Latest news with #Jernigan
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fiction On The Bench? Dallas Judge Jernigan Is Turning Pages
A Texas bankruptcy courtroom may have become the setting for one of the most controversial legal dramas in the Lone Star State's history. A drama is so rich that it might even be considered a good enough plot for a fiction novel, so much so that a presiding judge may have allegedly written a fiction book based on what was going down in her courtroom. Chief Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan, who presided over the recent billion-dollar dismantling of Dallas-based Highland Capital Management, per is now under fire for writing a collection of fiction books that critics say mirror the real-life case she oversaw as a judge. Highland Capital's founder, James Dondero, accused Jernigan of bias, abuse of authority, and rubber-stamping massive legal fees, all while releasing novels that suspiciously resembled the proceedings she oversaw. The Fifth Circuit recently rejected Dondero's attempt to force Jernigan's recusal but noted a 'strong argument could be made' that she should have stepped aside. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Fifth Circuit ruled that Judge Jernigan did not need to recuse herself from the case despite the extremely transparent similarities between her novels and the proceedings she oversaw as a judge. Jernigan's books feature fictional hedge fund characters whose exploits echo the drama surrounding Highland's recent viral cases. Some critics claim that these books reveal insider knowledge and hostility toward the financial world she directly oversaw as a judge. In a previous report by the ABA Journal, a legal team highlighted similarities between the fictional characters and real-life individuals involved in the case that Jernigan was so keen to write and profit from. Meanwhile, the real-life bankruptcy cases have drawn many scrutinous eyes, not just from the readers about the outcomes but also from those critical of Jernigan. Legal fees reportedly topped $250 million during the Highland Capital Management bankruptcy proceedings, with one law firm partner earning nearly $30 million annually, according to Above the Law. Meanwhile, per Scribd, no bonuses were paid to rank-and-file employees. Despite the court's refusal to intervene, legal observers say the Fifth Circuit's language could fuel ethics complaints or even congressional probes. As The Dallas Express investigates, one thing is clear: the bankruptcy under Jernigan may be more than a financial meltdown; it might be a cautionary tale about judicial accountability and someone seeking creative clout over their duty. Stay tuned for another DX deep dive into the $250 million legal fees, alleged Russian ties, and what really happened inside Jernigan's courtroom (or novel pitches). As of the time of publication, Jernigan's team has not responded to multiple attempts to reach out for a compliment from DX about the encroaching book plots she wrote following the cases she oversaw.
Los Angeles Times
30-04-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Orange County crime victims call for changes in laws
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and crime victims Tuesday held a rally calling on state lawmakers to tighten up loopholes they say will allow for violent criminals to earn early release from prison. The theme of the office's annual crime victims rally was 're-victimization,' as victims and their loved ones worry that convicts they thought would never get out could still get a pass. Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Doug Chaffee told those gathered outside the offices for prosecutors and sheriff's deputies that the county will 'stand up for victims every step of the way ... even as laws change and challenges arise.' Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent decried 'flaws in our system' regarding 'current parole and re-sentencing laws.' He said victims were experiencing 'the painful reality of re-victimization. The justice you thought was served is being reconsidered.' State legislators have changed murder laws, eliminating a theory of liability for anyone associated with a killing being eligible for murder convictions no matter their level of involvement. Now prosecutors must show a more direct involvement in carrying out a murder. Since lawmakers made the change retroactive, many convicts have petitioned for reconsideration and have been able to gain freedom. 'It's a re-opening of wounds you worked so hard to heal,' Kent said. 'You should never have to fight for the justice you already earned.' Jacki Chalabian Jernigan, whose sister Dr. Jeanine Rose Chalabian was killed Oct. 10, 1997 by her estranged husband, Hratch Baliozian, detailed how she lost her struggle to keep the defendant behind bars. She noted that when he was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison in 1999 the judge said the defendant's last breath should be taken behind bars. Baliozian reached out to his children during the COVID-19 pandemic for help getting out of prison. She said he was denied parole in recent years because he did not complete some courses and had not shown any remorse. But instead of waiting another three years for a parole hearing, he was allowed to try again in a year and a half because he took the courses and was released, she said. Jernigan appealed for a full parole board to reconsider in September, but the decision was not overturned, she said. She was also unable to get a restraining order against him. 