Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Yost Sues Multistate Cannabis Operators for Anti-Competitive Practices
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 6 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Yost Sues Multistate Cannabis Operators for Anti-Competitive Practices
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -In an antitrust lawsuit, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accuses nine multistate cannabis operators of engaging in anti-competitive conduct to reduce product choice and keep prices artificially high, harming both consumers and smaller, Ohio-based cannabis businesses.
The lawsuit stems from an October 2024 tip submitted to Yost's office by an Ohio cannabis industry employee that alleged widespread "shelf-space
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 6 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Yost Sues Multistate Cannabis Operators for Anti-Competitive Practices
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -In an antitrust lawsuit, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accuses nine multistate cannabis operators of engaging in anti-competitive conduct to reduce product choice and keep prices artificially high, harming both consumers and smaller, Ohio-based cannabis businesses.
The lawsuit stems from an October 2024 tip submitted to Yost's office by an Ohio cannabis industry employee that alleged widespread "shelf-spaceallotments" among large, vertically integrated cannabis companies operating in Ohio and nationwide.
According to the tip and later corroborated in the investigation, multistate cannabis operators entered into reciprocal purchasing agreements -negotiated at a national level -to prioritize one another's products in Ohio dispensaries while reducing or eliminating purchases from independent Ohio cultivators and processors.
"Our investigation uncovered allegations of an industry-wide scheme designed to push small Ohio businesses out of the market," Yost said. "Ohio's antitrust laws protect competition and consumers, not backroom deals that rig the system for a select few."
According to the tip, senior representatives from major multistate operators met in late 2022 and agreed to reduce purchases from independent businesses in order to preserve shelf space for one another during a period of increased supply and declining prices. The tip further alleged that some companies established explicit internal quotas, reserving a substantial percentage of dispensary shelf space for products sourced through reciprocal agreements with other multistate operators.
The defendants named in the lawsuit are:
* Ascend Wellness
* Ayr Wellness
* The Cannabist Company
* Cresco Labs
* Curaleaf
* Green Thumb Industries
* Jushi
* Trulieve
* Verano
The lawsuit alleges each defendant violated Ohio's Valentine Act by:
* Entering into reciprocal trade agreements with competitors.
* Sharing competitively sensitive information.
* Engaging in discriminatory distribution practices that disadvantaged independent Ohio cannabis operators.
According to the complaint, these actions reduced product choice and quality for Ohio consumers, stifled innovation, and allowed the defendants to maintain or increase supra-competitive prices in the state's cannabis market.
Attorney General Yost is seeking injunctive relief to halt the alleged unlawful conduct.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/February-2026/Yost-Sues-Multistate-Cannabis-Operators-for-Anti-C
Latest Pantsuits and Lawsuits Episode Discusses Role of State AGs in Upholding Rule of Law
LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 6 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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Latest Pantsuits and Lawsuits Episode Discusses Role of State AGs in Upholding Rule of Law
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LANSING - In the latest episode of Pantsuits and Lawsuits, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is joined by guest host and former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin to discuss how state attorneys general step in to challenge unlawful actions, stabilize services, and protect the people caught in the policy whiplash of the Trump administration.
The podcast includes a discussion with Oregon
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 6 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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Latest Pantsuits and Lawsuits Episode Discusses Role of State AGs in Upholding Rule of Law
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LANSING - In the latest episode of Pantsuits and Lawsuits, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is joined by guest host and former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin to discuss how state attorneys general step in to challenge unlawful actions, stabilize services, and protect the people caught in the policy whiplash of the Trump administration.
The podcast includes a discussion with OregonAttorney General Dan Rayfield, who talks through managing early crises while also tackling the unglamorous but critical work of modernizing systems, supporting frontline staff, and defending consumers. Rayfield explains the multistate challenge to federal tariffs and how questions of authority translate directly to everyday costs.
Former District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine also joins the podcast to reflect on the first travel ban, the evolution of the state attorney general role in a more polarized era, and major accountability fights, including the emoluments lawsuit. They discuss prosecutorial ethics, officer-involved shooting investigations, and how new legal doctrines are reshaping the limits of accountability.
