News from September 2024
Attorney generals urge Congress for warnings on social media algorithms
Attorney General Josh Stein, along with a bipartisan group of attorneys general, has called on Congress to pass legislation mandating a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all social media platforms that utilize algorithms.
Two convicted for cyber fraud schemes targeting various sectors in Gwinnett County
ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr announced today that Ugochinyere Anazodo, 46, of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and Dominique Beaulieu, 45, of Windermere, Florida, have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their roles in multiple cyber fraud schemes. These schemes targeted small businesses, government entities, and private citizens, resulting in significant financial losses through scams such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), romance and confidence fraud, inheritance scams, and identity theft.
Providence man sentenced to life plus 20 years for murder
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Providence man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve a term of life plus 20 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for the 2021 murder of Leonardo Tavares.
Justice Department commemorates 25th anniversary of U.S.-Japan Competition Cooperation Agreement
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Commissioner Reiko Aoki of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) met yesterday in Washington, D.C., to mark the 25th anniversary of an agreement between the United States and Japan concerning cooperation on anticompetitive issues.
Washington Supreme Court schedules public hearing on indigent defense standards
The Washington Supreme Court will hold a public hearing on September 25, 2024, to gather testimony on proposed changes to the standards for indigent defense. The session will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Thurston County Atrium building in Olympia and will be accessible both in-person and remotely via Zoom. Registration is required for those wishing to testify.
New circuit court judge sworn into office
Judge Stephanie J. Williams was elected on Aug. 1, 2024, to serve as Circuit Court Judge for the 20th Judicial District. She fills the vacancy created by the passing of Judge Philip E. Smith in September 2022. Judge Smith had served as Judge Williams’ longtime mentor and was instrumental in her decision to become a judge.
Court rules against Chino Valley's forced outing policy protecting transgender students' rights
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement following the San Bernardino Superior Court’s ruling in People of the State of California v. Chino Valley Unified School District. The court granted injunctive and declaratory relief against the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education’s mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. This ruling permanently halts enforcement of provisions that required schools to inform parents whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun, or access facilities or programs, not aligned with their birth certificate...
Puerto Rican man sentenced for illegal wetland destruction
A Puerto Rico man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine for the destruction and filling of wetlands in violation of the Clean Water Act.
Attorney General Josh Stein criticizes legislative decisions on safety and education
Attorney General Josh Stein issued a statement on September 11, 2024, criticizing Republican legislators for what he describes as neglecting the needs of North Carolina families.
Canadian man pleads guilty to destroying energy facilities in two states
Cameron Monte Smith, a citizen of Canada, has pleaded guilty to one count of destruction of an energy facility charged in the District of North Dakota and another count in the District of South Dakota.
Pakistani national charged over alleged assassination plot targeting US politician
Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, was indicted yesterday for attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries and murder-for-hire. The charges are part of a scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on American soil. Law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant, who was previously arrested and charged by complaint in July 2024, is currently detained in federal custody.
Attorney General calls for Surgeon General warning on social media
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general, is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. Raoul and the coalition issued a letter to Congress amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in generational harm to young people’s mental health.
Iowa Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in Harlan
On Tuesday, September 24, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Harlan, Iowa. The proceedings will take place in the Harlan High School auditorium, located at 2102 Durant Street. The oral arguments are open to the public and will commence at 7 p.m.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addresses Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on civil rights issues
On September 11, 2024, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addressed the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. during their Zeta Day on the Hill event. In her remarks, Clarke acknowledged the historical significance and contributions of the sorority, emphasizing its advocacy for social, health, and economic justice.
Ohio appeals court hears arguments on HB 68 ruling
The Tenth District Court of Appeals in Columbus, Ohio, today heard arguments in an appeal concerning a trial court's ruling that upheld the state's ban on medical interventions aimed at transitioning the sex or gender of minors.
Attorney General Garland delivers remarks at September 11 remembrance ceremony
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the Justice Department’s September 11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2024.
Oklahoma man arrested on federal child pornography charges following AG investigation
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a statement today regarding the arrest of Austin Norris, 28, of Watts, Oklahoma, on a federal count of receiving or distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Court finds Trump Tower violated environmental laws regarding Chicago River
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that a Cook County Circuit Court judge granted his office’s motion for summary judgment, finding 401 North Wabash Venture LLC (Trump International Hotel & Tower, known as Trump Tower) violated both the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations. The decision also grants summary judgment to the Sierra Club and Friends of the Chicago River, both plaintiff-intervenors in the case.
California AG urges tech giants to tackle election misinformation
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a letter to executives at eight major social media and artificial intelligence (AI) companies, urging them to address the spread of election misinformation on their platforms. The letter was sent to Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms, Inc., Microsoft, Inc., Open AI, Inc., Reddit Inc., TikTok Inc., X Corp., and YouTube, Inc.
Investigations and enforcement trends webinar series: key priorities for Q3 2024 on September 12
Against a backdrop of coordinated activity and intense scrutiny from investigators and prosecutors around the globe, general counsel and chief compliance officers face a constant challenge in managing regulatory risk and understanding where to allocate resources.