'I still do not know where he is,' she said. 'With the internet he can find all of our addresses but we can't know his. It's terrible. This is wrong.' ' ... Pre-meditated murder is just that,' Jernigan continued. 'This level of evil should never be released ... I pray this broken system can be improved.' Susan Montemayor Gutierrez, whose husband David Monetemayor was kidnapped and killed in a plot conceived by his sister in Buena Park on Oct. 2, 2002, bemoaned how one of the victim's convicted killers has been released and his sister is appealing to have her sentence reconsidered under the new state law. Three of Montemayor's killers have been condemned to death and two were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Gerardo Lopez's case was sent to juvenile court and he was eventually released at the border and allowed to 'self-deport,' she said. Deborah Perna, 68, is appealing to have her conviction reconsidered. 'David's sister solicited the murder,' she said. 'She had full understanding of what she was doing.' Montemayor Gutierrez said a hearing will be held in Orange County in the next couple of months. 'She will be trying to downplay her role in the murder,' she said. 'I don't think she will ever ... accept responsibility for her role in the murder.' She said she was hopeful the petition will be denied, but added that might be 'naive.' The mother of an 8-year-old boy sexually assaulted by Matthew Zakrzewski, 36, who was sentenced in November 2023 to 707 years to life in prison for molesting 16 boys and exposing a 17th to child pornography, criticized a loophole in the law that allows for the early release of some inmates who reach the age of 50 and have served more than 20 years in prison. Zakrzewski was eligible for parole in May 2039, according to the state Department of Corrections. If he is granted parole, it is likely prosecutors would seek to have him committed to a state mental health hospital as a sexually violent predator. Spitzer praised the boy's mother, who appealed along with prosecutor Robert Mestman, for lawmakers to close the loophole. Spitzer was impressed the proposal got out of a public safety committee. The county's top prosecutor said he was 'quite frankly blown away' by the testimonials from crime victims Tuesday. Spitzer said he was encouraged by the passage of Prop. 36, which allows for increased punishment for recidivist drug and theft convicts. 'It's up to us,' he said. 'We have the power, the ability, the momentum.'
CBS News
23-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Baltimore program empowers young men of color with exposure to industries and careers
A Baltimore program is building a pipeline of leaders in the community. It's called Young Men United, through the United Way of Central Maryland. The program is designed to help young men of color reach their full potential and expose them to different industries and careers. They're mentored by other adult men, helping students overcome systemic barriers and teaching them how to become community leaders. "We understand the challenges and dynamics that young men of color face historically in the Baltimore area," said William Jernigan, the senior director of education for Young Men United. "It's our job to help them address those challenges and barriers, but also, give them that guide to actually lead them into successful careers." "It's a great opportunity" Nationally, Black men have the lowest four-year college completion rate of all demographic groups (only 40%) and are the most likely to leave without a degree (41%). "It's a great opportunity to address the things that teachers and administrators are not always able to see and for us to provide that additional lens of support and even that connection to resources and opportunities," Jernigan said. The program includes 81 students from Ben Franklin and Patterson High Schools. They are part of the first cohort set to graduate from the program. Lessons go beyond the classroom for college tours and volunteer work. Students even went shopping for the right suit and tie. Carrying a lifetime of skills Wednesday, students at Patterson High School discussed advocacy and boundaries. It's just one of the many skills they will carry with them for life. The program helps students identify their career goals and provides them with the resources to help their dreams come true. "I'm not too sure as of right now, but I do have a couple of ideas on what I want to do," said Chris Frasier, a junior at Patterson High School. Frasier said the program has allowed him to think outside the box and prepare for his future. "This program helped push me to raise my GPA," Frasier said. Another student, David Iagher, said he's grateful for the men he's been able to connect with throughout the program. "I look at all these great men around me. I want to be where they are one day," Iagher said. "It's very good motivation for what I want to do in life." Students are set to graduate from the program this Thursday, April 24. However, Jernigan said this 10-year program guides students from high school to college or job training and into a full-time career. "We bring young men in at 10th grade," Jernigan said. "We follow them all the way up into graduation from high school. Then, we also follow them up until the age of 24 to connect them to their desired career opportunities." "It's very good to not have to bear all that weight on your shoulders and have people you can rely on," Iagher said.
