Maryland Archives - Page 293 of 395

Attorney General Brown Announces Appointment of Chief of New Civil Rights Division

Published September 15, 2023 at 9:13AM

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) announced today that Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has selected Jonathan M. Smith to serve as Chief of the newly created Civil Rights Division. Smith is a well-respected legal figure in civil rights, with a strong trajectory of work at the frontlines of justice, equity, and equality on both local and national stages.

For the past seven years, Smith served as Executive Director of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, a non-profit law firm, addressing racial and economic injustice related to prisoners’ rights, housing, employment, education, disability, police misconduct, and immigrants and refugees.

Governor Moore Attends Affordable Connectivity Program Training Session in Montgomery County to Encourage Community Enrollment Through Engagement

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:41PM

Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore joined the Montgomery County Office of Broadband’s training event during a free Broadband Affordable Connectivity Program training session to encourage community enrollment in the program. The virtual event, with more than 250 in-person participants, complements last month’s Affordable Connectivity Program training session at Salisbury University.

“Thank you for answering the call to help connect people to high speed connectivity,” said Gov. Moore. “Your work is critical to Maryland’s success, as the internet is one of the most important pathways to prosperity in the 21st century. You are the very best of Maryland, and I thank you for your service.”

Governor Wes Moore Joins President Joe Biden in Prince George’s County in Support of Key Investments to Grow the Economy, Announces $17.4 Million in Funding for Adult Education

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:39PM

Governor Moore speaking at podium during President Biden's visit to Prince George’s County Community College

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland will direct $17.4 million toward adult education providers in support of key investments to grow Maryland’s economy. The announcement came as part of the program during President Joseph R. Biden’s visit to Prince George’s County Community College in support of the Biden Administration’s vision for growing the country’s economy.

“Together, we will grow an economy that works for everyone, from the bottom up and the middle out,” said Gov. Moore. “President Biden has been very clear about his vision to empower and educate workers to grow the middle class. It’s a vision I stand by because it’s good for Maryland, good for our people, and good for our economy. Together, we are going to work in partnership to follow the president’s lead, build out our workforce, grow the economy, and win this decade.”

MD and VA Men Facing Federal Charges for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $550,000 in COVID-19 Cares Act Unemployment Insurance Benefits Using the Personal Information of Identity Theft Victims

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:46PM

A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Michael Cooley, Jr., a/k/a “Micheal Cooley Jr.,” “5Micmusik,” and “Michael White,” age 24, and Isiah Lewis, a/k/a “Zay,” age 33, both of Maryland; and “Alonzo Brown, age 26, of Virginia, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, relating to the submission of fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, enacted to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The superseding indictment was filed July 19, 2023, and unsealed today upon the arrest of the defendants.

Lewis is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt at 2:30 p.m. Cooley and Brown are expected to have their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Georgia this afternoon as well.

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:40PM

S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, yesterday to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (“WLS”) clique of the MS-13 gang, which operated primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Torres was the clique’s leader or “First Word.” Judge Xinis also ordered that Torres pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate.

According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, and are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rivals. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. MS-13 members earn promotions and improved standing within the gang for participating in attacks on rival gang members, often at the direction of MS-13 leadership.

Attorney General Brown Announces $35 Million Settlement with Leasing Company Tempoe, LLC

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2023 at 12:42PM

Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced a settlement with Tempoe, LLC, a specialty consumer finance company operating from Cincinnati, Ohio. The settlement resolves a multistate investigation into Tempoe’s advertising and leasing practices with consumers through retailers across the nation.

The multistate investigation—which included 41 states and the District of Columbia—revealed that Tempoe’s marketing and sales practices often misled consumers to believe they were agreeing to make a purchase through an installment plan or credit sale when, in reality, they were entering into a lease agreement, often resulting in consumers paying 2-3 times the purchase price of the product or service.

Frederick, MD Medical Practice Pays the U.S. More Than $850,000 to Resolve Claims that it Inappropriately Billed for Medical Services

By MCS Staff

Published September 13, 2023 at 6:58AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C., a former medical practice located in Frederick, Maryland, have paid the United States $850,949 to settle allegations that Frederick Oncology and Hematology Associates, P.C. (“FOHA”) submitted inappropriate claims to the United States for evaluation and management services.

“It is fundamental that a medical provider accurately bill for services that are actually provided,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to recovering monies for the federal healthcare programs and will hold practices and individuals accountable for their actions,” said Barron.

The World’s Largest Pickle Party Returns to Maryland This Month

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:37PM

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The Big Dill, which describes itself as the “#1 Pickle Party in the World”, returns to Power Plant Live! at 34 Market Pl in Baltimore on September 23 and 24. The two day event will include pickle sampling, concerts, carnival games, a pickle eating contest, a brine chugging competition, and an appearance by “Dilly” the pickle. Pickle flavored cupcakes, donuts, fudge, ice cream, and pizza are a few of the items that will be available for purchase at the event.

Per the Big Dill: The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party® is the premier pickle event of the year, featuring a pickle garden with 10+ handpicked artisan pickle companies sampling and selling a variety of pickles from all over the country. After the festival, attendees will receive a survey to vote for their favorite pickle company that will win The Best in Show. Entertaining guests throughout the weekend is a modern country, pop, and rock-themed live stage production with performances by musicians, actors, comedy routines, and choreographed dancers. Guests are also entertained by the crowd’s favorite, The Pickle Eating Championship featuring competitive eaters and the hilarious Brine Chug Challenge.

Governor Wes Moore Delivers Keynote Address During Inaugural Maryland Minority Business Counts Event

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:22PM

Governor Moore at Elevate and Engage MBE Networking Event

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Maryland Minority Business Counts event at Bowie State University. Event participants engaged with state government agencies and attended educational sessions to learn more about doing business with the state of Maryland as a Minority Business Enterprise program participant.

“If we harness the immense potential and energy in this room and channel it toward achieving our goals, we stand a real chance to fix what’s broken in our economy and build a brighter future for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we will build an economy that is more inclusive, more dynamic, more innovative, and more competitive—an economy that leaves no one behind.”

Governor Wes Moore Announces More Than $11.5 Million in Highway Safety Grants; Over $172,000 Awarded to Montgomery County Police Agencies

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 8:20PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced more than $11.5 million in federal highway safety grants to organizations across Maryland as part of a statewide focus to prevent motor vehicle crashes and eliminate roadway fatalities. The federal funds will be distributed on Oct. 1 by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to 85 agencies, organizations, and programs.

“These investments are critical to building and maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is committed to partnering with local governments, officials and advocacy groups to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities and to ensure that highway safety remains a top priority across the state.”

Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Somber PSA on Impacts of Gun Violence

By MCS Staff

Published September 12, 2023 at 7:30PM

On Sunday, September 10, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron launched a 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video aired across Maryland just before kickoff of the Baltimore Ravens home opener, and will continue to broadcast across cable and digital platforms in Maryland.

“Gun violence impacts more than one person or one family. Friends, parents, employers, neighbors – all are forced to confront the devastating realities of gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We are bringing together law enforcement, community organizations, and private citizens in pursuit of a common goal: protecting the places we call home.”