News from 2024
Two Philadelphia Men Charged with Defrauding Healthcare Workers’ Union with Sham Bids and Inflating Renovation Costs to Unlawfully Fund Political Work
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against Christen Woods and Tracy Hardy for a theft scheme involving the diversion of funds from a Philadelphia healthcare workers’ union chapter to Hardy’s political consulting firm.
Claremont Couple Pleads Guilty to $40K Medicaid Fraud Scheme
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Joseph Bye, age 31, and Sara Lapointe, age 29, both of Claremont, New Hampshire, have pleaded guilty to defrauding New Hampshire Medicaid out of more than $40,000.
Dodge County Celebrates National Drug Court Month Graduation
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Dodge County will celebrate the graduation of its Drug Court participants. The ceremony, presided over by Judge Geoffrey C. Hall, will take place at 3:45 p.m., following the Drug Court session at the Dodge County Courthouse District Court Room.
Griffin Lauds Unanimous State Supreme Court Win Upholding State Election Laws
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed two lawsuits to stop both the Biden Administration and the State of California from imposing electric-vehicle mandates on truck owners and operators throughout the country.
Attorney General Rokita urges vigilance against human trafficking at Indy 500
The Indianapolis 500, recognized globally as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is set to draw massive crowds. However, large events such as this often create an increased demand for trafficked individuals who are forced into manual labor, sex work, and other services. Attorney General Todd Rokita urges Hoosiers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Oklahoma AG defends immigration law against Biden administration's lawsuit threat
Two days after the Biden Administration threatened to sue Oklahoma over its new immigration reform law, Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a robust response, pledging to defend the legislation. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had warned in a May 15 letter that it would challenge House Bill 4156 unless Oklahoma agreed not to enforce it, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and preempted by federal statute.
Jeffco's Fresh Start: Clearing Outstanding Warrants on June 1
If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest and are seeking a resolution, the 1st Judicial District's Fresh Start warrant clearance day could provide a pathway to clear up your past and move forward. This event is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Building (100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden).
Justice Department leaders honor fallen officers during National Police Week
Last week, in recognition of National Police Week, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer joined law enforcement partners to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to the nation.
Florida leads US in fentanyl seizures amidst rising fake pill numbers
Florida has been recognized as the leading state in fentanyl seizures, according to recent statistics that highlight a significant increase in the number of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl confiscated by law enforcement across the country. The report reveals that more than 115 million pills containing Mexican fentanyl were seized in 2023, a stark contrast to the 4 million fake pills seized during President Trump's final year in office in 2020 when border security was tighter.
Arizona man pleads guilty to fraudulent tax shelter scheme
An Arizona resident, Kent Ellsworth, admitted guilt on Friday to two charges of aiding in the creation of false tax returns for individuals who employed an abusive-trust tax shelter to understate their income and tax liabilities.
Director Rosie Hidalgo addresses Conference on Crimes Against Women
Director Rosie Hidalgo, head of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the Justice Department, recently delivered a keynote speech at the Conference on Crimes Against Women. In her address, she expressed gratitude to attendees for their dedication and service in combatting gender-based violence.
Judge McMullen delivers commencement speech at University of Tennessee Law School
On May 16, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille R. McMullen delivered the commencement address at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee Law School. Judge McMullen was selected by the graduating class of 2024 to share her insights and experiences.
Justice Department sues organizations and individuals for obstructing reproductive health services
The Justice Department has initiated a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of Ohio against two organizations and seven individuals, alleging violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The defendants are Citizens for a Pro Life Society and Red Rose Rescue, along with Laura Gies, Lauren Handy, Clara McDonald, Monica Miller, Christopher Moscinski, Jay Smith and Audrey Whipple.
Chief Justice Holly Kirby to receive 2024 Drowota Award
Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Holly Kirby is set to receive the esteemed Justice Frank F. Drowota III Award next month, as announced by the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA). The award ceremony will take place at the Bench Bar Luncheon on June 13, which forms part of the association's Annual Convention in Memphis.
Charles A. Stock receives inaugural North Dakota Criminal Justice Act award
Charles A. Stock has been recognized with the inaugural District of North Dakota Criminal Justice Act Distinguished Panel Attorney Award. The award was established this year by the District’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Committee to annually honor one outstanding CJA Panel attorney for their dedication and service to the CJA Panel, indigent defendants, and the District of North Dakota.
Buckeye Institute urges SCOTUS to address alleged discrimination in elite public schools
On Monday, The Buckeye Institute, in collaboration with the Mountain States Legal Foundation, submitted an amicus brief in the case of Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence Corp. v. School Committee for the City of Boston. The organizations are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case and put an end to what they describe as discrimination-by-proxy in elite public schools.
Justice Department introduces framework to enhance national response to sexual assault and domestic violence
The Justice Department has unveiled a new resource aimed at bolstering the national response to sexual assault and domestic violence. The Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims, crafted by prosecutors, outlines five principles that promise improved outcomes for victims, safer communities, and increased accountability for perpetrators.
Massachusetts sober home owner found liable for sexual harassment
Peter McCarthy, 49, the owner of Steps to Solutions Inc., a group of residential sober homes in Lynn, Massachusetts, was found liable following a five-day jury trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit in August 2021 alleging that McCarthy sexually harassed female tenants, thereby violating the Fair Housing Act.
Vermont resident arraigned on child sexual abuse material charges
The Attorney General’s Office has announced the arraignment of Wentworth C. Comes, Jr., 83, of Hancock, Vermont, on three felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and two misdemeanor counts. The charges against Mr. Comes are the result of a criminal investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which includes personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Vermont State Police, and Randolph Police Department.
Oklahoma AG responds defiantly after DOJ threatens lawsuit over immigration reform
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2024) – Two days after the Biden Administration sent a letter threatening to sue Oklahoma over its new immigration reform law, Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a sharply worded response vowing to defend the law.