CBS News
23-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Crozer Health hospitals begin diverting patients after judge approves Prospect's closure plans
Crozer Health hospitals in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, began diverting patients from their emergency departments Wednesday morning, one day after a federal bankruptcy judge approved Prospect Medical Holdings' plan to close the health system. Patients brought to Crozer Health locations will be treated and released or treated and transferred to other hospitals in the area. With the closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, Delaware County now has only Riddle and Mercy-Fitzgerald hospitals remaining. Nearby hospitals will absorb Crozer Health patients, including Riddle Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City and ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital in Delaware. Elective inpatient admissions have also stopped at Crozer-Chester and Taylor hospitals. Many other services, including trauma, surgery, oncology, as well as obstetrics and gynecology, have also been discontinued. The emergency departments will no longer accept patients by ambulance either. Federal judge approves Prospect's closure of Crozer Health On Tuesday, April 22, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan authorized Prospect Medical Holdings' plan to close the Crozer Health system. In approving the closure, Jernigan said she loses sleep over the "widespread consequences" of the ruling. The closing decision comes after a monthslong effort to save the Crozer Health system failed. Almost $50 million was invested in Crozer to keep the payroll going. Last week, a $5 million deal between the California-based Prospect and Penn Medicine to keep the system operating collapsed. According to testimony, Crozer Health has $19 million on hand. Closing Crozer-Chester and Taylor hospitals is expected to cost upward of $30 million. Crozer-Chester admitted 19,000 patients, treated 53,000 emergency department patients and delivered 1,700 babies every year. Lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Attorney General David Sunday, fought to save the system while condemning Prospect. Democratic State Sen. John Kane is calling for criminal charges against Prospect. "There's got to be a crime. To me, this is worse than blue-collar crime," Kane said. "This, to me, is fleecing of America when you have a corporation that comes in like that and steals all this money and shuts down a hospital that is so needed in Chester and the area, and this entire community." What happens next for Crozer Health? Thousands of Crozer Health hospital workers received email notices Monday about the system's closure. Layoffs impacting more than 2,600 employees are expected to begin Friday. Prospect anticipates that the full closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital will be completed within 30 days. Earlier this week, a Prospect spokesperson claimed the ambulatory surgery and imaging centers at Brinton Lake, Broomall, Haverford and Media will stay open. This is a developing story and will be updated.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's next for Shoreline Foods? Owners share 'sad' update following fire
It's the end of an era for Shoreline Foods, a Pensacola community staple at 1180 W. Main St. since 1978. The international food store has been at the core of generations of Pensacolians' memories, until operations came to a halt following an electrical fire in September. Sisters Chrisoula 'Chrissy' Jernigan and Katerina 'Katy' Vatsolakis initially hoped to reopen the shop before learning of the full extent of the damage. Now, they have come to the difficult decision to close the store permanently. However, their olive oil business, Shoreline Olive Oil, imported from her family's community of Crete, Greece, will remain open. 'We wanted to continue on with that,' Jernigan said of Shoreline Olive Oil. 'So after the fire happened, then we decided to use our warehouse in the back and start wholesaling it out of here … we are keeping the name Shoreline on the can, even though the Shoreline Foods is no longer in business, Shoreline Olive Oil will continue. 'It's been stressful and it's been sad. People will message me and ask me when the store is going to open, and if I tell them it's not, their responses are what get me. I don't like disappointing people, that's just how I am,' Jernigan added. 'So to feel like you are partly responsible for a 40-year-old business closing, it weighs on you. It's sad.' Shoreline Foods catches fire: Pensacola international market and deli suffers 'significant damage' While the store was established in 1978 by Mike Gavallas, the Vatsolakis family moved to the United States from Greece to take it over in 1998. The sisters' parents, Stylianos and Alice Vatsolakis, grew the store there and began importing olive oil in 2004, quickly becoming a local favorite. 