"It was great hearing from former Attorney General Platkin, former DC Attorney General Racine, and Oregon Attorney General Rayfield on the evolution of the role of state attorneys general since the first Trump administration until now," said Attorney General Nessel. "It's been a very busy decade for us, and it was insightful to look back at how far we've come, the important fights we've had, and what new frontiers lie ahead."
New episodes of Pantsuits and Lawsuits are released biweekly to break down complex legal topics in a way that is engaging, informative, and accessible to listeners. With their blend of expertise, humor, and straight talk, Attorneys General Nessel and Kris Mayes explore major legal cases, analyze state and national policy debates, and discuss how attorneys general help shape justice. Through these discussions, listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the work attorneys general do to serve and protect their communities.
The latest episode is available now on major podcast platforms.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/02/06/latest-pantsuits-and-lawsuits-episode-discusses-role-of-state-ags-in-upholding-rule-of-law
Fourth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Decade-long Ponzi Scheme
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 6 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Fourth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Decade-long Ponzi Scheme
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(TOLEDO, Ohio) -The spouse of a former Northwest Capital manager has pleaded guilty prior to trial, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
Nancy Rathbun pleaded guilty today in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to one count of attempted money laundering, a fourth-degree felony.
Rathbun was indicted in July 2024 as a co-defendant in the Northwest Capital investment scheme. According to the indictment, defendants persuaded investors
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 6 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Fourth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Decade-long Ponzi Scheme
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(TOLEDO, Ohio) -The spouse of a former Northwest Capital manager has pleaded guilty prior to trial, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
Nancy Rathbun pleaded guilty today in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to one count of attempted money laundering, a fourth-degree felony.
Rathbun was indicted in July 2024 as a co-defendant in the Northwest Capital investment scheme. According to the indictment, defendants persuaded investorsto place money into underperforming companies without disclosing the significant impaired status of the companies. This defendant assisted in laundering money once the money had been stolen.
Rathbun's husband, Gary, also was indicted and faces 24 felonies.
Three additional defendants have previously pleaded guilty in the case:
* On Jan. 17, James Delverne pleaded guilty to 11 felonies.
* On Jan. 6, Doug Miller pleaded guilty to six felonies.
* On May 27, 2025, Richard Scheich pleaded guilty to five felonies.
The case is the culmination of a multiyear investigation by the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities and the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Special Prosecutions Section of the Attorney General's Office is prosecuting the case.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/February-2026/Fourth-Defendant-Pleads-Guilty-in-Decade-long-Ponz
Attorney General James Stops Freeze of $10 Billion for Childcare and Assistance to Families
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 6 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Stops Freeze of $10 Billion for Childcare and Assistance to Families
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February 6, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after winning a second court order that prevents the Trump administration from carrying out its freeze of over $10 billion in funding for childcare and support for vulnerable families :
"Every day, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on these funds to pay for necessities and provide
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 6 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Stops Freeze of $10 Billion for Childcare and Assistance to Families
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February 6, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after winning a second court order that prevents the Trump administration from carrying out its freeze of over $10 billion in funding for childcare and support for vulnerable families :
"Every day, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on these funds to pay for necessities and providetheir children a safe place to learn. This illegal funding freeze would have caused severe chaos in the lives of some of the most vulnerable families in our state. I am proud to have secured another victory in this case to put a stop to it."
