Lake Co. fraudster sentenced to 5 years on conspiracy charge
A northern Indiana businessman who pleaded guilty to securities fraud in a Ponzi-like scheme has been sentenced to five years in federal prison.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
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National, state wiretaps see decreases during 2020
Federal and state judges reported a combined 26% decrease in authorized wiretaps in 2020, according to court statistics released last week. Convictions stemming from cases involving electronic surveillance also decreased significantly.
Teacher’s aide sues former employer after being fired for discussing ‘occult’ items with student
A Chesterton teacher’s aide has sued his former employer with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana after being fired for speaking with a student about “occult” items after school hours.
Racial diversity lacking: No minorities in decade of appointments to IN benches
Although the next Court of Appeals judge has not been selected, the three candidates nominated ensure Indiana will continue its 9-year streak of judicial appointments that do not include a person of color.
Students sue IU over COVID vaccine requirement
Eight students, including an incoming law student, have filed a lawsuit against Indiana University, claiming the school’s policy requiring students to be inoculated against COVID-19 is “irrational and unreasonable” because “the pandemic is virtually over, herd immunity has been achieved and there is extremely minimal risk of COVID to IU students.”
Nommay first woman to lead Northern Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Office
Tina L. Nommay has been named acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, continuing her record of breaking gender barriers by becoming the first woman to lead that office.
Southern District to lift mask, social distancing mandates for fully vaccinated individuals
Individuals who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask inside public spaces at Indiana’s Southern District courthouses beginning next month, Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt announced in a Tuesday order.
New lawyers express their gratitude during admission ceremony
Like the two previous admission ceremonies, the Tuesday induction for the new admittees to the Indiana bar was held virtually. But this time, along with introducing themselves to the state and federal judiciary, the freshly minted lawyers took a few minutes to thank those who helped them get to this day.
7th Circuit finds search warrant of suspected drug dealer’s home valid
A northern Indiana man could not convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that a search of his home that revealed drugs and firearms was baseless and that he endured prosecutorial misconduct during his trial.
7th Circuit: Convicted heroin conspiracy leaders lose suppressed evidence argument
Two men at the top of a heroin drug conspiracy were unable to sway the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in a Friday decision to reconsider granting their motion to suppress evidence.
Judge: BP’s Whiting refinery violated soot emission limits
A BP refinery in northwestern Indiana repeatedly violated air pollution standards for soot emissions between 2015 and 2018, a federal judge ruled in a lawsuit brought by environmental advocates.
Store managers not involved in customer injuries not liable for negligence, justices rule
In answering a certified question from a federal judge, the Indiana Supreme Court held Wednesday that store managers who are not directly involved in a patron’s injury on store property cannot be held liable for negligence under Indiana law.
LaPorte County apartment accused of violating fair housing acts
The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana has filed a complaint in federal court against a Michigan City apartment complex, claiming the “discriminatory practices” of the residential provider deprived a Hoosier family of a place to live.
Judge dismisses lawsuit over Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches
A federal judge has dismissed the latest attempt by property owners in a northwestern Indiana town to deny public access to Lake Michigan beaches.
Drug sentence remanded to reconsider term of supervised release
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has remanded an erroneous sentence for a drug conviction for the limited purpose of reconsidering the defendant’s term of supervised release.
Drug, firearm convictions based on ‘middlemen’ testimony affirmed
Despite the unusual use of a middleman in a law enforcement controlled drug buy, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found sufficient evidence to uphold a Fort Wayne man’s convictions on multiple drug and firearms charges.
Northern District Court extends virtual proceedings through June 14
As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues across Indiana, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana is extending its authorization of video and teleconferencing in court proceedings by three months.
Jury convicts former Portage mayor of bribery in retrial
A federal jury convicted a former northwestern Indiana mayor on a bribery charge Friday in his retrial on allegations he solicited and accepted a $13,000 bribe from a trucking company.
Southern Indiana District Court on list for more judges
The Judicial Conference of the United States is asking Congress to create 79 new judgeships in federal courts across the country, including adding two new permanent judges in the Southern Indiana District Court.
Maley: Recurring removal issues show numerous pitfalls
Removal from state court to federal court is a routine aspect of federal court practice, though one fraught with procedural pitfalls. Federal judges in Indiana frequently address removal issues, yet errors continue.