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Owner of Houston Health Care Company Convicted of Defrauding Medicare

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—An owner of a Houston health care company was convicted yesterday by a jury in the Southern District of Texas in connection with a $750,000 Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).

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TexasBusiness.com

Texas Attorney General Resolves Text Message Fraud Investigation into JAWA, Related Entities   | aust_txbz, JAWA,
Texas Attorney General Resolves Text Message Fraud Investigation into JAWA, Related Entities

Texas Business reports: AUSTIN—The Texas Attorney General’s office issued the following statement about the resolution of the state’s investigation into Arizona-based JAWA and its owners, and the court order requiring the defendants to pay $2 million for defrauding wireless customers in Texas.

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TexasBusiness.com

Texas, States Reach Settlement with Abbott Laboratories on Depakote

Texas Business reports: AUSTIN—The Texas Attorney General’s office and and other state attorneys general today resolved a two-phase Medicaid fraud and deceptive marketing investigation into Abbott Laboratories. 

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TexasBusiness.com

ALEC and ExxonMobil Push Loopholes in Fracking Chemical Disclosure Rule
The conservative nonprofit group ALEC has pushed industry-backed model legislation that lets oil and gas companies muddy the waters on disclosure of fracking chemicals. Full Story »
Cora Currier for ProPublica

LSAT Numbers Fall in Texas, Nationally   | law school, LSAT, economics,
LSAT Numbers Fall in Texas, Nationally
Have bad economic times started to blunt the college grad’s time-honored enthusiasm for pursuing legal careers? A recent sharp drop in the number of people taking the Law School Admission Test suggests some kind of reassessment may be under way.  Full Story »
By Jordan Humphreys for Reporting Texas

The EPA’s First Fracking Rules — Limited and Delayed

 The Environmental Protection Agency issued the first-ever national air pollution regulations for fracking on Wednesday. First proposed in July 2011, the final rules have been welcomed by environmental groups as a much-needed initial move in reducing pollution and protecting public health from the toxic chemicals involved in the oil and natural gas drilling process. But many cautioned it was just a first step.

 Full Story »
Lena Groeger for ProPublica

Houston Recruiters Charged in Multi-Million Dollar City Nursing Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – Floyd Leslie Brooks, 45, Gwendolyn Kay Frank, 43, both of Houston, have been charged with conspiracy to violation the Anti-Kickback Statue, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

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TexasBusiness.com

Investigation Initiated On State Bar Funds
Texas Business reports:  The State Bar of Texas notified the Travis County District Attorney’s Office regarding a potential misappropriation of funds.
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TexasBusiness.com

New Defendant Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Case

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Tony Nnonso Obi, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been charged in a 20-count indictment for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.

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TexasBusiness.com

The Facts Behind the Government’s New ‘Hospitality’ Guidelines for Immigrant Detainees | prison business, ICE, immigrant, undocumented, documented,
The Facts Behind the Government’s New ‘Hospitality’ Guidelines for Immigrant Detainees

The government recently unveiled a new set of rules outlining better care for immigrants and asylum seekers detained while waiting for their deportation hearings.

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TexasBusiness.com

Houston-Based TaxMasters and Founder Patrick Cox Ordered to Pay Over $195 Million For Defrauding Customers

Texas Business reports: AUSTIN—A Travis County jury returned a $195 million verdict against Houston-based TaxMasters, Inc., its predecessor companies and its founder and chief executive, Patrick Cox, for violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

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TexasBusiness.com

Gas Pipeline Easement Negotiations Giving You a Headache?

Texas Business reports: COLLEGE STATION— Natural gas drilling in Texas’ shale regions may be lucrative for mineral rights owners, but it can be a headache for landowners with surface rights who are unprepared to negotiate with pipeline companies.

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TexasBusiness.com

EPA Proposes to Add Parker County Area to National Priorities List of Superfund Sites

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Circle Court Ground Water site, in Willow Park, Texas, has been proposed to be added to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites, a list of sites that pose risks to people’s health and the environment.

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TexasBusiness.com

Houston Man Sentenced To Prison For Health Care Fraud In State and Federal Investigation

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – Bassey Essien, the former co-owner of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) companies Logic World Medical and Roben Medical in Houston, was sentenced to 99 months in federal prison for defrauding the Texas Medicaid program, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

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TexasBusiness.com

In times of scandal, corporations are likely to use others’ misconduct to justify their behavior

Texas Business reports:  Among corporations involved in the 2006 stock-option backdating scandal, those implicated earlier were more likely to dismiss their top executives than those that surfaced later on, according to new research from Rice University and the University of California at Irvine.

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TexasBusiness.com

University of Houston Law Center and West LegalEdcenter Enter Joint Venture

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—The University of Houston Law Center will offer its alumni free, unlimited access to the nation's largest web-based continuing education and professional development service.


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TexasBusiness.com

OSHA proposes more than $1 million in fines to Houston employer for willful and serious violations

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Piping Technology and Products Inc. for 13 willful and 17 serious violations for exposing workers to the risk of amputations and other serious injuries from dangerous machinery, as well as other hazards, at the company's Houston facility.

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TexasBusiness.com

BNY Mellon Settles With Texas Over Probe Into Rigged Bond Bidding

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—BNY Mellon Capital Markets LLC will pay $1.3 million to Texas and two other states for its role in a scheme to lower borrowing costs for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of Florida.


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TexasBusiness.com

Former DME Company Owner Lands in Federal Prison for 12 Years

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Benjamin Essien, the former owner of durable medical equipment (DME) companies Logic World Medical and Roben Medical in Houston, has been sentenced to 145 months in federal prison for defrauding the Texas Medicaid program, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

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TexasBusiness.com

Attorney General's Freezes Assets, Gets Restraining Order against Texas Highway Patrol Association   | aust_txbz, THPA,
Attorney General's Freezes Assets, Gets Restraining Order against Texas Highway Patrol Association

Texas Business reports: AUSTIN –The Texas Attorney General’s Office secured an asset freeze and temporary restraining order against the Texas Highway Patrol Association (THPA) and two of its affiliate organizations.

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TexasBusiness.com

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Lubbock Counselor In Health Care Fraud Case

Texas Business reports:  LUBBOCK — Licensed Professional Counselor Margie E. Hollingsworth, of Lubbock, Texas, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Lubbock on 12 counts of health care fraud and six counts of false statements related to health care matters, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña, of the Northern District of Texas.

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TexasBusiness.com

Texas Attorney General Charges Houston Debt Collection Firm with Deceiving Consumers   | aust_txbz, texas attorney general, First Integral, debtor,
Texas Attorney General Charges Houston Debt Collection Firm with Deceiving Consumers

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—The Texas Attorney General’s office today charged a third-party Houston debt collection firm with violating the Texas Finance Code. 

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TexasBusiness.com

Houston Federal Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts in Health Care Fraud Trial

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Kelvin Washington, 48, of Houston, has been convicted on all counts of health care fraud, conspiracy and violations of the anti-kickback statute charged against him, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. 

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TexasBusiness.com

Palmview, Texas, Siblings Convicted of Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

Texas Business reports:  McALLEN—A co-owner and manager of a McAllen-area durable medical equipment (DME) business have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings for power wheelchairs, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Fertilizer Company Agrees to Pay $1.8 Million Penalty to Resolve Hazardous Waste Violations

Texas Business reports: DALLAS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Agrifos, a former phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizer producer, agreed to pay a $1.8 million dollar penalty and conduct an environmental project to resolve alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Air Act.

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TexasBusiness.com

AMR and American Airlines Receive Court Orders Enabling Continued Normal Business Operations

Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH—Judge Sean H. Lane of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York granted approval of a series of first day motions filed by the AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation to help facilitate American's and American Eagle's continued normal business operations throughout the reorganization process.


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Kilgore Man Sentenced For Structuring Violation

Texas Business reports:  TYLER—United States Attorney John M. Bales announced that Candido Patino was sentenced for structuring and assisting in structuring transactions with a domestic financial institution in the Eastern District of Texas.

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TexasBusiness.com

Houston Music Producer and Club Owner Convicted on Multiple Federal Charges

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Julian Kimble, 46, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and tax evasion, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.

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TexasBusiness.com

Texas Attorney General Charges Unauthorized Scrap Tire Facility for Violations of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act   | brn_har_txbz, San Benito, Bobby Ray Waldrep, Waldrep Salvage, solid waste, solid waste disposal,
Texas Attorney General Charges Unauthorized Scrap Tire Facility for Violations of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act

Texas Business reports:  SAN BENITO –The Texas Attorney General’s Office charged the operator of an unauthorized waste tire storage site with numerous violations of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.

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TexasBusiness.com

Agreement Provides Restitution to Customers of Austin's U.S. Money Reserve | DTPA, aust_txbz, U.S. Money Reserve, gold coins, commemorative gold coin, gold bullion, bullion, deceptive trade practice,
Agreement Provides Restitution to Customers of Austin's U.S. Money Reserve

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN – The Texas Attorney General’s Office today resolved its investigation into U.S. Money Reserve Inc., an Austin-based commemorative coin marketer that does business as U.S. Rare Coin and Bullion Reserve.

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TexasBusiness.com

Former Houston Physician Sentenced for Fraud Following State and Federal Investigation

Texas Business reports: HOUSTON - A former Houston physician has been sentenced to 70 months in prison following his convictions for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.

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TexasBusiness.com

Owner and Associates of Euless Healthcare Corporation Arrested on Conspiracy and Health Care Fraud Charges

Texas Business reports: DALLAS — Three defendants who have been charged in a federal indictment, unsealed today, with various offenses related to their involvement in the operation of Euless Healthcare Corporation, were arrested by special agents with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.


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TexasBusiness.com

Brewery Sues State Over Sales Restrictions   | Jester King Craft Brewery, Ron Extract, Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission,
Brewery Sues State Over Sales Restrictions

AUSTIN—At the Jester King Craft Brewery, in the hills just west of Austin, managing partner Ron Extract can explain the differences between Cascade and Amarillo hops. He can explain what gives “Das Wunderkind” beer its “delicate tartness” and “Commercial Suicide” its “oaky notes.” He cannot sell you a glass of either. Nor can he tell you where Jester King’s beers are sold. According to the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission code, both activities are illegal.


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By Eva Hershaw For Reporting Texas

Kentucky-based Network Marketing Company to Refund $1.3 Million to Texas Customers

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – A Lexington, Kentucky-based direct sales firm has agreed to repay up to $1.3 million to its Texas customers. The agreement resolves the Texas Attorney General’s Office investigation into potential Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations by Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, Inc. – including allegations that the firm operated an illegal pyramid scheme.

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TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Big Spring  drilling company following the death of 2 workers at work site near Lamesa   | lub_txbz, abil_txbz, LeMesa, Robinson Drilling, Truitt Woods, OSHA,
OSHA cites Big Spring drilling company following the death of 2 workers at work site near Lamesa

Texas Business reports:  LAMESA, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Robinson Drilling of Texas Ltd. for eight serious, four repeat and 11 other-than-serious safety and health violations following the death of two workers at the company's work site near Lamesa at Truitt Woods Field, Well No. 1, Rig No. 3.

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TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Sneed Shipbuilding in Channelview, Texas, for exposing workers to safety hazards

Texas Business reports:  CHANNELVIEW—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sneed Shipbuilding Inc. for 14 serious, seven repeat and four other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards at the company's facility in Channelview.


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TexasBusiness.com

Triton President and CEO Kurt Barton Sentenced to Federal Prison

Texas Business reports: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that in Austin , 44-year-old Kurt Branham Barton, founder, president, and CEO of Triton Financial LLC, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for carrying out a Ponzi scheme which victimized more than 300 individuals and resulted in a total estimated loss to investors of over $50 million.


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TexasBusiness.com

Fines of $233,835 against multiple Valero facilities and $124,405 against Rohm & Haas Texas Inc. in Harris Co. included

Texas Business reports: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved penalties totaling $934,026 against 66 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.


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TexasBusiness.com

McAllen-area Women Indicted by a Grand Jury in a Health Care Fraud Probe by State and Federal Officials

Texas Business reports:   McALLEN, TEXAS - A co-owner and manager of a McAllen-area durable medical equipment (DME) business have been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, multiple counts of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings for power wheelchairs, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.


 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

BP Products to Pay $50 Million for Illegal Emissions during Explosion, Fire at Texas City Refinery   | BP, Texas City, hou_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, pollutant, emission,
BP Products to Pay $50 Million for Illegal Emissions during Explosion, Fire at Texas City Refinery

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – The Texas Attorney General’s Office today resolved the State’s enforcement actions against BP Products North America Inc.


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TexasBusiness.com

Dallas Intellectual Property Law Firm Adds Partner, Changes Name

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Dallas-based Kennedy, Clark & Williams PC, a boutique law firm focused on intellectual property and corporate litigation, has added Keith McDole as Partner.


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TexasBusiness.com

DME Company Owner and Marketers Land in Federal Prison for Massive $17.6 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – Six Houston residents involved in a long-term scheme to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid health care benefit programs have been sentenced to federal prison, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

Owner of Houston Health Care Company Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison in Connection with $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—An owner and operator of a Houston durable medical equipment (DME) company was sentenced today in Houston federal court to 41 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).


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TexasBusiness.com

Baker Donelson Moves Into Texas

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has merged with the Houston law firm of Spain Chambers, marking Baker Donelson's entry into Texas with a major step in the firm's continuing strategic growth. 


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TexasBusiness.com

State Banking Agency: Agreed Order Signed with Emmitt Lewis, Jr.

Texas Business reports:  BRENHAM--On May 5, 2011, an Emergency Cease and Desist Order was issued to Emmitt Lewis, Jr., dba Lewis Funeral Home and Chapel for the sale of a trust-funded preneed funeral contract without the required state permit and the mishandling of funds as required by Texas Finance Code Chapter 154, the Texas Department of Banking announced this week.


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TexasBusiness.com

Houston Chiropractor Convicted of Health Care Fraud in State and Federal Probe

Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Justina Okehie aka Dr. Tina Collins, 55, of Richmond, Texas, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

Multiple Texas Weight-Loss Clinics Agree To Stop Marketing Prescription Drugs Improperly

Texas Business reports: AUSTIN—Under agreements negotiated by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, several weight-loss clinics and a distributor of a weight loss product in Texas must significantly alter the way they market their services and/or products.

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TexasBusiness.com

Three Guilty of Laundering Money Embezzled from Sherwin Alumina

Texas Business reports: CORPUS CHRISTI—Richard Lopez, 43, Benjamin Martinez, 74, and Toby Clarkson, 39, all pleaded guilty to federal money laundering charges related to an embezzlement scheme at Sherwin Alumina Company, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Saginaw, Texas, grain handling facility of Minnesota company for 17 serious safety violations; fines total $57,000

Texas Business reports:  SAGINAW—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Minneapolis-based Horizon Milling LLC for 17 serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards at the company's facility in Saginaw. Proposed penalties total $57,000.


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TexasBusiness.com

New Braunfels Sport Vehicle Business Surrenders License To Operate For Five Years   | aust_txbz, sanant_txbz, Olson Powersports,
New Braunfels Sport Vehicle Business Surrenders License To Operate For Five Years

Texas Business reports:  NEW BRAUNFELS – A pretrial settlement agreement negotiated last week by the Texas Attorney General’s Office will require a New Braunfels-based all-terrain vehicle sales retailer to surrender its sales license.


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TexasBusiness.com

Defrauded Investors In Austin Company Due To Receive Some Funds Back

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—Investors in the Warr Investment Group LLC of Austin, which the State Securities Board forced into receivership earlier this year, will receive nearly one-third of their money back, with the potential for additional payments.


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TexasBusiness.com

TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $1,177,565

Texas Business reports:  Fines of $591,798 against Valero Refining-Texas LP of Nueces and Galveston counties, and $141,925 against ConocoPhillips Company of Hutchinson County included.


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TexasBusiness.com

Three Sentenced to Federal Prison for Forcing Labor and Distributing Pirated/Counterfeit CDs and DVDs

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – Three people have been sentenced by United States District Court Judge Ewing Werlein for conspiring to force labor and conspiring to distribute pirated CDs and DVDs, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

“Notario” Scam Halted In Potter County   | amar_txbz, DTPA, notario, notario scam, notary public,
“Notario” Scam Halted In Potter County

Texas Business reports:  AMARILLO – The Texas Attorney General’s Office resolved the state’s enforcement action against a Potter County consultant who unlawfully provided immigration-related services – despite the fact that she was not licensed to do so. The defendant is charged with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) and Notary Public Act.


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TexasBusiness.com

ATF's National Response Team Activated to Investigate $15 Million Home Decor Store Fire

Texas Business reports: CONROE— The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF Special Agents from the Houston Field Division have been activated by a request from the City of Conroe Fire Marshal's Office to investigate a fire at the Garden Ridge Pottery Home Decor Store located at 16788 I45, Conroe, Texas.


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TexasBusiness.com

American International Industries Settles Claims With Texas Community Bank
Texas Business reports:  Houston and Kemah—American International Industries Inc.  sold its 287 acre property located in Dickinson, Texas, to Texas Community Bank N.A. as part of the settlement of lawsuit claims that American had against TXCB. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Melissa Essary Steps Down As Dean of Campbell Law School, Plans To Return To Full-Time Faculty
Texas Business reports:  Raleigh, North Carolina— Melissa Essary, a well-known Texas lawyer transplanted to North Carolina, announced her intention to step away from the dean’s position after six years and return to full-time faculty responsibilities at Campbell University’s law school, effective July 1, 2012. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Offshore Insurance Operator Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON - Edmund Hugh Benton, 63, of Scottsdale, Ariz., pleaded guilty yesterday to the federal felony offense of conspiracy to launder money before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Clarke announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

Rosenberg Roofing Contractor Agrees to Pay Restitution for Misleading Homeowners   | corp_chr_txbz, dal_ftw_txbz, Rosenberg Roofing, hou_txbz, tyl_txbz, aust_txbz, sanant_txbz, HRI, Brett Holden, brn_har_txbz,
Rosenberg Roofing Contractor Agrees to Pay Restitution for Misleading Homeowners
Texas Business reports:  SINTON – A Rosenberg-based roofing contractor today agreed to reimburse all homeowners who improperly paid the company’s “liquidated damages” contracts. In June, the Attorney General’s Office charged Holden Roofing Inc. (HRI) with subjecting homeowners to unlawful penalties if they did not hire the defendant to perform the work. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

McAllen Business Owner Convicted in State and Federal Health Care Fraud Probe

Texas Business reports:  McALLEN,TEXAS - A federal jury in McAllen has convicted the owner of a durable medical equipment business in connection with a health care fraud and aggravated identity theft scheme, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

DME Owner Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicare of Millions in Wake of Hurricanes Katrine and Rita

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON - A former owner of a durable medical equipment company (DME) was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare of more than $5 million and wire fraud, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

Defendants’ fraudulent pricing scheme overcharged Texas Medicaid program for generic drugs
Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN – The Texas Attorney General’s office recovered $11.3 million for the state’s general revenue fund. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Texas Petroleum Investment Company Fined for a Second Time for Violating the Clean Water Act

 Texas Business reports: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Texas Petroleum Investment Company of Houston, Texas, $134,895 for violating federal Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined under the Clean Water Act.

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TexasBusiness.com

EPA Settles Complaint Against Marshall, Texas Firm For Violations of the Clean Water Act

Texas Business reports:  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled a complaint against Camterra Resources, Inc., of Marshall, Texas, for violations of the Clean Water Act.

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TexasBusiness.com

Former Construction Site Manager Pleads Guilty to Role in Kickback Scheme

Texas Business reports: Earlier this week, 46-year-old Carl James Woodruff, former onsite construction manager for the Midland-based architecture and engineering firm of Grimes and Associates (Grimes), pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a mail fraud scheme involving more than $200,000 in kickbacks from subcontractors United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

Convicted Dentist Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison in Medicaid Fraud Case

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANGELO, Texas — At a hearing today in a U.S. District Court in San Angelo,   U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings sentenced convicted Brownwood, Texas, dentist, James Crow, 67, to 70 months in federal prison on multiple offenses related to a healthcare fraud scheme he ran, according to U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.


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Arlington Used Car Dealerships Halt Unlawful 'Clean Scanning' Of Vehicles

 Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH – The owner of two Arlington used car dealerships who was previously charged with falsifying vehicle emissions test results has entered into an agreed judgment requiring him to comply with Texas law.


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TexasBusiness.com

Two Dallas Area Residents Charged In National Medicare Fraud Operation
Texas Business reports: DALLAS – A Dallas-area doctor appeared in federal court on charges related to his alleged participation in a scheme to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Former Insurance Company Controller Sentenced For Wire Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON - Carla Jean Johnson, 40, of Houston, has been sentenced  to 120 months in federal prison for her conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving almost $1 million in loss to the victim company, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.

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TexasBusiness.com

SEC Charges Solicitor in Investment Scheme Targeting Deaf Community | dal_ftw_txbz, Jody Dunn, Corinth, deaf community, Imperia,
SEC Charges Solicitor in Investment Scheme Targeting Deaf Community

Texas Business reports:  The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged a Corinth, Texas man with securities fraud for soliciting more than $3.45 million from several thousand deaf investors in an investment scheme that the SEC halted last year.


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TexasBusiness.com

Two Houston-Area Residents Charged in Nationwide Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—The owner of a Medicare referral business and the owner of a medical supply company have been charged for their participation in separate schemes to defraud the Medicare program of more than $62 million, announced the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.


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TexasBusiness.com

Harlingen Businessman Sentenced in Million-Dollar Check Kiting Case

Texas Business reports:  BROWNSVILLE—John Jeff Woodard Jr., 49, of Harlingen, Texas, has been sentenced to a 51-month term of imprisonment for bank fraud conducted through the operation of a check kite scheme involving multiple bank accounts held in the names of several of his former businesses, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

Houston Medical Equipment Company Owner Lands in Federal Prison for Medicare Fraud
Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Sunny Robinson, the owner of Memorial Medical Supply—a Houston durable medical equipment business—has been sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Plano Couple Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud in State and Federal Probe
Texas Business reports:  DALLAS — Joanna Jones Ellis Kemp, 68, and her husband, Peter A. Kemp, 67, both of Plano, Texas, each appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit false statements relating to health care matters, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Victoria waste transporter pleads guilty to unauthorized discharge of waste

Texas Business reports:  VICTORIA—A Victoria waste transportation company pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized discharge and paid a $150,000 fine, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced.


