Latest News from GA News News Gazette

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a significant conviction in the case against a Stone Mountain man accused of a heinous crime. Gerald Jerome Clark, 44, was found guilty of a series of serious charges in connection with the murder of Mary Kilpatrick, 27, on September 26, 2020. The charges include Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Arson, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, and more.According to the investigation, Clark put Kilpatrick in the trunk of her car, shot her, and then set the car on fire. The remains of Kilpatrick were so badly damaged that DNA had...

School of Law creates scholarship in honor of Professor Dan Coenen

The University of Georgia School of Law is honoring the distinguished career of Professor Dan T. Coenen by establishing a scholarship in his name. The scholarship, created by alumna Julia A. Houston, aims to support students with a focus on corporate or business law in Georgia, who have faced significant challenges, and who will contribute to the diversity of the legal profession, with a special emphasis on those from historically Black colleges or universities.Houston expressed her admiration for Professor Coenen, stating, "Dan Coenen had a significant and lasting...

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE WELCOMES NEW PROSECUTORIAL STAFF

District Attorney Keith Higgins has announced the addition of new members to the prosecutorial staff of the District Attorney’s Office for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit (BJC).Whitney J. Fetzer Gregory has joined the BJC as the Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Glynn County office, as confirmed by DA Higgins. In her previous role at the Eastern Judicial Circuit in Savannah, Deputy Chief Gregory was in charge of the Special Victims Unit, handling cases such as adult rapes, sexual assaults, domestic violence, and murders. Her impressive legal background...

Senior Staff Retirements in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office

District Attorney Keith Higgins announced the retirement of two senior staff members from the Appling-Jeff Davis Office of the District Attorney’s Office for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit.Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Jan Kennedy retired after over 27 years of service as a prosecutor in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit. ADA Kennedy had been the Managing Attorney in the Appling-Jeff Davis Office and was named Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney under DA Higgins from February 2021 to April 2023. ADA Kennedy expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am thankful for the...

GMTA’s campaign to stop lawsuit abuse raises question: ‘What is Wrong with Georgia?’

By Donna Rolando | Apr 26, 2024

The $1.7 billion verdict against Ford Motor Company for a 2014 rollover crash that killed a Georgia couple—considered the state’s largest award ever—has become the poster child for lawsuit reform.

Navigating The New PFAS Safety Standards In Drinking Water

On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new safety standards in its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) to protect against PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." These substances, which can have long-lasting effects on both human health and the environment, have prompted the EPA to take action to ensure cleaner and safer drinking water for millions of people.PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, but they pose significant health risks. They have...

Hogan elected to UGA Staff Council

Institute of Continuing Judicial Education Event Coordinator Laura Kathryne Hogan has been elected as coordinator for the UGA Staff Council for the upcoming academic year. Hogan's new role was announced on April 26, 2024.Hogan's election to the UGA Staff Council was confirmed in a statement that read, "Institute of Continuing Judicial Education Event Coordinator Laura Kathryne Hogan was elected as coordinator for the UGA Staff Council for the 2024-2025 academic year."Hogan's appointment marks a significant development in the university's staff leadership, bringing her...

AJMLS Honors Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, Antonio Lee, and Vincent Phillips as 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award: Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, Antonio Lee, and Vincent Phillips.Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, a member of the Class of 2012, is the founder of Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group. She has been recognized for her outstanding work in the legal field, with a focus on maximizing case values and providing exceptional client service. Jennifer's dedication to her work and community involvement have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions.Antonio Lee, from the Class...

Four Defendants in Firearms Trafficking Ring Sentenced

Four individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a firearms trafficking ring that operated in the metro Atlanta area, smuggling guns to the Dominican Republic. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the commitment to disrupting illegal firearm flows, stating, "Firearms traffickers present an immediate danger to communities within and outside our district." Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones highlighted the importance of investigating and bringing firearms traffickers to justice swiftly, stating, "This is an excellent example of such an...

ATA vice president, in dogged fight against seatbelt gag rule: ‘Persistence often pays off’

By Donna Rolando | Apr 25, 2024

With wind in its sails from the recent repeal of Indiana’s “seatbelt gag rule’’—and other victories nationwide, the American Trucking Association (ATA) has pledged to keep the momentum going on a similar reversal in Georgia.

Assistant Professor Adam D. Orford Publishes Article in Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal

Assistant Professor Adam D. Orford recently published an article titled "Blue Carbon Law" in the 13:1 issue of the Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal. The publication date of the article was in 2024, and it was a notable contribution to the field of environmental law.Orford's work focuses on the legal aspects of blue carbon, a term used to describe the carbon captured by the world's oceans and coastal ecosystems. The article delves into the legal frameworks surrounding blue carbon and its implications for environmental policy.In a statement regarding his publication,...

Investment Professional Indicted on Multi-Million-Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme

Craig Allen, executive officer of C.M. Allen Capital Management, Inc., has been indicted on charges related to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that defrauded investors nationwide, as reported by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan and FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley.Buchanan stated, “Allen abused his clients’ trust by allegedly stealing millions of dollars to support his lavish lifestyle. The defendant deceived and falsified documents to conceal his thefts to provide his investors with a false sense of financial security. We will continue to prosecute...

Alabama Opioid Settlements: $728 Million & Climbing

Alabama has been at the forefront of holding companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis, with the state securing over $728 million in settlements from healthcare and drug companies. The settlements have provided a significant boost in the battle against opioids, although the fight is far from over.The breakdown of the settlements reveals the financial impact on various companies involved:- McKinsey: $9,229,422- Allergan: $34,040,657- Walmart: $38,700,000- Teva: $57,138,934- Johnson & Johnson: $70,329,014- CVS: $75,581,592- Walgreens: $82,187,066-...

Under the Gold Dome: Mercerians leading in the Legislature

Three Mercer University alumni are making strides in the Georgia General Assembly, demonstrating their commitment to effecting positive change. Rep. Soo Hong, the first woman of Korean descent to serve in the House, highlighted the importance of hard work and determination instilled in her by her immigrant parents. She emphasized the value of helping those in need and sponsoring legislation to support women, minorities, and veterans.House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Efstration has built a reputation for advocating for the voiceless and vulnerable by sponsoring legislation...

Dog Broker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns