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Ex-Director who Embezzled $230K from Western Pa. Youth Football League will Serve a Decade on Probation, Ordered to Make Monthly Payments
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 13 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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Ex-Director who Embezzled $230K from Western Pa. Youth Football League will Serve a Decade on Probation, Ordered to Make Monthly Payments
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HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the former director of a southwestern Pennsylvania youth football league was sentenced to 10 years of probation and ordered to pay at least $1,500 per month to the league he defrauded of more than $230,000.
57-year-old William Spencer, of Washington, previously pleaded guilty to felony
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 13 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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Ex-Director who Embezzled $230K from Western Pa. Youth Football League will Serve a Decade on Probation, Ordered to Make Monthly Payments
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HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the former director of a southwestern Pennsylvania youth football league was sentenced to 10 years of probation and ordered to pay at least $1,500 per month to the league he defrauded of more than $230,000.
57-year-old William Spencer, of Washington, previously pleaded guilty to felonytheft by unlawful taking, and misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property and misapplication of entrusted property.
An investigation revealed that between 2020 and 2025, Spencer diverted league funds to his personal accounts to fund credit cards, bolster a retirement account, and make various purchases at Amazon, restaurants, and other retailers.
He was sentenced Friday in Washington County Court. He paid up front $30,000 of the restitution owed, and is required to pay at least $1,500 monthly toward the remaining $200,939 owed. He will serve the first six months of probation on house arrest.
"This defendant violated the trust of the families, volunteers, and community members who donated and supported the league -- which he left decimated financially," Attorney General Sunday said. "Time and time again, he stole from league coffers, harming the young athletes, coaches and other program supporters with every dollar he took."
Spencer was director of the Washington/Greene Youth Football League -- now known as the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League (WPYFL) -- from 2013 until he resigned in March 2025. During his last five years, he diverted league funds to his own accounts.
Over those five years, Spencer fraudulently wrote 187 checks payable to himself from WPYFL's accounts, totaling about $230,000.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General
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Original text here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ex-director-who-embezzled-230k-from-western-pa-youth-football-league-will-serve-a-decade-on-probation-ordered-to-make-monthly-payments/
Attorney General Mike Hilgers Announces $183.5 Million Multistate Settlement with Rent-to-Own Finance Company Acima Digital, LLC
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Nov. 13 -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mike Hilgers Announces $183.5 Million Multistate Settlement with Rent-to-Own Finance Company Acima Digital, LLC
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Lincoln - Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a $183.5 million multistate settlement with Acima Digital, LLC, and its parent company, Acima Holdings, LLC. The settlement includes $43 million in consumer restitution, $10.5 million to participating states, and $130 million in lease balance reductions. Nebraska will receive more than $292,608.42 in restitution
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, Nov. 13 -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mike Hilgers Announces $183.5 Million Multistate Settlement with Rent-to-Own Finance Company Acima Digital, LLC
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Lincoln - Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a $183.5 million multistate settlement with Acima Digital, LLC, and its parent company, Acima Holdings, LLC. The settlement includes $43 million in consumer restitution, $10.5 million to participating states, and $130 million in lease balance reductions. Nebraska will receive more than $292,608.42 in restitutionand $593,465.05 in lease forgiveness for Nebraska consumers.
Acima, a rent-to-own financing company that partners with Nebraska retailers, was accused of misleading consumers about the terms and costs of its rental-purchase agreements. Forty-three states alleged that Acima advertised 90-day payoff programs without clearly disclosing that consumers were automatically placed in 12-month agreements and could end up paying twice the advertised cash price. The company also allegedly misrepresented its services as traditional credit, marked up merchandise prices, and made it difficult for consumers to return merchandise and end agreements.
Under the settlement, Acima must improve retail partner training, provide clearer advertising and contract disclosures, stop marking up merchandise prices, allow consumers to return merchandise without obstruction, and properly address delivery, damage, and repair issues. The company also cannot report rental-purchase agreements to the three major credit bureaus for five years.
Consumers eligible for restitution or lease forgiveness do not need to take action. The settlement administrator will contact consumers receiving restitution, while Acima will notify those eligible for lease forgiveness.
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming also joined the settlement.
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Original text here: https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-mike-hilgers-announces-1835-million-multistate-settlement-rent-own-finance (TNSmrp)
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Stop Merger that Could Raise Pet Owners' Bills
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 13 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Stop Merger that Could Raise Pet Owners' Bills
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Nearly 80% of North Carolina households own pets, and this unlawful merger could raise prices for their care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 13, 2026
Download Attorney General Jackson's video here.
