Judge orders state to pay Aug 15, 2008
Pursuant to the Supreme Court s decision of July 1, 2005, the public schools are entitled to the clear proceeds of the civil penalties identified in that opinion and collected by defendants (the state of N.C.) Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, University of North Carolina campuses, Department of Commerce, Employment Security Commission, state-owned mental institutions of the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Manning... (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Legality of Honeywell-ADEQ waste deal questioned Aug 15, 2008
The settlement, which included a $5 million fine and a $1 million contribution to an air-quality cleanup project, was one of the largest civil penalties ever in an Arizona environmental-justice case. It covered reported violations of the state's water-quality and hazardous-waste laws dating to 1974, including the discharge of cleaning solvents into the Phoenix sewer system without a permit and the failure to clean up jet fuel that leaked from underground storage tanks near the airport. (AZCentral -- News)
Four mortgage companies fined Aug 14, 2008
The division formerly issued an order against Diamond in 2006, then owned by Kevin Covington, for violations of the Oregon Mortgage Lending Laws and assessed civil penalties totaling $90,000. After receiving a new customer complaint, the division found that Covington participated in a "straw man" transaction -- using a third party to secure a home loan in place of a loan applicant who has been turned down. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Time to pay up Aug 14, 2008
The state owes that much to school districts because state agencies erroneously kept revenue from civil penalties for nearly 10 years, ruled Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning. His ruling was made public. (Washington Daily News, NC)
A real estate commission works to make the playing field fair for buyers and sellers. Aug 13, 2008
The Missouri Real Estate Commission, made up of seven members, can go after civil penalties up to 5,000 if violations are found. Previously all we could do was forward our findings onto prosecutor's offices, but usually they wouldn't want to spend too much time on these type of cases, she said. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Brokers' Clients Still Angry Over ARPS Aug 13, 2008
3 billion in illiquid auction-rate securities and pay $100 million in civil penalties, with $50 million going to the state of New York. Investors who purchased auction-rate securities from firms such as Bank of America Corp. (BAC) and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (LEH), are closely following the issue to see if settlements will come from those banks as well. (SmartMoney)
State sues J.T. Contracting for doing 'shoddy' work Aug 13, 2008
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction, consumer restitution, civil penalties and temporary restraining order barring Burke or anyone from J.T. Contracting from advertising, offering for sale or selling home contracting services within Missouri. kvolkmann@bizjournals. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Privacy exemption for SMEs to go Aug 13, 2008
The report also recommends that the commissioner be given powers to apply to the courts to impose civil penalties on those responsible for serious or repeated interference with a person's privacy. Similarly, the report seeks the creation of a "data breach notification" procedure where private and public-sector bodies would be required to notify the OPP and any affected individuals if specified personal information had been accessed or disclosed without authorisation, and the breach represented a... (The Age)
SEC: Investment firm swiped $255M Aug 12, 2008
Byers and Shereshevsky, force them to repay the funds they took in addition to civil penalties and put Wextrust companies under receivership. Mr. Byers founded Wextrust Capital in 2003 in Chicago and owns 60% of the company, according to the SEC.. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Feds sue Wextrust, allege $255M ponzi scheme Aug 12, 2008
It also seeks disgorgement of the defendants' ill-gotten gains, civil penalties, and permanent injunctions barring future violations of the antifraud and other provisions of the federal securities laws. Chicago-based Wextrust has offices in Atlanta; New York, Norfolk, Va. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
House-for-rent scams turning up online Aug 12, 2008
If the state catches a scammer it can collect $25,000 per transaction in civil penalties. If the scammer is out of the country it's very hard to catch them, she said. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Smuggling fines erase Rothmans profit Aug 12, 2008
