Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
R.I. A.G. Neronha, Coalition Secure Permanent Injunction to Protect Libraries, Workers, and Small Businesses
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition secure permanent injunction to protect libraries, workers, and small businesses
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha released the following statement after the United States District Court in Rhode Island issued a permanent injunction against the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of four federal agencies that provide services and funding to public libraries and museums, organized labor, small businesses, and agencies
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition secure permanent injunction to protect libraries, workers, and small businesses
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha released the following statement after the United States District Court in Rhode Island issued a permanent injunction against the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of four federal agencies that provide services and funding to public libraries and museums, organized labor, small businesses, and agenciesworking with the homeless. The Court held that the Trump Administration "acted without constitutional or statutory authority" in attempting to dismantle these agencies.
"In courts across the country and here in Rhode Island, we continue to find that we are right on the law and right on the principle," said Attorney General Neronha. "Each of these agencies serve a vital role that the President cannot simply erase with the stroke of a pen. With this order, these four agencies can continue to serve our communities, whether through your neighborhood library, labor dispute arbitration, or support for small businesses. In each case we bring against this Administration, we are standing up for Rhode Islanders to preserve the resources they rely on, and we will continue to do so every time Rhode Islanders' rights are threatened."
The final ruling follows multistate litigation and a preliminary injunction.
Attorney General Neronha co-led this lawsuit with Attorney General Letitia James of New York and Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-coalition-secure-permanent-injunction-protect-libraries
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Multi-County Grand Jury Indicts Three on Human Trafficking Charges
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 20, 2025:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts three on human trafficking charges
Three people are facing multiple felony charges related to an alleged human trafficking operation after the Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on six counts. The indictment, unsealed today, claims the trio exploited multiple victims for commercial sex across Oklahoma and Missouri.
Leslie Ann Brown, 48, Brandi Ann Nicole McDaniels, 33, and Anderson Byron Walker, 49, face charges including
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 20, 2025:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts three on human trafficking charges
Three people are facing multiple felony charges related to an alleged human trafficking operation after the Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on six counts. The indictment, unsealed today, claims the trio exploited multiple victims for commercial sex across Oklahoma and Missouri.
Leslie Ann Brown, 48, Brandi Ann Nicole McDaniels, 33, and Anderson Byron Walker, 49, face charges includingconspiracy to commit human trafficking for commercial sex, human trafficking for commercial sex, transporting persons for prostitution, and acquiring proceeds from illegal activity.
"Human trafficking destroys lives and tears apart the fabric of our communities," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. "Those who profit from this evil will be held accountable, and my office will relentlessly pursue these predators and fight to bring justice to every victim."
According to the indictment, between April and July, the three recruited, enticed, harbored, maintained, transported and obtained multiple victims through deception, force, fraud, threat and coercion for the purpose of engaging them in commercial sex acts. Brown, McDaniels and Walker are accused of transporting victims to various motels in Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Missouri, creating commercial sex advertisements, controlling victims' communications with clients, setting prices and collecting money from the victims' activities. The case was investigated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics human trafficking unit.
Walker faces an additional count of human trafficking for commercial sex involving a separate victim between June 2024 and February 2025.
Every person arrested or indicted is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Read the Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2025/november/CF-2025-5406%20Indictment%20-%20Walker%20Anderson%20-%20HT_Redacted.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2025/november/multi-county-grand-jury-indicts-three-on-human-trafficking-charges.html
Okla. A.G. Drummond Responds to Stitt's Misinformation on Tribal Hunting Rights
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Drummond responds to Stitt's misinformation on tribal hunting rights
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today sharply disputed recent comments by Gov. Kevin Stitt suggesting that Drummond believes tribal citizens may hunt on privately owned land without permission. Drummond called the Governor's remarks "knowingly false" and said that the public deserves honesty, not more lies and fearmongering.
"Gov. Stitt has made a habit of spreading misinformation, especially
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Drummond responds to Stitt's misinformation on tribal hunting rights
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today sharply disputed recent comments by Gov. Kevin Stitt suggesting that Drummond believes tribal citizens may hunt on privately owned land without permission. Drummond called the Governor's remarks "knowingly false" and said that the public deserves honesty, not more lies and fearmongering.
"Gov. Stitt has made a habit of spreading misinformation, especiallywhen it comes to the sovereignty of the tribal nations of Oklahoma," Drummond said. "He knows full well that the tribes in Oklahoma do not authorize their citizens to enter private property to hunt or fish without the landowner's consent. Their Tribal Codes prohibit it. Oklahoma law prohibits it. And I have never suggested otherwise."