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Fort Worth 'Naturopathic Doctor' Charged With Multiple Health & Safety Code Violations   | dal_ftw_txbz, DTPA, Valerie Saxion, naturopathic, dietary supplement,
Fort Worth 'Naturopathic Doctor' Charged With Multiple Health & Safety Code Violations
Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH—The Texas attorney general’s office charged a Fort Worth-based “naturopathic doctor” with unlawfully marketing and promoting dietary supplements. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

State’s enforcement action cites Laredo furniture store owners with unlawfully charging customers for undelivered merchandise, refusing to refund pa | lar_txbz, DTPA, Collezione Decor, Thomas Slaney, Elsa Valdez Slaney, Elsa's Boutique, Picture Factory, El Bazar Market,
State’s enforcement action cites Laredo furniture store owners with unlawfully charging customers for undelivered merchandise, refusing to refund pa

Texas Business reports:  LAREDO—The Texas Attorney General’s Office charged a Laredo furniture store and its owners with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Roma Construction of Atascosa, Texas, for exposing workers to scaffolding hazards at San Antonio work site

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Roma Construction with six safety violations after an inspection of the company's work site on Wild Basin in San Antonio found employees exposed to scaffolding hazards while applying stucco to the exterior of a home. 


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Houston Family Charged With Providing Unauthorized Legal Services   | hou_txbz, unlawful immigration consulting, DTPA, unauthorized legal advice, Texas Government Code, Harris County, Yolanda Salazar Perez, New Annointing, Nueva Uncion, Bruno Perez, Julie Cortez, Lucina Lopez, immigration,
Houston Family Charged With Providing Unauthorized Legal Services
Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—The Texas attorney general’s office charged a Houston family with operating an unlawful immigration consulting firm. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Defendants’ fraudulent pricing scheme overcharged Texas Medicaid program for pharmaceutical products
Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—The Texas Attorney General’s office recovered $24.4 million for the state’s general revenue fund. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $904,545

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $904,545 against 91 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations. Included in the total was a fine of $212,500 against J-W Operating Company, Wise County, for air violations noted in a December 2010 records review.  

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Owner of Arizona Company Charged and Convicted of Introducing an Unapproved New Drug into Interstate Commerce

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—The former owner of Global Laboratories LLC, located in Scottsdale, Ariz., has been convicted of unlawfully introducing stem cells into interstate commerce, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced along with Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Holland of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Kansas City Field Office and Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office.


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OSHA cites Buffalo Framing and Truss with serious and repeat violations for construction hazards at two Dripping Springs, Texas, sites

Texas Business reports: DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Austin-based Buffalo Framing and Truss LP for 13 serious and one repeat safety violation resulting from inspections at two of the company's work sites in Dripping Springs. Proposed penalties total $58,100.


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Seaside Aquaculture and Owner Convicted For Killing Protected
Texas Business reports:  VICTORIA, Texas—Following one and one-half days of trial testimony and approximately three and one-half hours of deliberation, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Seaside Aquaculture Inc., a fish farm located in Palacios, Texas, and its owner, Khanh Vu, guilty of illegally killing approximately 90 brown pelicans, which are protected under federal law, according to United States Attorney José Angel Moreno. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County, Inc.

Texas Business reports: LUBBOCK—A federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment this week charging San Angelo, Texas resident Debra Rucker Brown with six counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.


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Businessmen, Loan Officer, and Title Company Attorney Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in a Multi-Million-Dollar Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Two Houston businessmen, a mortgage company loan officer, and a title company attorney and escrow officer were indicted for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud residential mortgage lenders of more than $22 million in loans, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Clarke.


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TWC Revokes Approval for 22 ATI Career School Programs

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is revoking Certificates of Approval for 22 programs being taught at career schools in Texas owned by ATI Enterprises  Inc. (ATI), following the discovery of substantial misreporting of graduate employment rates in those programs.

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Texas Petroleum Investment Company Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act

 Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Texas Petroleum Company of Houston, Texas, $163,487 for violating federal Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined under the Clean Water Act.


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Kansas Lawyer Sentenced in East Texas Ponzi Scheme

Texas Business reports:  BEAUMONT, Texas—A 62-year-old Leawood, Kansas lawyer was sentenced to federal prison for investment fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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OSHA cites Enterprise Products Transportation in Freeport, Texas, following worker fatality

Texas Business reports: FREEPORT, Texas—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Freeport-based Enterprise Products Transportation Co. for 29 serious and three other-than-serious violations following a fatality which occurred at the facility's tank wash operation in Freeport.

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OSHA cites Georgia-based Exide Technologies for exposing workers to dangerous levels of lead at Frisco, Texas, facility

Texas Business reports:  FRISCO—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Exide Technologies for one serious and one repeat violation at the company's battery recycling facility on South Fifth Street in Frisco.

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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Midland, Texas, drilling company following worker's death at Garden City, Texas-area work site

Texas Business reports:  GARDEN CITY, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Midland-based Trinidad Drilling LP for three serious and two repeat violations following the fatal electrocution of a worker at the company's job site near Garden City on County Road 125.


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Former Construction Site Manager Indicted in Connection With Kickback Scheme

Texas Business reports: A federal grand jury charged 46-year-old Carl James Woodruff, former onsite construction manager for the Midland-based architecture and engineering firm of Grimes and Associates (Grimes), in a mail fraud scheme involving more than $200,000 in kickbacks from subcontractors. United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced.


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Sugar Land Nursing Home Administrator Arrested for Health Care Fraud and Taking Kickbacks

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – An employee of a Houston area nursing home has been arrested as a result of the return of a sealed indictment by a Houston grand jury charging him with conspiracy, health care fraud and violations of the anti-kickback statute arising from a scheme to unlawfully bill federal health care programs for ambulance transport, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno, along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced.


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Advisor Who Sold Millions In Non-Existent Bonds Faces Revocation of Registration

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—The Inspections & Compliance Division of the State Securities Board has requested that Houston investment adviser Brian Anthony Bjork and his firm, Select Asset Management LLC (SAM), have their state registrations revoked.


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Securities Commisssioner Sues Life Partners For Refusing To Comply With Subpoenas In ‘Death-Benefits’ Probe

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—Securities Commissioner Benette L. Zivley sued Waco-based Life Partners Holdings Inc. and its chief executive, Brian Pardo, for refusing to comply with subpoenas from the State Securities Board, the agency announced.


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Twenty Convicted This Week for Defrauding Aflac

Texas Business reports:  McAllen—A total of 20 South Texas residents indicted for their roles in a scheme to defraud the American Family Life Assurance Company (Aflac) of millions of dollars by filing thousands of false injury claims under Aflac’s accident-only insurance plan have been convicted this week, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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TexasBusiness.com

Family Members Sentenced in Plano-based Aspen Exploration Inc. Oil and Gas Investment Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Three family members/principals of Aspen Exploration, Inc., the managing partner of oil and gas well programs offered and sold to investors throughout the U.S. and elsewhere, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis for their respective roles in operating a fraudulent investment scheme, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.


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Brownsville Residents Charged With Health Care Fraud

Texas Business reports:  McALLEN, Texas—Felicitas Velez Alanis, 50, and her daughter-in-law Erika Ortega Alanis, 26, both of Brownsville, Texas, have been arrested on charges of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced along with the Texas Attorney General’s office.  


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TexasBusiness.com

US Labor Department's OSHA cites AMF Bowling in Addison, Texas, following worker fatality   | dal_ftw_txbz, OSHA, labor, AMF Bowling, Addison, Stephen Boyd, violation, machine guard,
US Labor Department's OSHA cites AMF Bowling in Addison, Texas, following worker fatality
Texas Business reports:  ADDISON, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited AMF Bowling Centers Inc. for three serious and three repeat violations following the death of a worker at the company's 300 Dallas facility on Belt Line Road in Addison. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Seven Former Texas Medicaid Medical Transportation Program Call Center Employees Arrested On Federal Health Care Fraud Charges

Texas Business reports:  Federal, state and local authorities arrested 18 individuals Tuesday, including seven former Texas Medicaid Medical Transportation Program (TMMTP) San Antonio call center employees, in connection with a health care fraud investigation focusing on more than 1,000 fraudulent transportation claims totaling approximately $200,000, announced United States Attorney John E. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge Cory B. Nelson, Federal Bureau of Investigation –San Antonio Division, Special Agent in Charge George M. Fields, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General–Dallas Field Division and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. 


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San Antonio Restaurant and Owner Enter Guilty Pleas In Connection With Worksite Enforcement Investigation

Texas Business reports:  Salsalito Cantina Inc. and owner, 50-year-old Hossein Bagheri face a maximum $1 million fine and up to five years in federal prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to harboring an undocumented alien in connection with a worksite enforcement investigation, announced United States Attorney John E. Murphy. 

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San Antonio Man Admits Role in Title Washing Scheme Involving Over 600 Fraudulent Titles

 Texas Business reports:  United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced 27-year-old Babauk Omeed Harizavi of San Antonio  faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in a vehicle title washing scheme involving over 600 Texas vehicle titles.


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Houston Venture Capitalist Charged With Fraud

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON - Harvard H. Hill, of Houston, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud in connection with an investment in the general partnership of a Houston-based venture capital fund he promoted, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in a Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Vincent Wallace Aldridge, a former fee attorney for First Southwestern Title Company, has been sentenced to 63 months imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering arising from a scheme to defraud residential mortgage lenders of more than $3.7 million in loans in connection with home purchases in the Houston area, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced, along with acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Russell D. Robinson and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Clark.                                                                                                     

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TexasBusiness.com

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three Collin County Residents in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Nearly $3.2 Million in Loan Proceeds to Purchase Laundroma

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—A federal grand jury in Dallas has returned a four-count indictment this week charging three individuals, Vathany Teng, Lina Ma and Jerry Goh each with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two substantive counts of bank fraud in relation to a loan fraud scheme they allegedly ran in the Dallas area from August 2007 to April 2008.


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TexasBusiness.com

TCEQ approves fines totaling $1,115,124 including $171,178 against TOTAL Petrochemicals USA, Inc.   | Texas Commission,
TCEQ approves fines totaling $1,115,124 including $171,178 against TOTAL Petrochemicals USA, Inc.

Texas Business reports:   The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved penalties totaling $1,115,124 against 105 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.


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Two Arlington Used Car Dealerships Charged With Unlawfully 'Clean Scanning' Vehicles: Automax, Dollar Rent a Car Sales cited in vehicle-switch scheme
Two Arlington Used Car Dealerships Charged With Unlawfully 'Clean Scanning' Vehicles: Automax, Dollar Rent a Car Sales cited in vehicle-switch scheme

Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH—The Texas attorney general’s office today charged the owner of a certified vehicle emissions inspection station with manipulating the state’s testing protocols.

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Denbury Onshore LLC Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined Denbury Onshore LLC of Alvin  $13,905 for violating the federal Clean Water Act. 


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Tenaris Global Services (USA) Corp. to Pay $717,324 for Environmental Reporting Violations  | hou_txbz, dal_ftw_txbz,
Tenaris Global Services (USA) Corp. to Pay $717,324 for Environmental Reporting Violations

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Tenaris Global Services Corp., a manufacturer and supplier of steel pipe products for the oil and energy industry, has agreed to pay $717,324 of civil penalties to the United States to settle violations of environmental regulations at seven facilities related to the public reporting of toxic chemicals at its facilities in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.


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Mesa Power Group Files Legal Action Against Canadian Government for NAFTA Infractions   | dal_ftw_txbz, Boone Pickens, Canada, NAFTA, Mesa Power,
Mesa Power Group Files Legal Action Against Canadian Government for NAFTA Infractions

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Mesa Power Group LLC, a Texas-based renewable energy development company, has initiated the first step in a legal claim against the Canadian government for violations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) while the company was pursuing 565 megawatts of wind energy projects in western Ontario.


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State’s enforcement action charges Alejandro Lazcano with unlawfully providing legal advice, document preparation services   | elp_txbz, immigration fraud, Alejandro Lazcano,
State’s enforcement action charges Alejandro Lazcano with unlawfully providing legal advice, document preparation services

Texas Business reports:  EL PASO – The Texas state attorney general’s office charged a registered sex offender with operating an unauthorized legal services business in El Paso County.


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League City Businessman Charged With Fraud Involving Space Vehicle Parts | hou_txbz, League City, NASA, fraud, Roger Lewis Pulley, Stephen William Smith, Aerotech Precision Manufacturing,
League City Businessman Charged With Fraud Involving Space Vehicle Parts

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON - Roger Lewis Pulley, 63, of League City, Texas, has been indicted and charged with fraud involving space vehicle parts and making a false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of NASA, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

Court Grants Restraining Order Against Three Unlicensed Living Facilities; Residents Relocated | sanant_txbz, Bexar County, John D. Gabriel, Ninfa Alba, Gary Leal, Linda Leal, Fox Briar, Hill Lane, Cibolo, Selma, Ridgeway, TLC In-Home, elderlycare,
Court Grants Restraining Order Against Three Unlicensed Living Facilities; Residents Relocated

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO—Residents at three unlicensed assisted living facilities in Comal and Bexar counties were relocated today after a Bexar County district court determined that the facilities where they lived were not properly licensed by state health authorities.


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Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Encore Capital Group with Violating Texas Debt Collection Laws | Encore Capital Group, Texas debt collection, Texas Finance Code, Midland Funding, Midland Credit Management, DTPA,
Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Encore Capital Group with Violating Texas Debt Collection Laws
Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – The Texas Attorney General’s office charged Encore Capital Group Inc. with falsifying and robo-signing affidavits, attempting to collect debts based upon inaccurate or incomplete account information, and employing unlawful and deceptive debt collection tactics. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites China Grove, Texas, bakery for 2nd time in 4 months for exposing workers to safety and health hazards | China Grove, OSHA, Lone Star Bakery, sanant_txbz, Jeff Funke, hazard, serious violation,
OSHA cites China Grove, Texas, bakery for 2nd time in 4 months for exposing workers to safety and health hazards

Texas Business reports:  CHINA GROVE, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Lone Star Bakery Inc. for 18 serious and three repeat safety and health violations at Plant 2 of the company's facility on U.S. Highway 87 East in China Grove. 

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Baytown Man Guilty Of Disposing Hazardous Wastes Without Authority | hou_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, Lufkin, longv_Txbz, tyl_txbz,
Baytown Man Guilty Of Disposing Hazardous Wastes Without Authority

Texas Business reports:  BEAUMONT—A 49-year-old Baytown, Texas man has pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Texas to disposing of hazardous wastes, including benzene solutions and inflammable solutions, without a permit, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.


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Mother, Daughter, Father Plead Guilty to Mortgage Fraud Scam  | hou_txbz, Claymon Trammell, Vanessa Gilmore, Michelle Trammell,Belinda Beek, Jimmy Sledge,Kebharu Smith, Brenda Williams,  Jeannettea Williams,
Mother, Daughter, Father Plead Guilty to Mortgage Fraud Scam

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Claymon “Butch” Trammell, along with his wife, Jeannettea Williams, and daughter, Michelle Trammell, have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.


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TexasBusiness.com

SIPC to Announce Stanford Liquidation Decision in Mid-September

Texas Business reports:  The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which maintains a special reserve fund mandated by Congress to protect the customers of insolvent brokerage firms, said that it expects to announce on or about September 15, 2011 its decision about the referral provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with respect to the Stanford Group Company, operated by former Waco businessman  Robert Allen Stanford.


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Jury Finds Texas Pain Management Physician And Psychiatrist Guilty On Federal Health Care Fraud Charges   | elp_txbz, Anthony Francis Valdez,
Jury Finds Texas Pain Management Physician And Psychiatrist Guilty On Federal Health Care Fraud Charges

Texas Business reports:  EL PASO—United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that in El Paso, a federal jury convicted Anthony Francis Valdez, 57, on all charges in connection with an estimated $41 million fraudulent health care benefit program billing scheme.


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Permian Basin Residents Sentenced For Real Estate Fraud   | odes_txbz, mid_txbz, John E. Murphy, Jason Heath Morrison, Marcus Jacob Rosenberger, Judge Junell, Austin Berry,
Permian Basin Residents Sentenced For Real Estate Fraud

Texas Business reports:  United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that 35-year-old Jason Heath Morrison, of Midland, Texas, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release for his role in a real estate fraud scheme, as well as for his failure to register as a sex offender.


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TexasBusiness.com

Longview Medical Supplier Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Scheme  | longv_txbz, John M. Bales, Sheena Shelton, Leonard E. Davis, Medicare, Medicaid, KC Medical Supplies, KC Medical, Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld,
Longview Medical Supplier Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  LONGVIEW—A 50-year-old Henderson, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison for a health care fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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Former Owner of Houston Mail Presort Operation to Serve Lengthy Prison Term for Stealing Millions from US Postal Service | hou_txbz, Postal Service, postage, Neal Lim, conspiracy, mail fraud, counterfeit postage meter, Jose Angel Moreno, Gary Barksdale, Nancy F. Atlas, Gulf Coast Presort, Mail Processing Center, third-party mailers, presort bureau,  mass mailing, statistical mail sampling, USPS, Tammie Y. Moore, Bertram A. Isaacs,
Former Owner of Houston Mail Presort Operation to Serve Lengthy Prison Term for Stealing Millions from US Postal Service

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Neal Lim, former owner of one of the largest mail presort operations in the Houston area, has been sentenced to prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and possessing and using counterfeit postage meter machines to affix counterfeit postage in his mass mailing businesses, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno and United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Gary Barksdale announced.


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Raymond James To Pay Nearly $300,000 To Texas To Settle Securities Investigation | Raymond James, Securities Investigation, SEC Benette L. Zively, Raymond James Financial Services,
Raymond James To Pay Nearly $300,000 To Texas To Settle Securities Investigation

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—Securities Commissioner Benette L. Zivley announced Wednesday that Raymond James Financial Services Inc. and Raymond James & Associates Inc. will pay a $293,595 fine to the State of Texas to settle claims the companies failed to disclose the risks of auction rate securities.


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TexasBusiness.com

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Files Suit against Dublin Dr Pepper | Dublin Dr Pepper, bottler, cane sugar,
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Files Suit against Dublin Dr Pepper
Texas Business reports:  The legendary, longtime Dublin Dr Pepper plant that still makes Dr Pepper with cane sugar found itself a target of a lawsuit—from Dr Pepper. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Delta Granite and Marble in San Antonio for exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica, other hazards | sanant_txbz, Delta Granite, Delta Granite and Marble, Granite and Marble, silica, respirable silica, Sable Lane,
OSHA cites Delta Granite and Marble in San Antonio for exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica, other hazards

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Delta Granite and Marble Inc. with 10 serious and one other-than-serious violation.


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TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites Waco manufacturing company with 29 serious workplace violations   | OSHA, wac_txbz, workplace violation, manufacturing, labor, Hobbs Bonded Fiber, Hobbs, Commerce Drive, Jack Rector,  respiratory program, oxygen deficiency, eye wash, compressed oxygen, acetylene cylinder, hazard communication, hazardous chemical, toxic chemical, rotating belt, pulleys, chains, sprockets, pinch point, transformer box, nonwoven,
OSHA cites Waco manufacturing company with 29 serious workplace violations

Texas Business reports:  WACO, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Hobbs Bonded Fiber Inc. with 29 serious violations following a Dec. 27, 2010, safety and health inspection. OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office initiated the inspection in response to a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions at the company's facility on Commerce Drive in Waco.


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Federal Indictment Charges Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Involving Approximately 23 Fraudulent Residential Loan Clo | dal_ftw_txbz, mortgage fraud, Frederick Moore, Empirical Investments, real estate, Fredrick Lynch, ADJ Mortgage,Randell Miller, Benchmark Mortgage,  Supreme Lending, Halid Amer, Accurate Investments, Theresa Barsema, licensed escrow officer, First American Title Insurance, Alamo Title Company, First Commitment Title, First Land Title, Capital Title of Texas, Flower Mound,
Federal Indictment Charges Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Involving Approximately 23 Fraudulent Residential Loan Clo
Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment this week charging five individuals with various offenses related to their operation of a mortgage fraud conspiracy in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.

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OSHA cites Houston's Schumacher Co. for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals; fines total $166,500 | hou_txbz, OSHA, Mark Briggs, Schumacher, health hazard, safety hazard, hazardous chemicals,
OSHA cites Houston's Schumacher Co. for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals; fines total $166,500

Texas Business reports:  Houston—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Schumacher Co. of Texas Inc. for 31 alleged serious and two other-than-serious violations for exposing employees to multiple safety and health hazards, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, at the company's facility in Houston.


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Colleyville, Texas, Man Indicted in $4 Million Investment Fraud Scheme | dal_ftw_txbz, Colleyville, Christopher Blackwell, NDTX, James T. Jacks, Jay Stevenson Weimer, AV Bar Reg, Millers A Game,
Colleyville, Texas, Man Indicted in $4 Million Investment Fraud Scheme
Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH—Christopher Blackwell, 32, of Colleyville has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of wire fraud in relation to an investment fraud scheme he has operated since January 2007, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas (NDTX). Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Owner of Houston Health Care Company Pleads Guilty in Connection with $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme  | hou_txbz, Ekpedeme Obot, 34, Lee Rosenthal, Medicare Fraud, Medicare, healthcare fraud, Praise DME, durable medical equipment, orthotics, arthritis, Lanny A. Breuer, José Angel Moreno, Joseph J. Del Favero, Russell D. Robinson, Mike Fields, Justin Blan, Laura M.K. Cordova,
Owner of Houston Health Care Company Pleads Guilty in Connection with $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  An owner of a Houston health care company pleaded guilty Thursday to committing health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).


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Dallas-Fort Worth Homebuilder Guilty In Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports: PLANO—A Dallas/Fort Worth homebuilder pleaded guilty to a mortgage fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Thursday.


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EPA Selects Sites in Louisiana and Texas for National Study on Hydraulic Fracturing | EPA, hydraulic fracturing, fracking, fraking, oil, gas, energy,
EPA Selects Sites in Louisiana and Texas for National Study on Hydraulic Fracturing
Texas Business reports:  Several sites in Texas were selected for a national study on hydraulic fracturing.  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Sanctuary Cities protest in San Antonio   | sanant_txbz, sanctuary city, protest, SB 9, HB9,

Sanctuary Cities protest in San Antonio. Photo by C.P. Gian. Copyright 2011.
Sanctuary Cities protest in San Antonio
Texas Business reports: SAN ANTONIO--Protesters picket in a Sanctuary City protest against s concerns about the proposed "sanctuary cities" legislation in San Antonio.  Full Story »
Photo by C.P. Gian. Copyright 2011.

State enforcement action charges Holden Roofing with unlawfully capturing homeowners with misleading contracts | corp_chr_txbz, hou_txbz, Rosenberg, Holden Roofing, HRI, Brett Holden, San Patricio, dal_ftw_txbz, sanant_txbz, aust_txbz, tyl_txbz, brn_har_txbz,
State enforcement action charges Holden Roofing with unlawfully capturing homeowners with misleading contracts

Texas Business reports:  SINTON—The Texas Attorney General’s office today charged a residential roofing contractor with deceiving Texas homeowners and unlawfully soliciting roof repairs.


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Owners of Houston Health Care Company Plead Guilty to Medicare Fraud  | Kemmie Houston, hou_txbz, Sharon Beal, David Hittner, health care fraud, Medicare, arthritis, STK Consultants, DME, durable medical equipment, orthotics, power wheelchairs, Lanny A. Breuer, Jose Angel Moreno, Russell d. Robinson, Mike Fields, Laura M.K. Cordova, Sam S. Sheldon,
Owners of Houston Health Care Company Plead Guilty to Medicare Fraud

Texas Business reports:  Two owners of a Houston health care company pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $800,000, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).


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TexasBusiness.com

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites San Antonio tortilla company for exposing employees to multiple safety and health hazards | Mexican food, OHSA, Jeff Funke, Sanitary Tortilla, hazard, tortilla chips, tortillas, work site, violation, fine, penalty,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites San Antonio tortilla company for exposing employees to multiple safety and health hazards
Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sanitary Tortilla Co. Ltd. with 12 alleged serious and two repeat violations after a follow-up inspection at the company's work site in San Antonio found safety and health hazards. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Critics Find Gaps in State Laws to Disclose Hydrofracking Chemicals | hydraulic fracturing, Theo Colburn, oil and gas, chemicals,
Critics Find Gaps in State Laws to Disclose Hydrofracking Chemicals

Texas Business reports:  Over the past year, five states have begun requiring energy companies to disclose some of the chemicals they pump into the ground to extract oil and gas using the process of hydraulic fracturing.

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by Nicholas Kusnetz of ProPublica

Owner of Houston Health Care Company Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicare  | hou_txbz, Simone Ball, Lee Rosenthal, Medicare, Medicare fraud, Preferred Plus, DME, durable medical equipment, orthotics, arthritis kit, Lanny A. Breuer, Jose Angel Moreno, Greg Abbott, Russell D. Robinson, FBI, Mike Fields,
Owner of Houston Health Care Company Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicare

Texas Business reports:  An owner of a Houston health care company pleaded guilty in connection with a $654,227 Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).

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TexasBusiness.com

Wichita Falls Man Pleads Guilty To Copyright Infringement  IN FEDERAL COURT TO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT   | wicfal_txbz, Copyright Infringement,  James Clayton Baxter, Judge Robert K. Roach, James T. Jacks, Northern District of Texas, Adobe Systems, software, financial gain, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, TechKappa.com,  Lou Lane, FBI, Wichita Falls Police Department, pirated software, infringing software, credit card abuse, external storage media, Amerisoftware.com, Costfriendlysoftware.net, Ultrabackup.net, Superbuysoftware.net, Go-E-Soft.com. , Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, retail value, product registration codes, serial numbers, Adobe’s Photoshop CS2, Adobe Illustrator CS2, Adobe Photoshop 7, illegal reproductions, willfully infringe, PayPal, ICE-HIS, Aisha Saleem, Texas Business, TexasBusiness, TexasBusiness.com,
Wichita Falls Man Pleads Guilty To Copyright Infringement IN FEDERAL COURT TO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Texas Business reports:  WICHITA FALLS— James Clayton Baxter, 28, of Wichita Falls pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert K. Roach to one count of copyright infringement, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.


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32 South Texas Residents Charged With Fraud as a Result of “Operation Sitting Duck”   | mca_edi_miss_txbz, Lucila Alcala,  Lilly Perez, La Villa, Desiree Rodriguez, Jose D. Rodriguez,  Steven Betancourt, Maria C. Alaniz, Patricia Cerda-Flores, Palmview, Dalia Cerda-Delgado,  Texas Business, TexasBusiness, TexasBusiness.com, Leonor B. Salinas, Elsa, Maria Guzman, Rebecca Castillo, Ninfa Reyes, Edcouch, Texas, Noemi Villareal, Idaleen Sanchez, Norma Sanchez, Valerio Ramos, Jose Guerra Jr., La Joya, Eddie Guerra, Alamo, Mary Cedillo, Martha Ortega, Yolanda Segovia, Candida Chavez, Lori Chavez, Anissa Chavez, Homer Cedillo Jr., Norma Flores	, Nora Palacios, Georgina Flores, Nancy Rodriguez, Pharr, Maria Cantu, Beatriz Carreon, Minerva Murguia, lar_txbz, Sullivan City,
32 South Texas Residents Charged With Fraud as a Result of “Operation Sitting Duck”
Texas Business reports:  McALLEN--“Operation Sitting Duck,” an ongoing investigation into fraudulent insurance claims filed with the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC), has resulted in the return of eight separate but related sealed indictments, charges of conspiracy and wire fraud and the arrest of 32 South Texas residents for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud AFLAC of millions of dollars by allegedly filing false injury claims, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced Friday along with Special Agent-in-Charge Cory B. Nelson of the FBI San Antonio field office. Full Story »
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State Enforcement Action Resolved Against Austin-Based TicketCity Over Beijing Summer Olympics | aust_txbz, texas attorney general, Beijing, summer olympics, TicketCity, Texas Business, TexasBusiness, China, ticket, tickets, boleta, boletas, olympic ticket,
State Enforcement Action Resolved Against Austin-Based TicketCity Over Beijing Summer Olympics
Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—The Texas Attorney General’s office resolved the state’s enforcement action against an Austin-based online ticket broker. Full Story »
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Three Indicted In Alligator Gar Smuggling Operation | USFWS, Loren Willis, Eminence, IN, Gerard Longo, Greenacres, Florida, Michael Rambarran, Miami, Lacey Act, violations, conspiracy to submit a false label for fish transported in interstate commerce, conspiracy to transport fish in interstate commerce in violation, John M. Bales, indicted,

USFWS Photo
Three Indicted In Alligator Gar Smuggling Operation
Texas Business reports:  BEAUMONT, Texas – Three men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for smuggling alligator gar in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

 

 

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Former San Antonio Business Comptroller Indicted In Tax Scheme  | sanant_txbz, Watermark Group, John E. Murphy, Monica R. Richardson, tax payments, withheld tax payments, failure to collect and pay,
Former San Antonio Business Comptroller Indicted In Tax Scheme
Texas Business reports:  Former Watermark Group comptroller Monica R. Richardson faces federal income tax related charges resulting from a alleged scheme to steal over $500,000 from the company, United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced. Full Story »
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Murphy, Texas Man Sentenced for Federal Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Violations  | dal_ftw_txbz, Plano, Murphy, Texas Business, John M. Bales, Richard Schell, Clifford Wayne Robertson, Terri Hagan, FBI,
Murphy, Texas Man Sentenced for Federal Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Violations
Texas Business reports:  PLANO—A 43-year-old Murphy, Texas man who claimed to be a real estate investment advisor has been sentenced on charges of bank fraud and identity theft in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. Full Story »
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OSHA cites San Antonio bakery company for exposing workers to amputation hazards | Bimbo Bakeries, Texas Business, OSHA, Department of Labor, workplace hazard, amputation, amputation danger, Jeff Funke, South Gevers, South Gevers Street, machine guarding, automated bread oven, fall protection, overhead fall protection,
OSHA cites San Antonio bakery company for exposing workers to amputation hazards

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Bimbo Bakeries USA in San Antonio for 10 serious violations following a safety and health inspection at the company's work site in San Antonio after investigators found workers exposed to numerous workplace hazards, including the danger of amputations. 

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US Labor Department's OSHA cites Austin, Texas-based Arreola Masonry with serious and repeat violations for exposing workers to scaffolding hazards | Cedar Park, OSHA, labor, Arreola Masonry, serious violation, repeat safety violation, fall hazards, Texas Business, construction, construction safety, TexasBusiness,
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Austin, Texas-based Arreola Masonry with serious and repeat violations for exposing workers to scaffolding hazards
Texas Business reports:  CEDAR PARK—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Arreola Masonry in Austin with three serious and three repeat safety violations for exposing workers to fall hazards at the company's work site in Cedar Park. Full Story »
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Prominent Breeder Agrees To Pay $1.5 Million For Smuggling Deer Into East Texas | deer breeder, Cherokee County, John M. Bales, Billy Powell, U.S. Fish and Wildife, Texas Parks and Wildlife, electric anklet, 5P Farms, Ligonier, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, whitetail deer, wildife division, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas A&M, Veterinary Medicine, TAMU, Jim Noble, CWD, bovine tuberculosis, TPWD,
Prominent Breeder Agrees To Pay $1.5 Million For Smuggling Deer Into East Texas
Texas Business reports:  TYLER—After a lengthy four year investigation a 77-year-old Cherokee County, Texas licensed deer breeder has pleaded guilty to illegally transporting wildlife in the Eastern District of Texas and then lying about it to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today. Full Story »
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Winkler County Sheriff Found Guilty of Official Oppression, Retaliating Against Nurses 						 | Winkler county, Robert Roberts, Sheriff Robert Roberts, Rolando Arafiles, Winkler County Memorial Hospital, Stan Wiley, David Glickler, County Attorney Tidwell, Texas Medical Board, Scott Tidwell, odes_txbz,
Winkler County Sheriff Found Guilty of Official Oppression, Retaliating Against Nurses
Texas Business reports:  MIDLAND—A Midland County jury today found Winkler County Sheriff Robert Roberts guilty of misuse of official information, retaliation and official oppression. Full Story »
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“Alpha One” Foreign Currency Trader Convicted of Securities Fraud  | hou_txbz, Robert David Watson, Spring, Alpha One, foreign currency, securities fraud, Jose Angel Moreno, Gray H. Miller, SEC, securities and exchange commission, Fort Worth, FBI, IRS, CFTC, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, Stephen L. Corso,
“Alpha One” Foreign Currency Trader Convicted of Securities Fraud
 Texas Business reports:  Houston—Robert David Watson, 50, of Spring, Texas, the “developer and owner” of “Alpha One”, a purportedly profitable foreign currency investment model, has been convicted of securities fraud after defrauding investors of millions of dollars, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today. Full Story »
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Former City of Garland Employee Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Embezzling $1.9 Million  | dal_ftw_txbz, garland, city of garland, FBI, Patricia Leathers, Sidney A. Fitzwater, James T. Jacks, Rowlett, Connie M. Powell, Garland Police Department, Katherine Miller,
Former City of Garland Employee Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Embezzling $1.9 Million
Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Patricia Leathers, a former risk management adjustor for the City of Garland,  was sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 57 months in prison, following her guilty plea in December 2010 to one count of conspiracy involving theft of city funds, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
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Tyler And Athens Tax Preparer Sentenced For Filing False Returns | tyl_txbz, Charles Hollie, Michael H. Schneider, Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Athens, Preferred Choice Income Tax, Earned Income Credits, TETR, John A. DiCicco, John M. Bales, Gregg Marchessault, Pete Madrifinan,
Tyler And Athens Tax Preparer Sentenced For Filing False Returns
Texas Business reports:  Charles Hollie, a resident of Tyler, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider to 24 months in prison for filing false tax returns, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Full Story »
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TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $1,854,902 | hou_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, INEOS USA LLC, Harris County, Pasadena Refining System, Harris County, shell Oil Company, Brazoria County,Edwards Aquifer,
TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $1,854,902

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $1,854,902 against 135 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.


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State and federal authorities start nationwide initiative against immigration scams; Four notaries charged with violating Texas law | sanant_txbz, USCIS, FTC, ICE, EOIR, notario, Caridad Diaz, Hildalgo County, Estella Saucedo Cofoid, Saucedo Systems Integration, Saucedo Latino Services, dal_ftw_txbz, Manuella (Nellie) Castro Aronce, Anna Lucia Aronce Mata, Aronce Center, amar_txbz, lub_txbz, Adrian Lara, A&B Consulting Services, Caridad Diaz, Notary Public Income Tax Service, notario publico, notary public, DTPA,
State and federal authorities start nationwide initiative against immigration scams; Four notaries charged with violating Texas law

Texas Business reports:  San Antonio – The Texas Attorney General’s office joined the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to launch a national crackdown on immigration scams.   During the launch of the “Combating Immigration Services Scams” initiative, attorney general’s office also announced the state today charged four defendants with violating Texas laws governing notaries public.

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Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Cameron County Developer With Violating Colonia Prevention Laws | Cameron County, Phillip C. Watrous, Jeanine Watrous, Watrous Family Living Trust, Harding Addition, Port Isabel, Rutherford-Harding, Cameron County Commissioners, colonia, Mexico, wastewater, brn_har_txbz,

Sign advertising rental lots located in front of mobile home on one of the rented lots.
Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Cameron County Developer With Violating Colonia Prevention Laws

Texas Business reports:  Austin—The Texas Attorney General’s Office today charged a Cameron County developer with unlawfully subdividing and leasing lots in violation of state colonias prevention laws.


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City of Dallas To Pay $2.47 Millions To Resolve Allegations It Caused Improper Medicare And Medicaid Ambulance Claims  | dal_ftw_txbz, improper claims, ambulance, FBI, James T. Jacks, Medicaid fraud, ALS, advanced life support, Mike Fields, Sean McKenna, Sinty Chandy, Ellen Slavin,
City of Dallas To Pay $2.47 Millions To Resolve Allegations It Caused Improper Medicare And Medicaid Ambulance Claims
Texas Business reports:  Dallas—The City of Dallas agreed to pay the U.S. and Texas $2.47 million and enter into certain compliance obligations to resolve allegations that it violated the civil False Claims Act and Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.   Full Story »
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OSHA cites San Antonio-based Apex Enterprises with 11 serious violations for exposing workers to multiple hazards
Texas Business reports:  San Antonio—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Apex Enterprises Inc. of San Antonio with 11 serious violations for exposing workers to fall, electrical and struck-by hazards at the company's worksite in Pflugerville. Full Story »
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Dallas Businessman Erick Rulack Farrington Sentenced For Orchestrating Mortgage Fraud  | Eric Rulack Farrington, mortgage fraud, Sam A. Lindsay, James T. Jacks, Eric Farrington, Eric Farrington Seminars, Prestige Capital, Farrington Mortgage Group, EFC Investmants, EFC Management, Janice Little Shepherd, EFC Capital Mortgage, Bureau of Prisons, Regis Lamont Williams, Kevin Ray Sanderson, Farco Construction, Executive certified appraisal, James Edward Jones, Edwin Terrence Bell, Micheal Lewis Andrews, Second Chance Mortgage, Robert John Mason, Oak Leaf, Marcus Allen Parker, Walt Junker Joseph Revesz,
Dallas Businessman Erick Rulack Farrington Sentenced For Orchestrating Mortgage Fraud
Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Eric Rulack Farrington, 58, of Irving, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 132 months in federal prison for largely orchestrating a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme in the Dallas area, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
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Tyler, Texas Medical Supply Owner Guilty Of Health Care Fraud | tyl_txbz, Nicodemus Udofia, Judith K. Guthrie, Medicare, Medicaid, federal health care fraud, patient information, Medicaid fraud, FBI, HHS-OIG, Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld,
Tyler, Texas Medical Supply Owner Guilty Of Health Care Fraud
Texas Business reports:  Tyler—A 51-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.  Full Story »
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Executor Returns $800,000 To Charitable Foundation Created By South Texas Rancher Robert C. East | sanant_txbz, Robert C. East, The Trust Company, Trust Company, Tom T. East, Alice K. East, Robert C. East Wildlife Foundation, corp_chr_txbz,
Executor Returns $800,000 To Charitable Foundation Created By South Texas Rancher Robert C. East

Texas Business reports: Corpus Christi—The Texas Attorney General’s office resolved a portion of its ongoing investigation into the disposition of the late Robert C. East’s estate.


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Two Houston Men Sentenced to Prison for Mortgage Fraud  | hou_txbz, Adrian Levale Cole, Albert Terrance Watkins, mortgage fraud, Jose Angel Moreno, AC Homes, WT Homes, Phantom Marketing, Capri Mortgage, United National Mortgage, David Hittner, FBI, Friendswood Police, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Melissa J. Annis, Carolyn Ferko,
Two Houston Men Sentenced to Prison for Mortgage Fraud

Texas Business reports:  Houston—Adrian Levale Cole and Albert Terrance Watkins, both of Houston, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.

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Texas Owner of Cash Rewards Inc., Accused of $7 Million Fraud   | dal_ftw_txbz, Coppell, CRI, Cash Rewards, David Maloy, Neil H. MacBried, James W. McJunkin, FBI, Marla B. Tusk,
Texas Owner of Cash Rewards Inc., Accused of $7 Million Fraud

Texas Business reports:  ALEXANDRIA, VA—A federal grand jury late yesterday indicted David Maloy, 57, of Coppell, Texas, for his involvement in a fraud scheme that caused more than $7 million in losses.


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Malakoff Brother Guilty In Credit Card Scheme | tyl_txbz, Malakoff, Nathan Michael, John M. Bales, access device fraud, federal search warrant, counterfeit charge card making equipment, counterfeit charge cards, cash value cards, Christopher Michael, Elizabeth Pickrell, Corey Davis, Henderson County, Davis County, Chicken Express, U.S. Secret Service, Smith County Sheriff, Henderson County Sheriff, Athens Police Department, Terell Police Department, Waco Police Department, Corsicana Police Department, Waxahachie Police, Van Zandt County Precinct 4 Constable, Wal-Mart Stores Asset Protection, Southside Bank, Jim Noble, wac_txbz,
Malakoff Brother Guilty In Credit Card Scheme

Texas Business reports:  Tyler—A 31-year-old Malakoff, Texas man pled guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Corpus Christi-based meat processing facility for serious, repeat violations | Sam Kane, Sam Kane Beef, Sam Kane Beef Processor, OSHA, safety and health, Leopard Street, Michael Rivera, multiple safety hazards,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Corpus Christi-based meat processing facility for serious, repeat violations

Texas Business reports:  Corpus Christi—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued four serious and one repeat citation to Sam Kane Beef Processor Inc. following an inspection at the company's facility in Corpus Christi, where multiple safety hazards were found. Proposed penalties total $61,000.


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Rusty Hardin Trial Win Named Texas’ Top Business Law Verdict of 2010 | Rusty Hardin, Rusty Hardin & Associates, Stewart TItle Guaranty, business law, business law verdict,
Rusty Hardin Trial Win Named Texas’ Top Business Law Verdict of 2010
Texas Business reports:  Houston—A $2.8 million breach of contract verdict won by attorneys from Houston’s Rusty Hardin & Associates P.C., against Stewart Title Guaranty Co. has been named as Texas’ top business law verdict of 2010. Full Story »
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Woodway Man Who Stole From Investment Clients Sentenced To 25 Years | Limestone County, Groesbeck, Reginald Lee Clark, Clark Investment Advisors, Groesbeck High School Band Boosters Club, State Securities Board, Bennette L. Zivley, Dale Barron, Alexis Goldate,
Woodway Man Who Stole From Investment Clients Sentenced To 25 Years

Texas Business reports:  Groesbeck--A Limestone County jury sentenced Reginald Lee Clark to 25 years in state prison after convicting him of stealing more than $400,000 from clients of his investment advisory business. The 12-member jury convicted Clark on a charge of theft on May 25, according to a statement by the Texas State Securities Board.


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Broaddus, Texas Couple Sentenced For Health Care Fraud Violations | beau_pta_txbz, Broaddus, Texas, John M. Bales, Robert Earl Read, Claudette Read, Marcia A. Crone, CRR Enterprise, Priority One EMS, ambulance, ambulance transport, Jasper, Lumberton, San Augustine, Center, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, dialysis, OIG, Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Postal Inspection, Texas Medicaid Fraud, Denise Simpson, Nathaniel Kummerfeld,
Broaddus, Texas Couple Sentenced For Health Care Fraud Violations

Texas Business reports:  Beaumont—A Broaddus, Texas couple has been sentenced for health care  fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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Houston Real Estate Developer Charged With Disaster Fraud | hou_txbz, Jon August Henderson, Bayou City Properties, Jeffrey Holverson, Jose Angel Moreno, SBA, Small Business Administration, George C. Hanks, United States Marshals Service, Hurricane Ike, disaster fraud, F. Andino Reynal, Quality Construction,
Houston Real Estate Developer Charged With Disaster Fraud
Texas Business reports:  Houston—Jon August Holverson, the owner of Bayou City Properties, and his brother, Jeffrey Holverson, have been indicted for conspiring to obtain approximately $1 million in disaster relief funds by fraudulent means and for making false statements in connection with a benefit authorized pursuant to a presidentially declared disaster declaration, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno, announced today along with Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Scott Dennis and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) Houston Special Agent in Charge Ronald Moore. Full Story »
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Mansfield, Texas Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Commodities Fraud  | dal_ftw_txbz, mansfield, Ray M. White, Ed Kinkeade, James T. Jacks, Bureau of Prisons, CRW Management, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, CFTC, Securities Exchange Commission, SEC, Northern District of Texas, forex, Hurricane Motorsports, Arlington, Barack Obama, Fiancial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection, Alan Buie, Stephanie Tourk, Bill Bowne, DOJ, Criminal Division, Fraud Section,
Mansfield, Texas Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Commodities Fraud

 Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Ray M. White, 52, of Mansfield, Texas, who pleaded guilty in June 2010 to one count of commodities fraud, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.

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Liberty County business owner sentenced in air pollution case | TCEQ, hou_txbz, Liberty County, Ricardo Gonzales, R&K Fabricating, texas commission on environmental quality, environmental crime, criminal fine, Texas Parks and Wildlife Environmental Crimes Unit, sandblasting, spray painting, Travis County Attorney, deferred adjudication,
Liberty County business owner sentenced in air pollution case
 Texas Business reports: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced that its environmental crimes unit investigation of a Liberty County storage tank manufacturer culminated Monday in a guilty plea and criminal fines totaling $250,000. Full Story »
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Commissioner Issues Order Against Company Targeting Laid-Off And Retired Teachers  | Insignia Energy Group, IEG Permian Basin, partnership interests, oil and gas projects, current teachers, former teachers, school districts, Texas, Martin D. Lewis, J.W. Willis, Jarvis Wayne Willis, Addison, dal_ftw_txbz,
Commissioner Issues Order Against Company Targeting Laid-Off And Retired Teachers

Texas Business reports:  Securities Commissioner Benette L. Zivley on May 13 entered an Emergency Cease and Desist Order against a North Texas company and its affiliate, alleging the fraudulent sale and marketing of oil and gas interests to teachers and other school district employees.


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Paris, Texas Podiatrist Guilty of Health Care Fraud  | shrm_den_txbz,txrkn_txbz
Paris, Texas Podiatrist Guilty of Health Care Fraud

Texas Business reports:  Plano—A 52-year-old Paris, Texas podiatrist has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.


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Electrical Contractor Indicted For Overbilling Beaumont ISD | beau_pta_txbz, federal grand jury, John M. Bales, eastern district of Texas, Calvin Gary Walker, Beaumont Independent School District, Walker's Electric Company, Regina Howell, South Park, BISD, Thad Heartfield, Robert Rawls,
Electrical Contractor Indicted For Overbilling Beaumont ISD

Texas Business reports:  Beaumont—A federal grand jury has returned a 37-count indictment charging a Beaumont electrical contractor with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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Texas Drought Causes Brazos River Water Right Restrictions | TCEQ, Brazos River, water rights, riparian rights, drought, priority, junior, senior, municipal, livestock,

orth Fork Double Mountain Fork Brazos River in Yellow House Canyon near Slaton, Texas
Texas Drought Causes Brazos River Water Right Restrictions

Texas Business reports: Because of the severity of the Texas drought, water rights have been restricted on the longest river in Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced.


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Houston Medical Equipment Company Owner Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving More Than $2 Million in False Billings | hou_txbz, DME, durable medical equipment, Medicare fraud, Doris Vinitski, Nancy F. Atlas, Onward Medical Supply, John Lachman, Lanny A. Breuer, Jose Angel Moreno, Russell D. Robinson, Mike Fields, Jennifer L. Saulino, Benton Curtis III,
Houston Medical Equipment Company Owner Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving More Than $2 Million in False Billings

Texas Business reports:  The owner of a Houston-area durable medical equipment (DME) company was sentenced to 84 months in prison for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced.


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Attorney General Charges Corpus Christi Man With Falsely Claiming To Be A Doctor, Unlawfully Selling Unapproved Supplements | corp_chr_txbz, attorney general, Texas, Silverio Salinas, medical doctor, false claim, DTPA, Silverio Salinas, Neohealth, Natural Doctor Center, Maya Wellness Center, parasites, malignant tumors,
Attorney General Charges Corpus Christi Man With Falsely Claiming To Be A Doctor, Unlawfully Selling Unapproved Supplements

Texas Business reports:  Corpus Christi—The Texas Attorney General’s office charged Silverio Salinas of Corpus Christi with falsely claiming to be a medical doctor licensed in Texas.


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Tenaris S.A. Agrees to Pay $3.5 Million Criminal Penalty to Resolve Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act | Tenaris, Tenaris SA, energy, oil, petroleum, foreign, foreign corrupt, foreign corrupt Practices, OJSC, Uzbekistan,
Tenaris S.A. Agrees to Pay $3.5 Million Criminal Penalty to Resolve Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Texas Business reports:  Tenaris S.A., a publicly traded corporation headquartered in Luxembourg, has agreed to pay a $3.5 million penalty for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.


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 Five Arrested In Austin-based Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme | John E. Murphy, aust_txbz, Jerry Robinette, ICE, Homeland Security, H-2B, visa fraud, Jose Ramiro Vicharelly, Cedar Park, International Staffing Solutions, Texas Staffing Resources, TSR, Irma Lopez Vicharelly, Angela Paola Faulk, Servando Gonzalez, Pedro Saul Ocampo Munguia, Pflugerville, I-29, Garthe Backe, Dan Guess,
Five Arrested In Austin-based Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme
Texas Business reports:  United States Attorney John E. Murphy and Special Agent in Charge Jerry Robinette, U.S. ICE Homeland Security Investigations, announced the arrests of an Austin area businessman and four other individuals in connection with a H-2B visa fraud scheme. Full Story »
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Former U.S. Army Major Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge Related to Contracts Supporting Iraq War | Charles Joseph Bowie Jr., aust_txbz, Georgetown, Williamson County, sanant_txbz, Nancy Stein Nowak,  John Cockerham, Carolyn Blake, Melissa Cockerham,  Nyree Pettaway, Mark W. Pletcher,
Former U.S. Army Major Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge Related to Contracts Supporting Iraq War

Texas Business reports:  A retired major in the U.S. Army pleaded guilty Monday in San Antonio to accepting $400,000 from a contractor following his deployment to Kuwait, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.


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Defendants Arrested in Staged Accident Conspiracy  | dal_ftw_txbz, Stephanie Moses, James T. Jacks, staged accident scheme, Northern District of Texas, Kara Lashon Collins, Frenchitt Su-Dell Collins, Allen Murray Robison, Hartford Lloyds, Travelers Insurance GEICO, Nationwide Insurance, 21st Century Insurance, Farmers Insurance, fraudulent claims, Stephen P. Fahey, U.S. Postal Inspection,
Defendants Arrested in Staged Accident Conspiracy
Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Four Dallas/Fort Worth-area residents, charged in a six-count indictment with various offenses related to their running a staged accident scheme, have been arrested, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
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TCEQ Fines Belvan Corporation, Apache Corporation for Violations | odes_txbz, mid_txbz, abil_txbz, ozona, Belvan Corporation, Crockett County, Apache Corporation, Wheeler County, TCEQ, amar_txbz, wheeler, texas, environment, environmental violation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,
TCEQ Fines Belvan Corporation, Apache Corporation for Violations

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality fined Belvan Corporation in Crocket County $119,360 for air violations, and Apache Corporation in Wheeler County $11,200 for records violations.


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Four Charged, Including Two Tellers, in March 2011 Robbery of International Bank of Commerce | hou_txbz, bank robbery, heist, International Bank of Commerce, FBI, Estefany Danelia Martinez, Anna Margarita Rivera, Ricky Gonzalez,Arturo Solano, Suzanne Elmilady, Kebharu Smith, Crimestoppers,
Four Charged, Including Two Tellers, in March 2011 Robbery of International Bank of Commerce
Texas Business reports:  Two former female bank tellers and two males have been indicted for bank robbery and embezzlement of bank funds arising from the March 23, 2011 robbery of the International Bank of Commerce (IBOC) in Houston, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced. Full Story »
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Attempt to Hack Houston ATMs Nets North Carolina Resident a Prison Term | ATM, Thor Morris, North Carolina, Jacksonville, computer hacker, Vanessa Gilmore, cyber crimes, Suzanne Elmilady, Craig Faezel,
Attempt to Hack Houston ATMs Nets North Carolina Resident a Prison Term

Texas Business reports:  A 20-year-old computer hacker from North Carolina has been sentenced to prison for planning to hack into Houston-area ATMs, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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Former Houston Gas Trader Sentenced to Prison for $7.9 Million Wire Fraud Case | hou_txbz, Jose Angel Moreno, FBI, Houston FBI, Lynn N. Hughes, Stephanie Roquemore, Prolianc Energy, Coral Energy, Virginia Power, Occidental Energy, Energy-Koch, Cargill Inc., Hess Corporation, natural Fuel resources, southwest energy, adams resource marketing, Allegheny Energy, CMS Resource Energy Management, SRR Energy Management, Gas American Resources, Gas Energy Management, Resource American Energy, RAE, GAR,
Former Houston Gas Trader Sentenced to Prison for $7.9 Million Wire Fraud Case

Texas Business reports:  Houston—Former Houston gas trader Stephanie Roqumore has been sentenced by United States District Judge Lynn N. Hughes six years in federal prison without parole for defrauding numerous natural gas trading companies of nearly $8 million, United States José Angel Moreno announced. 

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FDA Announces Recall of Supplements Following Texas Attorney General Legal Action Full Story »
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Texas Attorney General Charges Distributors With Unlawfully Marketing Dietary Supplement As An Antibiotic | Multimex, Multimex Distributions, San Martin, San Martin Distributing, Amoxicillin, DTPA, sanant_txbz, hou_txbz, Amoxilina, cualidades antibioticas naturales, capsule membrane,
Texas Attorney General Charges Distributors With Unlawfully Marketing Dietary Supplement As An Antibiotic
Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office obtained a temporary restraining order Thursday against Georgia-based Multimex Distributions Inc. and Houston-based San Martin Distributing Inc. for unlawfully marketing and dispensing a dietary supplement. Full Story »
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Pilot Has Final Say Over Helicopter Landing, AG Tells Navarro Sheriff & Navarro Mills Fire Chief | wac_txbz, Navarro County, Navarro Mills, district attorney, sheriff's department, fire chief, helicopter pilot, serious vehicle accident, command authority,
Pilot Has Final Say Over Helicopter Landing, AG Tells Navarro Sheriff & Navarro Mills Fire Chief

Texas Business reports:  After a dispute over a helicopter landing between the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department and the Navarro Mills Volunteer Fire Department, they turned to the Texas Attorney General office to see who was right.  Both are wrong, said the Texas Attorney General in an opinion issued today. Only the helicopter pilot has final authority over where to land.


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SEC Halts Ponzi Scheme In Texas Court by Co-Founder of China Voice Holding Corp.

Texas Business reports:  The Securities and Exchange Commission obtained a court order in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas that freezes assets of China Voice Holding Corp., which trades in over-the-counter markets and has claimed to have a portfolio of telecommunications products and services in both the U.S. and China.


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Former DME Employee Convicted Of Health Care Fraud | DME, United DME, Jose Angel Moreno, David Villanueva, Randy Crane, mca_edi_miss_txbz, attorney general, health care fraud,
Former DME Employee Convicted Of Health Care Fraud

Texas Business reports:  McAllen—A former employee of a McAllen-area durable medical equipment (DME) company has been convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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Real Estate Appraiser Sentenced For Role In Mortgage Fraud Scheme | dal_ftw_txbz, rejis lamont williams, Eric Rulack Farrington, mortgage fraud, Executive Certified Appraisal, Prestige Capital Corporation, EFC Management,
Real Estate Appraiser Sentenced For Role In Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Rejis Lamont Williams, a Texas certified real estate appraiser, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 46 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.

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Harris County Jury Returns $13.8 Million Verdict Against Debt Repair Scammer | hou_txbz, Harris County, jury, The Credit Card Soluition, Jubilee Financial Management, Fair Debet Collection Practices Act, TCCS, Freedom form Debt Aliance, Robert M. Lindsey, debt invalidation,
Harris County Jury Returns $13.8 Million Verdict Against Debt Repair Scammer

Texas Business reports:  A Harris County jury has returned a $13.8 million verdict against a credit repair business and its owner, finding they defrauded indebted Texans and failed to register with authorities in violation of state law.


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Former Six Flags Executive Awarded $23.6 Million Arbitration Ruling | dal_ftw_txbz, Jeffrey Speed, arbitration, Department of Labor, Grand Prairie,
Former Six Flags Executive Awarded $23.6 Million Arbitration Ruling
Texas Business reports:  Six Flags Entertainment Corporation former chief financial officer, Jeffrey Speed must receive $23.6 million in damages, an arbitor ruled.  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

OSHA cites China Grove, Texas bakery following fingertip amputation | sanant_txbz, China Grove, Lone Star Bakery, fingertip, amputation, citation, OSHA,
OSHA cites China Grove, Texas bakery following fingertip amputation
Texas Business reports:  China Grove—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Lone Star Bakery Inc. for 32 serious, one repeat and 16 other-than-serious violations following an amputation incident and multiple inspections at two of the company's facilities in China Grove. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

TCEQ Fines BP Products North America Inc. and TOTAL Petrochemicals USA Inc . | TEQC, BP Products, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Galveston County, Total Petrochemicals USA,
TCEQ Fines BP Products North America Inc. and TOTAL Petrochemicals USA Inc .

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $1,347,522 against 90 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.


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DME Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicare of Millions in Wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita | hou_txbz, durable medical, DME, Jose Angel Moreno, Patrick Ita, Judge Sime Lake, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, fraudulent claim, CR modifier, Columbia, Railroad Retirement Board,
DME Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicare of Millions in Wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Texas Business reports:  Houston—A former owner of a durable medical equipment company (DME) pleaded guilty to engaging in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare of more than $5 million, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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American Airlines Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Travelport and Orbitz | dal_ftw_txbz, American Airlines, antitrust, Orbitz, Travelport, suppressing innovation, anticompetitive, anticompetitive conduct, injunctive relief,
American Airlines Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Travelport and Orbitz

Texas Business reports:  Fort Worth—American Airlines filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Travelport LLC, and Orbitz Worldwide to stop exclusionary and anticompetitive business practices of the defendants and recover monetary damages that American has incurred as a result of these harmful actions.


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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites 5 companies for exposing workers to hydrogen sulfide at Eustace, Texas, work site  | tyl_txbz, dal_ftw_txbz, OSHA, Eustace gas processing, eustace, Alvin, Team Industrial Services, Tristream East, Tristream Energy, Benchmark Industrial Services, RHI Co., Canon Safety, Kilgore, Stephen Boyd,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites 5 companies for exposing workers to hydrogen sulfide at Eustace, Texas, work site

Texas Business reports:  Eustace—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited five companies for serious safety and health violations following a combustible dust flash fire that released hydrogen sulfide at the Eustace Gas Processing Plant in Eustace and hospitalized five workers.


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TCEQ Fines Chevron Phillips For Air Violations In Brazoria County | TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Chevron Phillips, Brazoria County, petroleum storage tank, industrial waste discharge,
TCEQ Fines Chevron Phillips For Air Violations In Brazoria County

Texas Business reports: The state agency on environomental regulation fined Chevron Phillips more than $180,000 for air violations.


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Texas Attorney General Charges California Telemarketer With “Do Not Call Law” Violations | aust_txbz, Credexx, Credexx Corp, Auto One Warranty, David J. Tabb, fraudulent direct mail contract,
Texas Attorney General Charges California Telemarketer With “Do Not Call Law” Violations

Texas Business reports:  Austin—The Texas Attorney General’s office charged a California-based telemarketing firm and its owner with unlawfully selling fraudulent automobile vehicle warranties and violating state and federal “do not call” laws.


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Norit Wins Binding Arbitration against ADA for Theft of Trade Secrets | tyl_txbz, Norit Americas, ADA Carbon, ADA-ES, John Rectenwald, Steve Young, trade secret, arbitration panel, Ron Thompson, activated carbon, Littleton, Colorado, Marshall, Texas, lignite coal, coconut shells, bituminous, olive pit,
Norit Wins Binding Arbitration against ADA for Theft of Trade Secrets

Texas Business reports:  Marshall—Norit Americas Inc. announced that a three-person independent arbitration panel has issued its decision in the binding arbitration with ADA-ES, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, as well as former Norit employees John Rectenwald and Steve Young.

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Tarrant County Businesswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison Without Parole | Kay Anne White, Jorge A. Solis, James T. Jacks, Kennedale, DME, durable medical equipment, Electra Enterprises, Electra Med, ESU, elecrica stimulation, TWCA, FECA, SallyA. Helmer,
Tarrant County Businesswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison Without Parole

Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Kay Anne White, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis to three years in federal prison following her guilty plea in January to one count of making false statements regarding health care matters, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.


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ATI Career Schools Face Potential Sanctions | ATI, TWC, garland, career services, Texas Education Code, student employment, probationary, training-related, trade school, vocational school, accreditation, credential,
ATI Career Schools Face Potential Sanctions

Texas Business reports:  Austin—The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has notified ATI Enterprises Inc. (ATI) that an investigation of graduate employment reports from three of its Dallas-area ATI career schools revealed violations of the Texas Education Code, according to a TWC statement.


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Court Approves Sale of Blockbuster to DISH Network   | dal_ftw_txbz, Blockbuster, Chapter 11, Dish network, asset purchase, multichannel, digital download,
Court Approves Sale of Blockbuster to DISH Network

Texas Business reports:  Dallas— The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the sale of substantially all of Blockbuster’s assets to DISH Network Corporation.


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New U.S. Courthouse Architectural Contract Awarded To San Antonio Firm | sanant_txbz, Kell Munoz, federal courthouse, GSA, general services administration, architecture, architectural, engineering, engineering services,
New U.S. Courthouse Architectural Contract Awarded To San Antonio Firm

Texas Business reports:  A San Antonio architectural firm won a $6 million contract to provide architectural and engineering services for a new U.S. courthouse.

 

 

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Former Bank Officers and Homebuilder Convicted of Bank Fraud | sanant_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, Arsenio Alfaro, Elizabeth Aguirre, Texas National Bank, TNB, John Guzman, McAllen, Ricardo Hinojosa, Jose Angel Moreno, Greg Saikin, Jason Honeycutt, insufficient funds, negative balance, overdraft report,
Former Bank Officers and Homebuilder Convicted of Bank Fraud

Texas Business reports:  McAllen—The former president and vice president of a McAllen-area bank and an area homebuilder have been convicted of bank fraud after pleading guilty, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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 Court’s $1.2 million judgment orders JK Harris & Company to pay restitution to Texas clients | JK Harris, JK Harris & Co., JKH Financial Recovery, Professional Fee Financing, South Carolina, IRS, taxpayer, OIC, Offer in Compromise,
Court’s $1.2 million judgment orders JK Harris & Company to pay restitution to Texas clients

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office resolved the state’s enforcement action against South Carolina-based income tax consulting firm JK Harris & Company.


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U.S.Ag Secretary Appoints TECQ Member To U.S. Task Force On Air Quality | Bryan W. Shaw, EPA, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, greenhouse gas, Agricultureal Air Quality, AAQTF, Tom Vilsack, Robert Avant, Brock Faulkner, TAMU, Agrilife,

Bryan W. Shaw
U.S.Ag Secretary Appoints TECQ Member To U.S. Task Force On Air Quality

Texas Business reports:  U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed three Texans to the  Agricultural Air Quality Task Force, including one from a Texas agency that is actively bucking the EPA on air quality control permits.


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USPTO Announces Launch Date for Fast-Track Patent Processing | USTPO, patent, prioritized examination, track one, three-track, David Kappos,
USPTO Announces Launch Date for Fast-Track Patent Processing
Texas Business reports: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced today plans for the agency to begin accepting requests for prioritized examination of patent applications – allowing inventors and businesses to have their patents processed within 12 months. Full Story »
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Five Defendants in Mortgage Fraud Scheme  | dal_ftw_txbz, mortgage fraud, James T. Jacks, Michael Anthony Baker, Monique Untae Stallworth, Sterling Wesley Harris, Koreem Dujuan Baker, Folami Dayo Baker, Irma C. Ramirez, NDTX, FBI,
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Five Defendants in Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Texas Business reports:  A 29-count indictment, returned recently by a federal grand jury in Dallas and unsealed this week, charges five individuals with various felony offenses related to a mortgage fraud scheme they ran for nearly three years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas (NDTX).


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Martin Operating Partnership LP Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act In Beaumont | beau_pta_txbz, EPA, diked storage, SPCC, Martin Operating Partnership, Sulphur Plant Road, contamination,
Martin Operating Partnership LP Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act In Beaumont

Texas Business reports:  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Martin Operating Partnership LP of Beaumont, Texas, $48,700 for violating federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined under the Clean Water Act.


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Colonias Not Restricted to Border Towns | Guadalupe county, colonias, luz almendarez, Lady of Guadalupe, Ruby Roa, San Marcos, Hays County, Rancho Vista, Jeff Barton, Elgin Bank, Travis County, Reporting Texas,

Photo by Reporting Texas
Colonias Not Restricted to Border Towns
Guadalupe County, Texas – Luz Almendarez lines the inside walls of her faded pink mobile home with old family photographs and images honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visitors to her Rancho Vista trailer home are greeted with a flourishing herb garden, and her love of cooking is obvious, with dozens of pots piled in her kitchen and utensils hanging above the sink. Full Story »
By Alexa Garcia-Ditta of Reporting Texas

Texas Railroad Commissioners Buck The EPA, Find Range Resources’ Natural Gas Not Source in Parker County Water Wells | railroad commission, Parker County, EPA, Weatherford, contamination, water well,  natural gas, aquifer, ground water, well water, toxin,
Texas Railroad Commissioners Buck The EPA, Find Range Resources’ Natural Gas Not Source in Parker County Water Wells
Texas Business reports:  In another episode of the war between the EPA and the state of Texas, Texas Railroad Commissioners Tuesday ruled that Range Resources’ natural gas wells be allowed to continue to produce and that the wells are not causing or contributing to contamination of any Parker County domestic water wells. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Former Winkler County Hospital Administrator Pleads Guilty, Must Serve Jail Time | odes_txbz, Winkler County, Stan Wiley, Robert H. Moore, Texas Attorney, official repression, Sheriff Robert Roberts, Scott Tidwell, Rolando Arafiles, improper conduct, abuse of official capacity, retaliatory conduct, misuse of official information,
Former Winkler County Hospital Administrator Pleads Guilty, Must Serve Jail Time

Texas Business reports:  Odessa—Former Former Winkler County Memorial Hospital administrator Stan Wiley pleaded guilty to abuse of official capacity.


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EPA Adds Midland Site To Superfund’s National Priorities List   | Superfund, mid_txbz, contaminated, EPA, chromium, West County Road 112, maximum contaminant, Safe drinking water, potable water, MCL, ppb,

Workers in hazmat suits check the status of another cleanup site
EPA Adds Midland Site To Superfund’s National Priorities List

Texas Business reports: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency added a Midland site to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. 


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University of Texas School of Law Announces Dual Degree Program with Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

Dean Larry Sager, left, and Dean Jorge Cerdio, right, after signing papers establishing a dual-degree program between UT Law and ITAM.
University of Texas School of Law Announces Dual Degree Program with Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

Texas Business reports:  The University of Texas School of Law and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City have announced a new dual-degree program that will allow students to earn both a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law and a Licenciatura en Derecho (Mexican professional degree in law) from ITAM, the UT law school said in a prepared statement.


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US Department of Labor files whistleblower lawsuit against air conditioning company in Houston | hou_txbz, OSHA, Goodman Manufacturing, air conditioner, retaliation, whistleblower,
US Department of Labor files whistleblower lawsuit against air conditioning company in Houston

Texas Business reports: The U.S. Department of Labor filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas alleging that Houston-based Goodman Manufacturing Co. LP, and its parent company Goodman Global Inc., violated the anti-retaliation provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act when they terminated an employee who had complained to supervisors about the companies' recordkeeping practices required by OSHA.


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United DME Inc.'s Owner and Delivery Driver Arrested on Health Care Fraud Charges | mca_edi_miss_txbz, DME, durable medical, Juan DeLeon, David Villanueva, United DME, Dorina Ramos, Jose Angel Moreno,
United DME Inc.'s Owner and Delivery Driver Arrested on Health Care Fraud Charges

Texas Business reports:  McAllen—The owner of a McAllen-area durable medical equipment (DME) company and one of his employees have been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with conspiracy, multiple counts of health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billing for power wheelchairs and diabetic supplies, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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Jury Convicts Durable Medical Equipment Business Owner  | Memorial Medical Supply, durable Medical equipment, Sunny Robinson, Medicare, Medicaid, Arthritis Kit, Ewing Werlein, Andrew Leuchtmann, Justin Blan, Shirley Chavis, Manuel Deluna,
Jury Convicts Durable Medical Equipment Business Owner

Texas Business reports:  A federal jury has convicted the owner of Memorial Medical Supply, a durable medical equipment business, of multiple counts of health care fraud and the payment of kickbacks arising from a multi-million dollar fraud upon Medicare and Medicaid, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced.


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Texas Attorney General's Office Attacks Fraudulent Text Messaging Scheme | text fraud, fraudulent text, Texas attorney general, Greg Abbott, Jason Hope, Eye Level, Saguaro Media, new economic order, SMS city,
Texas Attorney General's Office Attacks Fraudulent Text Messaging Scheme

Texas Business reports:  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged 24 defendants – including Jason Hope, the chief executive officer of Arizona-based Eye Level Holdings – with perpetuating a text messaging scheme that led to millions of dollars in unauthorized mobile phone charges.


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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Seaboard International of Houston with safety violations following worker fatality | hou_txbz, Seaboard International, OSHA, fatality, South Freeway, hazardous energy, harzard communication, jib crane, pallet,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Seaboard International of Houston with safety violations following worker fatality

Texas Business reports:  Houston—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Seaboard International Inc. with 24 serious and two other-than-serious safety violations following the death of a worker at the company's Houston facility.


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FINRA Fines Southwest Securities $500,000 for Paying Former Texas Municipal Issuer Officials and Others to Solicit Municipal Securities Business on it | dal_ftw_txbz, FINRA, Southwest Securities, MSRB, fines, paid consultants, municipal securities,
FINRA Fines Southwest Securities $500,000 for Paying Former Texas Municipal Issuer Officials and Others to Solicit Municipal Securities Business on it

Texas Business reports:  The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced today that it has fined Southwest Securities, Inc. of Dallas $500,000 for using paid consultants to solicit municipal securities business and for violations of other Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) rules.

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Texas Attorney General Resolves Cases Against Motels For Price Gouging During Hurricane Dolly | Harlingen, Las Palmas, Motel 6, Comfort Inn, Country Hearth Inn, Pharr, Valley Hotelier, Harlingen brn_har_txbz,mca_edi_miss_txbz
Texas Attorney General Resolves Cases Against Motels For Price Gouging During Hurricane Dolly

Texas Business reports:  McAllen—The Texas Attorney General’s office resolved five price-gouging cases filed against South Texas motel operators for their improper conduct during Hurricane Dolly.


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Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Freeport Industrial Facility With Violating Texas Environmental Laws | Gulf Chemical, GCMC, TCQC, Texas Clean Air Act, Texas Water Quality Control Act, petrochemical, refinery,
Texas Attorney General’s Office Charges Freeport Industrial Facility With Violating Texas Environmental Laws

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office charged Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation (GCMC) with violating Texas environmental protection laws.


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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Venetian Marble & Granite in Helotes  for exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica | helotes, OSHA, sanant_txbz, Venetian Marble, respirable silica, silica, crystalline silica,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Venetian Marble & Granite in Helotes for exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica

Texas Business reports:  Helotes—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Venetian Marble & Granite in Helotes with 10 serious safety and health violations after an inspection found that workers were exposed to unsafe levels of crystalline silica particles, the agency announced in a formal statement.


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Shell's Deer Park Refinery Released Benzene Due To Equipment Failure | Deer Park, Shell, NRC, National Response Center, benzene, EPA, hazardous substance, pollution,  environment,
Shell's Deer Park Refinery Released Benzene Due To Equipment Failure

Texas Business reports:  The Shell oil and chemical refinery in Deer Park oil refinery reported a benzene release to the National Response Center.


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City Economics:  New Type of Radar Guns Prohibited, Texas Attorney General States | abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz, attorney general, radar gun, gps,
City Economics: New Type of Radar Guns Prohibited, Texas Attorney General States

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office said in an opinion issued today from its office that cities are prohibited from using radar devices that makes photographs of a vehicle, its license plate or operator.


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 Two fines against DCP Midstream totaling $1,046,315 and one fine against Citgo Refining totaling $303,294  | abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz
Two fines against DCP Midstream totaling $1,046,315 and one fine against Citgo Refining totaling $303,294

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved penalties totaling $1,976,497 against 91 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.


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Jury Awards $2.4 Million Houston Verdict for Injured Refinery Worker

Texas Business reports:  The Houston trial law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP announced a verdict of more than $2.4 million reached by a jury last week on behalf of a worker who suffered severe burns while working at ExxonMobil's refinery in Baytown, Texas.


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Legal Action Resolved Against Cameron County Colonia Developers | brn_har_txbz, aust_txbz, texas attorney general, Cameron County, El Jardin, Magic Valley, Guadalupe Perez, Petra Perez, colonias,
Legal Action Resolved Against Cameron County Colonia Developers

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office recently resolved the state’s enforcement action against a Cameron County couple that unlawfully subdivided, sold, and leased several residential lots in the El Jardin and Magic Valley subdivisions.


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US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Premont, Texas, drilling waste disposal company for multiple safety and health hazards | corp_chr_txbz, OSHA, Premont, Waste Facility, respiratory protection, eye protection,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Premont, Texas, drilling waste disposal company for multiple safety and health hazards

Texas Business reports:  Premont—The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 21 serious citations to Waste Facility Inc. for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards following an inspection at the company's facility in Premont. 

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Texas Attorney General’s Office Takes Legal Action To Halt Six South Texas "Notarios" | abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz, Anna Trejo, Dora Maria Resendez, Josefina Fonseca, Fonseca Services, Maria Alvarado, Maria Yolanda Solis, Emilio Zabala, Azteca Immigration,
Texas Attorney General’s Office Takes Legal Action To Halt Six South Texas "Notarios"

Texas Business reports: MCALLEN – The Texas Attorney General’s office took enforcement actions against six Rio Grande Valley “notarios” for defrauding their customers and violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), the state's Notary Public Act, and the State Bar Act.


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Dallas Man Indicted in $6 Million Commercial Real Estate Investment Scheme | dal_ftw_txbz, commercial real estate, investment scheme, Unser Towne Crossing, Parkwood Crossing, Eric Brauss, fbi, President Obama,
Dallas Man Indicted in $6 Million Commercial Real Estate Investment Scheme

Texas Business reports:  Plano—A 68-year-old Dallas man has been indicted in a commercial real estate investment scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, recently announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.


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Former Austin Businessman Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Ponzi Scheme | aust_txbz, federal grand jury, John E. Murphy, Kurt Branham Barton, Triton Financial,
Former Austin Businessman Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Ponzi Scheme

Texas Business reports:  A former Austin businessman was recently charged with defrauding investors of millions.


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Valence Technology Wins Canadian Patent Infringement Lawsuit | aust_txbz, valence, carbothermal reduction, Phostech Lithium,
Valence Technology Wins Canadian Patent Infringement Lawsuit

Texas Business reports: Austin’s Valence Technology Inc., a manufacturer of advanced energy storage solutions, prevailed in a patent infringement lawsuit regarding the company's carbothermal reduction technology.


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Seven Charged In North Texas With Medicare Fraud | dal_ftw_txbz, Medicare fraud, James T. Jacks, Sylvia Willett, Sylvia Jean Willett, JS&H Orthopedic, DME, Hugh Willett, Ernest Amadi, Alliance Healthcare, Ollie Futrell, Edith Amadi,
Seven Charged In North Texas With Medicare Fraud

Texas Business reports:  Dallas—Seven North Texas defendants, including  the owners and operators of two health care companies, were arrested as part of a Medicare fraudulent claims scheme.


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Bowman and Brooke Opens Ninth Office in Austin | aust_txbz, Bowman and Brooke, Clark Thomas and Winters, Rodriguez Davis Ghoryeb Gersch,
Bowman and Brooke Opens Ninth Office in Austin

Texas Business reports:  Minnesota’s Bowman and Brooke LLP, trial firm that defends household-name corporations in high-exposure product liability cases, opened a new office in Austin.


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Xitronix Wins Patent Infringement Case Against KLA-Tencor | aust_txbz, patent infringement, final judgment, Xitronix, KLA-Tencor,
Xitronix Wins Patent Infringement Case Against KLA-Tencor

Texas Business reports:  Austin’s Xitronix Corporation, a developer of advanced measurement systems designed to control key process steps in the manufacturing of semiconductors, recently received a final judgment invalidating KLA-Tencor Corporation’s patent claims against the company.


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OSHA cites Abilene manufacturing facility for multiple safety and health hazards | abil_txbz, elp_txbz, lub_txbz, OSHA, Smith Pipe, electrical deficiency, SPA Pipe,
OSHA cites Abilene manufacturing facility for multiple safety and health hazards

Texas Business reports: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued SPA Pipe and Supply LP in Abilene, doing business as Smith Pipe, 20 serious and two other-than-serious citations after an inspection at the company's facility on Highway 277.


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Joint State and Federal Health Care Fraud Probe Leads to Prison For Houston-area Doctor   | hou_txbz, Hittner, Sharma, Medicare, Medicaid,
Joint State and Federal Health Care Fraud Probe Leads to Prison For Houston-area Doctor

Texas Business reports:  Dr. Arun Sharma, 56, of Kemah has been sentenced to 15 years for engaging in a conspiracy with his wife, Dr. Kiran Sharma, to commit health care fraud and committing health care fraud over a 10-year-period in the Southern District of Texas, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced.


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Texas Environmental Agency Fines Chevron Phillips of $422,320  | hou_txbz, chevron phillips, TCEQ, emission, polution, air monitoring,
Texas Environmental Agency Fines Chevron Phillips of $422,320

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently approved penalties totaling 422,320 against Chevron Phillips Chemical Company in Harris County. 

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Pennsylvania Law Firm Files Shareholder Class Action Against Life Partners Holdings Inc. | wac_txbz, Life Partners, class action, LPI, life settlement,
Pennsylvania Law Firm Files Shareholder Class Action Against Life Partners Holdings Inc.

Texas Business reports:  A class action lawsuit was filed by a Pennsylvania law firm against Waco’s Life Partner Holdings Inc.


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TexasBusiness.com

Aspen Exploration Inc. Principals Plead Guilty to Roles in Oil and Gas Investment Fraud Scheme | Aspen, oil and gas, fraud, dal_ftw_txbz,
Aspen Exploration Inc. Principals Plead Guilty to Roles in Oil and Gas Investment Fraud Scheme
Texas Business reports:  Four principals of Aspen Exploration Inc., the managing partner of oil and gas well programs offered and sold to investors throughout the U.S. and elsewhere, pleaded guilty to their respective roles in operating a fraudulent investment scheme, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Actavis Mid-Atlantic found liable in scheme to inflate drug prices to Medicaid program | Actavis, Actavis Elizabeth, attorney general, Medicaid, medicaid fraud,
Actavis Mid-Atlantic found liable in scheme to inflate drug prices to Medicaid program

Texas Business reports:  A Travis County jury today returned a record-setting verdict for damages, finding that drug manufacturer Actavis Mid-Atlantic LLC misrepresented its drug prices to the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program.


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TexasBusiness.com

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites roofing company following fatality at El Paso  | elp_txbz, OSHA, fatality, roofing, Parsons Roofing, Polyurethane Foam,
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites roofing company following fatality at El Paso

Texas Business reports: A federal agency charged an El Paso roofing firm with federal violations after a fatality at a worksite.


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TexasBusiness.com

Bowman and Brooke Opens Eighth Office in Dallas | Bowman and Brooke, product liability, Harline Dacus, Kyle Dreyer, dal_ftw_txbz,
Bowman and Brooke Opens Eighth Office in Dallas

Texas Business reports: Six lawyers from a Dallas firm have broke away to open a Texas office for a national product liability group.


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TexasBusiness.com

DeDeSoto Physician Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme | dal_ftw_txbz, fbi, medicaid, medicare, harold wagner,
DeDeSoto Physician Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme
 Texas Business reports:  A 53-year-old DeSoto, Texas physician has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud-related charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. Full Story »
Texas Business

FAA Proposes $1 Million Fine Against San Antonio Aerospace | sanant_txbz, San Antonio Aerospace, FAA drug testing,
FAA Proposes $1 Million Fine Against San Antonio Aerospace

Texas Business reports:  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a civil penalty of $1,025,000 against San Antonio Aerospace LP for violating the Department of Transportation’s Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing programs.


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TexasBusiness.com

Life Partners Confirms SEC Investigation | LPHI, wac_txbz, SEC, SEC investigation,
Life Partners Confirms SEC Investigation

Texas Business reports:  Waco—Life Partners HoldingsInc. confirmed the SEC is conducting an investigation into the business of its operating subsidiary, Life Partners Inc.


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Texas Business

Federal Government Obtains Permanent Injunction Against Deltex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | hou_txbz, FDA, Rosenberg, Deltex Pharmaceutical, Kabir Ahmed,
Federal Government Obtains Permanent Injunction Against Deltex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Texas Business reports: A Texas company was charged with manufacturing and distributing drugs in violation of federal law. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

 US Department of Labor's OSHA fines recycler Greenstar for potentially exposing workers to bloodborne pathogens  | Greenstar Mid-America, hou_txbz, sanant_txbz, OSHA, bloodborne, pathogen, OSHA,
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines recycler Greenstar for potentially exposing workers to bloodborne pathogens

Texas Business reports:  SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Department of Labor fined a Houston-based recycler for potentially exposing workers to blood borne pathogens.


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Texas Business

Disabilities Act Could Freeze Disabled Homeowner Property Taxes | fiscal deficit, texas homeowner, tax exemption,
Disabilities Act Could Freeze Disabled Homeowner Property Taxes

Texas Business reports:  A landmark change involving a federal act may impact property tax coffers across the state.  


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TexasBusiness.com

Former Kennedy Ridge Water Supply President's Assets, Accounts Frozen | Kennedy Ridge, Steve Ayala Cantu, Steve Cantu, Humberta de Jesus Montes,
Former Kennedy Ridge Water Supply President's Assets, Accounts Frozen

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office obtained a temporary restraining order and asset freeze that will help secure the Kennedy Ridge Water Supply Corporation’s financial resources—which were depleted after its former executive and others diverted the supply corporation’s funds into fraudulent accounts under their control.


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TexasBusiness.com

Fort Worth Court Grants American Airlines TRO Against Sabre  | Sabre, American Airlines, ticket, TRO, Tarrant, dal_ftw_txbz,
Fort Worth Court Grants American Airlines TRO Against Sabre

 Texas Business reports:  A state district judge granted a request by American Airlines for a temporary restraining order Sabre from continuing to “bias” its display of American flights.  

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

SAP Wins New Trial Over $139 Million It was Ordered to Pay Versata in 2009

Texas Business notes this story in Bloomberg:  U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Everingham in Marshall, Texas, said today that testimony during the 2009 trial on damages was incorrect in light of recent unrelated appeals court rulings that limited how damages should be calculated.

 Full Story »

Sangar Produce faces San Antonio's widow's lawsuit
Texas Business notes this story by KENS5There is more trouble for local Sangar Fresh Cut Produce. Full Story »

New Braunfels Wholesaler Charged With Selling Unapproved Medical Devices | Elite Med, S&B, Clark Orthopedics, Bliss W. Clark, Brian Bailey, DTPA, aust_txbz, sanant_txbz,
New Braunfels Wholesaler Charged With Selling Unapproved Medical Devices
Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office charged a New Braunfels-based medical devices wholesaler with acquiring, stocking and selling products that were not approved for sale in the United States. Full Story »
Texas Business

Pennsylvania Firm agrees to pay $65 million to state, federal authorities     | Mylan Laboratories, Medicaid, Teva, Sandoz, Walmart,
Pennsylvania Firm agrees to pay $65 million to state, federal authorities

Texas Business reports:  The Texas attorney general’s office recently resolved a state enforcement action against Mylan Laboratories Inc., which was charged with inaccurately reporting drug prices to the Texas Medicaid program.

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

AG Asked Whether Texas Racing Act Citizenship Requirement Constitutional | Racing Commission, Residency, Citizenship, abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz
AG Asked Whether Texas Racing Act Citizenship Requirement Constitutional

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office has been asked whether or not the U.S. citizenship requirement to hold a racing license in Texas is constitutional.


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TexasBusiness.com

Karnes County To Get Low Risk Detainee 600-Bed Immigration Civil Detention Center   | sanant_txbz, Karnes City, Karnes County, ICE, Geo Group, detainee, asylum, immigration,
Karnes County To Get Low Risk Detainee 600-Bed Immigration Civil Detention Center
Texas Business reports:    Karnes County won an Intergovernmental Services Agreement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") for the housing of up to 600 immigration detainees in a new 600-bed Civil Detention Center to be located in Karnes City. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Greenhouse gas curbs are weeks away for Texas
Texas Business notes this story by Matthew Tresaugue of the Houston Chronicle:  A federal appeals court on Friday rejected pleas from Texas, some other states and industry allies to block nationwide rules on greenhouse gas emissions slated to start next month. Full Story »

New Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell not licensed to practice in Texas
Texas Business notes this story by Texas Lawyer:  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced his new solicitor general today.  Full Story »

Assets of New Braunfels Sport Vehicle Business Frozen | aust_txbz, sanant_txbz, ATV, DTPA, Olson Powersports, attorney general,
Assets of New Braunfels Sport Vehicle Business Frozen

Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office charged a New Braunfels ATV dealer with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

EPA Orders Fort Worth Range Resources To Take Immediate Action | Range Resources, Range Natural Gas, EPA, TRC, Texas Railroad Commission, benzene, Parker County, dal_ftw_txbz, abil_txbz,
EPA Orders Fort Worth Range Resources To Take Immediate Action
Texas Business reports: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  ordered a Fort Worth natural gas company   to take immediate action to protect homeowners living near one of its drilling operations who have complained about flammable and bubbling drinking water coming out of their tap. Full Story »
Texas Business

Texas Attorney General’s Office Challenges EPA’s Disapproval of Texas' Flex Permit Program | EPA, TCEQ, Flexible Permits, abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz
Texas Attorney General’s Office Challenges EPA’s Disapproval of Texas' Flex Permit Program

 Texas Business reports:  The war between the EPA and the Texas systems of pollution controls continue. 