The loss reflects an expense of $415-million recorded in connection with about $550-million in criminal and civil penalties, announced July 31. Rothmans agreed to the payment when its subsidiary Rothmans Benson & Hedges Inc. admitted that it had exported cigarettes to the United States between 1989 and 1996, and then smuggled them back to Canada where they were resold at bargain prices. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
ConsumerMan: A victory for consumers Aug 10, 2008
It will also have the power to impose much larger civil penalties on companies that break the rules. The maximum fine goes from $1. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Twist for 'Auction Rate' Cases Aug 9, 2008
3 billion in illiquid auction-rate securities, and pay $100 million in civil penalties, with $50 million going to the state of New York. "The auction-rate securities matter is more widespread than other issues that have developed in the arbitration forum, and we wanted to make sure that any investor, whether in the Citigroup settlement who elects to have a three-person panel, or any other case related to ARS, all got the same treatment," said Linda Fienberg, president of Finra Dispute... (Wall Street Journal)
New Biodiesel Plant In Cheshire On Auction Block Aug 9, 2008
7 million in civil penalties and restitution, and the cleaner-burning fuel plant could provide the bulk of that relief. The court-appointed lawyer overseeing the sale estimated that 30 businesses have expressed an interest. (FOX61, CT)
Citigroup to buy back risky securities Aug 8, 2008
Citi, the nation's largest financial institution, also will pay $50 million each in civil penalties to New York state and the North American Securities Administrators Association, which represents securities regulators in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The SEC also will consider levying a fine on Citigroup, said Linda Thomsen, the agency's enforcement director. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Honeywell to pay $5 mil in Valley-pollution settlement Aug 8, 2008
Honeywell International Inc. will pay one of the largest civil penalties in an Arizona environmental-justice case for breaking water-quality and hazardous-waste laws on hundreds of occasions over the past three decades, according to state officials. The suspected violations, most of which occurred from 1974 to 2004, led to the release of a variety of hazardous chemicals, including cleaning solvents and jet fuels, into Phoenix's groundwater, state officials said. (AZCentral -- News)
Texas AG charges Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates with deceptive practices Aug 7, 2008
Attorney General Abbott is seeking up to $20,000 in civil penalties for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Reader Comments. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
State Attorney General's Office files suit against AdSurfDaily Aug 7, 2008
The Attorney General seeks actual damages for consumers as well as civil penalties. The lawsuit is not connected with the criminal investigation being conducted by federal authorities. (Gadsden County Times, FL)
ON THE WEB: List of the fined companies Aug 7, 2008
Nine Firms Agree To Pay More Than $350,000 in Civil Penalties For Failing To Timely Report Drawstrings In Childrens Outerwear ... Nine Firms Agree To Pay More Than $350,000 in Civil Penalties For Failing To Timely Report Drawstrings In Childrens Outerwear ... WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that nine firms have agreed to pay a total of $355,000 in civil penalties. (USA Today -- Money)
Crafty crooks making ID theft more commonPrivacy experts were not surprised by indictments Aug 7, 2008
A company that does not promptly tell customers of a security lapse is subject to fines of $2,500 for each violation and civil penalties that consumers can pursue though the courts. Legislation is pending that also would require banks, credit unions and credit card companies to tell people the name of the retailer where the hackers grabbed their confidential information, including Social Security numbers, account numbers and personal identification numbers. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
AG charges company for shortchanging customers Aug 6, 2008
His office is seeking civil penalties of up to 20,000 per violation of the DTPA and attorney fees and customer restitution. An inspection led by the Texas Department of Agriculture discovered 990 of Sunmart s 1,704 fuel pumps were shortchanging customers or not giving customers the amount of fuel they paid for. (Sealy News, TX)
Cleanup costs: State wants Stimson to pay $5 million to remove PCBs, other toxins at Bonner mill site Aug 6, 2008
Opper said no criminal or civil penalties were being considered against Stimson at this time because the state hoped company officials would continue to cooperate. Also, the pollution could have occurred before modern environmental regulations were adopted, state officials said. (Missoulian, MT)
Voter Registration Barriers Challenged in New Mexico, at Veterans Affairs Aug 6, 2008
Most alarming, no extenuating circumstance, such as a flood or an earthquake, will excuse a failure to submit a completed form within the allotted time period, bringing along civil penalties of up to $5,000. The was filed in state district court on behalf of four organizations, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas Inc. (FAWCO), New Mexico Public Interest Research Group (NMPIRG), and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP),... (OMB Watch)
Genetically Engineered Rice Wins USDA Approval Aug 6, 2008
"Violators of APHIS regulations can face criminal penalties, civil penalties and remediation costs.". Staff writer Rick Weiss contributed to this report. (Yahoo News -- Genetically Modified Food)
Texas AG Alleges Olympic Ticket Scam Aug 6, 2008
The state is seeking court-ordered civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and awards in actual damages to consumers. Copyright 2008 by. (Click2Houston, TX)
Firms Hear From Those With Offshore Accounts Aug 5, 2008
They might pay some civil penalties, or have to get an audit, he said, but prosecution isn't likely. IRS officials were not available for comment. (Law.com)
New Jersey teens are held in airport security breach Aug 5, 2008
"That is a serious offense punishable by serious civil penalties," she said. Security aside, Wilcutt said it's just plain dangerous. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Mass. Legislature passes Global Warming Solutions Act Aug 4, 2008
Tough new penalties will meet violators under the bill, with civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for emission violations. The redraft language would charge the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs with mapping a plan to achieve the 2020 emissions limit by creating new regulations for electricity generation, fuel supplies, heating and cooling of buildings, and vehicle emissions. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Wilkerson, AG settle campaign dispute Aug 3, 2008
Wilkerson paid $11,500 in civil penalties for similar violations in 1998. The Globe reported in 2006 that public auditing documents showed additional concerns about Wilkerson's 2003 and 2004 records, including questions about thousands of dollars in unexplained reimbursements to Wilkerson and payments to her two sons, Cornell and Kendall Mills. (Boston Globe)
Local airline settles with FAA Aug 2, 2008
In a settlement dated Wednesday, the airline agreed not to fight the Federal Aviation Administration's emergency revocation of its air carrier certificate, while the FAA agreed not to slap the airline with any more civil penalties. The Federal Aviation Administration shut down the Juneau-based airline July 24 with an order alleging "an astounding number" of maintenance problems with its aircraft. (Juneau Empire)
California AG Says Settles Potato Chip Lawsuit Aug 2, 2008
Last year the chains agreed to post acrylamide warnings at their restaurants and pay civil penalties and costs. In January, Procter e agreed to cut acrylamide in Pringles potato chips by 50 percent. (ABC News -- Wire)
Jury rules against Dr. Paskon Aug 2, 2008
The violations of the False Claims Act entitle the Government to three times the actual loss to the Government, plus civil penalties. The court will determine what fines and penalties, if any, will be awarded. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Congress sends Bush bill banning lead in toys Aug 1, 2008
The bill would double the agency's budget, to $136 million by 2014, and give it new authority to oversee testing procedures and impose civil penalties on violators. Another key provision requires pre-market testing by certified third-party laboratories of children's products for lead and for compliance with safety standards. (MSNBC -- Business)
Suit filed against oil company for rigging pumps Aug 1, 2008
"We are seeking both temporary and permanent injunctions, as well as very stiff civil penalties," Abbott said. "I would be surprised if the number of violations is less than 1,000." Page 1 of 2. (The Daily Texan, TX)
Tobacco firms hit with $1-billion in penalties Aug 1, 2008
TORONTO Two of Canada's big three tobacco companies will pay more than $1-billion in criminal and civil penalties for orchestrating the wholesale shipment to the United States of cigarettes that were smuggled back to this country and resold at bargain prices. The admissions of guilt drew only lukewarm praise from anti-smoking activists. (Globe and Mail -- National)
House votes to ban lead in jewelry, toys Aug 1, 2008
The bill would double the budget of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to $136 million by 2014, and give it new authority to monitor testing and impose civil penalties on violators. The commission was founded in 1973 with a staff of about 800. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Abbott Files Suit Over Gas Pumps Aug 1, 2008
Abbott said there may be 1,000 separate violations and that the company could face up to $20,000 in civil penalties per violation -- or $2 million. Copyright 2008 by. (Click2Houston, TX)
