Latest News
Court rules against tax debt firm for deceiving Minnesota clients
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has achieved a legal victory against Wall & Associates, Inc., a tax debt settlement company based in Virginia. Following a 12-day trial, the court found that the company and its owner and CEO knowingly deceived hundreds of Minnesotans who sought help to resolve their tax debts. The court determined that Wall's claims of being a local law firm with a track record of settling clients' tax debts for 10% of what was owed were false.
Florida AG issues guidance on crime penalties during emergencies
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued guidance to local law enforcement regarding enhanced penalties for looting and other crimes during a declared state of emergency. This announcement aims to deter criminal activities in storm-affected areas.
Former Columbus Zoo CEO receives seven-year prison sentence for fraud
The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Tom Stalf, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded the zoo of over $2.3 million. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the sentencing, following Stalf's guilty plea on July 23 to 15 felonies including aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud, and tampering with records.
Ohio anti-human trafficking operation results in 132 arrests
A significant human trafficking operation in Ohio led to the arrest of 132 individuals last week, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The operation, named Operation END-OHHT, targeted those seeking to buy sex, including cases involving minors.
Charles L. Neff passes away at age 67
Charles L. Neff, born in 1957, passed away in 2024. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa in 1983.
California enacts law targeting gas price stability
California has taken a significant step to protect consumers from volatile gas prices with the signing of ABX2-1 into law. Governor Gavin Newsom approved the legislation, which was authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Senator Nancy Skinner. The bill is co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Newsom.
Board of Judicial Conduct issues reprimand to Judge R. Steven Randolph
The Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a public reprimand for General Sessions Judge R. Steven Randolph.
Wisconsin DOJ will not appeal court ruling on Milwaukee archdiocese document access
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has decided not to appeal a recent ruling by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The court had denied DOJ access to sealed documents from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case, filed in 2011 and closed in 2016. Despite this setback, the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative remains active, with DOJ encouraging reports on clergy and faith leader abuse.
Bitzer Selected as NIU's 1L Mentor of the Year for 2023-2024
We are thrilled to announce that Kristina Bitzer has been selected as the NIU "1L Mentor of the Year" for 2023-2024!
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry Leventis Joins Holland & Knight's Nashville Office
Henry Leventis, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in its Healthcare Regulatory & Enforcement Practice in Nashville.
Attorney General Ellison hosts expungement clinic in Moorhead
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that his office will host an expungement clinic in Moorhead on Tuesday, October 15. The clinic aims to assist Minnesotans in reviewing their records and determining eligibility for expungement. If eligible, the office will help file the necessary paperwork to seal records.
Investors seek final OK for $60M deal to end class action vs Okta; Lawyers seek $13M
Lawyers representing investors in cybersecurity firm Okta have asked a San Francisco federal judge to sign off on a $60M deal to end their class action vs Okta over a 2022 data security breach that allegedly dropped stock 11% at the time. The lawyers want 22% of the settlement for their fees.
NGE Achieves Sixth Consecutive Mansfield Certification
We are proud to announce that the firm has achieved Mansfield Certification for a sixth straight year.
Expert pushing talc-causes-cancer theory must ID patients in her disputed study
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A New York appeals court ordered an expert to turn over the names of patients she cited in a paper that provided crucial support to disputed claims talcum powder can cause cancer.
Ex-Caseworker for Division of Child Protection and Permanency Indicted on Sexual Assault and Official Misconduct Charges After Alleged Abuse of Two Minors
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced the indictment of an ex-caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services’ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), for his alleged sexual abuse of two children.
Judgment issued against bankrupt Vision Solar over unfair trade practices
Attorney General William Tong has announced a $5 million judgment against Vision Solar, following a lawsuit by the Office of the Attorney General. The lawsuit accused Vision Solar of using high-pressure sales tactics, making misrepresentations, causing delays, and conducting unpermitted work.
Attorney general secures refunds for canceled hotel bookings during solar eclipse
New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured refunds for consumers whose hotel reservations at the Aloft Buffalo Airport Hotel were unexpectedly canceled before a total solar eclipse. The cancellations occurred in March 2024, prompting complaints to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) from individuals who had booked months in advance to witness the eclipse in Buffalo.
Former program director indicted for alleged sexual misconduct at Georgia clinic
Roderick Branscomb, a former program director at a methadone treatment clinic in LaGrange, Georgia, has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual misconduct. Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment, which includes counts of Improper Sexual Contact by an Employee in the First and Second Degrees and Sexual Battery. Branscomb allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with seven female patients between April 2021 and November 2023.
Ferguson challenges FDA's mifepristone restrictions in federal court
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is advocating for a federal judge in Spokane to declare the Food & Drug Administration's restrictions on mifepristone unlawful. Ferguson, along with Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, leads a multistate lawsuit against the FDA, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. In April 2023, Judge Thomas O. Rice granted a preliminary injunction preventing the FDA from limiting mifepristone availability in Washington and other states.
Ken Paxton supports new Texas election advisory aimed at preventing noncitizen voting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a statement regarding the recent amendments to an election advisory from Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson.