News from July 2018
Consumers challenge fee for certain payments made to Santander
FRESNO – Several California consumers are challenging a fee imposed on payments made online or over the phone.
Wheelchair user alleges she could not book room at Sacramento hotel because of barriers
SACRAMENTO – An Arizona woman alleges a Sacramento hotel has architectural barriers that restrict access to wheelchair users.
Consumer claims JPL Recovery Solutions contacted medical office, sister regarding debt
SACRAMENTO – A Stockton resident alleges a debt collector contacted third parties regarding an alleged debt without her authorization.
Former El Dorado County attorney files retaliation complaint over termination
SACRAMENTO – An attorney alleges she was terminated by a county office in retaliation for exercising her protected rights.
Consumer claims Dodge vehicle has defects, seeks rescission of contract
SACRAMENTO – A San Joaquin County consumer is seeking rescission of a sales contract of a Dodge vehicle over allegations it has defects that have not been repaired.
Consumer alleges Chase account on credit report was not updated
SACRAMENTO – A consumer claims her credit report has not been updated to reflect a bankruptcy discharge.
California Bar Court recommends disbarment for New York attorney imprisoned in bribery scandal
SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — New York attorney Benjamin Yu, admitted to the bar in California 12 years ago and disbarred in New York in 2016, faces disbarment by default following a California State Bar Court recommendation over Yu's alleged part in an East Coast bribery scandal.
Department of Defense's policy regarding permanent resident military recruits challenged as discriminatory
SAN FRANCISCO – Two lawful permanent residents have failed a suit in federal court alleging that the U.S. military’s new policy discriminates against immigrant lawful permanent residents (LPRs) by imposing longer background investigations than those for U.S. citizens, preventing immigrants from serving.
Fitbit granted motion for sanctions against Smart Wearable Technologies in infringement case
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted technology company Fitbit’s motions for sanctions and attorney’s fees against Smart Wearable Technologies Inc., noting that plaintiff Smart Wearable’s arguments were “borderline frivolous.”
Flexible Funding alleges Apollo Research Partners misappropriated more than $400,000
SAN FRANCISCO – A complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by a financial company who claims it provided finances to a man starting a temporary staffing company who misappropriated the payments for his own personal use.
Son of late Navy veteran alleges delay in treatment at VA-contracted hospital caused death
SAN FRANCISCO – The son of a U.S. Navy veteran filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, alleging the VA is directly responsible for his father's death after suffering three heart attacks.
Driver involved in crash with USPS employee in Modesto seeks damages
SACRAMENTO – A Sonora resident is seeking damages after a collision in Modesto with a federal employee.
Jayco recreational vehicle purchased by Kern County couple alleged to have defects
SACRAMENTO – A Kern County couple alleges a recreational vehicle they purchased has defects.
Wheelchair user alleges Visalia restaurant has barriers that restricted his access
SACRAMENTO – A Visalia restaurant is alleged to have barriers that made it difficult for a wheelchair user to dine at the location.
Woman challenges termination of disability benefits by Unum Group
SACRAMENTO – A woman alleges her long-term disability benefits were wrongfully terminated last year.
Longtime Orange attorney faces suspension over alleged misappropriation, trust fund issues
SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — Orange attorney Thomas Matthew Gieser, practicing in California for more than 42 years, faces suspension following a California State Bar Court recommendation over allegations of misappropriation and failure to maintain client funds in trust.
Minneapolis attorney faces reciprocal discipline in California
SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — Minneapolis attorney Lynne Ann Torgerson faces reciprocal discipline following a California State Bar Court recommendation after her 2015 suspension in Minnesota.
Former federal prosecutor ruled fit to practice again in California
SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — Once-disbarred former assistant U.S. attorney G. Paul Howes, disciplined over alleged ethical misconduct as federal prosecutor in prominent cases during the 1980s and 1990s, is again fit to practice law in California, according to a recent decision.
Atherton attorney faces disbarment following felony domestic battery conviction
SAN FRANCISCO (Northern California Record) — Atherton attorney Justin J Kim faces disbarment by default following a California State Bar Court recommendation after his conviction on felony domestic battery and other charges.