RALEIGH - Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing to block a merger between the nation's two largest veterinary supply distributors, warning that the deal could lead to higher prices
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 13 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Stop Merger that Could Raise Pet Owners' Bills
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Nearly 80% of North Carolina households own pets, and this unlawful merger could raise prices for their care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 13, 2026
Download Attorney General Jackson's video here.
RALEIGH - Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing to block a merger between the nation's two largest veterinary supply distributors, warning that the deal could lead to higher pricesat veterinary clinics and bigger bills for North Carolina pet owners.
"Pet owners are already paying hundreds of dollars a year for veterinary care. The last thing they need is two giant companies merging so they can charge veterinarians more, knowing those costs will get passed along to pet owners," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "This unlawful merger would raise prices for pet owners, and we're going to court to stop it."
Covetrus and MWI are the nation's two largest distributors of veterinary supplies, including medications, equipment, and software. They are two of only three companies in the country capable of supplying a full range of veterinary products to clinics nationwide.
Right now, the companies compete for business. When a veterinary clinic is looking for a supplier, it can negotiate with both companies to get a better price. Covetrus and MWI regularly offer discounts and other incentives to win customers from each other.
That competition helps keep costs down.
But now Covetrus wants to buy MWI in a $3.5 billion deal. The merger would eliminate one of the largest competitors in an already concentrated market, leaving veterinary clinics with fewer options and less bargaining power. They'll have to pay more for clinic equipment, and they'll have to pass those costs on to pet owners.
"Basic veterinary care shouldn't be a luxury," said Mondy Lamb, Vice President of Donor & External Relations at SPCA of Wake County. "Vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and treatment for sick or injured pets are essential services that every pet owner should be able to afford."
Impact on Pet Owners
More than 3 million North Carolina households own pets, and veterinary care is already a substantial expense. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog owners reported spending an average of nearly $600 on veterinary care in 2025, while cat owners spent about $530.
If the merger goes through, veterinary clinics could face higher prices for the medications and supplies they need. If vets have to pay more for supplies, pet owners will have to pay more for vet visits. The SPCA of Wake County reports that more than 1,000 pet owners reach out annually looking for affordable veterinary services.
Attorney General Jackson, the Federal Trade Commission, and the attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas are jointly asking the court to block the merger under federal antitrust law.
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Original text here: https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-to-stop-merger-that-could-raise-pet-owners-bills/
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Westchester County
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Westchester County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Sean Daniel, who died on April 7, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) in Yonkers, Westchester County. The OSI was previously conducting a preliminary assessment of the matter and has now opened an
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ALBANY, New York, Nov. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Westchester County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Sean Daniel, who died on April 7, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) in Yonkers, Westchester County. The OSI was previously conducting a preliminary assessment of the matter and has now opened aninvestigation following the receipt of new information.
At 7:19 p.m. on April 7, YPD officers went to a building on Bruce Avenue in Yonkers in response to a 911 call. When officers arrived, they saw Mr. Daniel allegedly assaulting a person. Two officers fired their Tasers, and four officers attempted to restrain Mr. Daniel. Mr. Daniel became unconscious and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-office-special-investigation-opens-investigation-32
Attorney General James Sues Nation's Largest Distributors of Veterinary Supplies to Ensure Fair Health Care Prices for Pet Owners
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Sues Nation's Largest Distributors of Veterinary Supplies to Ensure Fair Health Care Prices for Pet Owners
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Merger of Covetrus and MWI Will Likely Lead to Higher Prices for Veterinary Care Across the Country
AG James Joins FTC and 12 Other States in Suing to Block Merger
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a bipartisan coalition of 12 other states and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in suing to stop one of the nation's largest
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Sues Nation's Largest Distributors of Veterinary Supplies to Ensure Fair Health Care Prices for Pet Owners
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Merger of Covetrus and MWI Will Likely Lead to Higher Prices for Veterinary Care Across the Country
AG James Joins FTC and 12 Other States in Suing to Block Merger
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a bipartisan coalition of 12 other states and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in suing to stop one of the nation's largestdistributors of medications and supplies for veterinary clinics, Covetrus, Inc. (Covetrus) and its affiliates, from acquiring their competitor, MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (MWI). The two companies compete intensely for market share, offering competitive prices, discounts, and incentives to both independent and corporate-owned veterinary clinics throughout the country. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that Covetrus' acquisition of MWI will give Covetrus the power to set higher prices, provide lower-quality services, and control more than half of the veterinary clinic distribution market nationwide. As a result, pet owners throughout New York and the nation are likely to pay higher prices for care. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order ruling the merger illegal and preventing it from being carried out.
"A trip to the vet should never break the bank," said Attorney General James. "Pet owners are already paying enormous prices for care, and this merger would threaten to drive costs even higher. I won't allow big corporations to buy out their rivals and make veterinary care even harder to afford. We're taking action to enforce the law and block this merger."
