News from May 2024
Oregon Tax Court cites Hellerstein's treatise in recent case
By GA News Gazette | May 17, 2024
Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, Walter Hellerstein's treatise, State Taxation, was recently cited by the Oregon Tax Court. The citation occurred in the case of ABC, Inc. and Combined Affiliates v. Department of Revenue on May 14, 2024.
Kirkwood man sentenced to life plus 20 years for sexual assault of neighbor
By GA News Gazette | May 17, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Eric Haygood, a 61-year-old Kirkwood man accused of sexually assaulting a neighbor in her own home.
Swift Lumber sues Accelerant Insurance for alleged contract breach
By GA News Gazette | May 17, 2024
Swift Lumber, a local business based in Atmore, Alabama, has filed a lawsuit against Accelerant Insurance Company and other parties involved. The suit alleges bad faith breach of contract. The case was recently lodged by our Mobile Office on behalf of Swift Lumber.
Motor vehicle insurance rates increasing faster than overall inflation
By L. E. Bushouse | May 16, 2024
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3% in April, after rising by 0.4% in March, and among the categories that contributed to the increase was motor vehicle insurance, which rose by 1.8% over the month. During March, motor vehicle insurance rose 2.6%.
Professor Diane Marie Amann featured in Portugal's Expresso newspaper
By A. I. Benavidez | May 16, 2024
Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law, Diane Marie Amann, recently gained attention in Portugal's Expresso newspaper. The article discussed the challenges associated with holding Russian officials accountable for their actions during the war in Ukraine.
$376 million in 'nuclear verdicts' came out of Georgia courts in 2023
By M. N. Tirado | May 16, 2024
A report released on May 3 by Marathon Strategies revealed that Georgia experienced $376,927,587 in "nuclear verdicts" in 2023. Nuclear verdicts refer to jury verdicts that exceed $10 million and have the potential to disrupt insurance markets.
NBC Nightly News features stories of harm from hair relaxer usage
By L. E. Bushouse | May 16, 2024
In a recent broadcast on NBC Nightly News, five women who are clients of Beasley Allen shared their distressing experiences with hair relaxer usage. The women's narratives shed light on the severe consequences that have resulted from decades of using these products.
Lithonia man convicted in Stone Mountain gas station murder
By K. R. Nelson | May 16, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Nathan Weeks, a Lithonia man accused of shooting and killing Isaac Godbolt at a Stone Mountain gas station.
Five Georgia men sentenced for large-scale dog fighting operation
By J. N. Schierl | May 15, 2024
Five men from middle Georgia have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a large-scale dog fighting operation. The 96 dogs rescued from the operation were found during searches conducted as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking conspiracy in Laurens, Treutlen, Johnson, and Emanuel Counties, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Two individuals implicated in the dog-fighting operation were also sentenced in connection with the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
California man sentenced to life for murder outside Stone Mountain hair salon
By A. D. Bamburg | May 15, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced a conviction by guilty plea in the case against Tychicus Cameron Wilson, a 35-year-old man from California. Wilson was accused of shooting and killing Anthony Jordan Jr., 29, outside a hair salon on June 12, 2018.
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.
Benton, Brown, Zhao join as emerging scholars at School of Law
By J. D. Suayan | May 15, 2024
The School of Law's Emerging Scholars initiative is an esteemed program that invites accomplished practitioners to enhance their teaching and academic writing skills through a two-year residency. Among the recent inductees are Jill Benton, Shanée Brown, and Mary Yiyue Zhao.
Glynn County woman gets prison for defrauding real estate company
By A. D. Bamburg | May 14, 2024
A Glynn County woman, who was in charge of managing a real estate company's office, has been sentenced to prison for defrauding her employer of over a quarter of a million dollars. Tabitha Dobi, 46, from Brunswick, received a sentence of 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to Wire Fraud, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Cade's article on undocumented drivers' criminalization published in law journal
By M. N. Tirado | May 14, 2024
Associate Dean and Hosch Professor Jason A. Cade has recently published an article titled "Challenging the Criminalization of Undocumented Drivers Through a Health Justice Framework" in the 41st issue of the Wisconsin International Law Journal (2024). This edition is specifically a symposium issue.
Gainesville man arraigned on federal charges for fentanyl distribution
By A. A. Sanchez | May 14, 2024
GAINESVILLE, Ga.- Bobby Joe Holloman has been arraigned on federal charges for distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Holloman’s alleged fentanyl distribution led to two overdoses, resulting in the death of one victim. Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug that too often leads to overdosing or death when used in even miniscule amounts. We are committed to prosecuting those who callously peddle this dangerous drug in our communities.”
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.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan recognizes National Police Week
By E. F. Cullerton | May 13, 2024
In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan has recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week is observed from Sunday, May 12, 2024, through Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Diane Marie Amann presents "Human Trafficking Law" at 2024 Judicial Conference
By A. I. Benavidez | May 13, 2024
Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law, Diane Marie Amann, recently presented "Human Trafficking Law" at the 2024 Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference.
Jason A. Cade presents at 2024 AALS Conference on Clinical Legal Education
By D. L. Deener | May 10, 2024
Associate Dean and Community Health Law Partnership Clinic Director, Jason A. Cade, recently delivered two presentations at the Association of American Law Schools' 2024 Conference on Clinical Legal Education. The presentations were titled "Rapid-Response Legal Support for Movements: Seeking Immigration Protections for Organizing Workers" and “Wide Ranging Litigation and Advocacy as Resistance and Resilience in a Law School Clinic.” These sessions took place during the month of May.
Arrest made in cold case murder of law student Tara Louise Baker
By M. N. Tirado | May 10, 2024
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the arrest of a man from Athens in connection with the murder of Tara Louise Baker. Baker, a first-year student at the School of Law, was killed in January 2001. The announcement regarding the arrest was made on May 9, 2024.