Variety

Published on: June 2, 2020

Arizona House of Representatives Eliminates Bill Which Would End Civil Asset Forfeiture

The Arizona House of Representatives voted down a measure which would have significantly reformed how civil asset forfeiture is legally handled in the state of Arizona. Just three years ago, reforms were made to the criminal justice system which would have been bolstered by this new bill. However, given its passage in the Arizona Senate and defeat in the Arizona House of Representatives, proponents will have to wait until the next session to get it heard and passed. It is unknown if the bill’s sponsors and supporters plan to re-introduce it at the next appropriate and available opportunity.

Published on: May 28, 2020

Land Rover Involved in Indiana Civil Asset Forfeiture Case Returned to Owner for Now, Final Fate Uncertain

by Brian Silber

A $40,000 Land Rover seized by the state of Indiana in connection with a drug crime has been returned to its owner, Tyson Timbs, pending final determination by judicial authorities as to the appropriateness of the seizure of the vehicle by law enforcement under civil asset forfeiture. This long legal battle has made it to the United States Supreme Court and twice to the Indiana Supreme Court. Mr. Timbs is represented by counsel from the Institute for Justice, which is a law firm that works on prominent public interest cases.

Published on: May 25, 2020

Tampa Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

by Brian Silber

The Department of Justice has announced charges against Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari of Tampa, FL, for allegedly trying to provide “material support” to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and scouting a Tampa area for a possible terrorist attack.

Al-Azhari, 23, was charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He is being held in the Pinellas County Jail. Attorney information isn’t immediately available.

Published on: May 22, 2020

Michigan Urogynecologist and Nurse Practitioner Face Health Care Fraud Charges

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced separate charges against a Kalamazoo urogynecologist and a nurse practitioner accused of committing health care fraud and reusing single-use medical equipment.

Roger Beyer, M.D., was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. His wife, Susan Wright, N.P., was charged with misprision of health care fraud and the adulteration of a medical device. It is unclear if they have acquired legal representation.

Published on: May 12, 2020

Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Admits to Defrauding Over $650,000 in Workers’ Compensation

by Brian Silber

A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee has admitted to committing fraud by pocketing over $650,000 in workers compensation payments for an on-the-job slip and fall she falsely claimed disabled her, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

Janeide Chillis of Irvington pleaded guilty in exchange for leniency for committing fraud to obtain workers’ compensation and making false statements. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2020. Attorney information wasn’t available.