Conflicts

Michigan Judge Faces Disciplinary Action Over Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Harassment, and Conflicts of Interest

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A Michigan judge is under scrutiny following a disciplinary complaint alleging a pattern of misconduct, including excessive alcohol use, sexual harassment of female employees, and conflicts of interest in cases involving himself and his family. Fourth Circuit Judge Thomas D. Wilson, who has served in Jackson County since 2007, is facing an eight-count complaint filed by the state Judicial Tenure Commission. The commission’s findings indicate that Wilson developed a drinking problem as early as 2013, reportedly ceasing his alcohol use around 2021. Instances of his alleged intoxication include arriving at the courthouse after drinking at … Read more

Co-op Board Faces Off Against Shareholders in Controversial Election Battle Over Alleged Conflicts of Interest

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In New York, four shareholders in a local cooperative are escalating a dispute over their exclusion from the upcoming board of directors election. Each of these candidates meets the by-law requirement of being both a shareholder and a resident, yet they have been denied placement on the ballot due to alleged conflicts of interest linked to their ties with a social and charitable organization occupying part of the cooperative’s property. The board of the cooperative has expressed concerns, asserting that allowing the petitioners on the ballot could jeopardize the community’s “welfare, financial stability, and governance … Read more

Ethics Showdown: Gadsden County Commissioner Faces Hearing Over Alleged Conflicts in Floral Business Deal

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QUINCY, Fla. — The Florida Commission on Ethics has initiated a public hearing to investigate whether Gadsden County Commissioner Ronterious Green has breached ethics regulations. On Wednesday, the commission announced it found probable cause for a case concerning a “conflicting contractual relationship” involving Green. The inquiry was prompted by an ethics complaint filed in February by former commissioner Sherrie Taylor, who raised concerns regarding Green’s financial dealings with the county. Taylor alleges that in March 2022, Green received $250 from Gadsden County for floral arrangements through his company, The Greenery Floral & Tuxedo Place. Green, … Read more

Texas Attorney General’s Controversial Shift to Pricy Private Legal Firms Sparks Concerns Over Conflicts and Costs

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Austin, Texas — An ongoing investigation into the Texas Attorney General’s office reveals a trend toward outsourcing legal work to private attorneys at hefty fees, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. In one recent case involving Meta, Facebook’s parent company, attorney Zina Bash billed taxpayers a staggering $3,780 an hour for her services, resulting in a $24,570 tab for a single day’s work. Previously, when Bash worked as senior counsel under Attorney General Ken Paxton, similar tasks would have cost the state only $641. However, after moving to private practice, she secured contracts that … Read more