LEGAL NEWSLINE

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that a bipartisan coalition of 35 states has reached a settlement with Delaware, concluding the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the multi-state coalition, determining that unclaimed official checks issued by MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. are governed by the Federal Disposition Act. As a result, states including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin, and others will receive over $190 million...

Today, U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas held a press conference to announce a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation that targeted the largest known pharmacy burglary ring in DEA history. Over 50 defendants are allegedly responsible for over 200 burglaries in 31 states, mostly targeting small, 'mom-and-pop' pharmacies.

A total of 17 individuals were arrested this week in connection with firearms and drug crimes as part of the Justice Department’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative.

The 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed the district court ruling in United States v. John Richmond, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-1752.

A Providence pawn shop owner has been charged with buying 108 stolen Tiffany & Co. rings valued at $378,000, following an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General.

LANSING – John Hendrickson, 59, of Bellaire, pled no contest today to four counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in the 37th Circuit Court in Calhoun County. The charges stem from repeated sexual assaults on a minor relative over several years. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the plea agreement, under which Hendrickson is expected to serve 17-40 years in prison. Following his incarceration, he will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and sex offender registration.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has expanded a lawsuit to include Pecos property owners Richard and Jean Jenkins. Additionally, a contempt motion has been filed against Erik Briones for violating a consent decree agreed upon in March 2024.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of engaging in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation is being conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits discriminatory business practices.

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens. These events will take place in Bismarck on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2 at the William L. Guy Federal Building, located at 220 East Rosser Avenue.

The Supreme Court of Ohio today upheld a life sentence for Prince Charles Cotten Sr., also known as Charles D. Cotton, who was convicted of aggravated murder in 1976 and originally sentenced to death.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today the recovery of more than $5.2 million plus interest for Washingtonians through the state’s unclaimed property program. The funds are a result of Ferguson’s lawsuit over uncashed checks issued by international money transfer company MoneyGram.

An Arizona man pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud and filing a false refund claim with the IRS.

Ahead of Labor Day, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning California workers to be vigilant against employers who engage in labor trafficking, wage theft, and worker misclassification. Labor trafficking involves exploiting vulnerable individuals for labor through force, fraud, duress, or coercion.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested a Loranger man on August 29, 2024.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrests and charges against 22 individuals involved in a statewide organized retail crime operation targeting cannabis retail stores. The scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $1 million and 975 pounds of cannabis.

America First Legal launches investigations into the Biden-Harris State Department regarding the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France

LANSING – In the 3A District Court in Coldwater, Judge Brent Weigle has bound over Alex New, a 54-year-old Branch County resident recently extradited from Florida, to stand trial in the 15th Circuit Court on two counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and one count of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that New is accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a permanent injunction today against an Ohio tax return preparer.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas, alleging that they unlawfully prohibited firearms on government-owned public property, which he claims violates Texas law.

“I thank Chief Justice Heavican for his lifetime of service to Nebraska and congratulate him on his retirement.