Maryland Archives - Page 327 of 406

$102.5 Million Settlement Reached with Suboxone Maker for Resolving Allegations of Illegal Monopoly Tactics – MD Attorney General Anthony G. Brown

Published June 2, 2023 at 4:50PM

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced that Maryland and 41other states have settled antitrust litigation against the maker of Suboxone, which is a combination of the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone, used to control the effects of opioid addiction. Under the settlement, Indivior, Inc. will pay the plaintiff states $102.5 million. Maryland will receive over $2 million from the settlement. The settlement was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

In 2016, the states filed a complaint against Indivior Inc. alleging that, in order to preserve its monopoly over the brand-name Suboxone, the company used illegal means in violation of the antitrust laws to switch the Suboxone market from tablets to film, while attempting to destroy the market for tablets.

MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 26 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving a Violent Murder in Montgomery County and for Drug Distribution and Firearms Violations

By MCS Staff

Published June 2, 2023 at 12:56PM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced El Salvadoran national Jose Lopez Rivera, age 27, of Elmont, New York, formerly residing in Maryland, to 26 years in federal prison for a racketeering conspiracy involving a violent murder connected to his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise also known as MS-13, and for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other central American countries. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Since at least 2015, Lopez Rivera was a member of the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (“FLS”) MS-13 clique.

Police Warn Public About Possible Phone Scam Fraud By Police Impersonators

By Patrick Herron

Published June 2, 2023 at 10:35AM

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are warning residents to be aware of a phone scam involving police impersonators that is currently active in Maryland.

Maryland State Police have received reports from multiple residents advising that callers contact them claiming to be state troopers or police officers. The reports are attempts to gain financial information or money from residents. The impersonator tells the potential victims that they need to obtain information from the caller due to a police investigation or they are asking for a donation to support law enforcement and their families.

State Trooper and MoCo Native Adopts 12-Year-Old Dog Who Was Abandoned by Original Owner

By MCS Staff

Published June 2, 2023 at 8:45AM | Updated June 4, 2023 at 7:43AM

Lola has been living her best life with her new dad, Josh. Josh is a Maryland State Trooper who not only deserves a thank you for his occupation, but he deserves a HUGE thank you for the life he has given Lola. Lola goes on daily adventures. She just got back from a little vacation in Ocean City and absolutely loved the beach. She gets her exercise daily and is now getting around better than before despite her arthritis.

Lola is in the process of hopefully becoming an emotional support animal at the hospital for cancer patients. She has also helped young children who have been afraid dogs, to not be so afraid. She is truly one of a kind who just loves everyone she meets. Lola is exactly where she needs to be and is living her best life. We are incredibly thankful to Josh and his family for giving her the life she derserves.”

Governor Moore Proclaims June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published June 1, 2023 at 6:19PM

Governor Wes Moore today proclaimed June 2023 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Maryland. The proclamation—which was last issued in 2013—celebrates the contributions, resilience, courage, and joy of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders, and recognizes the […]

Maryland Becomes First State to Offer Digital IDs on Two Major Mobile Operating Systems After Launching Google Wallet ID

By MCS Staff

Published June 1, 2023 at 6:15PM

Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration launched Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet. Maryland is the first state in the nation to offer digital licenses and IDs in Google Wallet, which will enable users to verify their identity easily and securely for airport security screening. “Maryland is leading the way in creating a more competitive and innovative digital environment while prioritizing accessibility and customer service,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland Mobile ID advances our administration’s work to deliver safe and secure services that benefit all Marylanders.”

In May 2022, Maryland became only the second state to offer Mobile ID in Apple Wallet. With the addition of Google Wallet, Maryland is now the first state to offer Mobile ID on two major mobile wallet platforms. Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet and Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet are the only forms of digital IDs issued through the Motor Vehicle Administration. “Innovation and technology are keys to building a transportation system that’s more equitable, accessible and safe for all Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Maryland Mobile ID is a tool that puts more convenience in the hands of our customers.”

Governor Moore Hosts Maryland 2022-2023 Teachers of the Year at Government House

By Patrick Herron

Published June 1, 2023 at 8:55AM

Gov Moore with Educators

“Behind each and every one of us, there is a teacher who believed in us and pushed us to succeed,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “And the impact of the teachers in this room has undoubtedly shaped the success of countless Marylanders. The Moore-Miller Administration thanks all of you for your work you do to shape Maryland’s future.”

Dewdney, who has taught Pre-K at The Commodore John Rodgers School in Baltimore City for ten years and is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, is using the latest studies in neuroscience to inform her professional technique. She plans to pursue a doctorate in education.

Former Montgomery County Social Media Influencer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Scheming to Obtain More Than $1.2 Million in COVID-19 Cares Act Loans

By MCS Staff

Published June 1, 2023 at 7:43AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Denish Sahadevan, a/k/a “Danny Devan,” age 31, of Potomac, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, relating to his scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $1.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”).

According to the plea agreement, beginning in about March 2020, Sahadevan submitted EIDL and PPP application on behalf of four Maryland entities that he controlled, often creating fraudulent and fabricated documents, such as tax forms and bank statements, to be used in the applications. In addition, Sahadevan used the identifying information belonging to a tax preparer that he knew, without that person’s knowledge or agreement, to legitimize the fabricated tax forms he created and submitted.

U.S. and Montgomery County Based Pharmacy and Pharmacist Reach a Consent Decree Over Allegations of Illegally Dispensed Controlled Substances

By MCS Staff

Published May 31, 2023 at 1:06PM

United States Alleges that the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Ignored Red Flags Indicating Prescriptions Were Not Legitimate, Including Filling Controlled Substances Prescriptions for Over 300 Patients that Traveled More than 180 Miles to the Pharmacy

Per the Office of the U.S. Attorney, District of Maryland: – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte approved the United States’ consent decree with Abtin Youssefi-Rashti, a Montgomery County based pharmacist, and Upton Care Pharmacy, Inc. (“Upton Care”), resolving the United States’ civil allegations that Youssefi-Rashti and Upton Care violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) in illegally dispensing controlled substances. Under the consent decree, in addition to paying a $100,000 civil monetary penalty, Youssefi-Rashti agrees to surrender his pharmacist’s license to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and not to reapply for three years. Additionally, Upton Care agreed to voluntarily surrender its DEA registration to dispense controlled substances for cause.

Federal Funds of Up To $1 Million Per Project Available for Outdoor Recreation Space in Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published May 31, 2023 at 7:32AM

Maryland Department of the Natural Resources is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. Through this program, local governments with qualifying projects are able to request $50,000 to $1 million to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and create connections between people and the outdoors.

The department is accepting applications through July 31, 2023. Upon receipt, the Department of Natural Resources will review preliminary applications and invite the highest scoring applicants to create a final application package to be submitted to the National Park Service.

Encouraging Results from the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey According to MD Dept of Natural Resources

By MCS Staff

Published May 31, 2023 at 7:23AM

The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), estimates 323 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2023, an increase from last year’s low of 227 million crabs.

The number of spawning age female crabs increased from 97 million crabs in 2022 to 152 million crabs in 2023, a substantial increase and well above the management threshold of 72.5 million crabs. Additionally, adult male crabs increased from 28 million crabs in 2022 to 55 million crabs in 2023.