Afternoon Briefs: Former Trump adviser sues over FBI surveillance; ex-lawyer sentenced in Ponzi scheme
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Former Trump campaign adviser sues over FBI surveillance
Former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page has filed a $75 million lawsuit against the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged “unlawful spying” on him during the investigation of Russian influence. Page alleges that the surveillance was authorized as a result of “false and misleading” warrant applications. The DOJ’s inspector general concluded last December that there were “significant inaccuracies and omissions” in FBI applications to wiretap Page. (USA Today, the Associated Press, Law360)
Former lawyer sentenced for role in Ponzi scheme
Former Pennsylvania lawyer Todd Lahr was sentenced Monday to 6½ years in prison for his role in a $2.7 million Ponzi scheme that targeted his law clients. Lahr, 60, who had offices in Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, securities fraud and wire fraud. (The Morning Call, Department of Justice press release)
Rule change on bar applicant probes didn’t go far enough, groups say
Investigations into Florida Bar applicants’ mental and substance abuse disorders must focus on whether the condition may impair the ability to practice law, according to a rule change approved last week by the Florida Supreme Court. Critics said the rule change didn’t go far enough and should instead focus on disqualifying conduct. (Law360)
New York court suspends in-person proceedings
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York is halting in-person proceedings until Jan. 15 because of a spike in COVID-19 cases. Chief Judge Colleen McMahon issued the order Monday. In New York state, the courts are halting the empaneling of new grand juries and the scheduling of new jury trials. (The New York Post, WABC-TV, @nycsouthpaw, the New York Law Journal)
