This column reports on several significant, representative decisions handed down recently in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Judge Dora L. Irizarry granted a motion for acquittal on money laundering charges. Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis found a Title VII violation in the hiring procedures of the New York City Fire Department. Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann rejected defendant’s constitutional challenge to a sentence imposing a fine greater than the collateral forfeiture amount in lieu of an appearance. Judge Frederic Block disagreed with plaintiffs as to the “relation back” date of an amended complaint. And Judge Arthur D. Spatt ordered disgorgement from Relief Defendants who, though not directly accused of wrongdoing, had received ill-gotten funds from defendants without consideration.

Rule 29—Money Laundering

In United States v. Roberts, 07 CR 425(S-3) (EDNY, June 25, 2009), Judge Irizarry granted a Rule 29 motion for a judgment of acquittal on counts of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.