Most Tracked Verdict: Amtrak Engineer Cleared of Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment
Brandon Bostian, an Amtrak engineer who was charged after a train in Pennsylvania derailed and killed eight passengers in 2015, was cleared of criminal negligence by a jury, according to an article from ABC News. The train was traveling “more than twice the speed limit” around a curve, and hundreds were injured as a result of the crash. Bostian was charged with causing a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and involuntary manslaughter.
Most Trashy Verdict: Atlanta to Pay $19M for Garbage Practices
A Fulton County judge signed off on a $19 million settlement for those impacted by Atlanta’s trash fee law, according to an article from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Attorneys representing condominium owners as well as commercial developments said the city’s “frontage fee law” amounts to an “illegal tax” for trash and street sweeping services. The lawsuit also alleges the city did not perform said services even as it raised fees by as much as $12,000 in 2019.
Most Caught Verdict: Georgia Man Gets 3 Years in Plea Deal After Using COVID Loan to Buy Charizard Card
Vinath Oudomsine, of Georgia, was given a three-year prison sentence after being accused of using a COVID-19 relief loan to buy a Pokémon card, according to an article from NBC News. Oudomsine pleaded guilty in the fall to wire fraud, notes the article. He was forced to give up the $58,000 Charizard card as part of his plea deal.
Most Celebrity Verdict: SCOTUS Rejects Bid to Overturn Cosby Release
The Supreme Court denied a bid to appeal a state court decision overturning Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction, according to an article from an ABC News 10. In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby’s initial conviction after it ruled an agreement between Cosby and then-Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor to not press criminal charges in exchange for testimony in a civil suit was unfairly broken by Castor’s successor. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that using evidence from the civil case to prosecute him criminally violated the former television star’s due process rights.
Most Settled Verdict: Florida Settles Massive Opioid Case with Pharmaceutical Giant CVS, Others
Florida secured an $860 million settlement with Allergan, CVS and Teva over their alleged role in the state’s opioid epidemic, according to an article from The Hill. CVS will be responsible for $484 million, while Teva will be on the hook for $177 million and Allergan will owe approximately $134 million. Further, a separate trial with pharmaceutical company Walgreens is set to take place in April.