Imperial Tobacco, Rothmans fined over contraband Aug 1, 2008
1 billion in criminal and civil penalties after pleading guilty to customs charges related to contraband cigarettes and smuggling. Under separate court settlements in Montreal and Toronto on Thursday, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited was fined 200 million Canadian dollars ($195 million) and Rothmans Benson & Hedges will pay 100 million Canadian dollars ($97 million) as part of the criminal charges. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Charles Kennedy of Keys to Life faces SEC fraud charges Jul 31, 2008
The complaint, filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, asks for an injunction against Kennedy and the other defendants and that they be ordered to repay ill-gotten gains and face civil penalties. was unable to reach Kennedy for comment. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Do not call after Sept. 30 Jul 31, 2008
Since the U.S. do-not-call registry began in 2003, the Federal Trade Commission has collected more than $16-million in civil penalties for 43 cases, he said. "Starting a registry is one thing," said Mr. Ivens. (Globe and Mail)
Former Bank of Granite CEO Snipes agrees to civil fine Jul 31, 2008
The complaint states that "(t)he acts and omissions of Defendants Snipes and Prewitt ... were done knowingly and willfully with respect to the failure to properly account for or report the true nature of the loans that were for the direct benefit of 'Customer A' in the books and records of the Bank of Granite and communications with the FDIC."Our office is satisfied with the proposed settlement in this case where high level executives of Bank of Granite have agreed to resolve this matter for the... (Lenoir News Topic, NC)
Former Bank of Granite CEO Snipes to pay $200K in civil penalties Jul 31, 2008
Two former executives have agreed to pay a total of $225,000 in civil penalties for allegedly making false statements to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and for false entries in the books and records at the bank. Former Chief Executive Charles Snipes has agreed to pay $200,000. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Miami woman arrested on Medicaid fraud Jul 30, 2008
She also faces civil penalties for violations of the Florida False Claims Act. In addition, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit plans to seek to recover damages for the Florida Medicaid Program. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Lawmakers Clinch Deal To Overhaul Product Safety Jul 30, 2008
In an effort to restore that confidence and improve federal oversight, legislators have agreed to several dozen provisions in their unified bill, including new and lower limits for lead exposure in children's products; higher civil penalties for safety violations; the establishment of a public database of potential hazards; as well as the mandatory third-party testing for toys. Language in the bill also requires mandatory safety standards for a dozen juvenile products including cribs, strollers... (Yahoo News -- Consumer News)
SEC Files Insider-Trading Case Over Option Buys Jul 26, 2008
The lawsuit, which seeks civil penalties and disgorgement of trading profits, says the purchases were made in the days and weeks prior to public announcements about the acquisitions. The activity occurred twice in a period of less than two years, the SEC contends. (ABC News -- Wire)
IRS turns up heat on county for past-due taxes Jul 26, 2008
"In addition to these civil penalties and remedies, there are possible criminal ones as well," the publication notes. Money penalties. (Sallisaw Sequoyah County Times, OK)
Traders accused of manipulating oil prices Jul 25, 2008
The CFTC's case involves civil penalties. He added that since 2002, the CFTC has filed 42 enforcement actions involving 72 defendants. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Metal recyling workers arrested after sting Jul 25, 2008
Although three of the businesses targeted refused to buy any cables, one or more of them may face civil penalties related to improper bookkeeping discovered during inspections in June, Vickery said. AT&T, which says it had 250 cases of thieves stealing copper wire statewide last year, asked authorities for help. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Child Online Protection Act Overturned Jul 24, 2008
"Unlike COPA, filters permit adults to determine if and when they want to use them and do not subject speakers to criminal or civil penalties," the court wrote. The Justice Department has been defending COPA since its passage in 1998, when the ACLU and others filed suit against the censorship law and won an immediate injunction. (ABC News)
Aguirre sets his sights on Countrywide Jul 24, 2008
It also seeks civil penalties of $2,500 per violation against each of the named defendants. Also targeted in the suit is Bank of America, which recently purchased Countrywide. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Judge hands out stiff penalties for pot houses Jul 24, 2008
