red Lobster's website indicates that a location in Erie, Pennsylvania has already been closed.
Three nominees forwarded to Governor for 22nd Judicial District vacancy
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission convened in Columbia today to evaluate five applicants for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 22nd Judicial District, encompassing Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties. This vacancy arises from the impending retirement of Judge David Allen on August 3, 2024.
Partner C. Dabney O'Riordan to Speak at Securities Enforcement Forum West 2024 and Interview Director of SEC’s Enforcement Division
Quinn Emanuel Partner C. Dabney O'Riordan will be speaking at the Securities Enforcement Forum West 2024 event organized by Securities Docket. Dabney will interview Gurbir Grewal, the Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division in a Q&A session.
Reed Smith advised Delta Auto Transport its sale to Proficient Auto Logistics
Global law firm Reed Smith served as counsel to Delta Auto Transport, a full-service automobile carrier and network logistics service provider, on its sale to Proficient Auto Logistics, a specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services.
2024 Small Business Government Contracting Judges Panel on May 21, 2024
The American Bar Association (ABA) Public Contract Law Section's Small Business Committee is hosting its annual judges panel and discussion.
Troutman Pepper’s Alana Sliwinski Receives Emerging Leader Award from The Stamford Jewish Community Center
Alana T. Sliwinski, a counsel in Troutman Pepper’s national Construction practice, has been recognized by The Stamford Jewish Community Center (JCC) for her exceptional contributions to the organization and greater community.
TN AG Skrmetti Leads 18 States in Lawsuit against Federal Agency’s Unlawful Attempt to Control Private Businesses
Leading a coalition of eighteen states, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a lawsuit fighting federal agency overreach by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On April 29, 2024, the EEOC issued new sexual harassment guidance that unlawfully extends Title VII’s protections against sex-based discrimination to cover gender identity.
Attorney General Miyares Joins Lawsuit to Stop Biden Administration’s Electric-Truck Mandate
Attorney General Jason Miyares joined a lawsuit to stop the Biden Administration from imposing an electric-vehicle mandate on truck manufacturers. A 24-state coalition filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to challenge the Biden Administration’s new regulation of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
Paxton secures restraining order against ATF's controversial rule
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has obtained a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, halting an allegedly unlawful rule set forth by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”). This order prevents the rule from taking effect while litigation is ongoing.
Federal judge allows some NAS claims to move forward
SAN FRANCISCO – A California federal judge has denied parts of a motion to dismiss some Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome claims against a management consulting company, allowing the claims of some West Virginia children to move forward.
Nonprofits, industry associations file amicus brief in support of upholding Prop 22
On April 3, five organizations - Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi - submitted an amicus brief urging the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 22. This voter-approved measure from 2020 classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.