A federal judge Wednesday sentenced Mac Burt, a founder and top administrator of Forest Park Medical Center, and surgeon Shawn Henry to several years in prison and ordered them to pay millions of dollars in restitution for their role in a $40 million fraud and kickback scheme. A nurse was hit with a three year prison term. Four more doctors will be sentenced Thursday. The Texas Lawbook’s Bruce Tomaso was in federal court in Dallas all day and has an in-depth report.
Forest Park Surgeons, Executives Face Prison Time Today
Six surgeons, a chiropractor and five hospital administrators from the now defunct Forest Park Medical Center fraud case – including seven who were found guilty at a lengthy trial nearly two years ago – are back in federal court today to learn how much time they could spend in prison. The Forest Park case exposed a vast bribery and kickback conspiracy involving prominent Texas surgeons and a luxurious physician-owned hospital. The Texas Lawbook is in the courtroom and will provide updates.
Six Charged in Frequent Flyer Hacking Scam
North Texas federal prosecutors have charged six men in a scheme that marketed airline travel booked with hacked frequent flier miles. Bruce Tomaso explains.
Emoji Creator Sues Apple in Waco Federal Court
Apple received kudos when it rolled out a stock of emoji that revealed diverse skin colors along with their typically diverse emotions. But a Texas woman has filed suit in Waco contending that Apple stole the concept when she approached the company about a partnership. Bruce Tomaso has details of the litigation.
First COA Reverses $1.5M Verdict Against Baylor Medical J/V
The ruling in favor of Baylor Miraca Genetics Laboratories pours out a 2018 verdict for former company executive Brandon Perthius who had claimed commissions on sales made after he left for a competitor. The Lawbook’s Bruce Tomaso has the details.
Republican Jim Wright Defeats Dallas Lawyer Chrysta Castañeda for RRC Seat
No Democrat has won a seat on the industry-friendly Railroad Commission since 1990.
Democrats Hold Grip on Dallas, Harris County District Courts
With results still trickling in, Democrats seemed certain to maintain their lock on the civil District Court benches in the state’s two most populous counties.
The Lowdown on Straight-Ticket Voting in Texas
Straight-ticket voting is no more in Texas, but what are the implications? This article explains the history of the voting method and both parties’ attitudes toward it.
SCOTX Election Overview: Incumbency Has its Privileges
The four races in the Supreme Court of Texas bring notable aspects from both groups of candidates. The incumbents have the advantage of much more campaign finance support from the legal community. The incumbents’ opponents – all women – comprise the most diverse slate of challenger candidates the court has seen.
Fifth District COA Candidates Make Their Case in Refreshingly Civil Virtual Forum
The Democratic and Republican candidates for three seats on the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas did something Thursday evening that, in 2020, could strike many voters as odd. They engaged in a cordial, thoughtful, informative discussion of their qualifications to the bench, their legal experience and their judicial philosophies. Bruce Tomaso details what was said at the forum, which was moderated by The Texas Lawbook.