News from May 2024
Locke Lord’s Gregory T. Casamento Named Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America
Gregory T. Casamento, Co-Chair of Locke Lord’s Litigation Department, Co-Chair of the Firm’s Business Technology Group and former Managing Partner of the Firm’s New York office, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA).
Label manager says she was fired for rejecting boss Ryan Kane's sexual advances
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida woman claims Ryan Kane, the owner of Secure the Bag Record Label, made inappropriate advances to her, then fired her for rejecting them after getting her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Adderall psychosis alleged in lawsuit against pharmacies like CVS, Publix
ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida man claiming psychosis from an over-prescription of Adderall is suing the pharmacies who provided the drug.
Lawsuit blames American Airlines for turbulence, woman's toss into ceiling of plane
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida woman who has filed a lawsuit says she thought it was safe to use the bathroom on an American Airlines flight, but turbulence caused her to be thrown off her feet.
Wrongful death lawsuit: Fisherman's line tangled with power line, electrocuting him
ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - The estate of a Florida fisherman killed when his line crossed with a power line is suing Duke Energy.
Secured Motion to Dismiss for High-Profile Client in Alleged Abuse Case
On May 9, a Utah Court dismissed the case against Katherine Ballard with prejudice under Utah’s newly enacted Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) (Utah Code 78B-27-101 et seq.).
Husch Blackwell Taps Jennifer Locklear as Chief People Officer
National law firm Husch Blackwell announced the arrival of Jennifer Locklear as the firm’s first Chief People Officer.
Hospital stuck with immigrant's unpaid bills gets no help from South Dakota law
PIERRE, S.D. (Legal Newsline) - A hospital that provided $75,000 in care to a seasonal worker who skipped his bill and returned to Mexico can’t recover the money from the county where he worked, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled.
Carr Recognizes Better Hearing and Speech Month
Attorney General Chris Carr is recognizing this May as Better Hearing and Speech Month by reminding consumers of the importance of having their hearing tested and offering tips for those considering the purchase of a hearing aid.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Files Lawsuit Against Second Judicial District Court for IPRA Violations
Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against the Second Judicial District Court (SJDC) for violating the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).
Oregon DOJ Concludes OLCC Investigation; Criminal Charges not Warranted
In a letter to Governor Tina Kotek, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced that, after thoroughly investigating allegations that employees of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) improperly used their positions to obtain in-demand bottles of bourbon, the Oregon Department of Justice has concluded that criminal charges are not warranted.
Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Brooklyn
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Christian Emile, who died on May 12, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.
Justice official addresses Navajo Nation on improving access to federal grants
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered welcome remarks at the Navajo Nation on May 21, 2024, emphasizing the Justice Department's commitment to protecting Tribal communities and affirming Tribal sovereignty.
Attorney General Marshall challenges New York's vaccine mandate affecting Amish schools
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, challenging New York's recent elimination of religious exemptions from school vaccination requirements. The brief contends that this policy infringes upon the First Amendment rights of Amish parents who oppose vaccinations on religious grounds.
500K settlement reached in unauthorized prescription writing case
Attorney General Josh Stein today announced a $500,000 settlement to resolve allegations that Sharon Raynes Halliday and RAPHA Healthcare Services LLC submitted false claims to the North Carolina Medicaid program.
Oil tanker operators plead guilty to environmental crimes
Two related companies that operated the motor tanker PS Dream—Prive Overseas Marine LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret—pleaded guilty today to conspiracy, knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), and obstruction of justice related to the falsification of the tanker’s Oil Record Book. The guilty pleas were entered in federal court in New Orleans before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.
Milton resident arraigned on voyeurism charges following police investigation
The Attorney General’s Office announced that Jason Heath, 53, of Milton, Vermont, was arraigned today on one misdemeanor count of voyeurism. The charge brought against the defendant is the result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Milton Police Department.
Commission sends three names to governor for judicial district vacancy
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission convened today in Gallatin to evaluate nine applicants for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 18th Judicial District, which encompasses Sumner County. This new judicial position was established by the Tennessee General Assembly through Public Chapter No. 600, enacted on March 27, 2024, as an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16, Chapter 2. The act will take effect on September 1, 2024.
Former Somerset DA pleads no contest to domestic violence charge
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that the former Somerset County District Attorney has pleaded no contest in a domestic violence case regarding an assault of his wife in 2021, when he was serving as district attorney. Jeffrey Thomas pleaded no contest Tuesday to misdemeanor simple assault. A no contest plea has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.
Special Agent William Porter awarded Attorney General's top honor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has congratulated Special Agent William Porter of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for being named the 2023 Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The Florida Attorney General’s Office hosted the 2023 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony in Havana to honor 11 officers who demonstrated courage and selflessness while exceeding their duties last year.