News from May 2024
Attorney general announces settlement with HighBazaar over illegal cannabis markets
Attorney General William Tong announced a stipulated judgment with HighBazaar organizers Joseph Accettullo and Cody Roberts today, putting an end to the illegal, unlicensed cannabis markets. The judgment enforces a series of stringent obligations related to ongoing inspections and restrictions on advertisements.
Teva begins delivery of free naloxone kits following AG Ferguson's lawsuit
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the arrival of the first batch of more than 54,000 naloxone overdose reversal kits in Washington this week. The free distribution of these kits is a result of a December 2022 resolution in Ferguson’s lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.
Attorney General Marshall Wins U.S. Supreme Court Case Defending Law Enforcement Power to Remove Criminal Property From the Streets
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 opinion protecting the traditional law enforcement power to seize contraband and the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime. Alabama Solicitor General Edmund LaCour argued the case Culley v. Marshall in the Supreme Court on October 30, 2023.
Attorney General Griffin Announces $104,246 Settlement With Wireless Carriers Over Deceptive and Misleading Advertising Practices
Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing Arkansas will receive $104,246.46 as part of a $10.25 million, 50-jurisdiction settlement with AT&T, Cricket Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless, and TracFone Wireless resolving state attorneys general investigations into the wireless carriers’ deceptive and misleading advertising practices:
Home health services owner arrested for $1.6 million Medicaid fraud
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has announced the arrest of Latrena Marie Thomas, owner of A River’s Journey, a home health services agency, and Donald Ray Adams II, a parent of a disabled child. Both individuals are accused of committing Medicaid provider fraud.
South Carolina AG urges regular hearing tests during Better Hearing and Speech Month
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has urged consumers to prioritize their auditory health during Better Hearing and Speech Month this May. As a veteran and long-standing member of the National Guard, Wilson is well aware of the importance of protecting one's hearing.
Arizona sues Amazon over alleged deceptive business practices
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that the state of Arizona has initiated legal proceedings against Amazon, alleging the e-commerce behemoth of unfair and deceptive business practices. The accusations are grounded in the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act.
Seven sentenced for 2020 D.C. clinic invasion and FACE Act violations
Seven individuals have been sentenced following their convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses. These sentences are the result of three separate trials related to the forceful blockade of a Washington, D.C., area reproductive health clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.
Union County joins Attorney General's law enforcement treatment initiative
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced today that Union County has joined the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), a program initiated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and law enforcement. The initiative aims to divert individuals in need of treatment services. With this move, Union County becomes the 29th county to join LETI as Attorney General Henry continues her efforts to expand the program.
North Dakota Court System seeks Staff Attorney for District Court
The South Central Judicial District Court Judge Chambers in Bismarck, North Dakota, is seeking applicants for the position of Staff Attorney-District Court. The job posting aims to widen the pool of candidates for this role, which provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to the judicial process through extensive legal research and analysis.
AFL's Gene Hamilton testifies on lawfare tactics before House Judiciary Subcommittee
Today, Gene Hamilton, the Executive Director of America First Legal (AFL), is testifying before the House Judiciary's Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The focus of his testimony is on the use of lawfare tactics to weaponize the rule of law.
10.25 million settlement over deceptive ads by major telephone carriers
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a $10.25 million settlement with major telephone carriers including AT&T Mobility, LLC, Cricket Wireless, LLC, T-Mobile USA, Inc., Cellco Partnership (also known as Verizon Wireless), and TracFone Wireless, Inc. The settlement resolves the state attorneys general investigations into deceptive and misleading advertising practices by these carriers.
Judge Ellen V. Christo appointed as Administrative Judge of New Hampshire Circuit Court
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has appointed Judge Ellen V. Christo as the Administrative Judge of the New Hampshire Circuit Court. She will assume oversight responsibilities for the state's 34 Circuit Courts from Judge David D. King, who is set to retire on July 1, 2024.
Justice Department settles with Maxim Healthcare over immigration-related discrimination claims
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Maxim Healthcare Services, a Maryland-based home healthcare company operating in 35 states. The agreement resolves allegations that Maxim violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) at its Gardena, California office by discriminating against a non-U.S. citizen worker.
Missouri AG investigates alleged illegal immigrant employment at 5G Masonry LLC
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has sent a letter to 5G Masonry LLC, demanding verification of the lawful status of their employees. This move comes in response to a complaint received by General Bailey's office, alleging that the company employs illegal immigrants, which would be a violation of state law. The company has been given fifteen days to produce the requested documents.
Illinois man pleads guilty in methamphetamine case: Attorney General Raoul
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced that a Rockford, Illinois man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison for selling methamphetamine. Delano Albert, 35, received a 12-year prison sentence on Monday from Ogle County Circuit Court Judge John C. Redington after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, a Class X felony.
Former youth shelter employee convicted for child sexual abuse
Attorney General Chris Carr announced the conviction of Caleb Randolph, 27, of Macon, on charges of Statutory Rape and Sexual Contact by an Employee in the First Degree. The case is linked to an ongoing investigation into suspected child sexual abuse at Rainbow House, a youth shelter in Jonesboro where Randolph was formerly employed as a direct care professional. During his tenure there, Randolph engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female resident.
US-Mexico joint effort continues to counteract fentanyl trafficking
On May 14 and 15, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Assistance (INL) as well as the Mexican Attorney General’s office (FGR), conducted the third in a series of workshops with prosecutors from FGR. The workshop was held under the guidance of Licenciado Miguel Angel Méndez Buenos Aires, director of the Specialized Office for International Affairs (FEAIN).
Justice department investigates conditions at Kentucky youth detention centers
The Justice Department disclosed that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center managed by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice.
Ohio Supreme Court rules on child support calculations for unemployed parents
The Supreme Court of Ohio has ruled that a domestic relations court must explicitly determine that a parent is voluntarily unemployed before calculating a child support order based on estimated potential future income. The ruling comes in response to a case where the Wood County Domestic Relations Court calculated child support payments for a man who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on his previous income.