A jury in the Forest Park Medical Center bribery and kickbacks trial returned its verdict late Tuesday, convicting seven of nine defendants on charges ranging from conspiracy to money laundering. One defendant, Dr. Nick Nicholson was acquitted of all charges. The jury was unable to reach a verdict regarding the one charge against Carli Hemple, the director of bariatric services at the hospital. The Texas Lawbook has the latest.
Ed Tomko’s Exit Interview: A White Collar Law Expert On Both Sides of the Charge
With the Forest Park Medical Center case now in the hands of the jury, white collar veteran Ed Tomko may have seen his final trial. As a veteran prosecutor and well-regarded defense attorney, Tomko has witnessed much from both sides. He shares his insights in a sit-down with Lawbook litigation writer Natalie Posgate.
Now, Tuesday Morning…
Jurors in the Forest Park Medical Center bribery trial headed home late Monday. They will resume Tuesday after 19 hours of deliberation. Like last week, the jurors had questions. But unlike last week, those questions were answered via telephone from Toledo. Bruce Tomaso explains.
Doctors Beware: The Federal Government Means Business
One of the highest profile health care fraud trials in a generation is nearing conclusion in a Dallas federal courtroom against the now-shuttered Forest Park Medical Center and surgeons who practiced there. While there is no telling what the jury will determine, the case itself is an important warning for health care practitioners. Here are a few take-aways from experts in the field.
Call Me By My Name: And No, I’m Not NAFTA
Call it what you will, like it or not, but the newest iteration of a North American trade agreement recognizes the new economic realities that have developed over 25 years of NAFTA. A panel of experts, including the chief legal officer of AT&T Latin America, at SMU’s Cox School of Business reflected on the new realities. The Lawbook was there.
Forest Park trial judge was once a target for murder
Public service has its price. Three years ago, U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary learned how steep that price can be. A suspected terrorist in Ohio put out a contract on
Few Lawyers Seek Top SEC Enforcement Job in Texas
The number of people who applied for the SEC’s regional director’s position in Fort Worth can be counted on one hand. The reason: the SEC’s Fort Worth enforcement budget has been slashed, staffing has been dramatically reduced and the ability to investigate and prosecute complex cases against corporations and financial institutions involved in illegal and fraudulent conduct has been significantly weakened. The Texas Lawbook has insider details.
Blockchain and the Future of Everything
What is blockchain? Is there a difference between bitcoin and blockchain? What do smart contracts mean for lawyers? Matt Acosta of Jackson Walker provides a beginner’s guide to understanding this developing technology.
Houston Law Firm Wins Nation’s First Prisoner Release under First Step Act
Richard Evans walked out of federal prison Thursday as the first person freed under the new First Step Act’s “compassionate release” measure. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt of Houston signed the order and Houston lawyers David Gerger, Samy Khalil and Ashlee McFarland filed the emergency petition. The Texas Lawbook has the inside details.
Forest Park Surgeons and Hospital Officials on Trial for Alleged Kickback Scheme
Jury selection is expected to start today for five doctors and four other Forest Park hospital officials standing trial in federal court for being involved in an alleged illegal kickback scheme that put tens of millions of dollars into their pockets. Healthcare lawyers across the country are closely monitoring the case. Texas Lawbook correspondent Bruce Tomaso is covering the trial and will provide gavel-to-gavel coverage.