A. K. Howerter News
Kingsland man pleads guilty to felony murder and aggravated assault
By A. K. Howerter | May 15, 2024
District Attorney Keith Higgins announced that Octavin Devon Grace, a 43-year-old resident of Kingsland, GA, entered a negotiated guilty plea in Camden County Superior Court on May 15, 2024. The charges were Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. Grace's plea was entered before the trial in his case commenced.
Former Facebook and Nike executive sentenced for $5 million fraud
By A. K. Howerter | May 13, 2024
Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity program manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced for defrauding her employers of more than $5 million through an elaborate scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fictitious paperwork, and cash kickbacks.
Atlanta Apartment Association President: "Jackpot jury verdicts" to blame for Georgia's business reputation "losing its luster"
By A. K. Howerter | Mar 12, 2024
The president of Atlanta's largest association of multifamily housing owners says lawsuits and "jackpot jury verdicts" are hurting Georgia's reputation in the business community, driving investors and entrepreneurs to look to other states.
Lt. Gov. Jones: Tort reform bill will 'provide the critically important aid to Georgia’s business community'
By A. K. Howerter | Feb 29, 2024
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R-Ga.) has announced that Senate Bill 426 (SB 426) aims to safeguard Georgia's businesses from potential exploitation of the legal system. The bill, which recently secured approval from Georgia's Senate, is designed to curtail direct action lawsuits.
Mass tort litigation contributes to skyrocketing auto insurance costs
By A. K. Howerter | Feb 16, 2024
The most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that auto insurance costs rose by 1.4% in January. This increase brings the total rate of inflation for auto insurance to 20.6% over the 12-month period ending in January. Reports from Georgia suggest that mass tort litigation is a significant factor contributing to these escalating insurance costs.