Covetrus and MWI are two of the three largest veterinary clinic distributors in the country. The companies advertise themselves as one-stop shops for veterinary clinics that can provide practices with all the equipment, supplies, and medications they need. Covetrus and MWI compete fiercely for customers, targeting both independent clinics and large corporate practice groups that can sometimes comprise hundreds of practices across multiple states. The two companies offer lower prices, rebates, and incentive packages for clinics to use their services, and corporate groups will often play the two companies against each other to negotiate lower prices. These lower prices are often passed on to consumers in the form of more affordable care.
Attorney General James and the coalition allege that Covetrus' acquisition of MWI will substantially reduce competition among distributors to all veterinary clinics and specifically among distributors to large corporate practice groups. Covetrus and MWI are among the few nationwide distributors with the scale necessary to serve corporate veterinary practice groups that have large numbers of clinics. These corporate practice groups prefer to contract with one distributor that can serve all their locations and can typically purchase 65 to 90 percent of their supplies from just one company. The large volume that these contracts entail allows corporate practice groups to negotiate significant discounts from distributors, which can be passed on to pet owners. However, if Covetrus is allowed to purchase MWI, it will have unmatched market power to demand higher prices from these corporate practice groups.
Covetrus and MWI also compete by investing in customer service for the clinics they contract with. The two companies provide in-clinic support from experienced sales representatives and invest heavily in their sales and customer support services to assist clinics in caring for their patients. Purchasing MWI will all but eliminate any incentive for Covetrus to continue to invest in customer service, which could lead to lower quality services for pets and their owners.
Attorney General James and the coalition allege that the merger would allow Covetrus to control more than 50 percent of the relevant markets for veterinary clinic distributors, in violation of both the FTC Act and the Clayton Act. The two companies have already agreed to a temporary restraining order that prevents them from completing the merger before December 4, 2026. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a preliminary injunction from the court to further halt the merger, and ultimately a ruling declaring the merger illegal and preventing it from being carried out.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are FTC and the attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas.
For New York, this matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Juliana Karp and Luisa di Lauro, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Amy McFarlane and Bureau Chief Elinor Hoffmann, all of the Antitrust Bureau. The Antitrust Bureau is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D'Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-sues-nations-largest-distributors-veterinary-supplies
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES CHICAGO WOMAN OVER ALLEGED THEFT OF LATE MOTHER'S TEACHING PENSION
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 13 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES CHICAGO WOMAN OVER ALLEGED THEFT OF LATE MOTHER'S TEACHING PENSION
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced charges against a Chicago woman who allegedly stole more than $100,000 from her late mother's Chicago Teachers Pension Fund.
The Attorney General's office charged Lynn Stevenson, 75, with two counts of theft and one count of misappropriation of financial institution property, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison;
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 13 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES CHICAGO WOMAN OVER ALLEGED THEFT OF LATE MOTHER'S TEACHING PENSION
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced charges against a Chicago woman who allegedly stole more than $100,000 from her late mother's Chicago Teachers Pension Fund.
The Attorney General's office charged Lynn Stevenson, 75, with two counts of theft and one count of misappropriation of financial institution property, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison;one count of misappropriation of financial institution property, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; and 10 counts of forgery, each Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Stevenson's next court date is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2027.
"It is unacceptable for anyone to take advantage of a loved one's pension benefits for their own financial gain," Raoul said. "I will continue to hold individuals who commit these crimes accountable for lining their own pockets using stolen public funds they are not entitled to."
Attorney General Raoul's office alleges that over the course of 29 years, Stevenson fraudulently obtained more than $100,000 in pension payments that were meant for her mother, a retired educator who passed away in October of 1991. Raoul's office alleges Stevenson collected and spent the payments made by the pension fund on her own personal expenses.
The Attorney General's office is prosecuting this case based on a referral from the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorney General Samantha Cain is prosecuting the case for Raoul's Special Prosecution's Bureau.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-charges-chicago-woman-over-alleged-theft-of-late-mothers-teaching-pension
AG Reviews Fatal July 2025 Otisville Shooting by Michigan State Police, Finds Troopers Acted in Defense of Self and Others
LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Reviews Fatal July 2025 Otisville Shooting by Michigan State Police, Finds Troopers Acted in Defense of Self and Others
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LANSING - Today, the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced it has concluded its review of the officer-involved shooting death (PDF) of James Jennings, then 54, of Otisville, on July 31st, 2025, without issuing charges against the Michigan State Police Troopers involved, finding they acted in self-defense and defense of fellow officers and bystanders.
