Latest News
Florida Attorney General secures withheld media contracts from Atlantic Coast Conference
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has obtained media contracts previously withheld from Florida State University (FSU) by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). These documents are central to FSU’s ongoing dispute with the ACC regarding the university's rights should it decide to leave the conference. As a result of Attorney General Moody’s legal action, the ACC has released six redacted media rights contracts and related documents.
Greenville County man arrested for distributing child sexual abuse material
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Russell Dean Stokes, 55, of Taylors, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.
North Dakota Supreme Court releases new opinions on August cases
On August 1, 2024, the following legal opinions were filed:
Michigan Supreme Court upholds EGLE's authority on water protection permits
The Michigan Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to use a general permit to implement more protective conditions for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) than those outlined in existing rules. The decision in Michigan Farm Bureau v. Department of Environment, Great Lakes, And Energy affirms EGLE's ability to establish permit conditions aimed at safeguarding water quality and mandates that these conditions be justified in contested case proceedings.
State AGs urge federal government to prioritize health care needs over union agreements
Attorney General Miyares Leads Coalition of 17 State AGs Urging Federal Government to Stop Putting Unions Above Americans’ Health Care Needs
Attorney General James seeks public input on new children's online safety laws
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued two advanced notices of proposed rulemaking for recently signed children’s online safety laws. These notices aim to protect minors on social media platforms and websites by allowing parents, children, advocates, stakeholders, social media companies, and tech industry professionals to submit comments and suggestions. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is tasked with creating rules to safeguard New York children online under the new laws sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic.
Chief Justice Jensen discusses judiciary independence on N.D. Public Radio
North Dakota Chief Justice Jon Jensen appeared on Prairie Public's 'Main Street,' hosted by Craig Blumenshine. Chief Jensen was interviewed on a variety of topics, including the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, the influence of Marbury v. Madison on the role of the judiciary, and the potential role of technology in the courts.
Attorney generals file lawsuit against Regeneron alleging fraudulent drug price reporting
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with attorneys general from Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, has filed a lawsuit in federal district court against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The New York-based pharmaceutical company is accused of inflating the costs that state Medicaid programs have paid for the eye medication Eylea. The complaint alleges that this scheme led to the submission of tens of thousands of false claims to Medicaid and resulted in millions of dollars in losses for the states.
Georgia man arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Robert Eugene Moore, 50, of Augusta, Georgia, on two charges related to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department conducted the arrest.
Washington County man convicted for possession of child pornography
Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the conviction of Patrick Joseph Rohner, 58, for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (Child Pornography). The felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Rohner was sentenced on July 25, 2024, by Washington County District Judge Kiley Stuchlik.
America First Legal investigates Biden Administration's response to pro-Hamas riots
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the Biden Administration’s handling of recent anti-American and pro-Hamas riots at the Watergate Hotel and Union Station in Washington, D.C. The disturbances, reportedly organized by the ANSWER Coalition, involved flag burning, assaults on police officers, and vandalism of monuments. AFL criticizes the administration for failing to secure the Watergate Hotel, where Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu was staying before his Congressional address.
Dollar Tree agrees to nationwide product testing reforms after AG investigation
On August 1, 2024, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a legally binding resolution requiring Dollar Tree to pay $190,000 and enhance testing protocols for children's products. This follows an investigation that revealed school supplies sold by the retailer contained illegal levels of toxic heavy metals, lead and cadmium.
Attorney General Ken Paxton forces continuation of border wall construction
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a significant victory, halting the Biden Administration’s attempt to redirect funds away from border wall construction. The administration declined to appeal after losing the case in federal court, thus forfeiting any further claims. The court directed the Biden Administration to continue the construction using the funding appropriated by Congress.
Texas man pleads guilty to importing protected reptiles from Australia
A Texas man made his initial appearance in court and pleaded guilty today to violating the Endangered Species Act by importing protected Australian reptiles into the United States on behalf of a fake zoo which he represented as legitimate.
North Dakota Supreme Court announces new law clerks for 2024
The North Dakota Supreme Court has announced the appointment of five new law clerks who commenced their one-year clerkship on August 1, 2024.
Veronica Lewis arraigned on multiple felony charges
The Attorney General’s Office announced that Veronica Lewis, 40, was arraigned today on one felony count of attempted murder in the second degree and two felony counts of aggravated assault. The charges against Ms. Lewis stem from an investigation conducted by the Vermont State Police and the Department of Corrections into an incident that occurred on May 29, 2024, at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.
AG Moody encourages student engagement with Hallway Heroes amid rising concerns over illicit substances
As Florida students prepare for a new academic year, Attorney General Ashley Moody is honoring the efforts of Volusia County school resource deputies with a Thin Line Tribute and encouraging students to help prevent crime by engaging with Hallway Heroes. Attorney General Moody created the Thin Line Tribute to recognize front-line law enforcement officers. Last year, she launched Hallway Heroes to encourage students to build bonds of trust with school resource officers, making it easier to report suspicious or criminal activity in schools.
Settlement reached with Valvoline over alleged unfair labor practices
Attorney General Raoul reaches settlement with Valvoline over use of non-compete agreements
Springfield resident charged with attempted luring of a child
James Beam, 29, of Springfield, Vermont, was arraigned today on one felony count of Attempted Luring of a Child. The charge stems from an undercover investigation by the Hartford Police Department and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC). Beam allegedly initiated contact online via the Grindr application with a Hartford investigator posing as a 14-year-old minor. He engaged in sexual conversations and arranged a meeting to engage in sexual acts.
Settlement reached over deceptive marketing of non-recyclable 'recycling' bags
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that his office has reached settlements with Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. to resolve the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the companies for deceptively marketing “recycling” bags to Minnesotans that were not recyclable.