Orlando Man Arrested for Alleged Elder Investment Fraud Scheme

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation announced the arrest of Anthony Michael Hernandez on charges of organized fraud, exploitation of the elderly, unregistered securities sales, and bank fraud. Hernandez is accused of orchestrating a $1.6 million investment fraud scheme targeting more than 300 mostly elderly investors across 37 states. Bond was set at $1.95 million.

Florida SB 180 Securities Regulation

Florida Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III issued a statement on Governor DeSantis signing Florida Senate Bill 180 – Securities Regulation. The bill takes effect October 1, 2023, and eliminates issuer-dealer registration requirements and issuer escrow requirements, exempts advisers to private funds from registration, reduces a filing fee, and establishes continuing education requirements for associated persons of investment advisers and federal covered advisers.

OFR Warns Unlicensed Check Cashers, Issues Subpoenas in Operation CheckBox

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) conducted Operation CheckBox, a statewide sweep targeting convenience store retailers operating unlicensed self-service check-cashing machines. The OFR issued warning letters, subpoenas, and document requests to over a dozen unlicensed entities and began formal investigations of three related companies for potential violations of Chapter 560, Florida Statutes.

Hubbard v. Everett appeal, Court affirms dismissal

Hubbard v. Everett appeal, Court affirms dismissal

Castillo-Urbina v. Washington - Domestic Violence Rape Convictions Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals Division One affirmed Eduardo Castillo-Urbina's convictions on two counts of second-degree rape, one count of second-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, and one count of third-degree malicious mischief, all domestic violence offenses against his wife. The appellate court rejected Urbina's claims of trial court error regarding evidentiary rulings and an exceptional sentence, finding no abuse of discretion.

Robertson-Butler Appeal - Assault Drive-by Firearm Convictions Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One affirmed Frankie Robertson-Butler's convictions for assault in the second degree, drive-by shooting, and unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. The court rejected claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, and challenges to community custody conditions. Robertson argued his counsel should have requested necessity and 'act on appearances' instructions related to his self-defense theory.

State v. Pond - Sex Offender Registration Retroactivity

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division I reversed a trial court dismissal in State v. Pond, holding that 2023 amendments to RCW 9A.44.144 (ESHB 1394) providing relief from sex offender registration for juvenile offenders do not apply retroactively to defendants whose registration duty arose from adult convictions. The court remanded the case for further proceedings.

Termination of Parental Rights Affirmed, Racial Bias Claim Fails

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, affirmed the termination of Mr. M.'s parental rights to his daughter I.C.M.M., rejecting his claims that the decision improperly relied on racial/ethnic bias and that DCYF failed to provide statutorily required services under RCW 13.34.180(1). The superior court had terminated parental rights in December 2024 after finding parental deficiencies including inability to protect the child from abuse and inappropriate physical discipline.

Tim Koetje Initiative Struck Down - Ballot Initiative Repeal of Property Tax Measure

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One affirmed the trial court's injunction preventing Tim Koetje's Initiative 2024-01 from appearing on the Whatcom County November 2024 ballot. The initiative sought to repeal a 2022 voter-approved property tax lid lift that funded the Healthy Children's Fund for childcare and early learning programs. The court held the initiative was administrative rather than legislative in nature and improperly interfered with the county council's budgetary authority.

Nowell Estate Administration Dispute - Appeal Dismissed

Washington Court of Appeals, Division One dismissed Deborah Osborne's appeal challenging the appointment of El-Fatih Paul Nowell as administrator of his deceased wife's estate. The court affirmed the superior court's denial of Osborne's motion to vacate the commissioner-ordered appointment, finding no basis to overturn the appointment made in Pierce County Superior Court.