Latest News
California introduces new laws targeting organized retail crime
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has introduced a new law enforcement bulletin detailing ten new California Organized Retail Crime (ORC) bills signed into law by the Governor on August 16, 2024. These laws are designed to assist law enforcement in combating organized retail crime across the state. While most of these laws will take effect on January 1, 2025, AB 1972 became effective immediately on August 16, 2024.
Vermont AG files suit against paper plant for alleged environmental violations
Attorney General Charity Clark has initiated legal proceedings against Long Falls Paperboard, citing multiple breaches of Vermont's environmental regulations at their Brattleboro facility. The action, taken on behalf of the Agency of Natural Resources, seeks civil penalties and a mandate for the company to implement corrective measures approved by the agency to ensure compliance with state laws.
Texas AG sues doctor over illegal gender transition treatments for minors
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against a doctor in North Texas, accusing the physician of violating state law by administering prohibited "gender transition" treatments to minors. The lawsuit alleges that nearly two dozen children received these treatments.
Officer-involved death in Fitchburg investigated by Wisconsin DOJ
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has completed an investigation into an officer-involved death in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The incident occurred on the morning of August 12, 2024.
Moody honors Tampa police for exemplary service during hurricanes
Attorney General Ashley Moody has acknowledged the efforts of Tampa Police Department's frontline officers during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. At a roll call event on Wednesday, Moody presented the officers with a Thin Line Tribute, recognizing their dedication to maintaining safety in Tampa amid challenging conditions.
Attorney General Bonta advises Californians on cybersecurity measures during awareness month
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued guidance for consumers and businesses to enhance their online security as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October. Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures against cyber threats, Bonta stated, “During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond, I urge Californians and businesses to take online threats seriously. Don’t wait for a cyberattack or data breach to prioritize your protection – the time to act is now."
South Dakota Commission on Access to Our Courts to meet on October 21
The South Dakota Commission on Access to Our Courts is scheduled to meet on October 21, 2024. The meeting will take place from noon to 2 p.m. CDT at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain. The public can join the session virtually through Zoom.
Former ATF analyst sentenced for PPP loan fraud
Tiesha Johnson, a former analyst for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, was sentenced in Oakland County's 6th Circuit Court to an eleven-month delayed sentence. This sentencing follows her no-contest plea to three counts of False Pretenses involving fraudulent acquisition of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the decision.
Indiana officials seek USCIS help on voter citizenship verification
Attorney General Todd Rokita and Secretary of State Diego Morales have requested assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the citizenship status of certain voters in Indiana. These voters registered without providing state-issued identification.
States challenge EPA's electric-truck mandate in court
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has taken legal action to halt an electric-vehicle mandate proposed by the Biden-Harris administration. A brief was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, opposing the rule that targets truck manufacturers. This move is part of a larger effort by 24 states, collectively challenging the mandate in Nebraska v. EPA.
Attorney General Yost sues Marysville couple for failing to deliver services
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a couple from Marysville, Ohio, alleging they failed to deliver promised services and provided subpar workmanship. The suit, filed in Union County Common Pleas Court, accuses Ransom and Maggie Kulasa and their business, MBR, of accepting payments for window and door installations without completing the agreed-upon work.
FTC updates 'Click-to-Cancel' rule with input from Pennsylvania Attorney General
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended the Negative Option Rule, also known as the "Click to Cancel" rule. This amendment incorporates several changes proposed by Henry's office to aid Pennsylvanians facing challenges with unwanted subscriptions.
South Carolina man receives life sentence for murder under hate crime statute
A South Carolina man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman. The crime took place in December 2019 in Allendale, South Carolina. On February 24, a jury found Ritter guilty on all charges, which included hate crime, federal firearms violations, and obstruction counts linked to Doe's murder.
Three convicted for fatal shooting linked to gang rivalry in Athens
Attorney General Chris Carr announced the conviction and sentencing of Anthony Brown, Glendarius Tate, and X’Zydric Faust for their roles in the fatal shooting of Ja’Vanni McDavid on March 5, 2023, in Athens, Georgia. The three individuals are members of Everybody Killa (EBK), a criminal street gang based in Athens.
Alabama man charged over alleged hack of SEC social media account
An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.
Director Rossi emphasizes pro bono work at awards dinner
Director Rachel Rossi delivered a keynote address at the Community Legal Services (CLS) 57th Annual Pro Bono Awards Dinner. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Executive Director Harvey and Andrea Ortiz, CLS’ Director of Pro Bono Services, for organizing the event. She also acknowledged Roger Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, for his office's collaboration with CLS.
Settlement reached with Hilcorp Energy over emission violations in New Mexico
The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) have reached a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company regarding violations of the Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law at its oil and gas production sites in New Mexico.
Former Tennessee mental health center owner faces tax crime charges
A federal grand jury in Nashville has indicted a former business owner on charges of failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS. The indictment alleges that Mari Alexander, from Columbia, South Carolina, who owned Ross Behavioral Group, did not remit withheld employee taxes to the IRS between 2015 and 2020.
Wilson challenges federal electric-truck mandate with support from 23 other states
Attorney General Alan Wilson has taken legal action against the Biden-Harris administration by filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The brief aims to halt an electric-vehicle mandate affecting truck manufacturers, introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A coalition of 24 states is challenging this new rule in the case of Nebraska v. EPA.
Stephanie M. Hinds appointed director of Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the appointment of Stephanie M. Hinds as the new Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA). In his announcement, Garland praised Hinds, stating, "Stephanie is a superb leader with decades of experience at the Justice Department who will be an outstanding advocate for all 94 of our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country." He highlighted her extensive career and dedication to the department.