DOJ

US v. James Briar - IT Contract Fraud and Bid-Rigging

The DOJ Antitrust Division announced charges against IT executive Victor Marquez for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bid-rigging on U.S. government IT contracts. Marquez and co-conspirators allegedly defrauded the government, resulting in over $3.8 million in payments to Marquez and his company. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into IT contract fraud.

US, Ohio sue OhioHealth Corporation - Antitrust

The Department of Justice and the State of Ohio have filed an antitrust complaint against OhioHealth Corporation. The complaint alleges that OhioHealth engaged in anticompetitive practices, leading to increased healthcare costs for consumers in Ohio.

US v. Constellation Energy Corporation, et al. - Civil Merger Case

The DOJ Antitrust Division has filed a civil merger case against Constellation Energy Corporation, Calpine Corporation, and CPN CS Holdco Corp. The complaint alleges a horizontal merger violation in the electric power and natural gas distribution industries. A proposed final judgment and related stipulations were also filed.

DOJ Opinion: Defense Production Act Orders Preempt State Law

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memorandum opinion concluding that Presidential orders under the Defense Production Act (DPA) have the force of federal law and can preempt contrary state laws. This opinion addresses a specific case involving Sable Offshore Corp. and the State of California's impediments to oil production.

Reconsidering State Procedures for Competent Counsel in Capital Cases

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has withdrawn its 2009 opinion regarding the Attorney General's authority to condition expedited habeas proceedings on state competency standards for capital case counsel. This reconsideration, prompted by the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, shifts the interpretation of 28 U.S.C. § 2265(a)(1).

DOJ OLC Opinion on Federal Housing Assistance and PRWORA

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel has issued a memorandum opinion clarifying that federal housing assistance programs administered under Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 are considered 'Federal means-tested public benefits' under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Alien applicants must now satisfy eligibility requirements under both statutes.

DOJ Opinion: 18 U.S.C. § 1715 Unconstitutional for Protected Firearms

The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has issued an opinion stating that 18 U.S.C. § 1715 is unconstitutional as applied to protected firearms, including handguns. The DOJ may no longer enforce this statute with respect to such firearms, and the Postal Service should modify its regulations accordingly.

DOJ Legal Opinion on Stock Units for Federal Employees

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has issued a legal opinion clarifying that federal employees participating in the proposed "Tech Force" program may continue to receive previously awarded restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest during their government service. This opinion aims to facilitate the recruitment of skilled technologists into federal roles.

DOJ: Former Commercial Roofing Executive Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

The Department of Justice announced that Gregg Wallick, former executive of a commercial roofing company, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to rig bids on roofing projects in Florida. The scheme illegally obtained over $3.5 million and violated the Sherman Act.

DOJ: Texas Man Sentenced for Antitrust Conspiracy

The Department of Justice announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $50,000 fine for his role in a conspiracy to monopolize the international transit industry. The scheme involved price fixing and extorting competitors.