Latest News
Attorney General Marshall joins coalition against ATF's 'frame or receiver' rule
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 27 states in an amicus brief, requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to limit the Biden administration’s "Frame or Receiver" firearms rule. Issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2022, the rule expanded its definition of “firearm” to include certain weapon parts kits that can be converted into firearms, as well as partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frames or receivers.
Ohio Supreme Court rules doctor did not waive service defense despite active participation
The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today that a doctor who had preserved his defense that he had not been properly served with the complaint against him did not waive that defense by actively participating in the proceedings for two years.
Justice Department announces update in San Antonio smuggling case
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas held a joint press conference with Joint Task Force Alpha Co-Directors Ian Hanna and Jim Hepburn to discuss a significant arrest in the case regarding the 2022 human smuggling incident that resulted in the death of 53 men, women, and children, along with 11 injured. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Criminal Division, provided remarks.
Tennessee man pleads guilty to Clean Water Act violation
On Aug. 20, Christopher Domermuth, 49, and Domermuth Environmental Services LLC (DES), based in Knoxville, Tennessee, both pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by knowingly discharging pollutants into a navigable waterway without a permit. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Seven charged in alleged $20M embezzlement scheme involving Boilermakers Union
A federal grand jury in Kansas has indicted seven individuals, including five current and former high-ranking officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union), for their alleged involvement in a $20 million embezzlement scheme spanning 15 years.
America First Legal challenges Washington State law allowing shelters' discretion over gender dysphoria treatments
America First Legal (AFL) filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to challenge a Washington State law that allows shelters to take in children with gender dysphoria and provide them with gender transition services without parental consent or knowledge. This legal action continues AFL's opposition to Senate Bill 5599, signed into law by the Washington Legislature last year.
Missouri Supreme Court orders new evidentiary hearing in Marcellus Williams case
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that the Missouri Supreme Court has sided with his office and issued a preliminary writ requiring the trial court to hold an evidentiary hearing in the Marcellus Williams case.
Yost seeks Supreme Court intervention on EPA emissions regulation
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a federal rule mandating states and power plants to adhere to what he describes as “unrealistic” and “unlawful” air pollution regulations.
Ohio Supreme Court issues stayed suspension for ex-law director's misconduct
The Supreme Court of Ohio issued a fully stayed six-month suspension to the former city of Campbell law director for professional misconduct related to his private practice.
Attorney General Mayes announces sentences in Pima County drug trafficking case
Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the sentencing of three defendants in a Pima County drug trafficking case. Francisco Abril received a sentence of 4.5 years in prison, followed by 3 years on probation upon release, for crimes including obtaining approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine for sale and conducting an illegal enterprise to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the Tucson area. Abril also pled guilty to possessing a handgun despite being prohibited by law due to prior convictions.
8th Circuit affirms district court ruling in Curtis McGarvey v. United States
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the district court in Curtis McGarvey v. United States, U.S. Court of Appeals case No: 23-3236 on August 22.
Attorney General releases report on civilian death involving state police in Ontario County
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released its report on the death of a minor, C.W., who died on November 15, 2023, following an encounter with a New York State Police (NYSP) officer in Ontario County. The investigation included a review of body-worn camera footage, statements from involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis. OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law.
Major operation dismantles human smuggling network linked to Texas mass casualty event
On Wednesday, extensive coordination between the Justice Department and its domestic and international partners resulted in a major enforcement operation that dismantled a human smuggling network based in Guatemala. In June 2022, this network smuggled people into the United States on a journey that ended with the deaths of 53 migrants in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. Twenty-one of the deceased migrants were Guatemalan.
Former Love County treasurer indicted on seven counts of embezzlement
OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 22, 2024) – The Multi-County Grand Jury has indicted former Love County treasurer Lory Hull on seven counts of embezzlement by a county treasurer.
Merrick County problem-solving court to hold graduation ceremony
The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court in Merrick County is set to hold a graduation ceremony and celebration on September 9, 2024. The event will take place at the Merrick County Courthouse in Central City, Nebraska, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Bonta secures protection for Central Valley jobs amid meat company acquisition
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has entered into a settlement with Western Valley Meat Company, an affiliate of Central Valley Meat, to address concerns regarding its planned acquisition of Cargill, Inc.'s culled cattle slaughter and processing plant in Fresno. The agreement mandates that Western Valley Meat must keep the Fresno plant operational for at least 12 months and retain a minimum of 700 employees during this period.
Amicus brief filed supporting Trump's appeal in NY civil fraud case
America First Legal, partnering with Ron Berutti, Esq. of Murray-Nolan Berutti LLC on behalf of its client the Job Creators Network Foundation (JCNF), has filed a motion in the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Department. The motion requests the court to accept an amicus brief supporting former President Trump’s appeal in the Letitia James civil fraud case.
California settles with StubHub over delayed COVID-19 ticket refunds
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today a settlement with ticket reseller StubHub, Inc. over the company's failure to provide timely refunds to consumers for canceled events during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution follows an investigation by the California Department of Justice into StubHub's practices.
California Supreme Court announces appointments to State Bar leadership roles
The California Supreme Court made several appointments to the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees and Committee of Bar Examiners on August 22, 2024.
Buckeye Institute urges SCOTUS to end forced union representation laws
Columbus, OH – On Thursday, The Buckeye Institute filed an amicus brief in Goldstein v. Professional Staff Congress at City University of New York (PSC/CUNY), urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and end laws that mandate public-sector employees to accept union representation they neither requested nor desire.