 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Allen Stanford Too Drugged in Prison for Trial, Lawyer Says in Bail Bid
Texas Business notes this story by Laurel Brubaker Calkins of Bloomberg:  Jailed  financier R. Allen Stanford is too heavily medicated to prepare for or testify at his January trial on charges he led a $7 billion investment fraud, his lawyer claimed in a bid for bail. Full Story »

Battle Between TCEQ & EPA Boils On Water Issuess | abil_txbz, amar_txbz. aust_txbz, beau_pta_txbz, brn_har_txbz, colsta_bry_txbz, corp_chr_txbz,  dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, hou_txbz, kil_tem_fth_txbz, lar_txbz, lngv_txbz, lub_txbz, mca_edi_miss_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, sanang_txbz, sanant_txbz, shrm_den_txbz,  txrkn_txbz, tyl_txbz, vic_txbz, wac_txbz, wicfal_txbz, EPA, TCEQ, TPDES,
Battle Between TCEQ & EPA Boils On Water Issuess

Texas Business reports:  In the latest battle between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas agency issued a press release attacking the EPA’s method of communication. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Former employee sues Daystar, claiming founder's affair contradicted Christian TV network's values
Texas Business notes this story by Sam Hodges of the Dallas Morning News:  The saga of adultery and alleged extortion at Daystar, the Dallas-area Christian television network, has a new chapter with the filing of a lawsuit by a former employee. Full Story »

Andrews County Site Proposed For Radioactive Waste Storage  | aust_txbz, mid_txbz, odes_txbz, mid_txbz, amar_txbz, abil_txbz, Andrews County, radioactive waste, Waste Control Specialists,
Andrews County Site Proposed For Radioactive Waste Storage
Texas Business reports:  A proposed radioactive waste import/export rule would open Texas up to becoming the nation's radioactive waste dumping ground, allowing waste from around the country to go to Waste Control Specialists' site in Andrews County in West Texas, instead of limiting the site to the Compact states of Texas and Vermont. Full Story »
Texas Business

Every day is Halloween for Austin street protester in a pig costume
Texas Business notes this story by John Kelso of the Austin American-Statesman:  Out on the town in a barnyard animal costume is all in a day's work for frequent street protester Eric Anderson. Full Story »

Attorney General’s Office Takes Enforcement Action Against Lubbock Mortgage Firms | lub_txbz, Enhance Mortgage, Templeton Mortgage, Texas Attorney General, DTPA, Deceptive Trade Practices,
Attorney General’s Office Takes Enforcement Action Against Lubbock Mortgage Firms

Texas Business reports:  LUBBOCK – The Texas Attorney General’s Office charged two Lubbock mortgage companies and their owners with orchestrating a complex scheme to defraud Texas property owners.


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Hewlett-Packard Settles Houston and Dallas School District Fraud Investigation

Texas Business reports:   Hewlett-Packard entered into a civil settlement with Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) for alleged E-rate fraud, following an extensive investigation by the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice, the DOJ recently announced. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Former Durable Medical Equipment Firm Owner Indicted On Medicare Fraud

Texas Business reports:  A 47-count sealed indictment returned by a Houston grand jury was unsealed following the arrest of five of six defendants charged with allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by filing false claims for orthotic equipment and devices, United States Attorney’s Office and Texas Attorney General’s Office announced.


 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

State Shuts Down East Texas Horse Sales Scam | txrkn_txbz, lngv_txbz, E-Tex Equine, Patricia Wilson, Linden,
State Shuts Down East Texas Horse Sales Scam

Texas Business reports:  LINDEN – The Texas Attorney General’s office reached an agreement with a Cass County horse seller that misrepresented the nature and health of its animals.


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TexasBusiness.com

Texas Department of Agriculture investigation found that SunMart calibrated gas pumps to cheat customers | hou_txbz, Petroleum Wholesale, SunMart, John Owens, Pat Tulinski, Jennifer Roscetti, Robert Lemus
Texas Department of Agriculture investigation found that SunMart calibrated gas pumps to cheat customers
Texas Business reports:  A Harris County jury rendered a $30 million verdict against the Houston-based owner of SunMart convenience stores. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

SCOTUS pondering cat's-paw doctrine
Texas Business recommends this Texas Lawyer blog on employer liability by Michael P. Maslanka Full Story »

Texas Supreme court stopping in Amarillo
Texas Business notes this story by Brenda Burnett of the Amarillo Globe-News:  The Texas Supreme Court will hear arguments for two cases on Wednesday, 500 miles from its home in Austin. Full Story »

SEC Charges Houston firm, others for widespread bribery
Texas Business reports:  The Securities and Exchange Commission recently announced sweeping settlements with a Houston offshore drilling firm and six other companies in the oil services industry that violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by paying millions of dollars in bribes to foreign officials to receive preferential treatment and improper benefits during the customs process. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

CASHMAX and related companies ordered to halt fake mailers | dal_ftw_txbz, aust_txbz, CashMax, Federal Cash Advance, Patrick D. White,

Bogus Debt Collection Letter
CASHMAX and related companies ordered to halt fake mailers
 Texas Business reports:  The Texas Attorney General’s office charged an Oklahoma-based payday lending firm with illegally misrepresenting itself as an official Dallas County government agency. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Legal Jockeying, Settlement Erase $8.8M Verdict
Texas Business notes this story by John Council of Texas Lawyer:  After a bitter six-week trial that resulted in an $8.8 million plaintiff's verdict, plaintiff Gary Cruciani and defendants Baron & Budd and Russell Budd settled the contentious litigation. Full Story »

Texas Supreme Court To State: No Taking Of Beachfront Property
Texas Business reports:  The Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion this morning which decides whether  Texas recognize a “rolling” public beachfront access easement, i.e., an easement in favor of the public that allows access to and use of the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and if a landowner would be entitled to compensation under Texas’ laws or constitution other than the amount already offered for removal of houses.

 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Pasadena-based Chemical Manufacturing Facility To Pay Civil Penalties To Texas And EPA | hou_txbz, Air Products, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid,
Pasadena-based Chemical Manufacturing Facility To Pay Civil Penalties To Texas And EPA

Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON – The Texas Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resolved their enforcement action against Pasadena-based Air Products LLC.


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TexasBusiness.com

EmFinders Terminates Contract with Project Lifesaver International and Files Breach of Contract Suit

Texas Business reports:  EmFinders, a Frisco-based technology company that offers a wearable cellular locator device for impaired adults and children, terminated its relationship with Project Lifesaver International (PLI) and filed a lawsuit against PLI for breach of contract and tortuous interference. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Wrath of Khan & Footnote 21
The Texas Supreme Court quotes Star Trek in its decision concerning the asbestos liability of Crown Cork & Seal Company.  Full Story »

Marketer Indicted For Health Care Fraud

Texas Business reports:  A 9-count sealed indictment charging Birdie Leroy Revis, aka Leroy Revis, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud has been unsealed, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Texas Attorney General Office announced in a joint press release.


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TexasBusiness.com

Failure To Reserve Mineral Rights
Texas Business reports:  In Cornerstone Land Ltd v. Leticia Sanchez Pierce and Pantaleona Castaneda, the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals discusses the failure to reserve mineral rights in a property transaction.  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Uranium Resources Inc. Settles 2-Year Old Lease Lawsuit for $1.3 Million  | dal_ftw_txbz, corp_chr_txbz, brn_har_txbz, Uranium Resources, Texas Business,
Uranium Resources Inc. Settles 2-Year Old Lease Lawsuit for $1.3 Million
Texas Business reports:  A Lewisville uranium company reached a $1.3 million settlement in a royalties lawsuit, the company announced in a prepared statement. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Texas Border Security Outsourced
Texas Business notes this story from Border Lines:  the fundamentals – strategy, planning, coordination, intelligence – of the Texas border security strategy have been outsourced to a Washington Beltway consulting firm, Abrams Learning & Information Systems (ALIS).    Full Story »

Hale County Commissioners Ask AG to consider Salary Grievance Proceeding
Texas Business notes this opinion by Texas Attorney General's office:  The Attorney General's office has been asked by the Hale County Commissioners Court to consider the following legal issue: Deadline for the initiation of a salary grievance proceeding by a county or precinct officer.  Full Story »

Attorney General’s Office Charges Five Alleged 'Diploma Mill' Defendants With Fraud | dal_ftw_txbz, elp_txbz, Advent Harvest Academy, Sunrise Private High School, Longhorn Private High School, Bluebonnet Private High School, attorney general,
Attorney General’s Office Charges Five Alleged 'Diploma Mill' Defendants With Fraud

Texas Business reports:  EL PASO – An El Paso District Court Friday granted a temporary restraining order against two individuals that operated three Internet-based “home schools.” 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Tyler Technologies Wins Odyssey Courts & Justice Software Contracts with Walker and Medina Counties

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS—Tyler Technologies Inc. has signed contracts to provide its integrated court case management software solution to Walker and Medina counties in Texas. In total, the contracts are valued at more than $1.9 million.

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Central Texas Teenager Busted For Cattle Rustling Thursday
Texas Business notes this story by KWTX:  A Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association investigation led to the arrest of a Calvert teenager Thursday in the theft of 45 head of cattle from ranches in Robertson County. Full Story »

Texas Slaps Amazon With $269M Tax Assessment
Texas Business notes this story by the Austin American-Statesman:  Amazon Inc. said it has received a $269 million bill for four years worth of sales taxes from Texas authorities. Full Story »

Austin Firm Wins $44.5 Million Navy Litigation Support Contract

Texas Business reports:  An Austin firm won a $44.5 million contract for Navy litigation support services. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Grapevine Clinic Charged With Offering Unauthorized Birth Control Products | dal_ftw_txbz, Women’s Integrated Healthcare, IUD, intrauterine device, Angela L. Cope, Barbara Coulter-Smith, Katrina E. Allen, Courtney Walters, Monica E. Lopez,  Wendy A. Kendrick, Medisave, Bayer, Mirena, Finland, Bayer Schering Pharma OY, TheraCom, Food and Drug Administration, FDA,
Grapevine Clinic Charged With Offering Unauthorized Birth Control Products

Texas Business reports:  FORT WORTH – The Texas Attorney General’s office today took legal action against a Grapevine women’s health clinic for purchasing and selling intrauterine devices (IUDs) that were not approved for sale in the United States.

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Amarillo Builder's Former Bookkeeper Admits Fraud
Texas Business reports:  AMARILLO--Trisia Leann Jordan, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson to one count of fraud in connection with access devices, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Beaumont law firm to collect evidence in federal lawsuit against BP, others
Texas Business notes this story by Kalyn Belshaw of the Beaumont Enterprise: A federal judge in New Orleans has selected a Beaumont law firm to assist in compiling evidence, documents and depositions in the massive federal lawsuit against companies accused of causing the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Full Story »

Houston Law Firm Vujasinovic & Beckcom Recognized for Verdict Obtained in Truck Accident Lawsuit
Texas Business reports:  Houston—Attorneys for the law firm Vujasinovic & Beckcom were  recognized by the nation's leading publisher of verdict and settlement news for a verdict they recently obtained in a personal injury trial.  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Arlington Ambulance Company Owner Sentenced to 15 Years In Federal Prison, Ordered To Pay $1.3 Million In Restitution
 Texas Business reports:  DALLAS — The owner/operator of Royal Ambulance Service, Inc. and First Choice EMS, Inc., Muhammed Nasiru Usman, 50, of Arlington was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis to 180 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Stanford denied insurance funds
Texas Business notes this story by Caribbean 360: Just a few months before his criminal trial for fraud, disgraced financier Allen Stanford has suffered a serious blow as a judge rules he cannot use US$100 million of Lloyd’s of London directors and officers insurance coverage to pay lawyers to defend him. Full Story »

Texas Pharmacies File RICO Suit Against CVS Caremark | wac_txbz, vic_txbz, tyl_txbz
Texas Pharmacies File RICO Suit Against CVS Caremark

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN—Six independent pharmacies in Texas are suing CVS Caremark for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations and trade secret misappropriation. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Louisiana, Texas and Florida Lawyers to Lead BP Oil-Spill Cases
Texas Business notes this story by Laurel Brubaker Calkins and Allen M. Johnson Jr. of Bloomberg Businessweek:  A federal judge appointed four lawyers from three states to lead a 15-member steering committee for thousands of people and businesses suing over the BP Plc oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Full Story »

Washex deal could pay off taxes, back wages
Owners of the defunct Washex plant in Wichita Falls have asked a bankruptcy judge for permission to sell the plant’s assets, meaning some local taxing entities and former employees might soon get money they’re owed. Full Story »

Texas Attorney General's Office Resolves Investigation Into Unlawful College Preparatory Testing Firm

Texas Business reports:  DALLAS – The Texas Attorney General’s office resolved an enforcement action against a couple who improperly misrepresented the nature of their college entrance exam preparatory materials. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

MGA Sued for Copying Innovation First's HEXBUG(R) Nano(TM) Toy | dal_ftw_txbz
MGA Sued for Copying Innovation First's HEXBUG(R) Nano(TM) Toy

Texas Business reports:  GREENVILLE—A lawsuit asserting claims for common law misappropriation and unjust enrichment was filed last week against MGA Entertainment Inc. in the 354th Judicial District Court for Hunt County. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

State moves to halt foreclosures and sales of foreclosed property
Texas Business notes this story by Nancy Sarnoff, Purva Patel and Jennifer Hiller of the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News.  Full Story »

Adult Film Company's Suit Shows Texas Is Good for Copyright Cases
Texas Business recommends this story by John Council of Texas Lawyer:  Evan Stone and his client would love to obtain the names of 670 Texas Internet users. Full Story »

Texas woman sues Chesapeake, seeking royalties
Texas Business notes this story by the Journal-Record:  A Texas woman has filed a class-action lawsuit against subsidiaries of Chesapeake Energy Corp., saying they shortchanged royalty owners in the natural gas-rich Barnett Shale. Full Story »

State grants air pollution permits for Matagorda plant
Texas Business notes this story by Matthew Tresaugue of the Houston Chronicle:  Texas' environmental agency granted air pollution permits for a proposed coal- and petroleum coke-fired power plant in Matagorda County over the objections of local officials and residents. Full Story »

Statewide immigration program raising local questions
Texas Business notes this story by John Cuoco of KXXV:  CENTRAL TEXAS - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that it's "Secure Communities" program will be enforced across Texas. Full Story »

Relizon (Texas) Ltd., Marketing Provider, Files for Bankruptcy
Texas Business notes this story by Michael Bathon of Bloomberg Businessweek:  Relizon (Texas) Ltd., a provider of marketing services also known as WorkflowOne, filed for bankruptcy, saying it has a restructuring plan to pay creditors and exit court protection. Full Story »

Valero Refining-Texas L.P. in Galveston County fined $186,400 | sanant_txbz, hou_txbz, Valero
Valero Refining-Texas L.P. in Galveston County fined $186,400
 Texas Business reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $748,674 against 69 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.

 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Federal Judge Chides SEC in Mark Cuban's Document Dispute
Texas Business notes this story by Mark Scarcella of the National Law Journal:  A day after an appeals court revived the Securities and Exchange Commission's insider trading suit against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, a federal judge in Washington on Wednesday sharply criticized the agency over its handling of a public records request related to the investigation. Full Story »

Dell settles lawsuit that claimed it mishandled problems with computers
Texas Business notes this story by Kirk Ladendorf of the Austin American-Statesman:  Dell Inc. said Friday it had reached a tentative confidential settlement with a North Carolina Web services company that sued it three years ago after many of its Dell servers failed. Full Story »

Federal Judge Chides SEC in Mark Cuban's Document Dispute
Texas Business notes this story by The Blog of Legal Times:  A day after an appeals court revived the Securities and Exchange Commission's insider trading suit against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, a federal judge in Washington today sharply criticized the agency over its handling of a public records request related to the investigation. Full Story »

Houston Man Sentenced to Prison in Texas Attorney General & FBI Medicaid Fraud Investigation

Texas Business reports:  An owner of a durable medical equipment (DME) company has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the Medicaid health care program of approximately $1 million by submitting false and fraudulent claims for incontinence supplies, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott recently announced. 

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Veteran lawyer Powers lands new role at Duff & Phelps
Texas Business notes this story by Kirk Ladendorf of Austin American-Statesman: Veteran Austin lawyer and economic development activist Pike Powers has a new gig. Full Story »

S.A. eateries targeted on illegal workers
Texas Business notes this story by Guillermo Contreras of the San Antonio Express-News:  In a rare criminal worksite enforcement case, a San Antonio restaurant company, its owner and four managers have been indicted on charges they conspired to hire illegal immigrants. Full Story »

Texas Files Legal Action In Attempt To Block Imposition Of EPA Regulations

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN – The State of Texas today filed four motions to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing new federal regulations that it claims threaten the Texas economy and jeopardize Texas jobs.

 Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

State Bar of Texas seeks AG decision after receiving flurry of requests for attorneys’ e-mail addresses
Texas Business notes this story by Texas Lawyer:  The State Bar of Texas is seeking a decision from the Texas Office of the Attorney General with regard to a flurry of requests for attorneys’ e-mail addresses. Full Story »

Criminal Contempt Charges Against Immigration Counseling Service Underline a Big Problem in Texas
Texas Business notes this story by John Council of Texas Lawyer: In an unusual case, a Houston jury on Sept. 1 found that a non-attorney business owner and his immigration counseling service were in criminal contempt after they violated a permanent injunction 1,023 times that restricts them from representing clients in legal matters. Full Story »

Texas threatens for-profit college with closure
Texas Business notes this story by Melissa Ludwig of the San Antonio Express-News:  Citing recruiting violations and financial aid fraud, the Texas Workforce Commission has moved to revoke the licenses of three Texas campuses of the for-profit Westwood College. Full Story »

Texas Cattle Rustler Sentenced In Phoenix
Texas Business notes this story by Imani Randolph of ABC15.comPHOENIX - Jason Lon Kirby, 34, of Datilo, New Mexico pleaded guilty for allegedly selling stolen cattle in Arizona and Texas.

 

 Full Story »

Implementation of Payee Notification Policies Urged
Texas Business notes this story by Mary Alice Robbins of Texas Lawyer:  To prevent the "misdirection, misapplication and improper use of insurance settlement payments" by claimants' representatives, Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin is asking insurers to implement "payee notification" policies. Full Story »

Big names on list of companies ICE fined
Texas Business notes this story by Susan Carroll of the Houston Chronicle:  Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have decided that they are no longer releasing information to the public on companies fined for hiring illegal immigrants. Full Story »

th Circuit Affirms Third Denial of Bail for Allen Stanford
Texas Business notes this story by Brenda Sapino Jeffreys of Texas Lawyer:  The third time wasn't the charm for R. Allen Stanford. Full Story »

HP Faces Uphill Battle to Stop Hurd From Taking Oracle Job
Texas Business notes this story by Amy Miller of The Recorder:  Hewlett-Packard's legal team will have a hard time persuading a state court judge to stop former CEO and Baylor University graduate Mark Hurd from becoming president of Oracle Corp., employment law experts said. Full Story »

Turn around in the Texas Supreme Court
Texas Business recommends this article by Gavin Parrish for the Fort Worth Star-TelegramThe Texas Supreme Court issued a split ruling a year ago in the case of Marks v. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, a rather unremarkable statutory interpretation case involving the Texas Medical Liability and Insurance Improvement Act.
 
 Full Story »

Judge Denies Allen Stanford's Motion for Contempt in Insurance Coverage Case
Texas Business recommends this story by Brenda Sapino Jeffreys of Texas Lawyer:  U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas of Houston has denied a motion for contempt that R. Allen Stanford filed in his insurance coverage case Full Story »

The BP Report Is Out, But What About Its Methodology?
Texas Business notes this story by the Wall Street Journal on the BP Report, especially the questioning of Texas maritime lawyer Steve Gordon.  Full Story »

HP Sues Ex-CEO Hurd Over New Job At Rival Oracle
Texas Business notes this story by the Wall Street Journal regarding Baylor University graduate Mark Hurd in the next chapter of his career.  Full Story »

Red light camera firm files lawsuit over election
Texas Business notes this story by Mark Fleming of the Baytown Sun:  American Traffic Solutions, the company that owns and operates the cameras and sensor systems used to enforce red light compliance at several Baytown intersections, filed a lawsuit against the city Thursday seeking to overturn the city’s decision to call an election on an amendment to the red light camera ordinance. Full Story »

TierOne loses $19 million federal grant over CEO's fraud allegations
Texas Business notes this story by Eric Torbenson of the Dallas Morning News:  A Dallas-based telecommunications company has had a $19 million federal grant rescinded after government officials learned the company's chief executive had been accused of securities fraud. Full Story »

Texas probing Google on antitrust matters
Texas Business notes this story by UPI:  Internet giant Google said it would cooperate with an antitrust investigation conducted by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Full Story »

Luminant Sued by Sierra Club Over Coal-Fired Texas Power Plant's Pollution
Texas Business notes this story by Andrew M. Harris of Bloomberg:  Energy Future Holdings Corp. and its Luminant Generation unit were sued by the Sierra Club over pollution emitted by the Martin Lake coal-fired power plant in Texas. Full Story »

Reklaw man sentenced to 14 years for cattle theft
Texas Business notes this story by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association:  A Reklaw man was sentenced to 14 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for the theft of 14 head of cattle on two different occasions in Cherokee County.  Full Story »

Texas company fingered in pipeline blast
Texas Business notes this story by the UPI:  Texas pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners violated the law in a June gas explosion that killed one worker and injured eight others. Full Story »

Court Affirms School District's 30-acre Taking of Circle X Land & Cattle Co. Land
Texas Business reports:  The 14th Court of Appeals in Houston ruled for the Mumford Independent School District on its condemnation of 30 acres of the Circle X Land & Cattle Company Ltd. Full Story »
Texas Business

Texas PUC may keep debtors from switching power companies
Texas Business notes this story by Elizabeth Souder of the Dallas Morning News:  According to electricity company officials, it's a simple scam. Full Story »

Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Is a Defendant in Wrongful-Death Suit
Texas Business notes this story by Miriam Rozen of Texas Lawyer:  Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips, now a partner in the Austin office of Baker Botts, is a defendant in a wrongful-death suit in Bastrop County, Texas.

I

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Dallas man pleads guilty in Provident Royalties' oil, gas scam case
Texas Business notes this story by Eric Torbenson of the Dallas Morning NewsA Dallas man has pleaded guilty in connection with one of North Texas' largest oil and gas investment schemes. Full Story »

Fitness Center Operator Prohibited From Using Misleading Mailings, Must Issue Refunds

Texas Business reports:  AUSTIN – California-based Bally Total Fitness Corp. today signed an agreed judgment with the Texas Attorney General’s Office that prohibits the defendant from continuing to send its former members misleading “past-due” mailings. 