On January 8, Attorney General James led four other states in suing the administration to protect three critical programs from the administration's attempt to target its political opponents by freezing over $10 billion in federal funds to the states. The freeze jeopardized funds for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) in the five states. On January 9, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the states' motion for a temporary restraining order, blocking the implementation of the funding freeze. The court today granted the states' motion for a preliminary injunction, continuing to block the funding freeze and allowing the states to draw down funds for the three targeted programs.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-stops-freeze-10-billion-childcare-and-assistance-families
Attorney General James Announces Conviction of NYPD Sergeant on Manslaughter Charge
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 6 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Announces Conviction of NYPD Sergeant on Manslaughter Charge
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February 6, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction of New York City Police Department (NYPD) Sergeant Erik Duran, 38, of Putnam County, on the charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. On August 23, 2023, Sgt. Duran, a member of the NYPD Narcotics Borough Bronx (NBBX) Tactical Response Unit, forcefully threw a cooler at Eric Duprey, 30, as he was
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 6 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Announces Conviction of NYPD Sergeant on Manslaughter Charge
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February 6, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction of New York City Police Department (NYPD) Sergeant Erik Duran, 38, of Putnam County, on the charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. On August 23, 2023, Sgt. Duran, a member of the NYPD Narcotics Borough Bronx (NBBX) Tactical Response Unit, forcefully threw a cooler at Eric Duprey, 30, as he wasdriving a motorized scooter, causing Mr. Duprey's death.
Sgt. Duran was found guilty in a bench trial before Judge Guy Mitchell in Bronx Supreme Court. He is due back in court for sentencing on March 19, 2026. Manslaughter in the Second Degree carries a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison. Judge Guy Mitchell set bail at $300,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond, with $300,000 cash alternative.
"I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Eric Duprey," said Attorney General James. "Though it cannot return Eric to his loved ones, today's decision gives justice to his memory."
Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Office of Special Investigation (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 caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
This matter was prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel Joseph Bianco and Investigative Counsel Angel Chiohh, and was supervised by Deputy Bureau Chief Daphna Frankel and Supervising Investigative Counsel Jessica Cepriano. Detectives Santiago Molina and Luisa Giraldo and retired Supervising Detective Walter Lynch of OAG's Investigation Division led the investigative work on the case, and the trial lawyers were supported by OSI Analysts Isabella Fratta and Payton Sapletal. The OSI's Bureau Chief is Owen Heimer. The OSI is part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. The Investigation Division is headed by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-announces-conviction-nypd-sergeant-manslaughter-charge
Attorney General Griffin Secures Conviction of Lepanto Woman for Medicaid Fraud
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 6 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Secures Conviction of Lepanto Woman for Medicaid Fraud
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Griffin: 'Those who try to cheat Medicaid for their own personal gain will face justice'
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing the conviction of Lexie King, 21, of Lepanto on one count of Medicaid fraud, a Class A misdemeanor:
"Lexie King was found guilty of misdemeanor Medicaid fraud earlier this week. She was sentenced to 12 months of jail suspended,
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 6 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Secures Conviction of Lepanto Woman for Medicaid Fraud
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Griffin: 'Those who try to cheat Medicaid for their own personal gain will face justice'
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing the conviction of Lexie King, 21, of Lepanto on one count of Medicaid fraud, a Class A misdemeanor:
"Lexie King was found guilty of misdemeanor Medicaid fraud earlier this week. She was sentenced to 12 months of jail suspended,a fine of $1,000 plus court fees, and payment of restitution totaling $3,150. My office's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received a tip from an anonymous reporter that King, a caregiver employed by Elite Senior Care, LLC, was billing for Medicaid services for two minor siblings and that these services were not being performed. With the assistance of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, we were able to show that King used her cell phone to clock in and out as if providing services for her clients while not at or near the clients' residence. King billed Medicaid for 224.75 hours, totaling $4,602.88.
"Those who try to cheat Medicaid for their own personal gain will face justice. I commend the excellent work done on this case by Special Agent Heath Nelson and Assistant Attorneys General David Jones and Gabby Davis-Jones. I am also grateful for the assistance of Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones and the Arkansas State Police's Criminal Investigation Division."
The Arkansas MFCU receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $4,781,516 for the Federal fiscal year 2026, of which $3,586,140 is federally funded. The remaining 25%, totaling $1,195,376 for the State fiscal year 2026, is funded by Arkansas General Revenue.
To download a PDF of this release, click here.
About Attorney General Tim Griffin
Tim Griffin was sworn in as the 57th Attorney General of Arkansas on January 10, 2023, having previously served as the state's 20th Lieutenant Governor from 2015-2023. From 2011-2015, Griffin served as the 24th representative of Arkansas's Second Congressional District, where he served on the House Committee on Ways and Means, House Armed Services Committee, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Ethics and House Committee on the Judiciary while also serving as a Deputy Whip for the Majority.
Griffin is currently an officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard and holds the rank of colonel. Griffin served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps for more than 28 years. In 2005, Griffin was mobilized to active duty as an Army prosecutor at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Mosul, Iraq.
His previous assignments include serving as the Commander of the 2d Legal Operations Detachment in New Orleans, Louisiana; the Commander of the 134th Legal Operations Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and as a Senior Legislative Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Pentagon. Griffin earned a master's degree in strategic studies as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
Griffin also served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Political Affairs for President George W. Bush; Special Assistant to Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas; Senior Investigative Counsel, Government Reform and Oversight Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; and Associate Independent Counsel, Office of Independent Counsel David M. Barrett, In re: HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros.
Griffin is a graduate of Magnolia High School, Hendrix College in Conway, and Tulane Law School in New Orleans. He attended graduate school at Oxford University. He is admitted to practice law in Arkansas (active) and Louisiana (inactive). Griffin lives in Little Rock with his wife, Elizabeth, a Camden native, and their three children.
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Original text here: https://arkansasag.gov/news-release/attorney-general-griffin-secures-conviction-of-lepanto-woman-for-medicaid-fraud/
Alaska Steps in to Secure State Interests in a New Chapter of Disagreement Over the Long-Awaited King Cove Road
JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 6 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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Alaska Steps in to Secure State Interests in a New Chapter of Disagreement Over the Long-Awaited King Cove Road
(Anchorage, AK) - The State of Alaska has filed three new motions to intervene in support of the King Cove Road project. In an expedited briefing schedule, the court can either green-light or halt planned construction of a road between King Cove and Cold Bay.
King Cove and Cold Bay are only 18 miles apart, yet there is no road connecting them. King Cove's roughly 750 residents must
... Show Full Article
JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 6 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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Alaska Steps in to Secure State Interests in a New Chapter of Disagreement Over the Long-Awaited King Cove Road
(Anchorage, AK) - The State of Alaska has filed three new motions to intervene in support of the King Cove Road project. In an expedited briefing schedule, the court can either green-light or halt planned construction of a road between King Cove and Cold Bay.
King Cove and Cold Bay are only 18 miles apart, yet there is no road connecting them. King Cove's roughly 750 residents mustrely on dangerous air or sea travel to reach Cold Bay's airport, which houses Alaska's fourth-largest paved civilian runway. In the Aleutian Islands, where severe weather is common, this lack of safe road access to Cold Bay has delayed medical evacuations and led to preventable injuries and deaths.
"This land swap represents a significant win for our State," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "Alaskans want to protect our lands, and we also want to protect Alaskans. This is an example of us doing both. More land is being locally managed and preserved, and now we can start a project that can save lives."
On Oct. 21, 2025, The United States Department of the Interior and the King Cove Corporation (KCC), entered into an Agreement for the Exchange of Lands. This Exchange Agreement facilitated the linkage of these two communities by exchanging certain lands from the Federal Government to KCC which are necessary for the building of a 19-mile, single-lane, gravel road through the Izembek Refuge, connecting the two communities.
The State has now moved to intervene in three lawsuits in federal court. Plaintiffs in these cases challenge the legality of the Exchange Agreement and oppose the road, alleging it will cause widespread environmental impacts. The State is seeking to intervene in these cases to ensure that residents of King Cove can soon access emergency care and critical resources through a road allowing access between King Cove and Cold Bay.
Potential agreements concerning the road have been considered and debated for decades, but last year's Land Exchange Agreement is now being implemented, and the State has requested the final necessary permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The State commends and supports the impacted local communities who have advocated for this road that is essential to improved health and safety outcomes and has the support of local subsistence users as well.
"This is a long-awaited project on which Alaskans have come together," said Chief Assistant Attorney General Sean Lynch "and together we will see it through to completion."
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/020426-King-Cove.html
