News from May 2024
Two men sentenced to life plus 25 years for fatal Stonecrest shootout
By E. F. Cullerton | May 31, 2024
Two men have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in a shootout in a parking lot that led to a man’s death.
Law students join global governance summer school in Europe
By M. N. Tirado | May 30, 2024
Thirteen law students are studying abroad this summer as part of the Dean Rusk International Law Center's Global Governance Summer School. The focus of this year's for-credit program, operated in partnership with KU Leuven's Leuven Centre for Global Governance, is comparative administrative law. Studies will take place in both Belgium and the Netherlands with briefings scheduled at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, private law firms and NGOs.
Three men sentenced for drug trafficking involving methamphetamine fentanyl firearms
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
ROME, Ga. - James Lewallen Meeks, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, and two conspirators, Jamey Michael Latty and Mark Anthony Powell, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in trafficking firearms, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in Northwest Georgia.
Brunswick man convicted in aggravated assault case
By J. N. Schierl | May 30, 2024
District Attorney Keith Higgins announced that on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Michael Purnell, 59, of Brunswick, GA, was found guilty of aggravated battery. The Glynn County jury deliberated and returned their guilty verdict in under 30 minutes.
U.S., Fulton DA offices launch fourth annual summer youth mentorship program
By L. E. Bushouse | May 30, 2024
On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in partnership with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, will launch the fourth annual Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Credible Messenger Youth Summer Violence Intervention Program. The program's commencement will take place at the Atlanta Technical College Preparatory Academy.
Lithonia man sentenced to life without parole for gas station murder
By A. I. Benavidez | May 30, 2024
A Lithonia man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole following his conviction for the murder of a man at a Stone Mountain gas station.
Law students embark on global externships across diverse legal fields
By A. K. Howerter | May 29, 2024
Sixteen School of Law students are gaining global practice experience this summer through the Global Externship Overseas initiative of the school's Dean Rusk International Law Center. They will enhance their legal studies by working in a variety of private and public legal settings with placements based in Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Americas. Practice areas include privacy and technology law, intellectual property law, cultural heritage and historic preservation, environmental law, international arbitration, corporate law, and human rights law.
University of Georgia announces scholarship honoring veteran alumnus
By K. R. Nelson | May 28, 2024
As we remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, the University of Georgia School of Law has announced a new scholarship fund initiated by Johnson J. “Jay” Cooper and his wife, Hillary. The fund honors Jay’s father, Frederick E. “Fred” Cooper (J.D.’67), who also served in the U.S. Army, according to Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge.
Brunswick man convicted of aggravated assault; sentencing set for June
By J. D. Suayan | May 28, 2024
On May 22, 2024, David Lee, Sr., 56, of Brunswick, GA, was found guilty by a Glynn County jury of one count of aggravated assault. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on a second count of aggravated assault, leading Chief Superior Court Judge Stephen G. Scarlett, Sr. to declare a mistrial on that count. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 18.
Veterans Legal Clinic assists veterans with claims before U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
By E. F. Cullerton | May 28, 2024
The Veterans Legal Clinic and its director, Clinical Professor Alexander W. "Alex" Scherr, were featured on WUGA's "Athens News Matters" for their work assisting veterans and their family members with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The segment titled "UGA Veterans Legal Clinic serves those who have served; advocating for veteran services and benefits" was hosted by Greg Trevor and aired on May 25, 2024.
AJMLS Law Journal announces new editorial board members for Volume XVIII
By D. L. Deener | May 24, 2024
The 2023-2024 Law Journal Editorial Board and its Faculty Advisor, Professor Van Detta, have announced the election of seven new members to the Editorial Board for 2024-2025.
Law school students honor eight faculty and staff members
By M. N. Tirado | May 24, 2024
Eight faculty and staff members were honored by the 2023-24 law school students for their contributions. The recipients are:
Inflation in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area up 3.1% in last 12 months
By A. D. Bamburg | May 23, 2024
A Consumer Price Index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation has increased 3.1% in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area over the last year, with a 0.3% increase over the month of April.
School of Law ranks #11 for federal clerkships
By E. F. Cullerton | May 23, 2024
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! These graduates ranked 11th in the nation for securing federal judicial clerkships. Almost 10% of the class secured these highly sought-after and competitive positions.
Coweta jury convicts Derrious Daniel; judge sentences him to life without parole
By J. N. Schierl | May 22, 2024
On May 10, 2024, a Coweta County jury found Derrious Bernard Daniel, 22, of Grantville, Georgia, guilty of felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges relate to the shooting death of Dustin Scott Parrott on February 17, 2023, in Newnan, Georgia.
Lori A. Ringhand discusses double-counted ballots on radio program
By A. K. Howerter | May 22, 2024
Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Lori A. Ringhand was featured on WAL's "The Scoot Show with Scoot" to discuss double-counted ballots in the 2020 election. The episode aired on May 21, 2024.
Atlanta gynecologist among those sentenced for operating 'pill mill' network
By L. E. Bushouse | May 22, 2024
Thirteen individuals, including an Atlanta-area gynecologist and two pharmacists, have been sentenced for their involvement in operating a "pill mill" network that supplied addicts and drug dealers with large amounts of prescription drugs through illegal prescribing and dispensing.
Man sentenced for laundering over $4.5M from fraudulent schemes
By R. B. Pepalis | May 21, 2024
ATLANTA - Malachi Mullings has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for laundering more than $4.5 million derived from romance fraud scams and business email compromise schemes, including a criminal conspiracy that defrauded a health care benefit program.
Troup County jury convicts man for murder tied to Gangster Disciples
By K. R. Nelson | May 21, 2024
On May 17, 2024, a Troup County jury found Lateef Jamil Moreland, also known as “L.J.,” “Monsta Black 74,” “David Black,” and “Hatebaby G,” guilty of multiple charges including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession of Firearm during Commission of a Felony, and four violations of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. The trial lasted one week.
Amann discusses child-taking at King's College London workshop
By E. F. Cullerton | May 21, 2024
Regents' Professor of International Law and Woodruff Chair in International Law Diane Marie Amann presented “Child-Taking” at a “Forced Separation Workshop” held at King’s College London. The event was co-sponsored by King's College, Queen’s University Belfast School of Law, and the UK Gender, Justice and Security Hub.