News from September 2024
Justice Department settles gender-based pay discrimination case with Wisconsin agency
The Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement to resolve a gender-based pay discrimination lawsuit filed in January 2023 against the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (WDMA). The lawsuit alleged that the WDMA discriminated against former employee Michelle Hartness, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, when it offered her a lower salary than similarly or less qualified men for a director position in the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.
Charges reinstated against former state trooper for death of 11-year-old Monica Goods
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department of the New York State Supreme Court's ruling to reinstate charges against former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner. The court ruled that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) presented sufficient evidence to the grand jury that Baldner acted with depraved indifference.
Attorney General's lawsuit against Family Dollar over rodent infestation proceeds
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a statement following a Pulaski County Circuit judge's decision to deny a motion to dismiss Griffin’s lawsuit against Family Dollar for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA).
Former Arnold police chief faces multiple charges after sting operation
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that criminal charges have been filed against former Arnold Police Department Chief Joshua Stanga. The charges stem from a joint investigation led by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police into allegations of misconduct by Stanga.
California AG praises new bill enforcing stricter penalties on housing law violations
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement today following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Senate Bill (SB) 1037 into law. The legislation, authored by Senator Scott Wiener and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, enhances the Attorney General’s authority to seek civil penalties against local governments that violate state housing laws.
Morningstar Storage agrees to pay $130K over alleged violations against servicemembers
The Justice Department announced today that Morningstar Storage, which manages and operates a network of self-storage facilities in the southeastern United States, has agreed to pay $130,000 to resolve allegations of violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The company allegedly failed to obtain court orders before auctioning the contents of at least three storage units owned by active-duty servicemembers.
Acting Assistant Attorney General addresses Coordinating Council's progress at juvenile justice meeting
Thank you for that introduction, Liz Ryan, and good afternoon, everyone. It’s wonderful to be with you all today. I want to thank Liz for her leadership, both as Administrator of our Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and as vice chair of the council. She is deeply committed to this council’s work and is such a strong voice for the youth of our country.
Celebration of life announced for James Allen Hope
James “Jim” Allen Hope, 69, of Dickinson, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius Dickinson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Jim at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at First Congregational Church-UCC in Dickinson with Rev. Janel Kolar officiating. Visitation will occur one hour prior to the service at the church.
Real estate executive sentenced for falsifying financial statements
A California real estate executive was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 for engaging in an extensive multi-year conspiracy to falsify financial statements.
Founder of Sick Recovery faces multiple charges over unpaid labor scheme
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against Kevin D. Kolb, the founder and operator of Sick Recovery, a Berks County-based non-profit organization for men with substance abuse issues, which Kolb allegedly used as a source for free laborers.
Justice department launches civil rights probe into rankin county sheriff's department
The Justice Department announced today the initiation of a civil pattern or practice investigation into Rankin County, Mississippi, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD). Rankin County, with a population of approximately 160,000, is situated about 30 minutes east of Jackson, Mississippi.
Attorney General James' office releases report on Elijah Muhammad's death
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released its report on the death of Elijah Muhammad, who died on July 10, 2022, while incarcerated in the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC) on Rikers Island. Following a comprehensive investigation, including a review of Department of Correction (DOC) staff incident reports and security camera footage, witness interviews, and legal analysis, OSI concluded that criminal charges would not be pursued.
Justice Department seeks injunction against Texas-based tax return preparer
The Justice Department filed a civil complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to enjoin John T. Ajuma, also known as John Trobisch, from preparing federal tax returns for others.
Paxton sues Harris County over renewed guaranteed income program
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Harris County Commissioners Court, alleging that the court is attempting to restart its "guaranteed income" program despite a previous order to halt similar cash disbursements.
Justice court vacancy announced for Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove, Utah—Applications are being accepted for a part-time justice court judge position that will serve Pleasant Grove, Utah. The position will replace Judge Randy Birch who resigned in March.
Ohio Supreme Court orders Cleveland law firm to pay additional legal fees
Two Cleveland law firms could not agree on the wording of a settlement ordered by the Supreme Court of Ohio, leading to a hearing in Columbus and an additional $2,600 payment to a lawyer for preparing for and attending the meeting.
America First Legal sues Secret Service over concealed records on Trump assassination attempt
America First Legal (AFL) has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging illegal concealment of government records related to the first assassination attempt on President Trump in Pennsylvania in July.
Snohomish County holds first-ever 'Blake Relief Day' on October 4th
Individuals with Washington State Blake-related drug possession convictions can apply for financial and record-clearing relief at the first Blake Drug Possession Relief Day at the Snohomish County Courthouse on October 4, 2024.
Dickinson County man extradited to face multiple sexual conduct charges
LANSING – Trentin McWilliams, 23, of Norway and most recently residing in California, was arraigned yesterday in the 95B District Court in Iron Mountain on seven felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting two minors on separate occasions. McWilliams was extradited to Dickinson County earlier this week by the U.S. Marshals Service to face these charges as part of the ongoing Operation Survivor Justice.
Attorney General Stein comments on defense of SAFE Child Act
Attorney General Josh Stein released a statement after North Carolina Solicitor General Ryan Park defended the constitutionality of the SAFE Child Act at the North Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday. The North Carolina Department of Justice intervened in McKinney, et al. v. Goins, et al. to defend the legislature’s creation of a two-year window for adults who were abused as children to bring a civil action against their abuser.