News from October 2024
Renowned Motor Vehicle Finance Partner Ingrid McClintock Joins Holland & Knight's Financial Services Team in Charlotte
Holland & Knight is pleased to welcome Ingrid McClintock as a financial services partner in Charlotte.
2024 Construction Law Summit on October 23, 2024
We invite you to join us for a free and engaging half-day event exploring the most pressing legal challenges and trends in the construction industry.
Justice Department launches voter assistance resources for hurricane-affected states
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has introduced a new webpage aimed at assisting voters in states affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. These natural disasters have caused significant disruptions, displacing thousands of residents, closing essential services, and destroying important personal items such as identification documents.
Walmart settles $7.5M lawsuit over hazardous waste disposal in California
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Walmart over allegations of illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste. The retail giant is set to pay $7.5 million in penalties and costs, along with agreeing to comply with injunctive terms as part of the resolution.
Penn State settles false claims act allegations over cybersecurity non-compliance
The Pennsylvania State University has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by not adhering to cybersecurity requirements in several contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA. The settlement addresses claims that, from 2018 to 2023, Penn State did not implement necessary cybersecurity controls as required by these agencies.
Orange County transportation company owners convicted in $2.1 million Medicaid fraud case
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the owners of DYD Universe, Inc., a Medicaid-enrolled transportation company, have pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme defrauding Medicaid of over $2.1 million. Damir Yuldashev, his son Daler Yuldashev, and Nigina Iskandarova admitted to submitting false claims for non-existent services and tolls from April 2018 to March 2023. The trio also paid illegal kickbacks to Medicaid recipients in exchange for their confidential information.
Liz Cheney faces bar complaint over communications with J6 witness
America First Legal (AFL) has filed a complaint with the D.C. Bar on behalf of Stefan Passantino against former Congresswoman Liz Cheney. The complaint arises from findings by House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Barry Loudermilk, which indicate that Cheney communicated via the encrypted messaging app Signal with Cassidy Hutchinson, a witness before the January 6 Committee who was represented by Passantino.
Florida woman sentenced for filing false tax returns with IRS
A Florida woman has been sentenced to prison for filing false tax returns with the IRS. Yolanda Dewar received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, along with one year of supervised release. She has also been ordered to pay $485,290.03 in restitution to the United States.
Court upholds overseas voting rights law amid legal challenge
Attorney General Josh Stein expressed satisfaction following a district court's decision not to issue a preliminary injunction that would have restricted voting rights for certain U.S. citizens living abroad.
Attorney General Nessel appoints Brad A. Brelinski as Jackson County public administrator
Today, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the appointment of Brad A. Brelinski as the new Jackson County Public Administrator.
Attorney General warns telecom company over alleged illegal robocall traffic
Attorney General William Tong has issued a warning to iDentidad Advertising Development LLC, also known as iDentidad Telecom, regarding the transmission of suspected illegal robocall traffic. In a statement, Tong emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “iDentidad is a prolific scam enabler. They need to stop facilitating illegal robocall traffic now, or we’re coming for them with the full weight of 51 attorneys general and the federal government. Robocalls are more than just a nuisance; they facilitate fraud with the potential to inflict serious financial harm."
Illinois residents warned about possible influx of flood-damaged cars after hurricanes
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to consumers in Illinois regarding the potential influx of flood-damaged vehicles entering the used car market. This alert follows significant flooding caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which affected thousands of vehicles across several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
America First Legal investigates DOJ ties with group targeting conservative lawyers
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) interactions with The 65 Project, a group known for targeting conservative lawyers. The AFL describes The 65 Project as a "dark money group with ties to Democratic Party heavyweights."
America First Legal investigates DOJ over communications from Jack Smith's office
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to obtain communications from Special Counsel Jack Smith's Office. This action is part of AFL's effort to scrutinize what they describe as a politically motivated investigation against former President Trump.
California Supreme Court approves incentives for new bar exam question testing
The California Supreme Court has approved a proposal from the State Bar of California to incentivize bar applicants to participate in a study scheduled for November 8 and 9. The study will pretest experimental multiple-choice exam questions developed by Kaplan, Inc. Participants may have an increased chance of passing future bar exams if they meet certain performance criteria.
Florida man admits to $1.7 million tax evasion over a decade
A Florida resident, David Albert Fletcher from Deltona, has admitted to evading more than $1.7 million in taxes owed for the years 2004 through 2014. Fletcher operated several furniture liquidation businesses, including Century Liquidators, but failed to file federal income tax returns or pay taxes for the years 2004 to 2013.
Louisiana releases opioid crisis documentary during prevention month
The Louisiana Supreme Court Families in Need of Services Assistance Program (FINS-AP) has released a documentary focusing on the opioid crisis affecting Louisiana.
Iranian officials face US charges over alleged murder-for-hire plot
The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed a superseding indictment charging four individuals from Iran with murder-for-hire, money laundering, and sanctions evasion. The charges are against Ruhollah Bazghandi, known as Roohollah Azimi; Fnu Lnu, also known as Haj Taher; Hossein Sedighi; and Seyed Mohammad Forouzan.
Attorney General honors southeastern North Carolinians with Dogwood Awards
Attorney General Josh Stein recognized several individuals from southeastern North Carolina with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. This award acknowledges contributions to improving health, safety, and well-being in the community.
Judge upholds Washington ban on DIY rape kit sales
A federal judge has upheld Washington State's prohibition on the sale and distribution of over-the-counter sexual assault kits. The decision dismissed a lawsuit from Leda Health, a Pennsylvania company marketing self-administered kits. These kits, according to the state, create false expectations and undermine legal processes.