News from October 2024
Coalition urges court to maintain access to emergency abortion care in Idaho
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has aligned with 23 other attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The coalition seeks to uphold a district court's preliminary injunction against Idaho's abortion ban, which lacks provisions for emergency abortion care. The group argues that denying such care violates federal law and poses significant health risks to patients while potentially burdening healthcare systems in Idaho and nearby states.
Grosse Pointe Woods COO charged with embezzling over $350K
Ishpinder Sahni, a 31-year-old resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, has been arraigned in the Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Court on charges related to the alleged embezzlement of over $350,000 from his employer. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Justice Department settles retaliation claims against State Farm in Texas
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company concerning allegations of retaliation at one of its corporate offices in Richardson, Texas. The department found that State Farm violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by terminating an employee who raised concerns about citizenship status discrimination.
Josh Stein defends healthcare rights amid legal challenges
Attorney General Josh Stein has recently taken steps to safeguard healthcare services in North Carolina.
Attorney General’s office investigates civilian death after police encounter
The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an inquiry into the death of Allan Hoad. The incident occurred on October 21, 2024, following an encounter with members of the Steuben County Sheriff's Department and the City of Corning Police Department in Cameron.
Spartanburg nurse aide charged with exploiting vulnerable adult
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Lamesha Thompson, a nurse aide from Spartanburg, on charges related to financial exploitation. The arrest was carried out by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) in collaboration with the Spartanburg Police Department.
Attorney General sues OptumRX & ExpressScripts over alleged role in Michigan's opioid crisis
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated legal action against pharmacy benefit managers OptumRX and ExpressScripts, accusing them of contributing to the opioid crisis in Michigan. The lawsuit was filed at the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County and alleges that these companies colluded with opioid manufacturers to secure favorable formulary placements in exchange for financial incentives.
Red Lodge man receives 20-year sentence for assaulting infant
A Red Lodge resident, Nathan Samuel Polakoff, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Montana State Prison following his conviction for assaulting a 9-month-old child in 2019. Attorney General Austin Knudsen made the announcement on October 24, 2024. The incident left the child, now six years old, with a fractured skull and enduring partial blindness along with significant cognitive challenges.
Court upholds New York's concealed carry law with exceptions
New York Attorney General Letitia James has expressed satisfaction following a decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which upheld most provisions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). This ruling came after a review requested by the U.S. Supreme Court in May 2024.
Toledo City Schools ordered to release improperly redacted hiring letters
The Supreme Court of Ohio has determined that Toledo City Schools violated public records law by improperly redacting a letter concerning the engagement of two law firms to challenge a 2023 law altering the State Board of Education's authority.
Michigan allocates nearly $19 million for problem-solving court programs
The Michigan Supreme Court has announced the allocation of nearly $19 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to support problem-solving court programs across the state.
Montana sues TikTok over alleged harm and deception targeting youth
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated legal action against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing children and teenagers to harmful content and engaging in deceptive practices. The lawsuit, filed under the Montana Consumer Protection Act, follows an investigation by the Montana Department of Justice which revealed that TikTok provides "virtually endless amounts of extreme and mature videos" to users as young as thirteen.
China-based firms indicted for alleged role in US fentanyl supply chain
The Justice Department has unveiled indictments against eight chemical companies based in China and eight employees, accusing them of federal crimes related to the distribution of synthetic opioids, precursor chemicals for fentanyl production, and...
Raoul partners with Truckers Against Trafficking to fight human trafficking
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to host an awareness event aimed at combating human trafficking within the transportation industry.
Ken Paxton refers alleged donation misconduct involving ActBlue to DOJ
Attorney General Ken Paxton has referred a criminal case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning suspicious political donations made through ActBlue's fundraising platform. The referral follows an investigation initiated in December 2023 after allegations surfaced about potential illegal campaign contributions facilitated by ActBlue.
Nine charged in $850K retail theft scheme at T.J. Maxx-related stores
Attorney General Michelle Henry, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced charges against three alleged leaders of a retail theft ring.
Former U.S. soldier sentenced for murder committed over two decades ago
A former U.S. soldier has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of a fellow soldier on a military base in Germany over two decades ago.
Springfield man charged for alleged possession of child sexual abuse material
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Anthony J. Marconi, a Springfield resident, with eight counts of possessing child pornography.
Attorney General James outlines voter rights ahead of November election
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued guidance to remind voters of their rights and provide key election information as early voting for the November 2024 general election begins on October 26. The guidance includes important deadlines, voters' rights at polling places, and tips to protect against AI-generated misinformation.
Boston city councilor faces federal charges over alleged kickback scheme
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to an alleged kickback scheme.