Justice Department Sues SeaWorld Over Wheeled Walker Ban

The Justice Department has sued United Parks & Resorts Inc. (UPR), which operates SeaWorld and other theme parks, alleging its policy banning wheeled walkers with seats violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit seeks to end the discriminatory policy, modify park practices, and obtain monetary damages and civil penalties.

DOJ Investigates California and Maine Prison Housing Practices

The Department of Justice has initiated federal investigations into California and Maine regarding their practices of housing biological men in women's prisons. These investigations will determine if these practices violate the constitutional rights of female prisoners, specifically concerning safety and equal protection.

United States v. Lorenzo Taylor, Jr. - Appeal of Compassionate Release Denial

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's denial of Lorenzo Taylor, Jr.'s motion for compassionate release. The court found Taylor's notice of appeal to be untimely, despite a prior remand for consideration of Rule 4(b)(4) relief.

United States v. Taboris Mock - Appeal Dismissed

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Government's motion to dismiss the appeal of Taboris Mock. The dismissal was based on an appeal waiver included in the defendant's plea agreement. The court cited previous rulings upholding such waivers when made knowingly and voluntarily.

United States v. Lawrence Alexander - False Statement Conviction Appeal

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an opinion in the case of United States v. Lawrence Alexander. The court affirmed a conviction for making a false statement relating to health care matters, while reversing a conspiracy conviction. The defendant, an orthopedic surgeon, was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution and forfeit funds.

United States v. Bamidele Oludayo Omotosho - Criminal Appeal

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a non-precedential opinion in the criminal appeal of United States v. Bamidele Oludayo Omotosho. The court denied a construed motion for substitution of counsel as moot and noted the filing date of the opinion.

United States v. Coogan Preston - Appeal Waiver

The Eleventh Circuit granted the government's motion to dismiss an appeal filed by Coogan Preston. Preston was sentenced to 64 months for conspiring to commit bribery and receiving gratuities. The court found that Preston waived his right to appeal his sentence as part of his plea agreement.

William Merryman v. Town of Orange Park - Appeal of Non-Final Orders

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed William Merryman's appeal against the Town of Orange Park. The court found it lacked jurisdiction because the district court orders appealed were not final decisions and did not meet exceptions for interlocutory appeals. The case remains pending in the district court.

Terry Joyner v. City of Atlanta - Employment Discrimination and Retaliation

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an opinion in Terry Joyner v. City of Atlanta. The court affirmed the dismissal of most of Joyner's claims regarding racial discrimination and retaliation but reversed the grant of summary judgment on his First Amendment retaliation claim against two former supervisors.

United States v. Israel Rojas - Compassionate Release Appeal

The Eleventh Circuit vacated and remanded the district court's denial of Israel Rojas's motion for compassionate release. The appellate court agreed with both parties that Rojas had exhausted his administrative remedies, a point the district court had initially ruled against. The case will now proceed to consider the merits of Rojas's release request.