Latest News
Justice Department and Department of Health and Human Services Highlight Progress by State of Alabama to Implement Environmental Justice Reforms in Lowndes County
The Justice Department and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today progress by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) in providing access to basic sanitation services, abating exposure to raw sewage from inadequate onsite wastewater systems, and improving health outcomes for the predominantly Black communities of Lowndes County, Alabama.
Maryland completes statewide rollout of electronic court filing system
On May 6, 2024, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and the District Court of Maryland in Baltimore City joined the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system.
Federal action provides $345M debt relief to Pa. borrowers from The Art Institutes
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that nearly 18,000 Pennsylvania students who attended The Art Institute between 2004 and 2017 will have their loan balances discharged. This move is part of a federal action to discharge over $6 billion in student loan debt nationwide.
Former Tennessee Corrections Officer Sentenced for Using Excessive Force Against Inmate and Writing False Report to Cover It Up
Former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) tactical officer, Javian Griffin, 38, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for using excessive force against an inmate and writing a false report to cover it up. Griffin pleaded guilty to the offense on Oct. 11, 2023.Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “The defendant pledged to protect and serve but instead he abused his authority as a corrections officer, violently punching a man in the head and breaking his jaw. The...
Court Permanently Bars Missouri CPA from Promoting Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust Tax Scheme
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri has issued a permanent injunction against Aric Elliot Schreiner and his company, Columbia CPA Group LLC, prohibiting them from engaging in any activities related to promoting tax schemes involving charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs). Additionally, Schreiner has been ordered to forfeit $400,000 in ill-gotten gains from the scheme. The court's decision comes after the United States sued Schreiner, Columbia CPA Group, and five other defendants to halt the promotion of the CRAT scheme.According to the United...
Jewelry store robber convicted; faces up to 75 years
A jury in New Castle County has found Calvin Ushery guilty on all charges related to the 2022 robbery and assault at Solid Gold Jewelry.
Justice Department Plans Environmental Justice Strategic Plan Listening Sessions in May 2024
The Justice Department today marked the second anniversary of its Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy (CEJES) and Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). The Justice Department will be incorporating those efforts into developing an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan, as directed by the President’s Executive Order “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.” The new strategic plan will further address environmental justice and help develop and capture the Justice Department's vision, goals, priority actions, and metrics to...
Former CNMI Bar Association executive director sentenced for fraud scheme
Peonie Cabrera, the former Executive Director of the Northern Mariana Bar Association (NMBA), has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for bank and wire fraud.
Wilmington man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in Dover shooting
A Wilmington man has admitted guilt in the murder of Bruce Wright, a case dating back to 2022.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Honors Deputy U.S. Marshal Tommy Weeks Jr. at Memorial Service
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered heartfelt remarks at the memorial service of Deputy U.S. Marshal Tommy Weeks Jr., paying tribute to his life and legacy. Garland expressed his admiration for Mrs. Weeks' strength and resilience, highlighting her unwavering support for the U.S. Marshals Service and the Justice Department in the face of tragedy.Garland acknowledged the profound impact of Weeks' dedication to his family and his colleagues, describing him as a dependable, passionate, and humorous individual. He shared anecdotes that showcased Weeks' commitment to...
Oklahoma AG files lawsuit against Biden Administration over Title IX changes
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 6, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the Biden Administration’s new change to Title IX rules that adds gender identity to the longstanding federal protections.
Five Federal Departments Reaffirm Commitment to Civil Rights Laws and Environmental Justice
Five federal departments have come together to reaffirm their shared commitment to uphold civil rights laws and advance environmental justice in communities across the United States. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, along with officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Housing and Urban Development, jointly expressed their dedication to this important cause.Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s...
Florida Hospital System Agrees to Pay $1.5 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations
Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health) in Florida has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by offering improper discounts to patients. The United States alleged that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided discounts without regard to financial need, potentially in exchange for referrals or purchases of services.In response to the settlement, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, "The department will continue to rely on the False Claims Act to address the use of prohibited remuneration to induce...
Amneal Pharmaceuticals reaches $270 million settlement over opioid crisis allegations
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced a multistate settlement in principle with Amneal Pharmaceuticals regarding its involvement in the opioid crisis.
Kathy Jennings backs anti-money laundering rules for real estate
Attorney General Kathy Jennings has aligned with a coalition of 25 states and territories to support new regulations proposed by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Attorney General Miyares Announces $270 Million Multistate Settlement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia revealed that the state is set to receive about $3.1 million as part of a $270 million multistate settlement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals. The agreement, reached in principle, aims to address Amneal's involvement in the opioid crisis that has plagued the nation for years.According to a multistate coalition of attorneys general, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturer of opioids from 2006 to 2019, is accused of neglecting to monitor and report suspicious orders made by its customers, contravening federal regulations.Miyares...
Wilmington man pleads guilty in connection with 2018 murder case
A Wilmington man has admitted guilt in connection with the 2018 murder of Richard Young.
Sheetz's refusal to hire some criminals makes it racist, EEOC says
BALTIMORE – The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Sheetz, charging that the criminal background check in its hiring process has discriminated against job applicants of Black, American Indian/Alaska Native and/or multiracial origin.
Dental products company can't escape shareholder litigation over disappointing results
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has largely rejected the motion to dismiss a stockholder class action lawsuit against Dentsply, the world's largest producer of professional dental products.
Pickle-eaters score $2 million settlement over preservative in Wahlburgers; Attorneys to ask for $750K
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - The maker of Wahlburgers dill spears and chips is getting itself out of a legal pickle with a $2 million settlement.