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Reviews Fatal July 2025 Otisville Shooting by Michigan State Police, Finds Troopers Acted in Defense of Self and Others
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LANSING - Today, the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced it has concluded its review of the officer-involved shooting death (PDF) of James Jennings, then 54, of Otisville, on July 31st, 2025, without issuing charges against the Michigan State Police Troopers involved, finding they acted in self-defense and defense of fellow officers and bystanders.It is the policy of the Michigan State Police (MSP) to send all officer-involved shootings to the Department of Attorney General for review.
On the afternoon of July 31st, 2025, Michigan State Police Troopers responded to a 9-1-1 call and met a woman near Jennings' residence reporting Jennings had attacked her in his home, from which she escaped. Troopers documented the victim's injuries and reached Jennings by phone, attempting at length to convince him to exit his home peaceably to meet with responding Troopers. Jennings refused, telling Troopers he was "dug in" and "hunkered down," and that he was not going to jail or prison. Knowing Jennings had numerous firearms in the home, responding Troopers requested assistance from the MSP Emergency Support Team and established a security perimeter around Jennings' home.
The Emergency Support Team began arriving on-scene at 5:30 p.m. and continued, by phone, negotiating Jennings' surrender. Police vehicle public address systems were used to additionally convey MSP demands that Jennings exit the home, advising him he was under arrest and making assurances of his safety if he did so. The Team employed several non-lethal measures to effectuate Jennings' surrender including siren activations, flash-bang devices, and pepper balls. Specialty vehicles were deployed to ram the front door and otherwise breach the second story of the home wherein Jennings remained.
Jennings fired a single shot at Troopers at 6:54 p.m. Police did not return gun fire, and proceeded deploying non-lethal means, such as projectile pepper spray, and again making announcements asking Jennings to vacate the house and that in doing so he would not be harmed. Jennings resumed firing, targeting Troopers and their occupied vehicles, forcing the Troopers to return fire to defend themselves and fellow officers. Numerous public bystanders were directly in Jennings' path of fire, and one of his shots entered a neighbor's occupied home, narrowly missing the resident inside. From 6:54 p.m. to 7:09 p.m., Jennings opened fire on Troopers four distinct times, and five Troopers of the MSP Emergency Support Team returned fire. At 7:09 p.m., relying on radio transmissions describing Jennings' location, Troopers shot into the home, including through the roof and walls, into the area from which Jennings was shooting. Jennings was killed in an attic space, surrounded by multiple firearms and ammunition magazines, having suffered four gunshot wounds.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team was created in 1974 to handle highly dangerous and critical incidents facing law enforcement. This unit utilizes equipment and training necessary for extremely difficult and/or dangerous tasks in such areas as hostage rescue, barricaded gunmen, high risk arrest and search warrant service, VIP security, and counterterrorism. The Emergency Support Team contains tactical and negotiator sub-units. The tactical and negotiator components participate in joint training and work as a cohesive unit in operational calls. Team members include troopers, sergeants and lieutenants from posts and sections throughout the state, averaging 60 members. Officers are activated according to their proximity to the location of the request.
Under MSP policy, all officer-involved shootings are first assigned to investigators from a different district than where the incident occurred. The initial investigation was conducted by the MSP Second District Special Investigation Section, which then referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General.
Attorneys at the Department of Attorney General reviewed Michigan State Police Reports, signed statements from MSP Troopers on-scene, body-worn camera footage, video footage from police vehicles, the Genesee County Medical Examiner's report, scene diagrams, MSP's Use of Force policies, and other material.
The legal issue in this case was whether the MSP Troopers acted in a legal manner during their interaction with Jennings when they used deadly force by discharging their weapons. Law enforcement officers have the same privilege of self-defense as anyone else and have the lawful authority to use force to protect the public welfare. An officer's decision about the level of force necessary to control an individual will be based on the officer's perception of the threat and the subject's apparent ability to carry out that threat.
Here, under all of the facts and circumstances presented, the Department concluded that the Michigan State Police Troopers acted in self-defense, and in defense of their fellow responding Troopers and public bystanders, when they fatally shot James Jennings, who had fired on Troopers several times including in the direction of bystanders and into a neighboring residence.
The Department of Attorney General is available to lead or support any investigation of an officer-involved shooting at the request of any county prosecutor or law enforcement agency within the state and today renews this commitment and offer.
A full report detailing the Michigan Department of Attorney General review can be found here (PDF).
REPORT: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/releases/2026/November/WDM-James-Jennings-Redacted.pdf?rev=bd34da6b2fe146b5b5e1d72cb3978397&hash=C69DD31592CBC5045B6B5EA9682DFD8B
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/11/13/ag-reviews-fatal-july-2025-otisville-shooting-by-michigan-state-police
