News from September 2024
Justice officials visit El Paso to discuss civil rights issues
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte of the Justice Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs traveled to El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 16 to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans. U.S. Attorney Jamie Esparza for the Western District of Texas joined them for the meetings.
Summerville man arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material charges
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Christopher Michael McCoy, 45, of Summerville, S.C., on 13 charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.
Justice Department sues vessel owner over Francis Scott Key Bridge destruction
On September 18, 2024, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks on the Justice Department's lawsuit against the owner and operator of the Motor Vessel DALI. The vessel was responsible for destroying the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in six fatalities.
California restaurant owner convicted for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs
A federal jury in San Diego convicted a California man yesterday of wire fraud, conspiracy, and tax crimes for schemes to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and file false tax returns.
Justice Department secures over $15M from OceanFirst Bank for redlining claims
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that OceanFirst Bank, N.A. has agreed to pay over $15 million to resolve allegations of redlining in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Redlining is an illegal practice where lenders avoid providing credit services based on the race, color, or national origin of residents.
Dundy County Clerk Magistrate Deborah League announces retirement
Dundy County Clerk Magistrate and Nebraska County Court Record Retention Specialist Deborah League has announced her retirement, effective December 13, 2024. League's departure will come after over twenty-one years of service to the Judicial Branch.
Beaufort County man arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Alexis Jimenez, 24, of Okatie, S.C., on two charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.
Attorney General James' office releases report on Jarrel Garris' death
New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Jarrel Garris, who died on July 10, 2023, after an encounter with members of the New Rochelle Police Department (NRPD) that occurred on July 3, 2023, in New Rochelle. Following a thorough investigation, which included a review of body-worn camera footage and security camera video, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial...
Justice Department sues vessel owner over Francis Scott Key Bridge destruction
On September 18, 2024, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan A. Patil delivered remarks regarding the Justice Department's lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy, the owner and operator of the Motor Vessel DALI. The lawsuit seeks to recover over $100 million in federal taxpayer funds spent in response to the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Additionally, punitive damages are sought due to what is described as "reckless and grossly negligent conduct" by these entities.
Attorney General Nessel endorses new MiEJScreen environmental justice tool
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging residents to utilize MiEJScreen, an environmental justice resource recently launched by the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA) in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). MiEJScreen, developed by the OEJPA with stakeholder and community input, is an interactive environmental justice screening tool that allows users to identify Michigan communities that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.
Attorney General Bonta issues statement after Kroger-Albertsons antitrust hearing
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement following the conclusion of the preliminary injunction hearing in the state’s lawsuit challenging Kroger’s proposed $24.6 billion purchase of Albertsons.
AG files suit against Pittsburgh-based robotics toy company over unfulfilled orders
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that her office has filed a lawsuit against Digital Dream Labs regarding the robotics and educational-technology company’s widespread failures to fulfill orders, issue refunds, or respond to consumer requests.
Idaho voter ID laws upheld by federal court amid constitutional challenge
Attorney General Labrador successfully defends Idaho voter ID laws in federal court
Oak Street agrees $60M settlement over alleged false claims act violations
Oak Street Health, headquartered in Chicago and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Health since 2023, has agreed to pay $60 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to third-party insurance agents in exchange for recruiting seniors to Oak Street Health’s primary care clinics.
Attorney General Garland appoints new acting trustees for Regions encompassing Western states
Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed two Acting U.S. Trustees, the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees announced today. Under 28 U.S.C. § 585(a), the Attorney General may fill U.S. Trustee vacancies by appointing an Acting U.S. Trustee.
Southern California healthcare provider indicted for $60 million Medi-Cal fraud
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the grand jury indictment of Southern California healthcare provider Gerardo Santillan, along with seven other individuals, for defrauding the state Medi-Cal program of nearly $60 million through their operation of three home health agencies between 2016 and 2022.
Attorney General recognizes deputy who relocated from California
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing a Clay County Sheriff’s deputy who moved from California to answer the call to Be A Florida Hero. Deputy Colton Harris tells his story in the seventh installment of Attorney General Moody’s Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute Series. Deputy Harris, originally from Oakland, California, highlighted the stark difference in serving in Florida versus California. In an interview, the deputy spoke about the lack of support for law enforcement in California and watching a criminal be released from jail hours after being...
Paxton urges verification of voter eligibility ahead of 2024 election
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson to request citizenship data from the federal government. This move aims to help Texas determine the citizenship status of certain registered voters whose eligibility cannot be verified by the state.
Justice Department files lawsuit over Francis Scott Key Bridge destruction
The Justice Department has filed a civil claim in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the container ship responsible for destroying the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Justice Department holds quarterly meeting with LGBTQI+ community stakeholders
The Justice Department convened on Monday its quarterly interagency meeting with LGBTQI+ community stakeholders. Members of the Office of the Attorney General and the LGBTQI+ Working Group of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division outlined relevant enforcement efforts across the department and highlighted actions to address discrimination in education and employment and combat hate crimes. Assistant Secretary of Education Catherine Lhamon of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights also addressed the attendees and highlighted efforts to ensure safe...