States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
W.Va. A.G. McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today urging the Court to reject Virginia legislators' attempt to bypass their own state court system and have federal judges override a ruling on Virginia's constitution.
Attorney General McCuskey filed the "friend of the court" brief to ask the Supreme Court
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today urging the Court to reject Virginia legislators' attempt to bypass their own state court system and have federal judges override a ruling on Virginia's constitution.
Attorney General McCuskey filed the "friend of the court" brief to ask the Supreme Courtto reject the emergency application to pause the Virginia Supreme Court's decision that found the legislature failed to follow the state constitution's required process for amending it.
West Virginia's argument is simple - no federal question exists. The matter was settled in the Virginia Supreme Court.
"Virginia democrats are wrong on issues and wrong on this egregious attempt to alter the outcome of their elections. The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the attempt as unconstitutional and that should be the final say on this matter. State courts should decide state constitutional issues, and we are committed to defending that process," Attorney General McCuskey said.
Virginia legislators in this case are asking the Supreme Court to freeze the ruling now to prevent the election being run under the old maps by default. Virginia's primary election is August 4. Absentee ballots must go out 45 days before the election, so ballots must be finalized by May 28.
Attorney General McCuskey's brief argues that allowing federal courts to second-guess state constitutional rulings whenever a losing party invokes a federal argument would weaken state court independence nationwide. Additionally, the brief argues that a stay would cause chaos and confusion in the upcoming election. The simpler and more stable process would be running the upcoming election the same as the last one.
The amicus brief was filed in the United States Supreme Court by West Virginia's Solicitor General. Read the brief here (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.list-manage.com%2FG7nniajik24%3Fe%3D63c6a19f3f%26c2id%3D858b6dd1a6cd1b812da6f429adb1c079&data=05%7C02%7Cacantrell%40wvago.gov%7C198b3e3b683945bd511108deb116ecaf%7C3a89d8fc1c954f00b5a42f0551f6bfde%7C0%7C0%7C639142909206790567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a6kh8u8lG3W6V5XTs%2BvVuyCV%2BN2Rd7hpOP0YW4L%2FuiM%3D&reserved=0).
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/attorney-general-mccuskey-defends-state-court-independence-high-stakes-virginia
S.D. A.G. Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 14 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined 22 other Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court uphold a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.
The brief supports the state of Louisiana,
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 14 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined 22 other Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court uphold a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.
The brief supports the state of Louisiana,which is suing the federal Food and Drug Administration for a 2023 rule that removed the in-person dispensing requirement. That allowed the drug to be shipped across state lines.
"South Dakota lawmakers and citizens have said repeatedly they want stronger rules for the distribution of this drug," said Attorney General Jackley.
"The states, not the federal government, should make their own decisions on this dangerous drug."
Nebraska filed the brief. Other states involved were Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The brief can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3074X)
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3074
R.I. Gov. McKee Nominates New Members to the Rhode Island Board of Education
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 14 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Governor McKee Nominates New Members to the Rhode Island Board of Education
Governor McKee today announced his nomination of four members to the Rhode Island Board of Education: Sandra Cano and Karen Hazard to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli and Alan Tenreiro to the Council on Postsecondary Education.
"I am proud to nominate these qualified and dedicated individuals to build on the momentum already underway," said
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 14 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Governor McKee Nominates New Members to the Rhode Island Board of Education
Governor McKee today announced his nomination of four members to the Rhode Island Board of Education: Sandra Cano and Karen Hazard to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli and Alan Tenreiro to the Council on Postsecondary Education.
"I am proud to nominate these qualified and dedicated individuals to build on the momentum already underway," saidGovernor Dan McKee. "Together, we will continue to make progress in closing the achievement gap with Massachusetts and ensuring more Rhode Islanders can earn college degrees that lead directly to good-paying jobs."
Sandra Cano currently serves as the Director of Industry and Corporate Relations for the University of Rhode Island Foundation where she works to strengthen partnerships between higher education, industry, workforce development, and community leaders. Prior to this role, she served as the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's New England Region, overseeing programs and operations across six states. From 2018 to 2024, Cano represented District 8 in the Rhode Island Senate, where she served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education beginning in 2021 and became a leading advocate for educational equity, student opportunity, and workforce development initiatives across Rhode Island. Before her service in the Senate, Cano served on the Pawtucket School Committee and later as an At-Large City Councilor in the City of Pawtucket, building a longstanding record of public service dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening communities throughout the state.
"As an immigrant from Colombia and a former English as a second language (ESL) student, I experienced firsthand how education can change the course of a child's life. That journey inspired my lifelong commitment to education policy and expanding opportunities for every Rhode Island student. I am honored to continue advocating for students, families, and the future of public," said Cano.
