News from May 2024
Attorney General supports Catholic group in religious discrimination case
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has filed an amicus brief in support of the Petersburg Knights of Columbus, who are seeking to continue their tradition of hosting a Memorial Day Mass at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. The National Park Service recently denied their permit, citing a new policy memorandum that prohibits religious services on any Park Service cemetery grounds.
Alabama leads multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s climate litigation against energy firms
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has initiated a 19-state lawsuit against California and other states over litigation targeting major energy companies. The lawsuit contends that the penalties and remedies proposed by these states could significantly impact national energy production and consumption.
Attorney General Marshall commends Supreme Court's decision on South Carolina redistricting
Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the United States Supreme Court's decision today upholding South Carolina’s congressional redistricting plan against a constitutional challenge. Last year, a federal court held that the South Carolina legislature racially gerrymandered the district lines on its 2021 congressional map.
Justice Department announces major crackdown on DC armed drug networks
The Justice Department announced a multi-agency law enforcement action targeting armed drug trafficking networks in Washington, D.C., resulting in 24 arrests over the past nine days. This follows an increase in law enforcement resources and tools announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in January to combat violent crime in the area.
Former corrections officer sentenced for sexual abuse at Aliceville prison
A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville). Smith had previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on January 11.
Attorney General urges Legislature to override veto on law enforcement bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 23, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond commented today following Governor Stitt's veto of Senate Bill 102, which aimed to aid in the recruitment and retention of law enforcement professionals by enhancing their retirement benefits.
Attorney Julie L. Bruggeman faces reciprocal discipline by State Bar
In the Matter of Reciprocal Discipline of Julie L. Bruggeman, a Member of the Bar of State of North
Officials warn about increased risk during '100 deadly days' ahead
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Ahead of the potentially record-setting 2.5 million Floridians traveling for Memorial Day weekend, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging teen drivers to be safe on the road. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, known as the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, is one of the most dangerous for motorists. On average, seven people died per day nationwide from accidents involving teen drivers during this time period.
US files antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation-Ticketmaster
On May 23, 2024, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter delivered remarks on a significant antitrust lawsuit filed against Live Nation-Ticketmaster. The United States, along with 30 state and district Attorneys General, initiated the lawsuit to address what they allege is monopolistic behavior by Live Nation-Ticketmaster in the live concert industry.
Attorney General Bailey files motion against Grain Belt Express project
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the Grain Belt Express (GBE), a transmission line project that would span the northern portion of the state. The project is alleged to unlawfully seize land from Missouri property owners.
Justice Department reaches agreement with Pawtucket over voting rights violations
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement with the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and city elections officials to resolve allegations that Pawtucket failed to provide Spanish-language assistance for voters in violation of the Voting Rights Act and did not allow qualified voters to cast provisional ballots in violation of the Help America Vote Act.
Father and son arrested for exploiting vulnerable adult at assisted living facility
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Billy Joe Callahan, 56, and Matthew James Callahan, 33, both residents of Myrtle Beach. The arrests were made by the office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (SCMFCU).
Virginia joins DOJ and 30 states in antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation
Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined the Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 30 states in filing a lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC, for alleged antitrust violations. The lawsuit claims that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have monopolized significant portions of the live entertainment industry through control over ticketing and venues.
Oregon joins federal antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has joined the US Department of Justice (USDOJ) and Attorneys General from 29 states and the District of Columbia in filing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., which owns Ticketmaster. The suit alleges that the company illegally monopolizes the live entertainment industry.
Former Boilermakers Union chief pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy
A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy in connection with his involvement in serious financial misconduct at an international labor organization.
Attorney General investigates foreclosure attempt on Elvis Presley's Graceland
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced today that his office is investigating a private investment company's attempt to foreclose on Graceland, the historic Memphis home of Elvis Presley. Nausanny Investments and Private Lending, LLC initiated foreclosure proceedings, claiming that the heirs of Elvis Presley defaulted on loans owed to the lender. Presley's granddaughter successfully obtained a stay of the sale, citing allegations of fraud against the company.
Former Venezuelan military official sentenced for money laundering and bribery scheme
A former officer in the Venezuelan National Guard was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for participating in a money laundering scheme involving bribes to foreign officials and defrauding foreign financial institutions.
North Carolina sues Pactiv Evergreen over breach of economic development agreement
Attorney General Josh Stein has initiated legal action against Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The lawsuit follows the abrupt closure of a paper mill in Canton, which had been operational for over a century and employed more than 1,000 workers.
Attorneys general file suit seeking SCOTUS intervention on interstate emission regulations
Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with a coalition of attorneys general, has filed a legal action with the Supreme Court of the United States. The aim is to protect states from what they deem unconstitutional lawsuits filed by states supporting the Green New Deal, which target interstate emissions. The coalition argues that these defendant states are attempting to control the future of the American energy industry through coercive measures that override congressional authority.
AG Yost files antitrust suit against Live Nation Entertainment
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Joined by the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of his colleagues, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and Ticketmaster, a Live Nation subsidiary, citing illegal monopolistic practices that have stifled competition and harmed consumers and businesses across the live entertainment industry.