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Texas Business

Coppell-based Home Loan Servicer Charged With Violating State Debt Collection Laws
Texas Business reports:  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Coppell-based American Home Mortgage Servicing Inc. (AHMS) will using illegal debt collection tactics and improperly misleading struggling homeowners. Full Story »
Texas Business

Turner Broadcasting Settles Suit Over Atlanta Teams With Dallas Businessman
Texas Business notes this story by Bloomberg Businessweek:  A Time Warner Inc. unit agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Texas businessman David McDavid over the sale of two professional sports teams, the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers. Full Story »

Blockbuster appears poised for mid-September bankruptcy filing
Texas Business notes this story by Maria Halkias of the Dallas Morning News:  September could be the month Blockbuster Inc. finds its way to bankruptcy court. Full Story »

Plaintiffs Lawyers Say Oil Spill Fund Unlikely to Deter Litigation

Texas Business notes this story by Amanda Bronstad of the National Law Journal:  The $20 billion compensation fund for victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has begun taking applications, but plaintiffs lawyers doubt it would significantly forestall litigation. In fact, they said, it could lead to a new wave of lawsuits.

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Texas Supreme Court holds injuries from hospital bed a healthcare claim, not a premises liability claim
Texas Business reports:  In Irving W. Marks v St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital appealed from the 1st Court of Appeals in Houston, the Texas Supreme Court holds in an opinion written by Justice Medina that a defective or unsafe hospital bed is a health care claim, not a premises liability claim.  
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Texas Business

Texas Supreme Court Rules On Limits Of Recovering Unauthorized Transaction From Estate's Account
Texas Business reports:  In  Jefferson State Bank v Christa C. Lenk, Administratrix of the Estate of  Mickey Carl Marcusappealed up from the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, the  Texas Supreme Court holds in an opinion written by Justice Guzman the statute of repose in the Texas Business and Commerce Code begins to run for unauthorized transactions from an estate’s account once the court appoints an administrator of the estate.
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Texas Business

Arrest Made In Possible Legal Representation Fraud | lar_txbz, dal_ftw_txbz
Arrest Made In Possible Legal Representation Fraud

Texas Business reports:  The U.S. District Court in Laredo reportedly has arrested a man allegedly posing as an immigration attorney. 

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Texas Business

Killeen, Harker Heights Alcohol initiative makes its way onto ballot with little opposition
Texas Business notes this story by Matt Johnson of KXXV:  KILLEEN - After gathering more than 5,000 signatures for a petition to sell hard liquor in retail stores, voters in Killeen and Harker Heights will be able to vote on the proposal in November. Full Story »

In S.E.C. Fraud Suit, Texas Brothers Stand Firm
Texas Business recommends this story by David Segal of the New York Times:  ASPEN, Colo. — The Texas billionaire Sam Wyly has a laugh that blends the cackle of a mad scientist with the giggle of a teenager — a high-pitched titter that makes him sound thoroughly delighted.  Full Story »

Texas Business Owner and a Mexican Citizen Both Charged With Money Laundering and Conspiring to Defraud The Export-Import Bank of the United States

Texas Business reports:  The Office of Inspector General of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im OIG) announces that a Texas businessman and a co-conspirator have been indicted for money laundering and conspiring to defraud the Export-Import Bank of the United States (the Ex-Im Bank) of more than $950,000.  

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Texas Business

What Can Lawyers Learn From 'Othello'?
Texas Business recommends this column by Michael P. Maslanka for Texas Lawyer:  Shakespeare's "Othello" ends badly, with several bodies on stage. The tragic scene offers a cautionary tale for attorneys Full Story »

City of Wellborn birth denied in College Station's ETJ
Texas Business reports:  The 10th Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 decision that the community of Wellborn was denied an opportunity to incorporate within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of College Station. Full Story »
Texas Business

Thunderbird Bay Water Services President Ordered To Serve Jail Time For Contempt of Court
Texas Business reports:  A state district court in Travis County ordered Charles E. Schram III, president of Thunderbird Bay Water Services Inc. of Brownwood to serve 15 days in jail for contempt of court.  Full Story »
Texas Business

Brownsville ban may not be in the bag

Texas Business recommends this story by Lynn Brezosky of the San Antonio Express-News:  BROWNSVILLE — This city's efforts to become the first in Texas to ban nonreusable grocery bags hit a snag this week when owners of its four-decade-old paper bag plant threatened to pack up their 150 jobs and tote them — and the company's tax payments — out of town.

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San Antonio’s KCI Obtains Favorable Ruling in German Patent Case

Texas Business reports:  San Antonio’s Kinetic Concepts Inc. announced the German District Court in Mannheim has found that Renasys canisters and foam dressings used with Smith & Nephew plc's Renasys EZ system infringe KCI's German counterpart of its European patent for negative pressure wound therapy. 

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Former downtown Waco warehouse becoming home to law firm
Texas Business notes this story by Bill Teeter of the Waco Tribune-Herald:  Work to convert a former downtown warehouse into a law office has begun Full Story »

Texas authorities see rising investment scams in a soft economy

Texas Business recommends this story by Brian Gaar of the Austin American-Statesman:   Securities fraud is bigger than ever, state officials say, as tough economic times have prompted people to seek new investment opportunities.

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New York-based Tripp Levy PLLC announces an investigation into the proposed acquisition of Houston-based Dynergy Inc.
On August 13, 2010, it was announced that Houston-based Dynergy has entered into an agreement pursuant towhich it will be acquired by an affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. in a transaction valued at approximately $4.7 billion, including the assumption of existing debt. Full Story »
Texas Business

Baseball bat company’s ex-owners sued

Texas Business notes this story by Donna Goodison of the Boston Herald: The former owners of baseball bat and glove maker Nokona - including a Berkshires neighbor and friend of the governor who owns the Pittsfield Colonials minor league team - are being sued after the company was seized by a bank and sold.

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Nearly $29 Million Paid to Former O'Quinn Firm Implant Clients

Texas Business recommends this story by Brenda Sapino Jeffreys of Texas Lawyer:  It has been more than nine months since plaintiffs lawyer John M. O'Quinn died in a Houston automobile accident, but his legal affairs still make news.

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In the Midst of Power Struggle with EPA, Texas Air Permitting Agency Proposes New Standards
TexasBusiness.com reports: While in the midst of a power struggle with the EPA, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is proposing revisions that its says substantially strengthen the existing permitting process.  Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites M&G Equipment Group following worker's death in Alamo, Texas

TexasBusiness.com reports:  ALAMO, Texas - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited M&G Equipment Group Ltd., doing business as M Construction in Alamo, Texas, with two alleged willful and six alleged serious violations following the death of an employee who was working in a trench installing a storm drainage system.  The agency has proposed a $53,550 fine. 

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TexasBusiness.com

BP to pay $50 million fine for Texas City refinery issues

TexasBusiness.com reports:  The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced that BP Products North America Inc. will pay a full penalty of $50.6 million stemming from the 2005 explosion at its Texas City, Texas, refinery that killed 15 workers and injured 170 others. 

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TexasBusiness.com

NO RECEIPTS, NO CHECK?

TexasBusiness.com recommends this story by Purva Patel of the Houston Chronicle: After Hurricane Ike swept away the first floor of Donald Box's Bayou Vista home, he and his wife made a list of 376 missing items for their flood insurer, which quickly paid the claim.

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Newspaper gets AG ruling on Amarillo Downtown Inc.

TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Steve Myers of ValleyCentral.com:  AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Texas Attorney General's office has ruled in favor of a local independent newspaper trying to get information about Downtown Amarillo Incorporated, or DAI.

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Austin Weighs Plastic Bag Ban, Sparks Debate
Texas Business notes this story by Miriam Smith of ABC News: Austin, Texas is now considering a ban on plastic shopping bags, making it the latest city to debate paper vs. plastic. Full Story »

State of Texas Challenges Federal Government's Offshore Drilling Moratorium
TEXASBUSINESS.COM reports:  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today filed another legal challenge to the Obama Administration’s offshore drilling moratorium. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Environmental Groups Urge Federal Investigation of Texas' Radioactive Waste Dump

TexasBusiness.com reports:  NRC and EPA called upon to examine radioactive waste site and licensing process, risks of groundwater contamination and potential risks to the Ogallala Aquifer, which lies beneath eight states.

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Oil spill civil suits go to New Orleans, securities cases to Houston

TexasBusiness.com recommends this blog by Tom Fowler of the Houston Chronicle:  Hundreds of civil lawsuits filed against BP related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill will be consolidated under a federal judge in New Orleans, the "geographic and psychological 'center of gravity'" for the cases.

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BP Charged With Additional Violations At Texas City Refinery
TexasBusiness.com reports:  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged BP Products North America Inc. with illegally emitting approximately 500,000 pounds of harmful air pollutants from its Texas City refinery for more than a month earlier this year. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Dallas woman at center of HP scandal
TexasBusiness.com notes this story by the San Jose Mercury:  A 50-year-old marketing consultant and sometime actress from Dallas came forward Sunday as the woman at the center of the scandal that brought down former Hewlett-Packard CEO and Baylor University grad Mark Hurd.  Full Story »

Texas City Workers: Chemicals Spewed From Broken Pipe ‘Like Water From a Fire Hydrant

TexasBusiness.com  notes:   BP announced yesterday it had reached a “significant milestone” by successfully plugging its ruptured well with heavy drilling mud, but the company’s troubles aren’t over yet. Separate from the lawsuits it faces over the Gulf disaster, BP’s now being sued by workers at its notorious Texas City refinery, reports Marian Wang of ProPublica.   

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Waco couple sues apartment complex after son allegedly drank toxic substance left by maintenance worker

 

TexasBusiness.com notes: The parents of a toddler who reportedly drank a toxic substance left behind by an apartment complex maintenance man are suing the owners and managers of the apartments.  Michael Baker and Tera Ready, parents of the boy, are seeking unspecified damages in their lawsuit against the Arlington Farms Partners, the PPA Real Estate Management Corp., and apartment maintenance supervisor Pablo Rodriguez Delafuente, reports Tommy Witherspoon of the Waco Tribune-Herald.

 

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Baron & Budd and McKool Smith Win $21.2 Million for San Diego in Hotel Tax Lawsuit

TexasBusiness.com reports:  Russell W. Budd of Dallas-based law firm Baron & Budd, P.C. announced a $21.2 million award to the City of San Diego against a group of online travel companies accused of not paying millions in hotel occupancy taxes for online hotel bookings.

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StarTek: We're not returning to Victoria or repaying tax abatements

TexasBusiness.com notes:  StarTek has no plans to reopen in Victoria or repay tax abatements it received for doing business here, the company says. The call center signed a tax abatement agreement with Victoria County and the city of Victoria in December 2007. It opened its doors shortly thereafter, reports Gabe Semeza with the Victoria Advocate. 

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Texas Ranks First in Number of False-Marking Suits Filed
TexasBusiness.com recommends:  A decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in a case set for argument Aug. 3 could put the brakes on suits that accuse companies of falsely marking their products as covered by patents. Federal judges in Texas are seeing a substantial number of such cases filed in their courts, reports Mary Alice Robbins of the Texas Lawyer.  Full Story »

Southwest Airlines Selects DataCert to Strategically Manage Its Legal Spending
TexasBusiness.com reports: Houston-based DataCert, Inc., the leading global provider of software and services for the legal industry, announced today that its legal spend management system, AIMS (Automated Invoice Management System), was selected by Dallas-based Southwest Airlines as the best solution to enable management of its legal spend. This decision is in support of Southwest's broader strategic initiative to find innovative ways to use technology to effect near and long-term improvements in its legal department. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

Wyly brothers built an empire side-by-side
TexasBusiness.com notes:  Born during the Depression in a northeast Louisiana plantation town of 3,000, Charles Wyly and his younger brother Sam have been inseparable since childhood: numbers 3 and 13 on the state-championship high school football team, business partners who turned ideas into billion-dollar companies, philanthropic champions and benefactors of politicians, including the Bush political dynasty. Now the brothers are co-defendants in a far-reaching securities fraud suit, reports the Washington Post.  Full Story »

Garriott wins $28 million jury award in NCsoft suit

TexasBusiness.com notes: A federal court jury on Thursday awarded $28 million to Austin computer game pioneer Richard Garriott in his lawsuit against NCsoft Corp. , his former employer.

Garriott, the flamboyant game developer known to fans as Lord British, had sued NCsoft for the way it handled his departure from the company in 2008, reports Kirk Ladendorf of the Austin American-Statesman. 

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Politically connected Wyly brothers charged in massive fraud

TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Zach Goldfarb of the Washington Post: Samuel Wyly and Charles Wyly -- billionaire brothers in Texas who have spent millions funding political campaigns -- committed violations of federal securities laws and fraud by using offshore accounts to secretly trade the shares of public companies whose boards they sat on, reaping more than $550 million in profit, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission complaint filed Thursday. 

 

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TCEQ Formally Proposes New Oil and Gas Facilities Rules

TexasBusiness.com reports:  Despite the EPA’s pending takeover of the Texas permitting program,  the TCEQ has formally proposed new rules that will amend the regulations that govern oil and gas facility equipment.

The rules will enhance control and regulation in order to minimize emissions and ensure that public health is protected, the TCEQ announced in a prepared statement.   Full Story »

After the BP Spill, Will Texas Tighten Liability Laws?

TexasBusiness.com recommends: Nelson Roach, a Baylor graduate who served last year as the president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, has been practicing with his Daingerfield-based firm, Nix, Patterson and Roach, since 1987. Over that time, he has watched Texas's tort system come under fire from both the Legislature and the courts — to the point, he believes, where Texas-style tort reform has ended up coddling large, misbehaving companies at the expense of ordinary workers, reports Kate Galbraith of the Texas Tribune. 

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TCEQ Fines Diamond Shamrock fined $245,227 and Lubrizol Corp. fined $143,460
TexasBusiness.com reports:  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $1,001,983 against 83 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
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TexasBusiness.com

2 more hotels face foreclosure
TexasBusiness.com notes: Two additional Killeen hotels could be on the auction block early next month amid ongoing financial woes. The Plaza Hotel and the former Howard Johnson Express Inn are currently scheduled for trustee sales Aug. 3, reports Andrew D. Brosig of the Killeen Daily News.  Full Story »

The Financial Side of Expert Witnesses
 TexasBusiness.com recommends:  In Texas, our criminal justice system has a serious problem involving forensic science. We have had more forensic science scandals of significant magnitude than any other state. Fred Zain, Ralph Erdman, Victor Saldano, the Houston Police Crime Lab, Timothy Cole, and dog-sniffing lineups have significant meaning to us all. Public officials and experts have argued over the integrity of the Cameron Todd Willingham arson investigation. In the ever-changing world of technology, the problems of lawyers providing indigent defense and the use of forensic experts present tremendous challenges, writes Stanley Schneider of the Texas Bar Journal.

 

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In court, Richard Garriott says NCsoft's de facto firing cost him millions
 TexasBusiness.com recommends:  Online game pioneer Richard Garriott testified Tuesday that he was fired and did not voluntarily resign from his job as a high-level game producer for South Korea's NCsoft Corp. in November 2008. But when it came time to determine how his millions of dollars in stock options would be treated, he said, he was told his departure would be considered a voluntary resignation, reports Kirk Ladendorf of the Austin American-Statesman. 

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SEC Powers Expand with Ability to Pay Higher Whistleblower Awards
 As government crackdown in the financial sectors occur across the country, companies are keeping a close watch on how they operate their businesses and what exposure might occur.  With the additional increase in oversight over fraud and other issues inside corporations, the SEC has been increasing its oversight and taking a closer look at companies.

According to Ed Tomko, head of the White Collar Crime practice at Curran Tomko Tarski LLP, "As of this past Friday, the SEC now has greater ability to extract information from employees of corporations and others involved with those employees. 

On Friday, a $1 million payment was made by the SEC to Karen and Glen Kaiser who provided documents that helped the SEC build its case against Arthur J. Samberg,  founder of Pequot Capital Management (a hedge fund) and David E. Zilkha, a former Microsoft employee, Tomko said.  Karen Kaiser was married at one time to David Zilkha.

"This has broad reaching implications for public companies as well as businesses operating in the financial sectors," said Tomko.  An attorney and formerly with the Department of Justice and the SEC, Tomko served as Deputy Chief of the Fraud Section (Criminal Division) with responsibility for all banking and securities cases, and as head of the Houston office of the SEC  and two positions with the SEC in Washington.

This is the largest amount awarded by the SEC to whistleblowers in an insider-trading case.

This is all based on the new Dodd-Frank Act that was just signed into law last week by President Obama.  The new legislation has broad implications across the financial and corporate sectors and gives increased power and reach to the SEC.

As a result, there is the potential now for whistleblowers to be enticed by lucrative fees they will receive for providing information to the government.  This can become a slippery slope for businesses.  This can now provide possibly a powerful incentive for an employee or individual related to an employee who know of a securities violation to contact the SEC and provide information that may lead to a large payment in exchange for the information.  If the information provided leads to an SEC enforcement action that results in monetary sanctions of over $1,000,000, the SEC must pay that individual between 10% and 30% of those amounts.  There are other elements as well in the Act that provide for far reaching expansion of SEC powers to garner information and in attempts to place more control on the financial sector and publicly traded companies.

With over 500 public companies headquartered in Texas and over 1,500 financial sector companies headquartered in Texas, this new movement by the SEC and expanded powers will mean businesses need to enhance and enforce their internal compliance structure in order to prevent any violations of the federal or state securities laws.

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TexasBusiness.com

State of Texas Challenges EPA's Flex Permit Ruling
 NEW ORLEANS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed a legal challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to disapprove the State’s Flexible Permits Program. The State’s petition for reconsideration was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

AG to probe BP chemical release
 TEXAS CITY — The attorney general’s office is investigating a 40-day chemical release at BP’s Texas City refinery that sent more than 500,000 pounds of pollutants — including high levels of benzene — and other material into the air after a unit failure in April, state officials said. The refinery ultracracker’s hydrogen compressor went offline April 6 and was not repaired or restarted until May 16, according to a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, reports T.J. Aulds of the Galveston County Daily News. 
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Texas List of Organizations At Risk of Automatic Revocation of Tax-Exempt Status
 Tax-exempt organizations that do not satisfy annual filing requirements for three consecutive years automatically lose their tax-exempt status. More than 23,800 Texas entities are listed, included several tax associations, ministries, bar associations and booster clubs. The IRS is providing one-time relief for such organizations that have filing due dates on or after May 17 and before October 15, 2010. The list includes organizations for which the IRS does not have a record of a required annual filing for 2007 and 2008, and whose 2009 return, due on or after May 17 and before October 15, 2010, has not yet been received. Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com

PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT CONVICTED OF CONSPIRING TO DEFRAUD MEDICAID
  Physician Assistant Manuel Anthony Puig, 44, has plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Texas Medicaid program, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced.

Manuel Puig, doing business as Puig Medical Services, operated La Hacienda Family Clinic, near Alton, Texas.

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TexasBusiness.com

Texas attorney general sues EPA to overturn air permit program disapproval
 Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Monday filed a legal challenge to preserve the state's control of an air-permitting programThe suit filed with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is the latest move in a struggle between the state and Washington over how Texas regulates air pollution from major industrial facilities, reports Asher Price of the Austin American-Statesman.  Full Story »

False-bill preparer may have followed orders
Lisa Michelle Hall will soon go to prison for preparing false invoices in 2004 and 2005 so that her employer could overcharge the U.S. government for work on Army helicopters. Yet even the government prosecutor and investigators handling the case believe that Hall, 34, was simply doing what she was told to do by her boss at the time — a man who is now her stepfather, Tim Woodard, former president and co-owner of Texas Aviation Services of Fort Worth, reports Bob Cox of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  Full Story »

BP pays $7K to 3 in Jones County
 Three claims have been paid out to people in Jones County who were somehow affected financially by the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The amount paid is no mystery: a total of $7,702, reports Jaime Adame of the Abilene Reporter-News.  Full Story »

State to oppose 'The Alamo' trademark sought by Daughters of the Republic of Texas
 The state of Texas has decided to oppose the Daughters of the Republic of Texas' attempt to trademark the phrase "The Alamo."  In a five-page brief filed Friday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the state argues that it is the rightful owner of the trademark and that the Daughters' application would likely cause confusion, reports Tom Benning with the Dallas Morning News. Full Story »

'Texas Monthly' Sues Developer
 Where's our walkable neighborhood? The corporate owner of Texas Monthly – which moved the magazine's offices into the new University Park (formerly East Avenue) project last August – is suing project developer Andy Sarwal and East Avenue IG LP for failing to meet the terms of their lease agreement. The site, on the former Concordia University campus along I-35 at 32nd Street, was supposed to be redeveloped into a $750 million mixed-use mecca with restaurants, a movie theatre, a luxury Hyatt Andaz hotel, a health club, a grocery store, and housing and amenities galore, reports Katherine Gregor of the Austin Chronicle.  

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Taking away Dell's cookie jar
 The spell has been broken. For years, Dell’s seemingly magical power to squeeze efficiencies out of its supply chain and drive down costs made it a darling of the financial markets. Now it appears that the magic was at least partly the result of a huge financial illusion, reports The Economist.  Full Story »

Court to Notify Cardholders About a Class Action Settlement Involving Heartland Payment Systems.
 A potential class action settlement was announced today in the lawsuit challenged Heartland's protection of the consumer credit and debit card information processed though Heartland, which was attacked by criminal intruders in 2008. Plaintiffs claim that Heartland failed to adequately safeguard its computer system and, as a result, unauthorized people gained access to consumers' credit and debit card account information. According to plaintiffs, Heartland's inadequate security measures allowed unauthorized people to access and steal this information to commit fraud and identity theft.

