News from July 2024
Buckeye Institute helps secure victory for small business owners
The Buckeye Institute has secured a significant nationwide victory for small business owners and their employees. After more than a year, the Biden administration abandoned its appeal of a rule that threatened the franchise business model in America.
Wayne LaPierre receives 10-year ban from NRA amid ongoing legal battles
New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a 10-year ban on former Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre from the National Rifle Association (NRA). The court also directed the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the NRA to propose reforms following years of mismanagement. New York State Supreme Court Judge Joel Cohen outlined potential reforms, including retaining a compliance consultant, changing the internal Audit Committee, reducing the size of the Board, and easing access for candidates to stand for Board positions.
AG Nessel emphasizes combating disinformation at journalism fellowship
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addressed the National Press Foundation’s Election Journalism Fellowship in Detroit today, focusing on securing elections in an age of disinformation. She underscored her Department’s dedication to election integrity and the collaboration needed between public officials and journalists to ensure accurate, timely, and insightful information for Michigan voters.
Justice Department to monitor compliance with voting rights laws in Arizona
The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Maricopa County, Arizona, for the July 30 primary election.
Attorney General warns Floridians about rise in fraudulent pool contractors
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is continuing the Summer Scams Series: Sunny Days and Shady Deals with a warning about pool scams and highlighting recent actions taken against fraudulent pool companies. Attorney General Moody's Scams at a Glance: Sink or Swim resource lists common pool contractor schemes and offers tips on how to avoid them.
Former Alton police officer charged with theft and fraud
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a former Alton police officer with theft and wire fraud, alleging the officer stole funds from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association while employed by the department.
California Supreme Court releases 2025 oral argument schedule
The Supreme Court of California has released its oral argument calendar for 2025. The court will maintain its practice of holding sessions in various locations across the state, including San Francisco (in January, March, May, September, and November), Sacramento (in February), and Los Angeles (in April, June, and December). This tradition dates back to 1878.
Supreme Judicial Court seeks attorney applications for Board of Bar Examiners
The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court are inviting interested attorneys to apply for a position on the Board of Bar Examiners, as outlined in G.L. c. 221, §§ 35-36.
Providence man indicted on multiple drug and firearm charges
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Individuals Indicted For Stealing More Than $150,000 From MassHealth Program
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that two individuals have been charged with falsely billing MassHealth’s Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program for more than $150,000 in services that were allegedly never provided.
Attorney General Drummond urges denial of clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 29, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond has requested that the state Pardon and Parole Board deny clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn, who was convicted of murdering Kenny Meers during a convenience store robbery in June 1992.
Bristol resident charged with attempted luring of a minor
The Attorney General’s Office announced that Robert Lavallee, 31, of Bristol, Vermont, was arraigned today on one felony count of luring a child. The charge brought against the defendant is the result of an undercover criminal investigation initially conducted by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois and later referred to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC) with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Lavallee communicated online via Facebook with a Henderson County Sheriff’s officer posing as a 13-year-old minor. The...
North Carolina sets new record for DNA hits in criminal investigations
Attorney General Josh Stein announced today that the North Carolina State Crime Lab achieved 1,466 CODIS hits in the past fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of 1,382 hits set in fiscal year 2023. The State Crime Lab is responsible for analyzing evidence and uploading DNA to CODIS, a system comprising local, state, and national criminal justice DNA databases. A hit occurs when a DNA sample matches an individual with a prior conviction or arrest already in the CODIS system or when evidence is matched through forensic casework.
AG Nessel announces $1.2 billion Kroger settlement over opioid crisis
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging municipalities to join a $1.2 billion national settlement with Kroger to address allegations that the company contributed to the opioid epidemic. Michigan governments are set to receive nearly $42 million from the settlement over 11 years to combat the crisis.
Providence man indicted on multiple charges including drug possession and firearm offenses
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Forks County clerks complete NACM's "Core Champion" program
Two Deputy Clerk of Court employees in Grand Forks County, Unit 1, have been awarded a plaque for completing the "Core Champion" program offered by the National Association for Court Management (NACM). They were among 17 individuals recognized at the national conference held recently in New Orleans. Approximately 200 individuals nationwide are currently working to obtain this status.
Hilgers Leads a Coalition of Attorneys General Opposing Rescheduling of Marijuana
Attorney General Mike Hilgers led a coalition of eleven States in submitting a public comment letter opposing the Biden Administration’s proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III on the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Lottery Contributes Nearly $10 Million to North Dakota State Government
North Dakota Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley announced the North Dakota Lottery contributed $9.92 million to the state’s general fund, to support a drug fighting task force and compulsive gambling treatment efforts during the Fiscal Year 2024, which ended June 30, 2024.
Attorney General issues alert against illegal price gouging amid California wildfires
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert following Governor Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency in Plumas County due to the Gold Complex Fire, and in Butte and Tehama Counties due to the Park Fire. The fires have collectively burned over 181,000 acres, leading to mass evacuations, home destruction, and threats to critical infrastructure.
Attorney General Ford appeals dismissal of fake electors case to Nevada Supreme Court
Carson City, NV – Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has announced an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court following Judge Holthus's decision to dismiss the case against six individuals accused of submitting fake elector certificates in the 2020 presidential election.