US DOL: Restaurant Violated Child Labor and Overtime Laws

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc. violated child labor laws by allowing a minor to perform hazardous tasks and work excessive hours. The investigation also revealed the employer denied overtime pay to 19 workers, resulting in $20,213 in back wages. The company paid a $22,249 civil penalty.

US Department of Labor Recovers $409K Back Wages from Little Caesars Operator

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $409,457 in back wages from MG Fast Food Inc., an operator of a Little Caesars restaurant. The settlement resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act concerning minimum wage and overtime pay for 32 workers.

SEC Obtains Consent Judgment Against Defendant in Fraud Case

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Charles T. Lawrence, Jr. in a civil enforcement action. Lawrence was charged with a multi-million dollar offering fraud, misappropriating at least $4.89 million of investor funds. The judgment permanently enjoins him from violating securities laws and orders disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against Mining Company and Executives

The SEC announced final judgments by consent against Western Sierra Resource Corporation and its executives Roger Johnson and Dennis Atkins. The company and executives were charged with issuing false and misleading statements regarding the acquisition of gold mining claims. Johnson and Atkins each agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty, a three-year officer-and-director bar, and a five-year penny-stock bar.

GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal - Denial of Yearsley Protection Not Immediately Appealable

The Supreme Court ruled in GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal that a pretrial order denying a federal contractor 'Yearsley protection' is not immediately appealable. The Court held that the denial of this defense is not an immunity from suit, and thus does not qualify for interlocutory review under the collateral-order doctrine.

Villarreal v. Texas - Qualified Testimony Discussion Ban Affirmed

The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction in Villarreal v. Texas, holding that a qualified order prohibiting a testifying defendant from discussing their testimony during an overnight recess does not violate the Sixth Amendment. This ruling clarifies the balance between a defendant's right to counsel and the integrity of trial testimony.

Roundtree v. SSA Commissioner - Social Security Case Filing

A new civil case, Roundtree v. SSA Commissioner, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case concerns Social Security disability benefits, and the plaintiff has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

Navarro v. Amerigas Propane, Inc. - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Navarro v. Amerigas Propane, Inc., was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from a state court action, with Amerigas Propane, Inc. as the defendant.

S.T. v. United States of America (Federal Bureau of Prisons) - Civil Case Filing

A civil case, Case Number 3:26-cv-01649, was filed against the United States of America, specifically the Federal Bureau of Prisons, on February 25, 2026. The filing includes a complaint, proposed summons, and a consent to proceed before a US Magistrate Judge.

Rodriguez v Thoratec Corp - Personal Injury Product Liability

A civil case, Rodriguez et al v. Thoratec Corporation et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from Alameda Superior Court and concerns personal injury product liability.