Visit Other Hubs: lect. ADVERTISEMENT Loading Tower RECENT STORIES ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ). (Los Angeles Daily News)
Paterson signs law that adds restrictions on violent video games Jul 23, 2008
Violations of the new labeling and parental control provisions could result in 100 civil penalties, far from the state prison sentences proposed earlier by New York lawmakers. . (Auburn Citizen, NY)
NY law seeks to restrict violent video games Jul 23, 2008
Violations of new labeling and parental control provisions in New York could result in $100 civil penalties. However, the parental controls and the voluntary ratings are already common in the industry. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Attorney General sues Hudson Falls junkyard for pollution Jul 22, 2008
It also asks that the owners pay civil penalties, which could total more than $50,000 per day for violations. On May 30, the town of Kingsbury denied the Marros' application to renew their junkyard operating license. (Albany Times Union)
Edwards awaits word on release Jul 22, 2008
A pardon would forgive him for his crime, and allow him to escape certain civil penalties that come with a felony conviction, such as denying him the right to vote or to carry a firearm. "I just put the application in myself. I didn't hire any lobbyists," Brown said. (Nola.com -- Sports)
AG forces publishing Jul 19, 2008
The lawsuits not yet settled seek remedies including a court order requiring the defendants to make an accounting of any assets received as a result of any solicitation activity; an injunction against further illegal solicitation activity; civil punitive damages; civil penalties of 2,000 for each violation of the prohibition against soliciting without the consent of the schools; and civil penalties of 5,000 for the defendants' failure to register as professional fundraisers. Comments. (Pekin Times, IL)
Justice Department Sues Montgomery, Alabama Property Manager and Owners for Sexual Harassment Jul 18, 2008
"Landlords should be on notice that the Justice Department steadfastly enforces the Fair Housing Act throughout the United States to vindicate this basic right." The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. (PR Newswire)
More of this story Jul 18, 2008
The lawsuit also asks the court to order Newport and Earth Tech to comply with the federal Clean Water Act and to order Earth Tech to pay civil penalties for violating the law. Labriola said the group would like to sit down with Newport officials in late August to see if things can be worked out. (Newport Daily News, RI)
County Commission District 1 race draws 3 candidates Jul 17, 2008
He said in his three terms on the Building Codes Board, his primary focus "has been to inform the citizens of Orange County about this valuable asset and to increase the amount of civil penalties against unlicensed contractors. This experience has educated me to the needs of citizens over which government has such great influence.". Important issues. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
FTC enforces do-not-call rules, fines cos. $95,000 Jul 17, 2008
Since the do-not-call registry began in 2003, the FTC has collected over $16 million in civil penalties for 46 cases, Katz said. The largest fine was paid by DirecTV Group Inc. in 2005, for $5. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
U.S. regulator to curb short selling Jul 16, 2008
It also suggested the agency work more closely with the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys Office, which has criminal authority (the SEC can only bring civil penalties). 1. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
State official: Education key to enforcing smoking ban Jul 14, 2008
According to the letter, further action may result in civil penalties of not more than $100 for the first offense and not more than $500 for subsequent offenses. Law enforcement can also issue a $50 ticket to a smoker violating the law. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
1600% interest rates! Not for much longer Jul 14, 2008
Mr Shine said lenders had been given plenty of warning about the implementation of the rate cap and any provider caught entering into a contract that breached the cap could face civil penalties of up to $500,000. Legal Aid Queensland CEO Jenny Hardy said she was "thrilled" to see the rate cap introduced. (Brisbane Times)
Real estate agents take rap for run-down houses Jul 13, 2008
It sounds to me like the individual code enforcement officers and the city attorney are about to find out first hand what the criminal and civil penalties are for violating civil rights. Even if a listing agreement happened to have an obligation to clean and secure a property, the City is not a party to a private contract and as such has no legal standing to enforce the terms. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