Karen Hazard currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, the President of the Rhode Island Laborers' District Council and the Business Manager for Laborers' Local Union 808. Previously, Hazard worked at Laborers' Local Union 1134 for eighteen years, rising through the ranks of Steward, Executive Board Member, President and Business Manager. Hazard serves on numerous boards and committees including the Executive Board for the Institute for Labor Studies, Co-Chair of AFL-CIO Rhode Island Pride Committee, and the Centers for Justice Board. Karen is the mother of eight children.
"It has always been my honor to serve the citizens of Rhode Island. I would like thank Governor Dan McKee for his consideration. Public service has been my life and I would be honored to continue to do so in this new and exciting role," said Hazard.
Alan Tenreiro is currently the President of Mount Saint Charles Academy. Before stepping into that role in 2017, Tenreiro served as Principal of Cumberland High School, where he was honored as National Principal of the Year for advancing student achievement, equity, and postsecondary outcomes. Prior to that, he served on the Pawtucket School Committee for 8 years, including as Chair. Tenreiro currently serves as Co-chair of the Rhode Island College Alumni & Foundation Board and recently completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership.
"I am truly honored and grateful to Governor McKee for this nomination. Education has shaped my entire life and career, and Rhode Island has so many dedicated students, educators, and institutions doing important work every day. I look forward to supporting the Board's efforts to strengthen opportunity and student success across the full K-20 spectrum, while helping encourage stronger alignment and collaboration between our K-12 and higher education systems," said Tenreiro.
Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli is currently the Assistant Vice President at Organogenesis. Prior to joining Organogenesis in 2019, Dr. Petrosinelli spent over 24 years in education. During that time, he served in numerous roles ranging from Assistant Superintendent of Johnston Public Schools, Principal of Hope High School, Principal of Roger Williams Middle School, Assistant Principal of Mt. Pleasant High School, and a teacher in the Providence Schools.
"I would like to thank Governor McKee for nominating me to the Council on Postsecondary Education. As a former public school teacher and administrator, I know that workforce readiness doesn't begin at graduation. It is built through a seamless pipeline from PK-12 through higher education. I am honored to join the council to ensure our academic pathways are strategically aligned with the demands of our state's growing industries, creating a clear and accessible route for every Rhode Island student to enter high-impact careers," said Dr. Petrosinelli.
The names have been submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.
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Original text here: governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-nominates-new-members-rhode-island-board-education
Okla. A.G. Drummond Hails New Law Strengthening Protections for Peeping Tom Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Drummond hails new law strengthening protections for peeping tom victims
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the signing of House Bill 4104, which strengthens penalties for repeat peeping tom and secret recording offenses and requires those convicted to register as sex offenders.
"Victims of peeping toms deserve stronger protection, and Oklahoma has now made it clear that this is a serious offense.
House Bill 4104 ensures that those who commit
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Drummond hails new law strengthening protections for peeping tom victims
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the signing of House Bill 4104, which strengthens penalties for repeat peeping tom and secret recording offenses and requires those convicted to register as sex offenders.
"Victims of peeping toms deserve stronger protection, and Oklahoma has now made it clear that this is a serious offense.
House Bill 4104 ensures that those who committhese crimes are held accountable as the sex offenders they are.
The public deserves to know, and this law gives us the tools to make that happen."
House Bill 4104, authored by Rep. Ross Ford and Sen. Todd Gollihare, was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the Office of the Attorney General.
The legislation takes effect Nov. 1.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/drummond-hails-new-law-strengthening-protections-for-peeping-tom-victims.html
NJDOL Posts the Names of Eight Businesses With Outstanding Wage, Benefit, and Tax Law Violations to Its Workplace Accountability in Labor List
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Posts the Names of Eight Businesses with Outstanding Wage, Benefit, and Tax Law Violations to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (AKA 'The WALL')
In May, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) added the names of eight new businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL). Four businesses were removed from The WALL since April, bringing the total number to 368 employers who are listed for failing to address
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Posts the Names of Eight Businesses with Outstanding Wage, Benefit, and Tax Law Violations to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (AKA 'The WALL')
In May, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) added the names of eight new businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL). Four businesses were removed from The WALL since April, bringing the total number to 368 employers who are listed for failing to addresstheir outstanding liabilities for violations of wage, benefit, or tax laws. Any business whose name appears on The WALL is barred from public contracting with state, county, or local governments until they pay their liabilities in full.
The eight businesses owe a total of $353,559.68 in unpaid wages, fines, and penalties, including penalties for failure to comply with New Jersey Workers' Compensation Law. Currently in the third year of The WALL initiative, there are now 368 businesses posted to The WALL that collectively owe $33.1 million - either directly to their workers or to the state for unpaid taxes, contributions, fines, or penalties.