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TexasBusiness.com

Technician: Warning system on BP oil rig had been disabled
 TexasBusiness.com alerts you to this breaking news story by the Washington Post:    Long before an eruption of gas turned the Deepwater Horizon oil rig into a fireball, an alarm system designed to alert the crew and prevent combustible gases from reaching potential sources of ignition had been deliberately disabled, the former chief electronics technician on the rig testified Friday.   Full Story »

Judge says house demolition unconstitutional
 TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Josh Baugh of the The city of San Antonio violated the constitutional rights of a San Antonio man when it demolished his Tobin Hill home without warning in 2008, a U.S. district judge ruled this week.In his 36-page decision, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez wrote that the city “violated procedural due process” under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and “conducted an unreasonable seizure of property,” violating the Fourth Amendment.

 

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Banruptcy Trustee Sues Texas Bass Brothers
 A day after Lake Las Vegas emerged from bankruptcy, a court-approved trustee sued the project's former owners - who include billionaire Texas brothers Sid and Lee Bass - to claw back some of the $470 million they took out of project before it tumbled into Chapter 11, reports the Daily Bankruptcy Review.  Full Story »

Banruptcy Trustee Sues Texas Bass Brothers
 A day after Lake Las Vegas emerged from bankruptcy, a court-approved trustee sued the project's former owners - who include billionaire Texas brothers Sid and Lee Bass - to claw back some of the $470 million they took out of project before it tumbled into Chapter 11, reports the Daily Bankruptcy Review.  Full Story »

Lyondell's "No Injuries" Refinery Fire Had Some Injuries After All, Suit Says

On May 17, after a fire erupted at a local LyondellBasell refinery, the national headlines read "No Injuries at Houston Refinery."  The source? 'Twas the friendly P.R. folks at Lyondell, reports Chris Vogel of the Houston Press. 

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Unlike other places, Lubbock businesses escaping bankruptcy
 Lubbock has so far bucked a striking national trend of increased small business bankruptcies, reports KCBD.  Full Story »

Austin law firm says ex-Attorney General Al Gonzales is leasing space, not an employee
 Former U.S. Attorney General Al Gonzales listed a new business address several months ago with the Texas Bar Association at the law offices of Cammack & Strong in Austin, reports Christy Hoppe of the Dallas Morning News. Full Story »

Grand jury indicts man accused of cattle theft
 A Hardeman County grand jury Wednesday indicted an Athens man accused of stealing several hundred head of cattle, reports Amarillo.com. Full Story »

Dell moves to settle SEC investigation
TexasBusiness.com notes:  Dell Inc. said   that the company and CEO Michael Dell are moving closer to settling a long-term investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission that involves past accounting irregularities at the company and a failure to disclose rebate payments from Intel Corp., its most important chip supplier, reports Kirk Ladendorf of the Austin American-Statesman. Full Story »

Immigration fines top $600,000 for Texas companies
 TexasBusiness.com notes:    Texas businesses that hired illegal workers or failed to follow immigration regulations have been fined more than $600,000 since October, though few resulted in criminal prosecutions, federal records show, reports Alan Blinder of the Houston Chronicle.  Full Story »

Injunction on King County roaming bison takes effect
 An injunction to stop roaming bison in their tracks went into effect Thursday in King County. The injunction was issued in a lawsuit involving the January shooting of 51 bison on a ranch in the county northwest of Abilene, writes Hanaba Munn Welch for the Abilene Reporter-News.  Full Story »

El Paso Natural Gas, Bushland Landowners Settle Lawsuit
  A settlement has been reached between El Paso Natural Gas and some Bushland landowners, reports Megan Moore of NewsChannel10.com. Full Story »

Alcohol sale permit approved after hours of complaints
 Meetings of the Wichita Falls Planning and Zoning Commission are normally short, sedate and sparsely attended events, but Wednesday’s session turned into three hours of emotional testimony from an overflow crowd in City Council Chambers, reports Lynn Walker of the Wichita Falls Times Record News.  Full Story »

Sears settles lawsuit with Corpus Christi man
 Sears will pay more than $30,000 to a Corpus Christi man to settle an age discrimination lawsuit, reports Fanny S. Chirinos of the Corpus Christi Caller Times.  Full Story »

Lawyers Call For Reform of Barratry Laws
 . "Barratry" describes attorneys' unethical solicitation of clients — "ambulance chasing" in the vernacular — and curbing the practice has prompted an uneasy alliance between tort reform advocates and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Those groups, who say their interest reflects widespread concern within the legal community, are urging the Legislature to do something about the predatory activity's prevalence in the state, reports Morgan Smith of the Texas Tribune.  Full Story »

Court sets Aug. 4 date for Rangers' auction Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/07/13/2333602/court-sets-aug-4-date-for-rangers.html#ixzz0tf
 A U.S. bankruptcy judge, puckishly declaring he wanted to make each side equally displeased, on Tuesday pushed the date of the Texas Rangers' auction back to Aug. 4 and said the team could emerge from bankruptcy the same day, reports Barry Shlacter of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 
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Court rules that UT-Arlington employees had right to bless cubicle
 The law protecting religious freedom at the workplace apparently includes the right to bless your co-worker's cubicle, according to a recent ruling by a Texas federal district court, reports Kate Shellnut of the Houston Chronicle.  Full Story »

Port users to pay for damaged fire barge
 Users of the Port of Corpus Christi's fire barge might pay almost $45,000 for damages incurred to the vessel last summer when it responded to a Citgo fire. Citgo Refining and Chemicals Co. paid only a portion of the repair costs saying the company wasn't obligated to pay anything, reports Fanny S. Chirinos of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.  Full Story »

Bidders Sue Texas Rangers
The latest twist in the Rangers' Sale Saga has Chuck Greenberg, Nolan Ryan and the whole of their partnership, Rangers Baseball Express, filing a suit against Texas Rangers Baseball Partners, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.  Full Story »

Travelers Pulls Ad After Texas Attorney General Sends Cease and Desist Letter
 Travelers Insurance has removed a television ad from all Texas media following complaints from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's office, reports InsuranceNewsNet.com. Full Story »

Texas teachers invest $500M in General Growth Properties
 Shopping mall owner General Growth Properties Inc., which is trying to emerge from bankruptcy protection, on Monday said it is getting a $500 million infusion from a Texas teachers’ pension fund, reports the Dallas Morning News.  Full Story »

Texas Rangers Said to Attract ‘Significantly Higher’ Bids

The Texas Rangers will draw a “significantly higher” opening bid at a bankruptcy auction than an existing offer for the baseball team, reports Thomas Korosec and David McLaughlin of Bloomberg Businessweek. 

 Full Story »

Rental housing AHF to shed some units
The trustee and creditors in the American Housing Foundation bankruptcy indicated Thursday some progress toward a reorganization plan that will affect thousands of renters in nine states, reports the Amarillow Globe-News. Full Story »

Rental housing AHF to shed some units
The trustee and creditors in the American Housing Foundation bankruptcy indicated Thursday some progress toward a reorganization plan that will affect thousands of renters in nine states, reports the Amarillow Globe-News. Full Story »

Attorney General Abbott Sends 'Cease and Desist' Letter to Travelers Insurance for Deceptive Ad
 TV ad wrongly alarms Texans they can lose their homes without adequate auto coverage Full Story »

Stadium-Lighting Poles Recalled on Toppling Risk
 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of more than 2,500 outdoor steel stadium light poles made by Whitco Co. on fears of them falling over and potentially killing people, reports the Dow Jones. Full Story »

Rangers propose auction on July 16
On the eve of a round of mediated talks, the Texas Rangers on Monday proposed that the club be auctioned off July 16, with the winning bid confirmed six days later by a U.S. bankruptcy judge -- if Major League Baseball approves the winner, reports Barry Shlachter of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Full Story »

Companies respond to claims of unmarked pipelines
 Two pipeline companies are defending themselves after a federal official said the lines weren't marked before two deadly explosions last month in Texas. Full Story »

Authorities investigating cause of Kilgore business fire
Authorities are still trying to figure out what started a fire that gutted an East Texas business. It happened Wednesday night just before 7 p.m. at Maness Furniture Store, on East Main Street in downtown Kilgore, reports Morgan Chesky of KLTV. Full Story »

Bank of America’s Servicer Sued In Texas For Abusing Homeowners with Misinformation, Misdirection
 Bank of America N.A. and its wholly owned subsidiary, BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, have been sued by 15 homeowners and the Texas Housing Justice League for abusive servicing practices, reports ForeclosureBuzz.org.  Full Story »

Stanford's daughter agrees to vacate condo
 R. Allen Stanford's daughter, Randi Stanford, has agreed to move out of a Houston condominium, ending a dispute with a receiver in charge of assets that previously were part of her father's fallen financial empire, reports Mary Flood of the Houston Chronicle.  Full Story »

Foreclosed Las Colinas office complex sold to investors
 The two-building Decker Court in Irving was sold by GE Capital Equities Inc. in a transaction that closed at the end of June, reports Steve Brown of the Dallas Morning News.  Full Story »

NTSB: Firm at fault in deaths
 The owner of a company in Canadian on Thursday refuted government claims that his excavation firm failed to properly mark a pipeline that exploded during excavation work last month near Darrouzett, killing two of his employees, Amarillo.com reports.  Full Story »

TABC files charges against Waco bar owner, others after death of student
The TABC found that Helal and other minors were illegally served alcoholic beverages on March 20, 2010 while at a Sigma Chi fraternity party at Mynar's Bar in West, reports KYTX.  Full Story »

Lawsuit says city, Dallas Fire-Rescue bilked millions from government
 The city of Dallas is defending itself against a federal whistle-blower lawsuit that alleges that Dallas Fire-Rescue and a longtime city vendor bilked millions of dollars in fraudulent overpayments from Medicaid and Medicare for city ambulance services, reports Selwyn Crawford of the Dallas Morning News.  Full Story »

SAP Abused Its Dominance in Software, Versata Says
 Austin-based Versata filed an antitrust lawsuit against SAP, reports Bloomberg Businessweek.  Full Story »

In Faulty-Computer Suit, Window to Dell Decline
 After the math department at the University of Texas noticed some of its Dell computers failing, Dell examined the machines. The company came up with an unusual reason for the computers’ demise: the school had overtaxed the machines by making them perform difficult math calculations, reports Ashlee Vance of the New York TImes.  Full Story »

Texas business tax break threatened

About 25,000 small businesses across Texas can expect to start paying their "margin tax" again after a two year moratorium, reports Steve Myers of ConnectAmarillo.com


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Suit filed against Chico's: Gay men allege city, security violated civil rights
 Five men who allege their constitutional rights were violated at a Chico's Tacos last year filed a lawsuit Monday against the city government, a security company and the restaurant, reports Diana Washington Valdez of the El Paso Times.  Full Story »

New bidder may pursue Rangers
 Another potential bidder for the Texas Rangers has emerged, according to a sports industry publication, while the ball club's bankruptcy attorneys have slightly amended their plan to lift it out of Chapter 11 on July 9, reports Barry Schlacter of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 Full Story »

Laredo Fire Under Investigation
 Federal agents, in coordination with special ATF agents in Laredo, will be in charge of investigating the fire at Jerry's Used Clothes, reports the Laredo Sun. Full Story »

TWO MORE DME OPERATORS INDICTED IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASE
 Bassey Essien and Ebong Akpan, of Houston, have been charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy, multiple counts of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicaid through the fraudulent billing for adult urinary incontinence supplies, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced today. Full Story »

Big verdict too much in cattle theft case in Texas
 The Texas Supreme Court on Friday struck down a $1.25 million jury award in a case involving a ranching feud, a drought and wandering cattle improperly sold for about $5,000, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.  Full Story »

Judge backs off delay of Rangers' sale hearing
 A federal bankruptcy judge said Friday that a decision on the Texas Rangers' plan to repay creditors will not be delayed after all, though he warned the team and its prospective buyers not to rush and put the long-delayed sale at risk, the Dallas Morning News reports.  Full Story »

High court sides with ex-Enron CEO Skilling
 The Supreme Court has sided with former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling in limiting the use of a federal fraud law that has been a favorite of white-collar crime prosecutors.
  Full Story »

Texas Rangers, AbitibiBowater, Strauss, Garlock, Crucible: Bankruptcy
 Bill Rochelle of Bloomberg reports the Texas Rangers reorganization plan can’t be approved at the scheduled July 9 confirmation hearing without changes that restore rights of secured lenders owed $525 million, the bankruptcy judge said in a 28-page opinion. Full Story »

High court restricts judges' role in deciding arbitration fairness
 Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal reports  the U.S. Supreme Court continues its pro-arbitration course by its ruling onday made it more difficult for consumers and employees to challenge the fairness of arbitration agreements in court.  Full Story »

McALLEN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON AND HIS EMPLOYEES INDICTED ON HEALTH CARE FRAUD VIOLATIONS
Several McAllen area dentists indicted in related kickback scheme. 
 Full Story »

Houston firm pleads guilty to selling oil field parts to Sudan
 Mary Flood of the Houston Chronicle reports Houston-based Agar Corp. was ordered to pay $2 million today after it pleaded guilty to a federal charge it violated an executive order and sold 14 oil field parts to Sudan. Full Story »

ASCAP Initiates Infringement Actions Against San Marcos and Austin Bars
ASCAP alleges the business or establishment has either publicly performed the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP's songwriter, composer and music publisher members without obtaining a license from ASCAP to do so, or had signed a license agreement with ASCAP but failed to comply with the license's payment terms.  Full Story »

Parker County jury sides with Crosstex in nuisance lawsuit
 Sandra Baker of the Star-Telegram reports A Parker County jury has decided that Dallas-based Crosstex Energy Services' Silver Creek natural gas processing plant in Weatherford is not a nuisance to nearby homes.

  Full Story »

Tyler Businessman Arrested For Health Care Fraud Violations
 Tyler businessman has been arrested on charges of health care fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas  Full Story »

U.S. Supreme Court Rules 6-3 Carmack Amendment Trumped by Forum Selection Clause In International Bill of Lading
 Justice Kennedy writes the majority opinion in a cargo derailment case in Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. v Regal-Beloit Corp. with major implications for forum selection clauses and choice-of-law issues in international shipping. Justice Sotomayer writes the dissent. See the full opinion here.  Full Story »

U.S. Supreme Court hand down ruling in Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Case
 In a defeat for farmers and environmental groups, the U.S. Supreme Court rules for Monsanto Co. in Monsanto Co. et al v Geertson Seed Farms in a case that involves the Plant Protection Act, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Roundup Ready Alfalfa, a variety of alfalfa that has been genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide Roundup. Farmers and environmental groups believe the alfalfa can contaminate other crops.   Alito writes the majority opinion. Stephens writes the dissenting opinion.  See the full opinion here.  Full Story »

Polish clothing line, Lubbock photographer at odds over image
 Walt Nett of the Avalanche-Journal reports on an image owned by a Lubbock photographer showing up on t-shirts sold by a Polish establishment..  Full Story »

ICE Outlines Plan To Crack Down On Employers Who Hire Undocumented Workers
 The federal government could begin cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers and on residents with expired visas, according to a copy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's  new strategic plan obtained by The Texas Tribune. Full Story »

Investment scheme hits Lubbock's federal district court
 

Federal securities regulators sued a Florida man in U.S. District Court in Lubbock today, alleging he ran a multi-national oil and gas investment scheme that raised at least $25 million from overseas investors

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Texas comptroller had big role in plan to bring F1
 Records reveal comptroller met with racing promoter over two years. 

 

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Questions raised about Rep. Linda Harper-Brown's use of a Mercedes
 State Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, who sits on the powerful House Transportation Committee, drives a luxury car owned by a company that makes millions through state transportation contracts. Full Story »

Wrongful Death Case Against Walmart Thrown Out By Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme Court ruled the plaintiff's expert opinion on the cause of a fire allegedly caused by a lamp bought at Walmart is legally insufficient.  See the full text of their opinion here.  Full Story »

Attorney General Opinion Request: whether a county may impose a sales tax on internet service provided to residents of a different county
 Kendall County residents have been charged sales tax for internet service by Comal County.  A request has been made to the Texas Attorney General's office for an opinion.  See the request here.  Full Story »

Tenth Court Backs Assignment of Credit Card Claim
The Tenth Court rules for Unifund CCR Partners in Robert D. Shipley v. Unifund CCR Partners.  Shipley had complained that Unifund CCR Partners did not own the account in question, and therefore,  lacked standing to bring the suit against him.  Citibank South Dakota, N.A. sold the account to Unifund Portfolio A., LLC.  Unifund Portfolio A, LLC then assigned its rights to collect the account to Unifund CCR Partners, but retained the title and ownership of the account.  In his brief to this Court, Shipley did not complain about the sale of the account from Citibank to Unifund Portfolio A, but of the assignment from Unifund Portfolio A to Unifund CCR Partners.   Full Story »

Tenth Court Affirms Certificate of Merit Requirement
 The Tenth Courth of Appeals upholds the trial court in Mike Ustanik and wife, Teresa Ustanik v. Nortex Foundation Designs, Inc., Jerry L. Coffee, P.E., and Ready Cable, Inc.--Appeal from 413th District Court of Johnson County in a foundation case. See opinion here.  Full Story »

Las Colinas office building purchased out of foreclosure 7:
 An affiliate of New Horizons Computer Learning Centers has purchased the 150 W. John Carpenter Freeway offices building in Irving from lenders who foreclosed on the building last year. Full Story »

Staten Island I.D. Theft Ring Targeted Fort Hood area banks, soldiers
 A Staten Island-based ring of Nigerian immigrants was charged with gaining access to the personal and financial information of at least 200 people, including active-duty members of the armed forces, and using it to steal in excess of $5 million before the scheme was stopped. Full Story »

Harvard Student Now Facing Deportation
 A Harvard University student who grew up in Texas, won a full scholarship to the Ivy League school and is studying molecular biology faces the possibility of being deported before he can start his sophomore year. Full Story »

Judah properties Moose Magoo's, subdivision go up for sale
 The last of admitted Ponzi schemer Benny Judah's restaurants went up for sale, along with a partially developed subdivision in Shallowater. Full Story »

Texas jury awards $246 million to Dillards
Dillard's alleged that i2 had failed to meet obligations to Dillard's regarding two i2 products under a software license agreement and related services agreement for which Dillard's had paid i2 approximately $8 million.   Full Story »

San Angelo Considers Citywide Smoking Ban
 The petition calls for a complete ban of tobacco smoking in public places, which includes private businesses open to the public. Full Story »

2 Texas auto insurers top complaints list, face investigation
 An analysis of the Insurance Department figures by The Dallas Morning News showed that 10 of the 25 largest auto insurers in the state — those with more than 100,000 policies — had worse-than-average customer service records. Full Story »

Judge Approves $110 Million Settlement in Baby Death Class Action
 A federal judge in Texas said he would sign a $110 million settlement today in a class action involving the death of scores of premature babies who received a vitamin E supplement during the 1980s. Full Story »

Lender reclaims Austin office building
 U.S. Bank and Texas Capital Bank foreclosed on the office building at the site of the former Concordia University campus at Interstate 35 and East Avenue. The lenders took the property back for $22 million at the foreclosure auction recently at Travis County Courthouse.

 

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Estate Tax: Throw Momma From The Train
 Congress passed a law that eliminated the estate tax for people who die this calendar year. Congress has plans to bring it back in 2011 Full Story »

Court Rules On Homeowner's Mold Coverage
 The Texas Supreme Court reviews the Texas Standard Homeowner’s Policy—Form B and rules that when a plumbing leak results in mold contamination, the policy covers mold damage to personal property but not to the dwelling. Full Story »

Texas Supreme Court Reverses Waitress' Win Against Waffle House Inc.
Cathie Williams sued her employer, Waffle\ House, Inc. for (1) sexual harassment under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act  (TCHRA),1 and (2) common-law negligent supervision and retention. The jury found for Williams on both claims, and she elected to recover on the common-law claim, which afforded a far greater monetary recovery. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that one cannot recover negligence damages for harrassment covered by the TCHRA, and flips it back to the trial court. 

 

 

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Texas Rangers’ Lenders Say Houston Man Made Best Bid for Team
 The Texas Rangers’ lenders said Houston businessman Jim Crane made the highest bid for the team, not a group led by Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg, which has a deal to buy the team and take it out of bankruptcy. Full Story »

Discount Medspa Defendant D’Alleva Agrees To Halt Unauthorized Sales of Prescription Drugs, Devices
 Owner offered prescription products, including Botox-like drugs, for sale online.  Full Story »

Dell Sets Aside $100 Million to Settle SEC Probe
 Probe is into the lack of disclosure.  Full Story »

Texas Jury Finds $82.5 Milllion Judgment for 2007 Gas Plant Explosion
 A jury finds Houston-based Hanover Compressions L.P., since renamed Exterran Energy Solutions L.P., grossly negligent in the  constructed, engineered and installed the natural gas processing plant.

The law firm said in a Thursday news release that the jury found the company grossly negligent in the death of an employee from Fort Worth's Quicksilver. 

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Majestic Liquors of Lubbock files for Chapter 11
 Majestic Liquors, which owns most of the beer & liquor stores on The Strip in Lubbock, filed in Fort Worth's U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  Full Story »

AG Charges Bally Fitness Centers With Deception of Former Customers
 The Attorney General's Office charged Bally  Fitness Centers with violations of the DTPA by sending out fraudulent bills to former customers.  Full Story »

SEC Sues North Texas Man In Nigerian Scam
The SEC sues a man who bilked investors out of funds for oil fields in Nigeria, using them instead for a luxurious lifestyle.   Full Story »

Denison Regulates Sex Business
The Denison City Council approved regulations to control sexually oriented businesses. Full Story »

5th Circuit Rules For Insurance Company In Oil Field Operations Coverage
On May 21, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit reversed the summary judgment that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Midland had granted the insured in Admiral Insurance Co. v. Randall K. Ford, d/b/a R.K. Ford and Associates, et al. and rendered judgment for the insurer. Full Story »

Definition Of Navigable

Landowners are awaiting the definition of "navigable" in the context of the Clean Water Act.

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Physician-Owned Hospitals Challenge Health Care Reform Law
A suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler challenges provisions in the new health-care reform law that place new restrictions on physician-owned hospitals Full Story »