News from October 2024
South Carolina men plead guilty to hate crimes targeting Hispanic victims
Two men from South Carolina have admitted guilt in a federal court to hate crimes and other charges related to racially-motivated armed robberies targeting Hispanic individuals. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, and Michael Joseph Knox, 29, both residents of Columbia, confessed to their involvement in several incidents that occurred between January and February 2021.
California firm settles false claims act allegations over blood testing services
Veni-Express Inc., a mobile phlebotomy service based in California, along with its owners Myrna and Sonny Steinbaum, has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle allegations of submitting false claims. The allegations involve fraudulent claims for blood testing services and travel mileage under the False Claims Act, as well as violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Illinois attorney general charges man with solicitation and possession offenses
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a man from Pawnee, Illinois, with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse material. The charges are part of Raoul's efforts, in partnership with federal and local law enforcement across Illinois, to combat the online trade and downloading of such materials.
Florida launches Hope Card Program for domestic violence survivors
Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced the launch of Florida's Hope Card Program as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative offers survivors of domestic violence digital or physical wallet-sized cards that serve as proof of a valid protective order. The program aims to provide cardholders with immediate verification of protection orders and access to additional support resources.
Attorneys general support Biden administration against Idaho's abortion ban
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the en banc court of the Ninth Circuit. The brief supports the Biden administration's challenge to Idaho's near-total ban on abortion. In the case United States of America v. Idaho, the coalition backs the U.S. government's argument that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates hospitals to provide necessary abortion care during medical emergencies.
Charges filed against 22 people in Philadelphia human trafficking case
Attorney General Michelle Henry, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced charges against 22 individuals involved in a Philadelphia-based human trafficking organization. The alleged leader of the ring, Terrance L. Jones, reportedly operated under the guise of "Julia" to recruit commercial sex workers over several years.
Attorney general issues opinion on voter eligibility of felons at state hospital
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has issued an official opinion regarding the voting rights of felons undergoing psychiatric treatment at Warm Springs, the Montana State Hospital. The opinion states that these individuals are prohibited from voting, similar to those serving sentences in other correctional facilities. This decision was made following a request from Lake County Attorney James Lapotka.
Washington Supreme Court sets Nov. 13 public hearing on defense standards
The Washington Supreme Court has announced a final public hearing scheduled for November 13 to discuss proposed changes to standards for indigent defense.
Task force recommends reforms for legal representation in Michigan's child protection cases
Members of the Child Protective Legal Representation Task Force held a virtual news conference to release a report with recommendations for improving legal representation in Michigan's child protective proceedings.
Louisiana AG warns against potential scams during Taylor Swift concert weekend
Ahead of the Taylor Swift 'The Eras Tour' concert weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has issued advice for concert-goers to avoid scams. “There’s going to be hundreds of thousands of people in New Orleans this weekend...
Federal court dismisses RNC lawsuit over Michigan voter registry
Today, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenging Michigan's voter registration database. Judge Jane Beckering granted the motion to dismiss presented by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, stating that the RNC lacked standing and that their claims were without merit.
Drummond challenges Biden-Harris immigration policy in federal court
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is challenging a Biden-Harris Administration rule that allows illegal immigrants to remain in the United States with potential employment and access to public benefits. Last week, Drummond, along with six other attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas supporting a lawsuit against the administration's "Parole-in-Place" (PIP) rule.
Deadline extended for Pleasant Grove part-time judge applications
Pleasant Grove, Utah—The deadline for applications for a part-time justice court judge position in Pleasant Grove has been extended. This role is intended to replace Judge Randy Birch, who resigned in March.
Ohio Supreme Court rules against mandatory sealing of juvenile delinquency records
A state law requiring the sealing of juvenile delinquency records when a juvenile is not found delinquent has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Georgia forms committee to study AI impacts on judiciary
Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs has announced the formation of a new committee to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on the judiciary. The Judicial Council of Georgia Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Courts will work in partnership with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).
Kansas man admits guilt in false tax return scheme
A Kansas tax preparer, Hophine Bwosinde, has admitted to preparing and filing false income tax returns for his clients. Bwosinde, who ran Ambroseli Professional Services in Lenexa, engaged in this activity from 2018 to 2022.
Attorney General Tong mourns loss of Wethersfield firefighter in mountain blaze
Attorney General William Tong has expressed his condolences following the death of a firefighter from Wethersfield. The firefighter was involved in efforts to combat the Lamentation Mountain brush fire.
Paxton sues Biden-Harris over voter citizenship verification
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against the Biden-Harris Administration, accusing them of not adhering to federal law that mandates assistance to states in verifying the citizenship status of individuals potentially ineligible to vote. The lawsuit targets Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials.
Court dismisses GOP lawsuit challenging military voter rights in Michigan
Yesterday, the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Michigan Republican Party, the Republican National Committee (RNC), and Chesterfield Township Clerk Cindy Berry. The lawsuit challenged the voting rights of military and overseas voters. Attorney General Dana Nessel's motion to dismiss was granted against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater.
Attorney General Griffin Co-Leads Amicus Brief Asking United States Supreme Court to Uphold Tennessee Ban on Experimental Gender Treatments
Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement regarding the amicus brief he and the attorneys general of Kentucky and Indiana filed on behalf of a 22-state coalition asking the United States Supreme Court to uphold a Tennessee law that protects children by prohibiting certain medical interventions to treat gender dysphoria, including puberty blockers and hormones.