Four businesses have been removed from The WALL since last month. To date, NJDOL has recovered $958,447.89 in outstanding liabilities from businesses that have been posted to The WALL or have been warned their business would be added to The WALL if they did not resolve their outstanding liabilities.
The WALL is a powerful enforcement tool that enables the department to publicly name companies that shortchange their workers and skip required contributions to programs such as unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. The companies on the list have failed to resolve their outstanding fines and fees with NJDOL and the Treasury.
The initiative was established through bipartisan action (S-4226) in 2020 as part of an effort to combat worker misclassification and exploitation. It gives NJDOL power to protect fair-minded businesses across the state from employers that undercut their workers to gain a competitive edge.
Posting on The WALL is separate from - and may be in addition to - other accountability measures, such as public contractor debarment and business license suspension or revocation. State, county, municipal, and school procurement officers must cross-reference The WALL before awarding public contracts, as they do with the debarment list.
Businesses receive letters warning that their company's name will be posted to The WALL unless they remedy their outstanding liabilities; they are given 20 days from the date they receive notice to pay in full or challenge their pending placement on The WALL.
The WALL went live in September 2023 with 36 businesses listed. Additional businesses with outstanding violations are added monthly. In December 2025, the Department published the Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance Impact Report for 2023-2025, which provides a comprehensive overview of New Jersey's progress in key areas of labor law enforcement over the past two years. The report details how critical initiatives like The WALL have effectively tackled wage violations and worker misclassification, recovering millions in owed wages and penalties for the state and workers.
The WALL website features improved accessibility and a streamlined user experience. The updated site includes a convenient search box to enable users to quickly find information on posted businesses, including names and posting dates, in addition to other key details. The WALL can be viewed or downloaded here.
Questions about The WALL should be directed to OSECInquiries@dol.nj.gov.
For a comprehensive list of questions and answers about The WALL, visit nj.gov/labor/wall.
Businesses added to The WALL in May are:
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1. Blanca Pineda LLC
d/b/a Paisanos Pizzeria
138 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ 07869
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000002-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 06/09/2025
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
2. CJM Mixed Martial Arts, LLC
d/b/a Rare Breed Mixed Martial Arts
400 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
65 Washington St, Bloomfield, NJ 07033
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000003-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 06/09/2025
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
3. DGDISTISERVICES LLC
a/k/a DG Staffing Services
507 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873
84 Washington Street, Number 18, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000004-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 06/18/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
4. El Tio Taco II LLC
a/k/a Tio Taco Restaurant
502 55th Street, West New York, NJ 07093
5024 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000005-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 10/07/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
5. Keith Del Buono, individually
a/k/a Del Buono Construction
a/k/a Delbuono Construction
10 Trumen Place, Keansburg, NJ 07734
41 Ocean Blvd, Keansburg, NJ 07734
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000006-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 06/06/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
6. TZN Trucking, Inc.
508 Marlin Farm Road, Stewartsville, NJ 08886
P.O. Box 87, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000008-2026
Violation(s): The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 06/09/2025
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
7. Western Africa Corp.
5 Lackawanna Ct, Dayton, NJ 08810
314A Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WC-000009-2026
Violation(s):
* The Workers' Compensation Law - R.S.34:15-1 et seq
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 02/05/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $45,000
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
8. Chela's Restaurant & Bar LLC
93 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-WH-000003-2026
Violation(s):
* The NJ Wage Payment Law - P.L.1965, c.173 (C.34:11-4.1 et seq.)
* The NJ State Wage and Hour Law - P.L.1966, c.113 (C.34:11-56a et seq.)
* The NJ Earned Sick Leave Law - P.L.2018, c.10 (C.34:11D-1 et seq.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 10/08/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $38,559.68
Date Posted on the WALL: 05/05/2026
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2026/20260513_wall.shtml
N.H. Gov. Ayotte: House Must Act to Hold Anthem and Other Insurers Accountable
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 14 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte: House Must Act to Hold Anthem and Other Insurers Accountable
Today, the New Hampshire Union Leader published the following OpEd from Governor Kelly Ayotte calling on the House to pass legislation holding Anthem and other insurance companies accountable for covering children's mental health services.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte: House must act to hold Anthem and other insurers accountable
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the incredible
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 14 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte: House Must Act to Hold Anthem and Other Insurers Accountable
Today, the New Hampshire Union Leader published the following OpEd from Governor Kelly Ayotte calling on the House to pass legislation holding Anthem and other insurance companies accountable for covering children's mental health services.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte: House must act to hold Anthem and other insurers accountable
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the incredibleproviders, advocates, volunteers, and families across New Hampshire who work every day to support children and loved ones facing mental health challenges. Their compassion and dedication help save lives, strengthen families, and ensure people get help before a crisis becomes even more serious.
