News from September 2024
Justice Department reaches settlement with Wisconsin DOC over access issues for deaf inmates
The Justice Department has announced a settlement agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WDOC) under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This agreement aims to ensure that incarcerated individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal access to WDOC’s programs, services, and activities. These include educational, counseling, medical, recreational, and prison employment programs. The settlement resolves an investigation into complaints that WDOC did not provide necessary auxiliary aids and services to inmates with hearing disabilities.
Attorney General Josh Stein honors seven Triad area residents with Dogwood Awards
Attorney General Josh Stein honored seven North Carolinians from the Triad area with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. The awards recognize individuals working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of their communities.
Chief Justice Boggs issues statewide judicial emergency due to cyclone Helene
Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs has issued a statewide judicial emergency order, extending certain deadlines in ongoing court proceedings due to the effects of tropical cyclone Helene.
Arizona man sentenced for role in Walmart gift card cloning scheme
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the sentencing of Yuniel Rodriguez-Leon for his involvement in a gift card cloning scheme that targeted Walmart stores in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties from October to December 2023.
Trish Markus Bestows 2024 AHLA Presidential Citations
Several individuals were honored with Presidential Citations at the American Health Law Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Codington County Treatment Court to celebrate program graduates on October 4
The Codington County Treatment Court will hold a graduation ceremony on October 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. CDT in Courtroom #222 at the Codington County Courthouse, located at 14 First Ave. SE, Watertown. The event is open to the public and will honor participants who have successfully completed all phases of the program. Family and friends are expected to attend.
Attorney General Wilson launches new human trafficking task force
Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the launch of the 1st Judicial Circuit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force at the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office on September 30, 2024. This task force aims to coordinate anti-human trafficking efforts in Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Dorchester counties.
Former Luzerne County school band director sentenced for sexual assault
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Theron Roberts, a former band director at Crestwood High School, will serve six to 23½ months in prison for sexually assaulting a student in 2019. At sentencing Friday, Roberts was also ordered to register under Megan’s Law for the rest of his life.
Moody warns Floridians about post-Hurricane Helene disaster-related scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody is advising Floridians to be cautious of price gouging, disaster scams, and fraud following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane struck Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday, causing significant damage with storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain affecting millions. Communities have been devastated, homes destroyed, and the death toll is rising. As residents seek essential services like food, shelter, debris removal, or home repairs, the Price Gouging Hotline remains active for reporting extreme price increases and recovery-related scams.
California CEO sentenced over distribution of unapproved stem cell drug
The founder and chief executive officer of a California-based company that marketed stem cell-based products allegedly linked to 19 hospitalizations was sentenced today to 36 months in prison following his conviction under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Justice Department monitors Alaska REAA elections for compliance with voting rights laws
The Justice Department has announced plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Alaska for the October 1 Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA) elections. The department will focus on the Bethel, Dillingham, and Kusilvak Census Areas, as well as the Northwest Arctic and North Slope Boroughs.
Justice Department highlights ongoing efforts in civil rights cold case investigations
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addressed the Civil Rights Division’s cold case initiative, highlighting its significance in seeking justice for victims of racial violence. The event coincided with the 69th anniversary of the trial of Emmett Till's murderers, who were acquitted despite strong evidence.
Chinese national extradited to US on charges related to violating North Korea sanctions
On September 27, the Commonwealth of Australia extradited Jin Guanghua, 53, to the United States. Jin, a Chinese national, and his co-conspirators North Korean banker Sim Hyon-Sop, 50, and Chinese nationals Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, were charged by indictment in 2022 for facilitating the sale of tobacco to North Korea through the U.S. financial system in violation of sanctions. Jin made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today.
Attorney General issues alert on price gouging after Lake County emergency declaration
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert in response to Governor Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency in Lake County following the Boyles Fire. The fire, now contained, affected the City of Clearlake, damaging or destroying over 30 structures.
Burleigh County seeks candidates for Legal Assistant I position in Bismarck
Burleigh County has announced an opening for the position of Legal Assistant I in Bismarck, ND. This full-time role offers a salary range from $20.38 to $22.61 per hour and includes full benefits. The application deadline is October 14, 2024.
AG Nessel investigates fraudulent pet adoption scheme
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated an investigation into an individual using the alias "Abby Stratiskii" on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org. Stratiskii is accused of misleading Michigan consumers by allegedly falsifying vaccination records for a dog sold through the website. Last week, the Department of Attorney General issued Civil Investigative Subpoenas to Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.), the operators of Rescue Me (World Organization d/b/a Rescue Me), and PETIQ, LLC, a company that issued a rabies tag, in an effort to uncover Stratiskii's true...
Attorney General updates on price gouging after Hurricane Helene
Attorney General Josh Stein provided an update on price gouging complaints following Hurricane Helene. The Department of Justice has received 64 complaints alleging price gouging in western North Carolina, mainly concerning hotel rates, grocery prices, and fuel prices. These complaints predominantly involve Watauga, McDowell, and Cleveland counties. The Attorney General’s Office is investigating these complaints and has issued three civil investigative demands to gather more information.
Paxton sues Travis County over alleged secret meeting on DA's home security
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Travis County Commissioners Court. The suit alleges that the court violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by holding a secret meeting to discuss and approve funding for security enhancements at the personal residence of Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza.
Attorney General announces over $8M funding for combating opioid crisis
The Colorado Department of Law has allocated $8.25 million to address the opioid crisis across the state and within county jails, as announced by Attorney General Phil Weiser at the third Colorado Opioid Abatement Council Conference in Loveland.
North Carolina opens phone line for reporting price gouging
North Carolina's law against price gouging, or charging too much in times of a crisis, goes into effect when the governor or the legislature declares a state of emergency. In some cases, businesses and industries that are heavily impacted by the incident causing the state of emergency have a reasonable need to increase prices in order to resupply, but they should disclose these increases so people can make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses cannot, however, unreasonably raise the price of goods or services to profit from a state of emergency.