Cases

Otterbourg P.C. Launches Mass Tort Bankruptcy Practice Group to Navigate Complex Cases

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New York City, NY – Otterbourg P.C. has officially announced the launch of its Mass Tort Bankruptcy Practice Group. The group, which had previously functioned informally within the firm, has now solidified its position as a key practice area. The practice group will offer guidance and representation to creditors and fiduciaries involved in bankruptcies with substantial mass tort liabilities. Led by Bankruptcy and Restructuring Partner Sunni P. Beville and Litigation Partner Adam C. Silverstein, the cross-departmental practice group will benefit from the expertise of Melanie Cyganowski, retired Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court for the … Read more

Peoria County Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals in Separate Cases of Attempted Sexual Meet-ups with Minors

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PEORIA, Ill. – Two individuals in Peoria County have been indicted by a grand jury for attempting to meet with minors for sexual encounters in separate cases. Gary Sherwin, a 65-year-old resident of Roodhouse, has been formally charged with one count of Indecent Solicitation of a Child. Sherwin was arrested by the Chillicothe Police task force on March 4, following allegations that he had arrived in Chillicothe with the intention of engaging in sexual contact with a child. The task force has identified at least two potential victims involved in the case. Sherwin was released … Read more

Examining the Debate: Should Mass Tort Cases be Handled in Bankruptcy Court?

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The debate over whether mass torts should be handled in bankruptcy court has gained significant attention. One recent example is the Boy Scouts of America, which faced tens of thousands of claims of child sexual abuse dating back several decades. Fearing the potential end of its operations, the organization filed for bankruptcy in 2020. Now, the proposed terms of the Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy settlement could prevent survivors from seeking justice in other courts, regardless of whether they agree to the deal. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering the permissibility of such … Read more

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Landmark Law Allowing Public Release of Secret Grand Jury Testimony in Cases Involving Epstein and Other Alleged Sexual Crimes Against Minors

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Palm Beach, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law allowing secret grand jury testimony in cases involving sexual crimes against minors to be made public, including evidence related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The law, which will take effect on July 1, only applies to cases where the suspect is deceased. Two of Epstein’s accusers will join the governor for the signing ceremony in Palm Beach. Epstein, who died in 2019, was accused of sexually exploiting underage girls. The signing of this law comes as a group of Epstein’s accusers … Read more