Scruggs Appeals to Supreme Court

January 25, 2013Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

The U.S. Supreme Court will hold a conference Feb. 15 to decide on whether to hear an appeal from Zach Scruggs, who was implicated as having knowledge of a judicial corruption scheme that toppled his father, plaintiffs’ lawyer Richard “Dickie” Scruggs.

Court officials say a decision could be announced shortly after the conference.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld Zach Scruggs conviction last October.

The younger Scruggs, a law partner with his father, pleaded guilty to failing to report a conspiracy to improperly influence a judge in a dispute with other lawyers over $26.5 million in legal fees. He served a 14-month prison sentence and also lost his law license.

Richard Scruggs and three others were convicted in the bribery scheme.

 

 

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Southeast NewsTopics: Dickie Scruggs, judicial bribery, Mississippi judicial bribery, Scruggs appeal to Supreme Court, Zach ScruggsHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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Appeals Allow Louisiana Cardiologist Convicted of Fraud to Remain Free

November 28, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

A former Lafayette cardiologist is asking to remain free pending a request that the U.S. Supreme Court hear an appeal of his 2009 health-care fraud conviction and 10-year prison sentence.

The Advocate reports Dr. Mehmood M. Patel, who is accused of billing insurers for more than $2 million in unnecessary heart procedures, has avoided prison while appealing his federal conviction for the past three years.

The 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Patel’s conviction sentence in August, and the court last week denied a request to reconsider the case.

Patel’s attorney, Amy Adelson, has asked the appeals court to allow Patel to remain free pending his request that the U.S. Supreme Court review the case.

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Florida Appeals Denial of Federal Disaster Aid for Isaac Damage

September 21, 2012Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetArticleComments

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is appealing the federal government’s decision to deny additional aid for damage caused by Hurricane Isaac last month. Scott is also asking for more aid than originally requested.

On Sept. 19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Scott’s request that President Barack Obama issue a disaster declaration.

Florida’s initial request of $26.8 million was for public assistance for Bay, Collier, Escambia, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach and Santa Rosa counties.

In its appeal Florida is also also including Broward, Franklin and Martin counties, where estimated damage is now nearly $10 million.

This brings the total statewide initial damage figure for the 10 counties to $36.7 million.

“We agree with the request of Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Florida U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings who also sent a letter to the President on September 12, 2012 expressing their support for the major disaster declaration,” Scott wrote in his appeal to FEMA.

 

Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Southeast NewsTopics: disaster declaration, FEMA disaster aid, Florida disaster aid, Hurricane Isaac lossesHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk

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