One of the men who authorities say was at the center of a scam to use a veterans charity as a front for an illegal gambling operation worth nearly $300 million was a well-known attorney who once ran a marathon in a suit as a publicity stunt.

Another man involved in the case was described by friends as a small-town “pool hustler” in South Carolina. Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis was identified by authorities as the man at the center of the alleged racketeering scheme. Two other men charged as co-conspirators had experience running gaming parlors, including Johnny E. Duncan, who was charged more than 20 years ago with creating a fake charity to sponsor bingo gaming, which allowed the games to operate tax-free. The other man, Jerry Bass, had previously worked as general manager of a video poker parlor in South Carolina.

Authorities said Mathis made about $6 million from the operation. During a news conference Wednesday, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi unveiled a poster with a photo of Mathis in the center and linked to dozens of alleged gambling operations. Officials said he was the registered agent for 112 businesses related to the investigation. Nearly 60 people have been arrested so far.

A New York City man accused of killing and dismembering his mother has appeared at his arraignment on a murder charge wearing a large garbage bag.

Bahsid McLean was held without bail following his Bronx court appearance Thursday.

His attorney says his client had been urinating on himself and had no other clean clothing. He says he is off medication, and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The criminal complaint says McLean stabbed Tanya Byrd and then cut up her body with help from another man.

A resident walking his dog came across the remains early Tuesday. Police say they were stuffed in four bags and scattered along four blocks.

The second suspect, William Harris, was arraigned on charges that include hindering prosecution. There was no immediate information on his attorney.

Mr. Mizejewski of MJM Law Office, P.C. is a Eugene Criminal Lawyer focusing his practice on criminal defense and family law. Representing clients from all over Eugene, he covers all cases involving anything from DUI offenses, assault and battery, drug crimes to custody disputes and child support. Mr. Mizejewski is also known for quality representation in the Juvenile courts cases at the John Serbu Juvenile Justice Center.

Criminal defense is a serious matter and Mr. Mizejewski understands it is not an easy time for those who are charged with a crime. His experience helps him navigate through the legal system effectively during this challenging time and promises to work hand in hand with clients. Each client situation is unique and requires time and having several options is the key in resolving the issues in an efficient manner.

With an office located in the heart of downtown Eugene, Oregon, MJM Law Office, P.C. mainly represents clients from Lane County, Oregon. Frequenting the Lane County Circuit Court has helped us familiarize with the individual judges, district attorneys, and court staff. In addition, our time is spent in Juvenile Court and the other courts surrounding, including Springfield Municipal Court, Eugene Municipal Court, Cottage Grove Municipal Court, and Florence Municipal Court.

When it comes to family, it is important to hire an experience attorney to help deal with your legal concerns. These issues are life-changing and with our close network of relationships in the Lane County district, we have what it takes to serve our clients to the best of abilities. Our Eugene criminal lawyer has proudly represented for clients in the Eugene, Springfield, Coburg, Creswell, Cottage Grove, Junction City and Florence communities.

Creditor’s Rights

The Firm’s creditors’ rights expertise also includes such areas as foreclosures and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure; appointment of receivers; replevin, garnishment and attachment proceedings, pre-judgment and post-judgment; suits on guaranties, Uniform Commercial Code issues, and other commercial litigation matters.

Debt Relief

Our attorneys help individuals, consumers, business investors and small businesses file for bankruptcy protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, whether it be a liquidation under Chapter 7 or a reorganization under Chapters 11 or 13. We strive to provide a high degree of service and personal care to each of our clients. Our philosophy is simple: provide competent and high quality bankruptcy services for a reasonable fee.

Riley Bennett & Egloff Law is an Indianapolis based law firm. Their attorneys have substantial experience collecting monies owed to their business clients in Indiana state courts and in federal bankruptcy courts. The firm continues to focus on maximizing their client's recovery in an fast and cost-effective manner. Their goal is to provide high quality services and they have a lengthy record of success to show for it. Visit www.rbelaw.com to see more.

On November 16, 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Keyuan Petrochemicals, Inc. The complaint alleges violations of federal securities laws, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, including allegations of issuing a series of material misrepresentations to the market which had the effect of artificially inflating the market price. The class period is from August 16, 2010 through October 7, 2011.

Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of the Class. If you are a member of the Class as described above, you may move the Court no later than Tuesday, January 17, 2012, to serve as a lead plaintiff for the Class. However, in order to do so, you must meet certain legal requirements pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

If you wish to discuss this action, participate in this or any other lawsuit, or have any questions or concerns regarding this notice, or preservation of your rights, please contact: www.federmanlaw.com

A New Orleans-based law firm is expanding into Mississippi as it merges with a firm based in Jackson.

The New Orleans firm is Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere & Denegre L.L.P.

It is combining with Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A., a firm that includes former Mississippi Gov. William Winter.

The firms say in a news release Tuesday that the merger should be complete by Jan. 1, and the combined firm will have 375 attorneys.

It will go by the current name of the New Orleans firm, Jones Walker.

After the merger is complete, Jones Walker will have 15 offices in Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and the District of Columbia.