It's also an opportunity to acknowledge where we need to do better.
Right now, too many families are struggling to access the mental health care and wraparound services their children need because insurance companies refuse to provide adequate coverage for those services. Parents shouldn't have to spend their time battling insurance companies when their child is struggling nor drain their retirement accounts to pay for the care their children need.
It's appalling that Anthem and other carriers would deny coverage for critical life-saving services to any child experiencing a mental health crisis. I was extremely disappointed by the House Commerce Committee's decision to stall Senate Bill 498, which would hold these companies accountable and protect coverage for these services for some of our most vulnerable children.
This is not a new issue. Providers and families have been sounding the alarm for years that children are not receiving timely access to the care they need, and, time and again, insurance companies have failed to come to the table with meaningful solutions while the state is left to fill in the gaps.
When mental health challenges go untreated or support is delayed, children can experience more severe crises that may ultimately require institutional care. It shouldn't get to that point. We should be doing everything we can to help children stay safely at home with the appropriate services and support around them.
Protecting this coverage is not only compassionate -- it's common sense. The Senate passed SB 498 to ensure that happens, and they did their homework with mental health providers, advocates, and experts who work directly with these families involved in every step of the process. Despite the House Commerce Committee's misguided decision not to advance this legislation, there is still an opportunity for members to do the right thing when SB 498 goes to the floor.
We've had ongoing discussions with the insurance companies over the last several months involving Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt, our Department of Health and Human Services, and members of my team in an effort to come to a solution. But carriers have continued making empty promises instead of delivering, as they have done year after year.
The fact of the matter is that we wouldn't need this legislation if insurers were already doing the right thing voluntarily. But when they fail to provide adequate coverage for kids experiencing a mental health challenge, taxpayers are left to absorb the cost of more intensive care later on. I refuse to let Anthem and other insurance carriers continue to let taxpayers foot the bill for their refusal to provide adequate coverage for these critical services. Our kids and families deserve better, and I urge the New Hampshire House to reverse its misguided decision not to hold Anthem and other insurance carriers accountable and protect coverage for mental health services for our children.
We're not giving up on this issue, and we'll continue working with legislators, providers, advocates, and families to get this done and ensure our children -- and their families -- get the care and support they need. By holding Anthem and other insurance companies accountable and protecting coverage for these critical services, we are further strengthening our mental health system and ensuring a healthier future for our kids.
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Original text here: www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-house-must-act-hold-anthem-and-other-insurers-accountable
Ga. A.G. Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 14 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
TATTNALL COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced the indictment of former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, for his alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad.
"Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,"
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 14 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
TATTNALL COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced the indictment of former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, for his alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad.
"Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,"said Attorney General Chris Carr. "Using a state position to profit off gang activity and contraband, if proven, is completely inexcusable and will lead to prosecution by our office. Public corruption at any level will not be tolerated."
This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
"As warden of a state prison, Adams was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of holding criminals accountable and protecting the public trust. Instead, he exploited his position for personal gain," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "We remain unwavering in our commitment to work alongside the Georgia Attorney General's Office to dismantle criminal networks and hold corrupt officials fully accountable."
Case Summary
In May 2022, Carr requested the GBI to investigate allegations of corruption at Smith State Prison. This request stemmed from evidence discovered while conducting an investigation into the death of 88-year-old Bobby Kicklighter, who was shot and killed at his home in Glennville in January 2021. Weekes, who was already in custody at Smith State Prison at the time, and several others were subsequently indicted as a result of this death investigation, which includes charges related to contraband smuggling.
In part, Adams is now charged with facilitating this smuggling operation as Warden.
Specifically, he is alleged to have acquired and maintained control of money and contraband through a pattern of racketeering activity that includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
* Bribery: As Warden, Adams is alleged to have accepted money to move inmate Weekes out of solitary confinement. He is also alleged to have accepted money to permit contraband into Smith State Prison.
* Money Laundering: Adams is alleged to have conducted and attempted to conduct transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity (Bribery).
* Tampering with Evidence: As Warden, Adams is alleged to have knowingly concealed prison shanks and contraband cell phones by having them buried in his backyard in an attempt to obstruct an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
* False Statements: Adams is alleged to have knowingly made false statements to law enforcement in relation to an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
Tattnall County Indictment
The Attorney General's Prosecution Division presented evidence to a Tattnall County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment* against Brian Adams on May 13, 2026.
Specifically, Adams is facing the following charges:
* 1 count of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of False Statements
* 2 counts of Tampering with Evidence
* 2 counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/051326-tattnall-county-indictmentpdf/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-13/carr-indicts-former-prison-warden-contraband-smuggling-operation
