News from September 2024
Greenville man arrested on multiple child exploitation charges
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Marqis Daquan Lomax, 29, of Greenville, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville Police Department made the arrest. Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.
Nonprofit dissolves amid fraud allegations involving founder's misuse of assets
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that Shamsia Hopes, a nonprofit organization based in Shakopee, has agreed to dissolve following an investigation revealing governance failures and misuse of assets by its founder and president, Mekfira Hussein. The agreement does not prevent further claims against Ms. Hussein or other individuals.
Court rejects Ohio Northern University's bid to dismiss lawsuit over DEI objections
Last week, the Hardin County Common Pleas Court rejected Ohio Northern University’s (ONU) attempt to dismiss America First Legal’s (AFL) lawsuit against the university for firing AFL’s client, Dr. Scott Gerber, over objections to the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. This case will now proceed to trial.
Six men indicted on charges related to cockfighting operation
Six men were arrested and had their initial court appearances yesterday after being charged in a five-count indictment with violating the Animal Welfare Act in connection with a cockfighting operation. A federal grand jury sitting in Providence, Rhode Island, returned the indictment last week.
Over 300 NYC apartments returned to affordability after investigation into illegal practices
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas have announced the return of 263 apartments to rent stabilization and a reduction in rent for an additional 43 apartments across New York City. The affected units, located in Central Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan, and Queens, were previously deregulated or subjected to illegal rent increases by former owners affiliated with Sentinel Real Estate Corporation.
Lawsuit filed against Indy car dealer over alleged 14 million mile odometer rollback
Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against an Indianapolis car dealer, alleging the dealer illegally rolled back odometers on vehicles sold to unsuspecting consumers who believed they were purchasing lower-mileage vehicles.
Philadelphia man convicted for 1998 sexual abuse under grand jury investigation
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that a Philadelphia County jury has convicted a man of all charges for the sexual abuse of a young child in 1998, when the defendant was a Jehovah’s Witness congregation member who utilized his position in the church to befriend the victim’s family.
Attorney suspended over misuse of client's settlement funds
The Supreme Court of Ohio has suspended a Cuyahoga County attorney for two years, with 18 months stayed, partly due to his felony conviction for using his client’s settlement funds to pay his own expenses.
Attorney General's office releases report on Miguel Romero's death
New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Miguel Romero, who died on November 19, 2022, after an encounter with members of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in Uniondale. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage and security footage from a nearby business, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer...
North Dakota adopts NextGen bar examination for law practice admissions
On September 16, 2024, the North Dakota Supreme Court announced the adoption of the State Board of Law Examiners' recommendation to administer a new exam known as the NextGen bar exam beginning in July 2027 for those seeking admission to practice law in North Dakota.
Attorney General secures injunction against realty firm over predatory home agreements
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today the securing of a preliminary injunction against MV Realty, a Florida-based company accused of engaging in predatory practices. The injunction aims to protect nearly 1,500 homeowners who were allegedly misled into signing "Homeowner Benefit Agreements" that locked them into using MV Realty to sell their homes for 40 years or face a penalty of 3% of the home's value. Additionally, MV Realty placed illegal liens on these homes, charging homeowners the penalty to remove the lien.
Justice Department marks 30th anniversary of COPS office with new funding initiatives
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks on September 17, 2024, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In his speech, Mizer highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the COPS Office over three decades.
Attorney General supports Hualapai Tribe in case over critical water supply protection
Attorney General Mayes files amicus brief supporting Hualapai Tribe in water protection case
Justice Department webinar aids in designing accessible public schools
An important area for school safety planning that is often overlooked is school accessibility for students with disabilities. Accessibility barriers in public schools remain pervasive even decades after the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which bars disability discrimination by recipients of federal financial assistance, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Some of these barriers pose significant problems for ensuring school safety for students with disabilities. For example, students who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters must...
Justice Department awards over $600M in grants for diverse policing initiatives
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced the allocation of over $600 million in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders nationwide. This funding aims to support various initiatives, including hiring new officers, enhancing school safety, expanding mental health and wellness services for law enforcement, and combating drug distribution and trafficking.
Hocking County woman sentenced to prison for child rape
A 39-year-old Hocking County woman was sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison for raping two children, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
Attorney General criticizes new Instagram teen accounts amid ongoing litigation
Attorney General William Tong released a statement concerning Meta’s introduction of new Instagram Teen Accounts. The accounts, aimed at users aged 13-17, will feature enhanced privacy measures, messaging restrictions, more restrictive content settings, a sleep mode, and break reminders. Teens will have the ability to select topics of interest while parents can view these choices. However, Meta will continue enabling "infinite scroll" and serving content through its algorithm.
Justice Department supports voter registration efforts on National Voter Registration Day
When signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson called on leaders to register voters and to use the courts if necessary to defend the right.
New York officials respond to Instagram's new policies for underage users
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul issued a joint statement today in response to Instagram's announcement of changes for underage account holders, including adjustments to privacy settings and overnight notifications. The modifications follow New York’s legislation empowering the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to implement rules aimed at protecting children online and addressing addictive social media feeds.
Attorney General Kaul launches visits with EMS Leave Behind Program recipients
MADISON, Wis. – Today, Attorney General Josh Kaul commenced a series of visits with recipients of the EMS Leave Behind Program, funded by state opioid settlement funds secured by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). The program enables EMS professionals to distribute overdose prevention tools and resources at the scene of care or after hospital transport to patients and their social networks.