Drummond reaffirmed that his office would continue to defend the law, ensuring that Native American citizens are not wrongfully prosecuted for lawful hunting on tribal land without a license. Tribal members historically have been allowed to hunt and fish within their reservations under state and federal law.
"The constant lies and corruption must stop. The law has not changed and neither has my commitment to it," Drummond stated. "Oklahomans deserve truth and integrity. Enough is enough."
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2025/november/drummond-responds-to-stitts-misinformation-on-tribal-hunting-rights.html
Okla. A.G. Drummond Orders OptumRX to Stop Illegal Clawbacks
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Drummond orders OptumRX to stop illegal clawbacks
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has issued a cease and desist letter to OptumRx following reports that the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) attempted to engage in illegal, retroactive reimbursement clawbacks from Oklahoma pharmacies.
The Attorney General's Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compliance and Enforcement Unit received credible information that OptumRx discovered an internal error concerning the Maximum Allowable
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Drummond orders OptumRX to stop illegal clawbacks
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has issued a cease and desist letter to OptumRx following reports that the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) attempted to engage in illegal, retroactive reimbursement clawbacks from Oklahoma pharmacies.
The Attorney General's Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compliance and Enforcement Unit received credible information that OptumRx discovered an internal error concerning the Maximum AllowableCost (MAC) list used from January 1 to July 25 of this year. The wrong list resulted in claims being paid at increased amounts to pharmacies across multiple states, including Oklahoma. OptumRx reportedly attempted to reverse and rerun previously paid claims without notification to pharmacies or their contract agents, which is against Oklahoma law.
Drummond sent OptumRx the warning letter yesterday demanding OptumRx immediately halt any attempt to recoup payments or retroactively adjust reimbursements for the affected period.
"This error and the extended delay in identifying it is solely attributable to OptumRx. Moreover, this is not the first instance in recent years in which OptumRx has utilized incorrect MAC lists or attempted retroactive recoupments due to its own administrative mistakes," Drummond wrote in the letter. "This conduct is unacceptable, deceptive, and illegal under Oklahoma law."
Drummond warned OptumRx that violations of Oklahoma's PBM laws may result in penalties up to $10,000 per violation, restitution and potential suspension or revocation of the company's authority to operate in Oklahoma.
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2025/november/DOC2_Redacted.pdf)
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November 20, 2025
VIA EMAIL
TO: OptumRx, Inc.,
c/o Mithun Mansinghani
Lehotsky Keller Cohn
Re: CEASE AND DESIST DIRECTIVE - Unlawful Post-Adjudication Recoupments and Violations To Whom It May Concern:
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, through its Pharmacy Benefits Management Compliance and Enforcement Unit ("OAG PBM"), hereby places OptumRx, Inc. ("OptumRx") on formal notice that the Office has reason to believe OptumRx is engaged in ongoing and serious violations of Oklahoma's laws governing pharmacy benefit mangers ("PBM"), including but not limited to unlawful post-adjudication recoupments and retroactive reductions of pharmacy reimbursements.
I. Basis for Enforcement Action
OAG PBM has received credible information indicating that OptumRx recently discovered an internal error involving the Maximum Allowable Cost ("MAC") lists applied claims between January 1, 2025, and July 25, 2025. Specifically, it appears OptumRx utilized an incorrect MAC list for a period of several months, resulting certain claims being paid at higher amounts in multiple states, including Oklahoma. We understand that pharmacies were paid the contracted rate rather than the applicable MAC rate.
This error and the extended delay in identifying it is solely attributable to OptumRx. Moreover, this is not the first instance in recent years in which OptumRx has utilized incorrect MAC lists or attempted retroactive recoupments due to its own administrative mistakes.
Upon discovering the error in early November, OptumRx reportedly attempted to unilaterally reverse and rerun claims in order to recoup so-called "overpayments," and did so without any prior notice to the affected Oklahoma pharmacies or their PSAOs. This conduct is unacceptable, deceptive, and illegal under Oklahoma law.
II. Violations of Oklahoma Law
Under 36 O.S. Sec. 6962(B)(6), OptumRx is expressly prohibited from retroactively reducing a reimbursement amount for a claim after the PBM has issued a paid claim response. Any attempt to recoup reimbursement on claims already adjudicated and paid-especially for the purpose of correcting OptumRx's own MAC-loading failureconstitutes a direct violation of this statute.
Although it appears that recoupments have not yet been executed in Oklahoma, OptumRx's reported plan to initiate such recoupments places Oklahoma pharmacies at imminent risk of significant harm.
III. CEASE AND DESIST DIRECTIVE
Accordingly, OPTUMRX IS HEREBY DIRECTED TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE AND DESIST from engaging in any of the following actions:
1. Initiating, attempting, or threatening any recoupment, offset, reversal, or rerun of pharmacy claims previously paid during the period in which the incorrect MAC list was utilized;
2. Reducing or adjusting any past reimbursement amounts after OptumRx has issued a paid claim response, regardless of whether OptumRx believes a payment exceeded the intended MAC rate; AND
3. Engaging in any conduct that constitutes a retroactive reduction of reimbursement in violation of 36 O.S. Sec. 6962(B)(6).
This directive applies to all Oklahoma pharmacies, PSAOs representing Oklahoma pharmacies, and any claim adjudicated under a plan affecting Oklahoma providers or beneficiaries.
IV. Potential Penalties
You are hereby advised that violations of Oklahoma's PBM laws-after notice and opportunity for hearing-may result in enforcement actions under 36 O.S. Sec. 6966.1, including:
* Censure, suspension, or revocation of OptumRx's license to operate as a PBM in Oklahoma;
* Civil or administrative penalties of no less than $100 and up to $10,000 per violation, including per-claim violations;
* Restitution for economic loss suffered by pharmacies or patients;
* Assessment of fees, investigation costs, hearing costs, litigation expenses, and attorney fees incurred by the Attorney General.
Nothing in this Cease and Desist Letter shall be construed as a waiver of the Attorney General's authority to investigate and pursue additional violations that may have occurred to date. OAG PBM expressly reserves all rights and remedies available under state law, including civil, administrative, and equitable relief.
IV. Immediate Required Response
OAG PBM requests written confirmation, no later than five (5) business days from the date of this Letter, that OptumRx has:
1. Implemented a fuli halt on all planned recoupment activity involving Oklahoma pharmacies;
2. Directed all internal departments and subcontractors to freeze any Oklahomarelated recoupment processes; AND
3. Identified the root cause of the MAC-loading error and taken corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Failure to comply will result in the initiation of formal enforcement proceedings.
V. Open Records Notice
The OAG PBM Unit does not consider this Letter confidential. The Office will release it in response to any request made pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
If you have questions, please contact Deputy Attorney General Michael Leake at michael.leake@oag.ok.gov.
We expect your full and immediate compliance.
Very truly yours,
Michael T. Leake Jr., Deputy Attorney General, PBM Compliance and Enforcement Unit
CC: VIA EMAIL
Ms. Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner, Oklahoma Insurance Department
Ms. Jennifer Molinar, Deputy General Counsel, OptumRx, Inc.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2025/november/drummond-orders-optumrx-to-stop-illegal-clawbacks.html
N.J. A.G. Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended From Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended from Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") announced today that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Sussex County has been suspended from practice for five years and assessed a $20,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating rules against sexual misconduct
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 22 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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AG Platkin: Sussex County Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended from Practice for Five Years, Fined $20,000 for Alleged Inappropriate Sexual Conduct in the Workplace
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") announced today that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Sussex County has been suspended from practice for five years and assessed a $20,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating rules against sexual misconductand harassment in the workplace.
Jon E. Boschen, who is also licensed as a clinical social worker, allegedly engaged in a pattern of harassment and intimidation of two women he supervised while working in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center and engaged in a personal and sexual relationship with one of the women. Additionally, Boschen was terminated from his position as an alcohol and drug counselor at another facility following a report from a client that he had repeatedly made inappropriate, sexualized comments to her during counseling sessions.
Boschen agreed to a five-year suspension of his licenses to practice alcohol and drug counseling and clinical social work in New Jersey in order to resolve allegations that he engaged in professional misconduct and violated rules prohibiting inappropriate behavior, sexual misconduct, and harassment by a licensed professional.
"Sexual misconduct, harassment, and abuse by licensed professionals in the workplace is an insidious threat than can cause severe harm to victims," said Attorney General Platkin. "We will continue to investigate complaints of this nature and hold violators accountable to ensure New Jersey's professional settings remain safe and respectful environments for all."
"New Jersey's healthcare licensees are expected to comply with the highest professional and ethical standards," said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "This licensee fell far short of those standards and is facing significant consequences for his conduct."
Under a final consent order filed with the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners' Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee ("Committee") and the State Board of Social Work Examiners ("Board"), for a period of five years, Boschen is barred from engaging in social work, alcohol and drug counseling, or any other mental health counseling, clinical supervision, or life coaching in New Jersey, whether volunteer, compensated, or uncompensated. He is also required to pay civil penalties totaling $20,000--$10,000 to the Board and $10,000 to the Committee--upon signing the consent order.
During the five-year suspension period, Boschen may not profit from professional services rendered by others and is precluded from managing or supervising the practice of social work or alcohol and drug counseling, including by testifying or serving as an expert consultant in New Jersey. Boschen's suspension period will be tolled for any length of time that he practices in another jurisdiction.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner, of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law. Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form. For multilingual information about filing sexual misconduct complaints, you may visit the dedicated page on the Division's website.
Final Consent Order (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20251113_44SC05559800.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-sussex-county-alcohol-and-drug-counselor-suspended-from-practice-for-five-years-fined-20000-for-alleged-inappropriate-sexual-conduct-in-the-workplace/
N.H. A.G. Formella: Michael Rock Indicted for Unemployment Fraud
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 22 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Michael Rock Indicted for Unemployment Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Michael Rock, age 65, in connection with alleged unemployment fraud.
The indictments charge Rock with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony) and Theft by Deception (Class A Felony).
According to the indictments, from April 2020 to March
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 22 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Michael Rock Indicted for Unemployment Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Michael Rock, age 65, in connection with alleged unemployment fraud.
The indictments charge Rock with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony) and Theft by Deception (Class A Felony).
According to the indictments, from April 2020 to March2021 Rock allegedly submitted false unemployment claims to the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. The indictments allege that he failed to disclose his full-time employment as a sales representative with Danvers-SB, Inc. dba IRA BMW of Stratham, and that as a result he allegedly received more than $37,000 in unemployment compensation, including enhanced federal COVID-19 benefits, while continuing to work.
Rock is scheduled to be arraigned on December 19, 2025, in Rockingham County Superior Court. Each Class A felony offense is punishable by up to 7 1/2 to 15 years in state prison, a fine, or both.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Employment Security's Benefit Payment Control Unit. The Department provides unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and investigates allegations of fraud to protect New Hampshire's unemployment trust fund.
To report possible unemployment fraud, call (603) 228-4019, or email the Department of Employment Security at NHES.BPC@NHES.NH.GOV.
The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security receives program funding and grant awards from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The charges and allegations against Mr. Rock are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/michael-rock-indicted-unemployment-fraud
Mo. A.G. Hanaway Secures Sunshine Law Compliance From City Of Kansas City
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 22 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Attorney General Hanaway Secures Sunshine Law Compliance From City Of Kansas City
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office has secured accountability and corrective action from the City of Kansas City after the City admitted to knowingly violating Missouri's Sunshine Law in the handling of three public records requests.
The matter, filed in April in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Case No. 2516-CV12411, has now been
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 22 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Attorney General Hanaway Secures Sunshine Law Compliance From City Of Kansas City
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office has secured accountability and corrective action from the City of Kansas City after the City admitted to knowingly violating Missouri's Sunshine Law in the handling of three public records requests.
The matter, filed in April in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Case No. 2516-CV12411, has now beensuccessfully resolved through a settlement that mandates improved transparency, formal training, and future compliance with Missouri law.
"Government belongs to the people, and public officials do not get to hide from lawful oversight," said Attorney General Hanaway. "Missourians deserve full transparency, and my Office will always act when the Sunshine Law is violated. I'm pleased that this matter ends with meaningful reforms, clearer accountability, and a renewed commitment to openness for Kansas City taxpayers."
In April, the Attorney General's Office filed suit after determining that the City failed to timely respond to three separate Sunshine requests directed to the Mayor's Office, the City Manager's Office, and the Finance Department. The City admitted to knowingly violating Section 610.023.3, RSMo, by failing to provide the requested records or issue a legally required explanation for delay within the three-day statutory window.
As part of the settlement, the City conferred with the Attorney General's Office to identify required training topics, conducted multiple Sunshine Law training sessions for its custodian of records and dozens of departmental liaisons, and filed a Certificate of Compliance with Sunshine Law Training Requirement with our Office. These steps, together with a formal agreement mandating future compliance and improved practices, conclude the litigation and avoid further expense to Missouri taxpayers.
"This outcome is a win for transparency and for the people of Kansas City," Attorney General Hanaway continued. "My Office will continue to enforce the Sunshine Law statewide, no matter how large the governmental body, and we will always stand up for Missourians' right to know how their government operates."
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Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-secures-sunshine-law-compliance-from-city-of-kansas-city/
