The case involving Fine Gael Senator John McGahon and cigarette smuggler Breen White has concluded with White being awarded €39,000 for assault and battery. The assault took place outside the Rum House pub in Dundalk in 2018. The jury found that White had been assaulted, but apportioned 65% of the blame to McGahon and 35% to White. However, the award did not reach the €75,000 threshold for a High Court action, leaving White potentially facing a significant legal bill. White has a history of involvement in smuggling and has previously paid over €500,000 to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in a Proceeds of Crime case. The CAB pursued the case against White after discovering bags of money in one of his sheds. The importation of cigarettes from Asia by smugglers with links to ex-IRA members is believed to have made them multi-millionaires, costing the Irish taxpayer up to €600 million in lost revenue annually. McGahon claimed self-defense, but the jury held him responsible for the assault. White is likely to have to pay more in legal fees than the €39,000 he was awarded due to being held 35% responsible. [d706b694]
In other news, the Minnesota Senate has agreed to pay Carly Melin, former chief of staff for the Senate Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party, $110,000 to settle her claim of alleged marital discrimination. Melin asserts that her termination from the Senate was influenced by her spouse's actions or beliefs, which violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The settlement was approved by the Senate Rules and Administration committee, with Republicans voting against it. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a Democrat, stated that the settlement would save taxpayers' money and protect the Senate as an institution. Melin's spouse, Joe Radinovich, is a former member of the Minnesota House and the campaign manager for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Radinovich is currently involved in Don Samuels' Congressional campaign, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. [421476c4]
Additionally, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s Senate campaign has been fined $159,000 by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for violating campaign finance rules during the 2018 election. The FEC voted 6-0 to accept the agreement, which is the second-largest fine ever imposed on a senatorial campaign. The campaign was initially accused of illegally accepting improper loans, but the FEC determined that the wrongdoing amounted to clerical errors by the former treasurer, Travis Kabrick. Braun's current campaign treasurer, Thomas Datwyler, is exploring ways for his company, 9Seven Consulting, to cover the fine. The reporting errors by Kabrick were technical in nature and the underlying bank loans were legally and properly disclosed. [ef4d3bb0]
Lastly, the City of Omaha has settled a sexual harassment claim brought by a former employee. Former Human Rights and Relations Department Director Gerald Kuhn had inappropriate contact with an employee, according to City Attorney Matt Kuhse. The employee reported the harassment, leading to an investigation and Kuhn's resignation. The settlement includes $275,000 to the employee and $10,000 towards attorney fees. Kuhn resigned in April 2023, just three months after his appointment. [dccb1ab5]