Florida Attorney General
State Government: Executive Offices | Attorney General / Department of Justice
Recent News About Florida Attorney General
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Attorney General Moody Challenges Biden's Student Loan Plan in Court
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with a coalition of five other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s latest student loan plan, labeling it as an attempt to burden Americans with someone else's debt.In a statement, Attorney General Moody criticized the Biden administration, stating, “Last year, the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s illegal attempt to force Americans to pay off someone else’s debt. Now, Biden thumbs his nose at the court like he has done with so many issues, including immigration, and does... -
VIDEO CONSUMER ALERT: AG Moody Concludes 2024 Tax Season Scam Series with Warning About Direct Deposit Refund Scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning about direct deposit refund scams as part of the conclusion of the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series. Speaking on the matter, Moody emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against fraudulent schemes during the tax season, stating, “We’re concluding our 2024 Tax Season Scam Series with a warning about direct deposit refund scams. As Floridians finalize their tax filings and wait for refunds to be delivered, it is important to remain vigilant for fraudulent schemes.”The Attorney General highlighted key points to help... -
Attorney General Moody Spearheads Fight Against Biden’s Sue-and-Settle Strategy
Attorney General Ashley Moody, leading a coalition of 20 state attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in support of Intervenor States aiming to prevent the Biden administration from using sue-and-settle tactics to sidestep accountability for the border crisis. Moody expressed her concerns, stating, “The Biden administration has systematically broken down our public-safety immigration structure through both implementing illegal asylum programs and outright ignoring existing law."Moody emphasized the... -
Attorney General Moody Announces Arrest of Five Members of Organized Retail Theft Ring
Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced the arrests of five individuals involved in an organized retail theft ring in Florida. The individuals arrested are Maike Acosta De Armas, Lazaro Santiago Acosta De Armas, Yusser Echemendia Rodriguez, Elias Ramos Hernandez, and Honasi Diaz Santos, all from Miami-Dade County. These individuals are facing multiple felony charges related to organized retail theft.Moody stated, “This criminal group committed more than 53 thefts in 13 Florida counties, stealing thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise in a fraudulent systematic... -
Attorney General Moody and Multistate Coalition Defeat Biden Administration’s Green Agenda in Court
Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with a 21-state coalition of attorneys general, celebrated a significant victory as a federal judge blocked the Biden administration's highway emissions rule aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from gas-powered cars. The challenge was brought in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against the Federal Highway Administration's rule.Moody expressed her satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, “This court decision is a major victory against Biden overstepping his authority to push a radical political agenda on... -
Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Tax Debt Relief Scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about tax debt relief scams as part of the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series. In a statement, Attorney General Moody emphasized the prevalence of these scams and the importance of being vigilant. She stated, “Tax debt relief scams prey on the stress that often accompanies tax season for those who owe the IRS. These bad actors will reach out in any way possible: texts, phone calls, emails, letters—all to try and trick consumers into believing a tax expert is interested in helping them get out of a difficult... -
Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Probe Into Allegations that MSCI is Embracing Anti-Israel BDS Movement
Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading a multistate coalition of state attorneys general in investigating whether MSCI, Inc. is supporting the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Moody expressed, “Israel is our greatest ally in the middle east, and in Florida, we unequivocally support their right to exist. The BDS movement has one goal, the complete elimination of Israel as a Jewish state. The allegations against MSCI are deeply disturbing and we have called for a quick response from the company’s leadership directly addressing our concerns.”... -
AG Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors Secure 15-Year Prison Sentence for Human Trafficker Who Trafficked Two Women From New York
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully secured a 15-year prison sentence for a human trafficker who brought two women from New York to Florida for the purpose of exploitation. The trafficker, Alan Dixon, along with accomplice Shantell Woods, coerced the victims into sex work by setting payment quotas and using threats of violence.In response to the case, Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed, “This human trafficker brought two women from New York into Florida, who were already trying to flee a violent situation, and then forced... -
Attorney General Moody Launches 2024 Tax Season Scam Series to Protect Floridians from Fraudulent Schemes
Attorney General Ashley Moody has initiated the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series in an effort to assist Floridians in avoiding falling victim to deceitful schemes as Tax Day approaches. In a statement, Moody emphasized the importance of vigilance during tax season, stating, “Scammers may look to exploit the stress many may feel when preparing their taxes to steal personal and financial information. It is crucial to stay on guard against potential schemes—so I am releasing this series to help Floridians avoid falling prey to fraudsters.”Moody highlighted the significance of... -
AG Moody Files Criminal Charges Against Organized Theft Ringleader Stealing Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Equipment from Home Depot
Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed criminal charges against Jereome Downing, the leader of an organized theft ring, for stealing nearly half a million dollars in heavy equipment from Home Depot stores. Downing faces multiple felony charges for his involvement in the scheme, which resulted in significant losses for both Home Depot and innocent civilians.In a statement, Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed, “This scheme not only resulted in major losses to Home Depot, but also losses for innocent civilians buying stolen rental equipment under false pretenses. Thanks... -
