News from September 2024
United States reaches agreement with COBB Tuning Products for Clean Air Act violations
The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement agreement with COBB Tuning Products to resolve claims related to the manufacture and sale of automotive emission defeat devices in violation of the Clean Air Act. The settlement requires COBB to pay a civil penalty of just over $2.9 million, based on the company’s limited ability to pay, and to cease the manufacture and sale of defeat devices.
Upstate woman charged with fraud and theft from vulnerable adult
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Malla M. Hart, 55, of Boiling Springs, S.C., on multiple charges including one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent valued at $10,000 or more, and two counts of Forgery valued at less than $10,000. Hart was booked into the Spartanburg Detention Center on September 13, 2024.
Attorney General's office secures conviction of hired hitman
Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office secured a conviction in East Carroll Parish on September 13 for a man charged with attempted second-degree murder.
Two men sentenced for destroying wetlands including Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
On Friday, Sept. 13, two Puerto Rican men were sentenced for their destruction, removal, and filling of protected wetlands in Puerto Rico in violation of the Clean Water Act.
AG Henry launches online portal for mandatory data breach reporting
Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced the launch of an online portal designed to streamline the process for companies and other entities reporting data breaches that impact more than 500 Pennsylvania residents. This requirement is mandated under Pennsylvania law, effective September 26, 2024.
Vermont Supreme Court advisory committee to discuss electronic filing rules
The Vermont Supreme Court's Advisory Committee on Rules for Electronic Filing will convene on September 20, 2024, at 9:00 am. The agenda includes several key items.
Attorney General Paxton appeals dismissal in Bexar County voter registration form case
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a notice of appeal to continue an Office of the Attorney General (OAG) lawsuit challenging a Bexar County program that mailed thousands of unsolicited voter registration applications to unverified recipients.
U.S. District Court denies Meadows' motion to move case from state court
Today, the U.S. District Court of Arizona declined to assume jurisdiction over the State of Arizona’s criminal prosecution of Mr. Meadows under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1442 and 1455. The matter will be remanded back to the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County. In today's ruling, the Honorable Judge John J. Tuchi stated:
Connecticut officials seek state review of Iberdrola's bid to privatize Avangrid
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire E. Coleman have filed a petition with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for state review of Iberdrola's proposed acquisition of all remaining shares of Avangrid. Iberdrola, a Spain-based multinational conglomerate, currently owns 81.6 percent of United Illuminating, Southern Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas, as well as utilities in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. The acquisition would result in Avangrid becoming a fully private entity.
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office secures 40-year sentence for child's death
Danielle Ivy Dechert, 27, pleaded guilty in the 33rd Judicial District Court of Blanco County, Texas, on August 30, 2024, to Injury to a Child – Recklessly Causing Death/Serious Bodily Injury and was sentenced to 40 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Burtchville woman sentenced for embezzling over $86K from elderly ward
Lisa Marie Tramski, 57, of Burtchville, was sentenced to one year of probation by Judge Daniel A. Damman in the 31st Circuit Court in St. Clair County after paying $51,600.75 in restitution, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Tramski pled guilty in July to one count of embezzlement of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 for embezzling funds from an elderly woman after becoming her court-appointed guardian.
Attorney General Nessel marks one year since launch of Address Confidentiality Program
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the YWCA Kalamazoo hosted a roundtable discussion today to mark the first anniversary of the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). The program aims to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosing their physical address will increase their risk of harm.
America First Legal files second lawsuit against New York DA over Trump prosecution records
America First Legal (AFL) has filed a second lawsuit against the New York District Attorney’s Office, seeking records related to what it describes as the politically motivated prosecution of President Trump by District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The lawsuit aims to obtain critical records from D.A. Bragg’s office.
Texas man receives lengthy prison sentence for child sexual abuse
A Tulia man has been sentenced to 30 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Corrections for child sexual abuse violations in Swisher County, Texas.
Yost Orders Deep Dive Into Challenges of Surging Migrant Population
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost directed his office to research legal avenues to stop the federal government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities.
Bipartisan coalition of attorneys general call for Congress to require surgeon general warnings on social media platforms
In a letter sent yesterday to Congress, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who is also President of the National Association of Attorneys General ( NAAG), joined a broad, bipartisan coalition of 42 state attorneys general to urge lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms.
BakerHostetler Notches Top Ten Ranking in Midlevel Associates Survey for Fourth Consecutive Year
As a result of its focus on a supportive workplace environment where employees can thrive, BakerHostetler has once again achieved a top ten ranking – 9th in the nation.
Jones Day again wins New York Law Journal's "Labor & Employment Litigation Department of the Year" award
Jones Day was named Winner of the New York Law Journal's (NYLJ) Labor & Employment Litigation Department of the Year award for 2024.
Five convicted for involvement in Thomas County shooting incident
Attorney General Chris Carr announced that five members of RNBA, a hybrid criminal street gang based in Boston, Georgia, have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their involvement in an April 3, 2022 shooting at the Green Food Market in Thomasville. The incident, linked to an ongoing conflict between RNBA and "Realer Than Most" (RTM), resulted in non-fatal injuries to a pregnant woman and another civilian. One defendant was also injured.
Noah Oberlander named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2024 class of Up & Coming lawyers
Noah Oberlander, counsel in Reed Smith’s Labor & Employment group, has been selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly for its 2024 class of Up & Coming lawyers.