Federal

Federal Judge Clears Two Businessmen in Securities Fraud Case, Critiques Prosecution’s Lack of Convincing Evidence

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SAN DIEGO – A local federal court recently ruled in favor of acquitting two businessmen, Jonathan Destler, 61, of Los Angeles, and Robert Lazerus, 68, of Solana Beach, accused in connection with a securities fraud case involving alleged market manipulation tactics. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant dismissed all charges against the pair, raising significant doubts about the sufficiency of evidence presented by prosecutors. The charges stemmed from accusations that Destler, Lazerus, and two others were involved in a sophisticated “pump-and-dump” scheme aimed at inflating the stock value of Loop Industries, a Canadian-based company claiming to … Read more

Alabama Defends Anti-Panhandling Laws, Argues Historical Precedent Against First Amendment Protection in Federal Court

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Montgomery, Alabama — In a recent federal court debate, the state of Alabama defended its anti-panhandling statutes, urging a reversal of a lower court’s ruling which held these laws as unconstitutional. The appeal was heard by a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, foregrounding a contentious dialogue between historical legal precedent and modern interpretations of constitutional rights. Jonathan Singleton, a homeless individual from Montgomery, catalyzed the discourse with his 2020 class-action lawsuit, after facing repeated arrests under these state laws. Earlier in 2023, a court concluded that Alabama’s panhandling prohibitions infringed upon … Read more

Federal Judge Denies Delay in Former Representative Jeff Fortenberry’s Trial Over Illegal Campaign Contributions

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LINCOLN, Neb. — In a recent court decision, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden has denied a request from former Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry to delay his upcoming trial. Fortenberry, who hoped a postponement might lead to a dismissal of charges by the incoming administration’s attorney general, is scheduled for trial on Feb. 3. The charges against Fortenberry stem from allegations that he lied to federal investigators about receiving an illegal campaign donation during a 2016 fundraiser in California. Following his initial conviction, an appeals court later overturned the verdict, citing that the trial had been … Read more

North Dakota Federal Judge Criticizes Biden’s Commutation Decisions, Cites Lack of Consultation and Impact on Victims

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BISMARCK, N.D. — This month, President Joe Biden announced an unprecedented act of clemency, commuting the federal sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals. According to the White House, these individuals had previously been transitioned to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and had successfully reintegrated into their communities. However, this sweeping decision has faced criticism from a Bismarck-based judge, adding a layer of controversy to what the administration has labeled as a progressive step toward justice reform. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland, serving since 2002, has voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of consultation with … Read more