News from May 2024
Kristen Clarke honors Steve Pollak’s legacy at memorial event
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke delivered remarks at the Stephen J. Pollak Memorial Event on May 24, 2024, reflecting on the life and legacy of Steve Pollak.
Central Falls man sentenced to 75 years for second-degree murder
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Central Falls man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve 75 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for the 2014 murder of 38-year-old Robert Bullard in Providence.
Attorney General Yost releases annual Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the 2023 Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report today, coinciding with National Missing Children’s Day on May 25.
Florida businessman agrees to $27 million settlement over Medicare fraud
Daniel Hurt, a Florida businessman who owned and operated several healthcare companies, has agreed to pay over $27 million to resolve allegations of Medicare fraud. The Department of Justice announced that Hurt and his companies conspired to submit false claims for cancer genomic (CGx) tests that were not medically necessary and procured through illegal kickbacks.
Arkansas tree service owner pleads guilty to tax fraud
An Arkansas man pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false individual income tax return. According to court documents, Carlos Gonzalez, 59, of Rogers, filed false tax returns that underreported the gross receipts from his tree-trimming and removal business, Charley’s Tree Service. From 2014 through 2020, Gonzalez deliberately underreported more than $3 million in gross receipts from his business resulting in a tax loss of approximately $920,694.
Attorney General Drummond commends Gov. Stitt for signing SB 1658
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 24, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed his approval after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1658 into law. The new legislation removes the statute of limitations for rape cases where an assailant confesses or their identity is confirmed through DNA evidence.
Attorney General Drummond praises Gov. Stitt for signing SB 1658
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 24, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks after Gov. Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 1658. The measure eliminates the statute of limitations for rape in cases when an assailant confesses to the crime or identity is established through DNA.
Attorney General Wilson joins multi-state lawsuit challenging California's climate litigation
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a 19-state coalition led by Alabama in requesting the Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional the efforts of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island to influence American energy policy. These states have initiated litigation against major energy companies over an alleged "climate crisis," seeking billions of dollars in damages. The coalition argues that these lawsuits threaten to impose severe penalties and coercive measures affecting energy production and consumption nationwide.
Justice Department official visits Navajo Nation & Pueblo of Acoma for critical discussions
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer visited Window Rock, Arizona, and the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico on May 21 and 22 to engage in government-to-government meetings with Tribal leaders from the Navajo Nation and the Pueblo of Acoma. The visit included discussions on Tribal justice administration, public safety, and victims' services.
Supreme Court upholds enhanced penalties under Armed Career Criminal Act
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has expressed approval of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. United States, which rejected a recidivist criminal’s argument regarding the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). The case involved a defendant who contended that changes to the federal definition of cocaine should allow him to avoid enhanced penalties for his cocaine-related convictions.
Attorney General Garland honors Steve Pollak at memorial event
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the Stephen J. Pollak Memorial Event on May 24, 2024, honoring the late Steve Pollak's contributions to civil rights and his impact on the legal community.
Wisconsin DOJ investigates officer-involved death in Beloit
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer-involved death in Beloit, Wisconsin, which occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Ohio Supreme Court rules on wrongful death suit against utility company
A wrongful death lawsuit against Dominion Energy Ohio for shutting off a paying customer’s gas service must start with the state utility regulator before moving to common pleas court, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today.
Fifth Judicial District announces vacancy for Summit County judge
The Fifth Judicial District Nominating Commission has announced a vacancy for the position of county judge in Summit County. The vacancy will arise due to the Honorable Edward J. Casias not standing for re-election in 2024, with the position becoming available on January 4, 2025.
AFL investigates Dr. Fauci's use of private email for official business
America First Legal (AFL) has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeking official emails sent or received by Dr. Anthony Fauci through a private Gmail account. This action follows new evidence presented by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, indicating that Dr. David Morens, Fauci’s top advisor, may have attempted to circumvent FOIA regulations.
Grand jury indicts West Warwick resident on multiple child molestation charges
On May 20, 2024, the Statewide Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Aidan Gosselin, age 19 from West Warwick, RI, with three counts of first-degree child molestation and two counts of second-degree child molestation. The alleged acts occurred in the Town of West Warwick on a day between July 3, 2023, and July 4, 2023.
OVW hosts FY 2024 Healing and Response Teams pre-application session
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) conducted a live web-based pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2024 Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative solicitation on May 24, 2024. During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed the initiative's requirements, discussed the solicitation, and allowed for a brief question-and-answer period.
Pembroke Pines woman charged with human trafficking multiple victims
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging a Pembroke Pines woman with two counts of human trafficking. According to a Pembroke Pines Police Department investigation, Elise Mizrachi recruited multiple women addicted to heroin and fentanyl and forced the victims into sex work, taking most if not all of the profits. Mizrachi controlled the victims by supplying them with drugs.
Attorneys general defend regulations protecting pregnant workers
Attorney General Henry takes action to defend protections for pregnant workers
California man arrested for making violent threats against North Carolinians
A Huntington Beach, California man was arrested today on federal charges related to sending threats to individuals and knowingly making false bomb threats. Kevin Dunlow, age 62, is charged in a complaint unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina following his arrest in California. He will have his initial appearance today, and his detention hearing will be set at a later date.