Attorney General Moody Warns Spring Breakers About Fentanyl Dangers and Provides Naloxone to First Responders
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a stark warning to spring breakers in Florida about the increasing dangers of fentanyl. Speaking at a news conference in Daytona Beach, Moody urged students to steer clear of illicit drugs, emphasizing the lethal risks associated with fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.In the presence of Volusia County first responders, Attorney General Moody unveiled the participation of various law enforcement agencies in her Helping Heroes program, providing free access to the life-saving drug naloxone for first responders in the... -
Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Amicus Brief Against Biden’s Border-Related Political Gamesmanship
Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken a stand against what she perceives as the Biden administration's questionable tactics regarding border policies. In response to the administration's actions, Moody filed an amicus brief in support of Intervenor States, aiming to prevent what she describes as "shadowy gamesmanship" in handling the border crisis.Moody expressed her concerns, stating, “This administration has repeatedly shown that it cannot be trusted, especially as it relates to defending the sovereignty of our nation and safety of our citizens." She further... -
AG Moody Demands Biden Reveal Underhanded Scheme to Release Illegal Aliens in US Federal Prisons Directly into the Interior, Rather Than Deport After Release
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is seeking answers from the Biden administration regarding the release of illegal aliens in U.S. prisons directly into the interior, rather than deporting them back to their countries of origin. In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed concern over the potential repercussions of this practice, stating, “The American people deserve to know.”The Biden administration's approach to immigration enforcement has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating a significant decrease in the removal of criminal aliens compared to... -
AG Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors Charge Couple Operating Massive Human Trafficking Ring Involving More Than 30 Victims
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Florida couple, Marquett James and Alyson Marquett, with human trafficking, RICO, sexual battery, money laundering, and other serious counts for operating a massive trafficking ring. According to a Homeland Security investigation, the couple recruited and forced victims to engage in commercial sex work in various locations in Florida and across the country.Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed, “Through coercion and violence, a Florida couple operated a massive human trafficking ring that... -
Attorney General Urges Senate to Pass Laken Riley Act to Detain Criminal Illegal Aliens
Attorney General Ashley Moody is strongly urging U.S. senators to pass the Laken Riley Act, which aims to detain criminal illegal aliens. The bill, which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives, specifically targets illegal aliens charged with burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Moody's call for action follows the tragic death of Laken Riley, a University of Georgia student allegedly murdered by a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally.Moody emphasized the urgency of passing the legislation, stating, “The Senate needs to pass the Laken Riley... -
AG Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Recovers Nearly $150,000 from Lincare Inc.
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has successfully secured almost $150,000 from Lincare Inc., a durable medical equipment supplier, following a multistate action. The settlement comes after allegations that Lincare knowingly submitted false claims to various government health care programs, including Medicaid, for rentals of non-invasive home ventilation devices.Moody highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This medical equipment supplier billed Medicaid in multiple states for rentals of items that were not being used by... -
Attorney General Moody Warns Spring Breakers About Dangers of Illicit Fentanyl Hidden in Common Drugs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning spring breakers about the grave dangers of using illicit drugs. Deadly amounts of fentanyl are being found in almost every illicit substance, with the Drug Enforcement Administration reporting that 7 out of 10 fake pills found with fentanyl now contain a potentially lethal dose—a 75% increase from just two years ago."We are in the midst of an opioid crisis claiming thousands of lives here in Florida every year. This deadly crisis is being fueled by lethal amounts of fentanyl hidden in almost every illicit drug.... -
Attorney General Moody Takes Legal Action Against Charity Misusing Funds Meant for Cancer Patients
Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken legal action against Cancer Recovery Foundation International, Inc. and its founder Gregory B. Anderson for misusing funds meant for cancer patients. The charity, which also operated under the name Women’s Cancer Fund, claimed to provide financial support directly to cancer patients and families in need. However, a civil investigation revealed that only a small fraction of the donated funds actually went towards supporting patients.In response to the situation, Attorney General Moody stated, “The defendants in this case exploited... -
Attorney General Moody Releases 2024 Open Government Manual in Recognition of National Sunshine Week
Attorney General Ashley Moody has released the 2024 Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual to kick off National Sunshine Week. The manual, compiled and written by the Florida Attorney General’s Office, is aimed at assisting the public and governmental agencies in understanding the requirements of and exemptions to the state’s open government laws."In recognition of National Sunshine Week, we are publishing the 2024 Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual online for free. This manual is available for all to download and reference in order to better understand Florida’s open records... -
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Government Imposter Scams on National Slam the Scam Day
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about the prevalence of government imposter scams on the fifth annual National Slam the Scam Day. The Federal Trade Commission revealed that consumers fell victim to $2.7 billion in imposter scams in 2023, with many scammers impersonating government agencies to deceive individuals into divulging personal and financial information.Moody emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “On the fifth annual Slam the Scam Day, I am warning Floridians about government imposter scams. Fraudsters may pose as Social...