News from September 2024
Head of Luzerne County drug trafficking organization convicted
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that a jury has convicted the main supplier of a Luzerne County-based drug trafficking organization of several felonies. After a week-long trial, Stanley Sabatel was found guilty of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Alabama court upholds capital murder for hire conviction
The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the conviction of a man found guilty of capital murder for hire in Mobile County.
Attorney General’s Office opens investigation into civilian death involving Nassau County Police
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the death of Jeremy Bennett. Mr. Bennett died on September 21, 2024, following an encounter with officers from the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in Massapequa on September 20, 2024.
Judge Curt Rose reflects on swearing-in ceremony attended by 94-year-old grandmother
Judge Curt Rose recently won a special election to fill the seat of second judicial district circuit court judge. He was sworn into office by Judge James Goodwin on August 29. Family in attendance included Judge Rose’s wife, children, and grandmother.
Attorney General Garland discusses safety initiatives at Mississippi U.S. Attorney's Office
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, expressing gratitude and recognition for their efforts in law enforcement.
29-state coalition challenges Maryland gun ban at Supreme Court
Attorney General Raúl Labrador, along with representatives from 28 other states, has submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States. The coalition is requesting a writ of certiorari for the case of Snope v. Brown, in which the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Maryland's ban on numerous firearm styles, including the AR-15.
8th Circuit issues mixed ruling in Eric Poemoceah v. Morton County
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has rendered a decision in the case of Eric Poemoceah v. Morton County on September 25. The court's ruling affirmed some parts, reversed others, and remanded the case for further proceedings regarding Poemoceah's Fourth Amendment claim against defendant Benjamin Swenson.
Nursing home manager charged with embezzling resident funds
Alex Ambrose, 27, of Southfield, was arraigned today in the 37th District Court in Warren for allegedly embezzling over $7,000 from eight vulnerable adults between September 2023 and January 2024. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges against the former manager of Mission Point Nursing & Physical Rehabilitation Center of Warren.
Buckeye Institute appeals decision in class action against City of Cleveland
The Buckeye Institute has filed an appeal brief in the case of Wos v. Cleveland, urging Ohio’s Eighth District Court of Appeals to hold the city accountable for not adhering to its ordinance requiring interest payments on delayed municipal income tax refunds. The appeal follows a trial court's dismissal of the case.
Nebraska County Court Judge Darryl R. Lowe announces resignation effective October
Nebraska County Court Judge Darryl R. Lowe of the 4th Judicial District has announced his resignation, effective October 11, 2024. Appointed to the bench in 1998, Lowe has also held several volunteer positions within the Nebraska County Judges Association.
Oklahoma Attorney General launches campaign targeting state's most wanted fugitives
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated a new campaign to apprehend some of Oklahoma's most wanted fugitives. The effort, launched today in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service and various federal, tribal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, aims to identify and capture individuals posing significant threats to public safety.
Raoul issues guide against AI-generated election misinformation
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has released a 2024 Voter Misinformation Guide to assist Illinois voters in identifying and reporting election misinformation generated by artificial intelligence (AI). This content, which can include misleading videos, images, or audio impersonating people or candidates, aims to confuse or dissuade voters.
ECJD judge discusses new veteran's treatment court proposal
East Central District Court Judge Connie Cleveland, along with Ken Schumacher from the Unit 2 Administration office, recently appeared on an episode of the Jay Thomas show. Also present was Dan Bertsch, an attorney with the Fargo Public Defender’s Office. They discussed the proposed Veteran's Treatment Court in the East Central Judicial District (ECJD).
Coalition supports ATF's new rule requiring licenses for private gun sellers
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell have co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in support of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) rule aimed at preventing illegal gun trafficking. The rule requires private gun sellers to obtain a license and conduct background checks on potential buyers. This coalition filed an amicus brief in Texas v. ATF, arguing that the rule is essential for public safety and preventing dangerous individuals from obtaining guns illegally.
68M fund completes restoration projects in Brooklyn's Greenpoint
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the completion of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF). The program, which invested over $68.6 million in environmental initiatives for Greenpoint, Brooklyn, was established with funds from New York state’s 2010 settlement with ExxonMobil. This settlement addressed the company's responsibility for a massive oil spill that contaminated land and groundwater in Greenpoint.
Gonzales man arrested on over 100 counts of juvenile pornography
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested a Gonzales man on Wednesday, September 25, on multiple charges.
Justice Department reaches agreement with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office on language access
The Justice Department has reached a resolution agreement with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in California. This resolves an inquiry into whether ACSO complies with its nondiscrimination obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Justice Department announces nearly $30M in grants against hate crimes
The Department of Justice has announced nearly $30 million in grant funding to combat the rise in hate and bias crimes. The funding, distributed through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will support law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, national civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders. These grants aim to improve the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, solve cold cases, serve victims, and support related research.
Justice Department announces new initiatives at 2024 Hate Crimes Grantee Conference
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer addressed the 2024 Hate Crimes Grantee Conference, organized by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The event brought together grantees of the Justice Department’s hate crime grants, including law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, and national civil rights organizations.
Montana allocates $3.5 million from J&J settlement to aid child advocacy centers
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that the Montana Department of Justice will allocate an additional $3.5 million to support Montana Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to enhance the care and response for child survivors of crime and abuse across the state. The funds originate from a recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson, resolving allegations that the company sold baby powder containing carcinogenic asbestos.