News from September 2024
Drummond asks federal commission to deny troubled power plant plan in southeast Oklahoma
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deny an application from the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County.
Attorney General Labrador Joins Effort to Protect First Amendment Rights
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador on Tuesday joined a brief in a First Amendment case aimed at protecting students’ free-speech rights. Twenty-one other state attorneys general joined the brief.
Alaska Joins Case with 22 States to Overturn NEPA Ruling-Dangerous to the Energy Economy
The State of Alaska joined an amicus petition before the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a case that threatens the energy industry of States by how NEPA was applied. “The case is as much about federalism and State sovereignty as it is about environmental law,” the brief states.
Former CIA officer sentenced for espionage conspiracy involving China
Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, of Honolulu, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to gather and deliver national defense information to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
AFL investigates DOJ over Biden-Harris Administration's national security policies
On September 11, 2001, terrorists affiliated with Al Qaeda and supported by Qatar killed nearly three thousand Americans. Today, America First Legal (AFL) has opened an investigation into the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division to scrutinize the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of national security matters.
Attorney Generals call for Surgeon General warnings on algorithm-driven social media
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, alongside 41 other attorneys general, is urging congressional leaders to enact legislation mandating a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. This call for action comes amid increasing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health.
Attorney General offers condolences following death of Philadelphia police officer
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry released a statement regarding the death of a Philadelphia police officer late Tuesday night, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot during a traffic stop more than two months ago.
IRS supervisor pleads guilty to bribery charges involving government subcontractor
A Maryland man pleaded guilty yesterday to accepting cash bribes in exchange for helping acquaintances and their businesses procure and continue work on subcontracts with the IRS.
Attorney General closes Michigan State University investigation
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the closure of the Department’s investigation into Michigan State University (MSU) related to the sexual abuse scandal involving a former MSU employee. The investigation was reopened after receiving over 6,000 documents that had been previously withheld by the University until earlier this year.
Attorney General's Office administers grants to all 77 counties in Oklahoma
All 77 counties in Oklahoma have applied for grant funding through a new program administered by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office to bolster law enforcement services.
Attorney generals urge Congress for warnings on social media algorithms
Attorney General Josh Stein, along with a bipartisan group of attorneys general, has called on Congress to pass legislation mandating a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all social media platforms that utilize algorithms.
Two convicted for cyber fraud schemes targeting various sectors in Gwinnett County
ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr announced today that Ugochinyere Anazodo, 46, of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and Dominique Beaulieu, 45, of Windermere, Florida, have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their roles in multiple cyber fraud schemes. These schemes targeted small businesses, government entities, and private citizens, resulting in significant financial losses through scams such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), romance and confidence fraud, inheritance scams, and identity theft.
Providence man sentenced to life plus 20 years for murder
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Providence man has been sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve a term of life plus 20 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for the 2021 murder of Leonardo Tavares.
Justice Department commemorates 25th anniversary of U.S.-Japan Competition Cooperation Agreement
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Commissioner Reiko Aoki of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) met yesterday in Washington, D.C., to mark the 25th anniversary of an agreement between the United States and Japan concerning cooperation on anticompetitive issues.
Washington Supreme Court schedules public hearing on indigent defense standards
The Washington Supreme Court will hold a public hearing on September 25, 2024, to gather testimony on proposed changes to the standards for indigent defense. The session will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Thurston County Atrium building in Olympia and will be accessible both in-person and remotely via Zoom. Registration is required for those wishing to testify.
New circuit court judge sworn into office
Judge Stephanie J. Williams was elected on Aug. 1, 2024, to serve as Circuit Court Judge for the 20th Judicial District. She fills the vacancy created by the passing of Judge Philip E. Smith in September 2022. Judge Smith had served as Judge Williams’ longtime mentor and was instrumental in her decision to become a judge.
Court rules against Chino Valley's forced outing policy protecting transgender students' rights
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement following the San Bernardino Superior Court’s ruling in People of the State of California v. Chino Valley Unified School District. The court granted injunctive and declaratory relief against the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education’s mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. This ruling permanently halts enforcement of provisions that required schools to inform parents whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun, or access facilities or programs, not aligned with their birth certificate...
Puerto Rican man sentenced for illegal wetland destruction
A Puerto Rico man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine for the destruction and filling of wetlands in violation of the Clean Water Act.
Attorney General Josh Stein criticizes legislative decisions on safety and education
Attorney General Josh Stein issued a statement on September 11, 2024, criticizing Republican legislators for what he describes as neglecting the needs of North Carolina families.
Canadian man pleads guilty to destroying energy facilities in two states
Cameron Monte Smith, a citizen of Canada, has pleaded guilty to one count of destruction of an energy facility charged in the District of North Dakota and another count in the District of South Dakota.