'Dad had a vision with the olive oil, and started with one palette, and then we had to build this (garage) because we didn't have enough room in the warehouse,' Chrissy Vatsolakis said. 'We just kept on importing more and more olive oil, and customers loved it. And then he imported the olives, your fetas, and the whole ethnic food aisle came. I mean, it was a great vision, and you couldn't find it back then in the early 2000s.' The two grew up in the store as young girls. After school, the school bus dropped them off right at the front of the store, where they were greeted by their father's sparkling, polished floors and a wave of air conditioning that their father insisted must be strong to keep customers cool. 'Dad was here 70-plus hours a week, working and keeping this place clean. That was the main thing,' Vatsolakis said. 'Mom was a cook in the Navy. She kept that deli spotless, and she didn't play when it came to cleanliness … she did the office work too.' Sometimes it was hard, as they prepared beach day sandwiches for their friends as they worked a sunny Saturday or had to prioritize the store over playing on their school sports teams. Vatsolakis recalls days spent hand-packaging dried dill, curries and anise with her mother. Even with their sacrifices, the two now look back fondly on those days with their family working side-by-side in the store. 'People would come in and be entertained by my sister and I at the register, because sometimes we would bicker back and forth,' Jernigan said of their teenage years. 'It was just comedy.' Vatsolakis added, 'I think back then, it was hard because we were young, and we missed out on a lot because we worked so much. But now, it's the good old days. Now that I'm grown, it's the good old days.' When the two stepped up to take over the store for their family in 2024 – following in the footsteps of their brother Manoly Vatsolakis, who took over the store years before – they did it largely because they couldn't stand to disappoint generations of loyal customers they knew on a first-name basis. They poured into Shoreline even though they had separate businesses to manage and young children waiting for them at home. 'I'm still friends with people whose sandwiches I made 20 years ago,' Jernigan said. 'I have built great relationship with customers that I still keep in touch with today … this store has people who have grown up coming here. It's a part of their life, and I feel like I'm ending chapters for multiple people.' When the fire struck, their biggest fear came true. The deli was destroyed, and smoke damage spread throughout the building, which will require the whole building to be demolished, according to Jernigan. After lots of back-and-forth with insurance companies, they realized reopening the store was unsustainable and pivoted to keep Shoreline's legacy alive through the wholesale olive oil business. Since they own the property that houses both the store and olive oil warehouse, they will continue storing and selling olive oil from the warehouse. However, they are open to selling the property eventually and relocating. For now, olive oil can be picked up on select days and times from the warehouse, as well as consistently at other wholesale locations such as Apple Market, The Butcher Shoppe, Joe Patti's, The Farm and Merefa. They are looking to grow their partnerships with local restaurants and businesses to offer even more. 'You just want one pure, extra virgin olive oil on the shelf, that's what we offer here,' Vatsolakis said. 'That's what we have no problem saying, 'You're getting one pure, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil where you know where it comes from.'" They hope, through their olive oil, they will continue to be part of family traditions around the dinner table. So far, longtime and newly converted customers can't seem to get enough. 'We've gone through 60 cases in a week, and we're not even open,' Jernigan said. However, they're just getting started, and plan to carry even more in time. For more details and information, reach out to Shoreline Olive Oil at 850-221-2434 or send an email to shorelineoliveoil@ and follow Shoreline Olive Oil on social media. Stay up to date on the latest restaurant news by subscribing to our free Pensacola Eats newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up for the newsletter at This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Shoreline Foods to permanently close following a September electrical fire
