Latest News
Nebraska completes courtroom tech upgrades enhancing statewide justice access
As the tenure of Nebraska's Chief Justice comes to an end, a significant initiative is reaching its conclusion: the statewide upgrade of trial courtroom technology. This project began in the fall of 2021, following pandemic-induced challenges, with the aim of equipping Nebraska's trial courts with modern audio-visual systems.
Court bars two Texas doctors from prescribing opioids; imposes $1.2M penalties
A federal court has taken action against two physicians from the Dallas area, prohibiting them from prescribing opioids and other controlled substances. The court also imposed a total of $1.2 million in penalties following allegations that the doctors violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), according to an announcement by the Justice Department.
TD Bank pleads guilty; faces $1.8 billion penalty for money laundering violations
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced that TD Bank has pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, including conspiring to violate the Bank Secrecy Act and commit money laundering. The bank will pay a $1.8 billion criminal penalty, contributing to a total penalty of approximately $3 billion when combined with civil enforcement actions by other agencies.
New Jersey business owner admits guilt in significant tax evasion case
A New Jersey man has admitted guilt in a tax evasion case related to employment tax penalties. Joseph Caravella, from Randolph, owned multiple masonry companies in the state. According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2008 and 2016, the IRS imposed approximately $650,000 in Trust Fund Recovery penalties on Caravella. This was due to his failure to ensure that three of his businesses paid their federal employment taxes.
Ellsworth man sentenced for failure to file income tax returns
Attorney General Aaron Frey announced the successful prosecution of Cary Harper, a 50-year-old resident of Ellsworth, for failing to file Maine income tax returns from 2013 to 2016. Harper has been sentenced to 60 days in jail.
Justice Department sues over alleged duty evasion on Chinese solar panel imports
The Justice Department has initiated a civil lawsuit against Paul Bakhoum, the former Vice President for Operations at Ecosolargy Inc., a California-based corporation. The lawsuit accuses Bakhoum of making false statements to customs officials to evade paying duties on Chinese-manufactured solar panels imported into the United States.
Quincy woman charged with sexual assault and child pornography offenses
Chicago – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a Quincy woman with serious offenses, including sexual assault and the production and distribution of child pornography. This case is part of Raoul’s continued efforts to work with federal and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to address the issue of child sexual abuse material online.
Mizer represents U.S. at OECD roundtable on equal access to justice
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer represented the United States at the OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, held in Ottawa, Canada, on October 8-9. The roundtables serve as a platform for exchanging practices and sharing experiences to enhance access to justice for all, including individuals and businesses.
Court allows Stein's lawsuit against Pactiv Evergreen over Canton mill closure
Attorney General Josh Stein's legal action against Pactiv Evergreen will proceed after a court decision rejected the company's attempt to dismiss the case. The lawsuit, filed in May, seeks repayment of $12 million in state funding following the abrupt closure of Canton’s paper mill, which left over 800 workers unemployed.
Michigan Supreme Court hears arguments on consumer protection act reversal
Today, the Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments from the Department of Attorney General regarding an appeal filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The appeal seeks to reverse a decision that halted the investigation into Eli Lilly and Company's insulin pricing practices. The pharmaceutical company has cited two past Michigan Supreme Court decisions, Smith v. Globe Life Ins. Co. and Liss v. Lewiston-Richards, Inc., to argue that the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) does not apply to its insulin sales.
Teva settles $450M over false claims act violations involving kickbacks
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and Teva Neuroscience Inc., collectively known as Teva, have agreed to a $450 million settlement to resolve allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the False Claims Act (FCA). The company, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, is recognized as the largest generic drug manufacturer in the United States. The settlement amount was determined based on Teva's financial capacity.
Wayne County judge honored nationally for mental health initiatives in justice system
Wayne County Probate Court Chief Judge Freddie G. Burton, Jr., has been recognized with the 2024 Treat Award for Excellence by the National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ).
TD Bank pleads guilty in $1.8B resolution over money laundering violations
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri announced that TD Bank has entered a guilty plea for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and involvement in money laundering conspiracy. This development comes as part of a $1.8 billion resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ohio AG files suit against Kentucky firm for alleged consumer fraud
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal action against a Kentucky-based company, Superior Concrete & Hardscape Design, and its owner, Justin Cole Hensley. The lawsuit was filed in Butler County Common Pleas Court and alleges violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. The accusations involve taking over $50,000 from customers without delivering promised services.
Ohio Supreme Court rules police justified in detaining woman linked to drug trafficker
The Supreme Court of Ohio has ruled that police were justified in detaining a woman leaning into a vehicle driven by a known drug trafficker, affirming the decision of the Fifth District Court of Appeals. The case involved Katrina Hale, who was detained outside a minivan at a convenience store after police suspected the driver, Terrance Cunningham, did not have a valid license. A search revealed illegal drugs, leading to multiple charges against Hale.
Justice Department settles historic redlining case with Citadel Federal Credit Union
The Justice Department has announced a settlement with Citadel Federal Credit Union, which will see the credit union pay over $6.5 million to address allegations of redlining in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods around Philadelphia. This marks the first time the department has reached such an agreement with a credit union, as part of its Combating Redlining Initiative.
Former Arkansas deputies sentenced for violating civil rights
Two former deputies from Crawford County, Arkansas, have been sentenced for their roles in a violent assault on a man they arrested. Levi White, aged 34, received a 63-month prison sentence, while Zackary King, aged 28, was sentenced to 12 months.
Fort Mill man arrested for alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced the arrest of Ian Kelly Sanders, a 33-year-old resident of Fort Mill, South Carolina. Sanders faces one charge related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest was carried out by investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, specifically from the Fort Mill Police Department.
Justice Department appoints three new assistant trustees
The Justice Department's Executive Office for U.S. Trustees has announced the appointment of three new Assistant U.S. Trustees in Missouri, Ohio, and Washington.
New Jersey man admits guilt in Rutgers University Islamic center hate crime
A New Jersey resident has admitted guilt in a federal hate crime case involving the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University. The man, Jacob Beacher, confessed to breaking into the facility and causing damage during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday.