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Attorney General Brown Announces Large Seizure of Fentanyl and Indictments of Four People on Firearms and Drug Charges from Panyard Investigation
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that four people have been charged after a long-term investigation in northern Baltimore City. Charges in the indictments include illegal possession of firearms; illegal sale of firearms; possession of large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines; and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. The investigation was led by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Iowa voters provided with resources for judicial retention decisions
Iowa voters have access to detailed information about judges up for retention in the upcoming general election on November 5. The Iowa Judicial Branch website provides the 2024 Iowa Voter's Judicial Directory, which includes biographies of each judge on the ballot. These biographies cover judges' backgrounds, education, careers, and professional activities. Additionally, the directory explains Iowa's judicial retention process and factors voters might consider when deciding whether to retain a justice or judge.
Marriott agrees to $52M settlement over Starwood data breach
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced a settlement involving Marriott International, Inc. regarding a significant data breach affecting its Starwood system databases. The breach, which spanned four years, led to the exposure of 131.5 million guest records in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission coordinated with 50 states on this settlement, resulting in Marriott agreeing to pay $52 million and enhance its data security practices.
Marriott settles with states over major data breach affecting millions
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. regarding a significant data breach. Arkansas will receive $804,965 as part of the agreement involving 50 attorneys general.
Court enjoins parts of Alabama ballot harvesting law for certain voters
The court has issued a preliminary injunction affecting certain provisions of Act 2024-33, specifically regarding ballot harvesting. The order restricts the enforcement of the "payment or gift" and submission provisions under specific conditions. These provisions are not enforceable when a voter is blind, disabled, or illiterate as defined by Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act and requests assistance from a person of their choice.
Marriott settles $52 million over data breach affecting millions
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a $52 million settlement with Marriott International, Inc. The settlement addresses a data breach that affected 131.5 million customers across the United States, including millions in New York. The breach involved intruders accessing the system of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, a subsidiary of Marriott, undetected for four years.
Michigan AG supports bills enhancing consumer protection laws
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside Corporate Oversight Division Chief Jason Evans, addressed the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection in support of new legislation aimed at strengthening consumer protection laws. The proposed Senate Bills 1021 and 1022, introduced by Senator Sam Singh, seek to amend the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) to better protect consumers from predatory business practices.
Authorities warn against scams amid hurricanes
As another major hurricane approaches, the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has issued a warning to consumers about potential fraud, price gouging, and collusive schemes during natural disasters.
North Carolina doctor settles kickback allegations with $625K payment
Dr. Eric Troyer, a physician from Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C., have agreed to pay $625,000 to settle allegations of involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. The settlement includes $429,254 to the United States for alleged False Claims Act violations and an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina.
California firm halted after listeria outbreak linked to deaths
A federal court has issued an injunction against a California company, Rizo Lopez Foods Inc., following a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and two deaths. The injunction prevents the company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products.
Supreme Court hears arguments in controversial Richard Glossip death penalty case
Attorney General Gentner Drummond appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States today for oral arguments in the case of Glossip v. Oklahoma. Representing the State of Oklahoma, Attorney Paul Clement argued that Richard Glossip's conviction should be vacated and remanded to district court due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
Michigan AG supports bills enhancing consumer protections against data breaches and price gouging
Today, representatives from the Michigan Department of Attorney General testified before the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection. The testimony focused on supporting legislative measures aimed at enhancing consumer protections against data breaches and price gouging. Jason Evans, Chief of the Corporate Oversight Division, and Assistant Attorney General Kathy Fitzgerald spoke in favor of two legislative packages. These packages include Senate Bills 888-892 and Senate Bills 954-956.
Marriott settles over Starwood data breach; agrees to pay $52 million
Attorney General Charity Clark announced a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. regarding a data breach involving the Starwood guest reservation database. The settlement, part of a larger $52 million agreement reached by 50 attorneys general, includes provisions for enhanced data security measures and consumer protections. Vermont will receive $590,292.25 from this settlement.
Columbia man arrested for alleged sexual exploitation attempts involving minors
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Jerry Wayne Williams, a 67-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina. Williams faces seven charges related to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest was carried out by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators from the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, also part of the state's ICAC task force, assisted in the investigation.
Attorneys general urge court action against TikTok over evidence non-compliance
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, alongside a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has urged a Tennessee court to enforce its orders requiring TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation. The investigation aims to determine whether TikTok is violating state consumer protection laws, potentially impacting the mental health of children and teens.
State attorneys general push for court enforcement against TikTok
Attorney General Phil Weiser has led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in urging a Tennessee court to enforce its orders requiring TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation. The investigation, which began in 2022, aims to determine if TikTok is violating state consumer protection laws related to the mental health crisis among children and teens.
Marriott reaches $52M settlement over Starwood data breach affecting millions
Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. involving a data breach of the Starwood guest reservation database. The breach, which spanned four years, exposed 131.5 million guest records including sensitive information such as passport numbers and payment card details. The settlement involves Marriott paying $52 million nationally, with Minnesota receiving $814,847.
Marriott settles $52M over data breach impacting millions
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, alongside 49 other attorneys general, has finalized a $52 million settlement with Marriott International Inc. This agreement concludes an investigation into a prolonged data breach involving the guest-reservation system acquired by Marriott.
Michigan man indicted for multimillion-dollar penny-stock scam involving Minerco Inc
A Michigan man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for allegedly defrauding investors in Minerco Inc., resulting in millions of dollars in losses. The indictment charges Bobby Shumake Japhia, also known as Robert Samuel Shumake Jr., Robert Japhia, and Shaman Bobby Shu, with securities fraud and obstruction.
Attorney General Tim Griffin announces promotions within his office
Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced two key promotions within his office. Justin Brascher has been elevated to the role of Senior Assistant Attorney General for Intergovernmental Affairs. Brascher, who joined the Office of the Attorney General in January 2023, previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Litigation Division, Special Litigation Section. In this capacity, he defended Arkansas in various lawsuits. Griffin noted that Brascher's experience and policy knowledge make him a valuable addition to the Intergovernmental Affairs team, where he...