Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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VA. A.G. JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of 24 States, Invalidating Tariffs that are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on Virginians
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Attorney General Jay Jones today secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment to a coalition of 24 states,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of 24 States, Invalidating Tariffs that are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on Virginians
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Attorney General Jay Jones today secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment to a coalition of 24 states,striking down those tariffs.
"Today's ruling is a major victory for Virginians. The Court made clear something that we have known all along - the Trump Administration's tariffs were unlawful from the start," Attorney General Jay Jones said. "In exceeding his authority, Donald Trump's tariffs resulted in raising prices and disrupting our economy. Virginia joined this coalition to protect consumers, businesses, and the rule of law and I am proud that the Court has decisively struck these tariffs down."
For more than a year, President Trump has unlawfully attempted to impose tariffs on essential goods purchased by American consumers and businesses. Initially, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act--but the Supreme Court ruled those tariffs were unlawful. The President then attempted to use a different law that has never been used before--Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974--and imposed 10 percent tariffs on most products worldwide, supposedly in response to trade deficits.
Today, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that those tariffs are illegal, too. Section 122 allows tariffs only when there are "large and serious balance-of-payment deficits." But no such thing exists--a trade deficit is not a balance-of-payment deficit. As the court ruled, the President's tariffs proclamation "is invalid, and the tariffs imposed on Plaintiffs are unauthorized by law."
The case is led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Also joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3021-attorney-general-jay-jones-wins-lawsuit-against-trump-administrations-illegal-tariffs
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Organized Crime Task Force Raids Two Illegal Marijuana Grow Operations in Prague
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 9 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Organized Crime Task Force raids two illegal marijuana grow operations in Prague
Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force raided two illegal marijuana grow operations Wednesday. Agents raided Benson Kush and Grand Growth, both in Prague.
Authorities detained 36 suspects, and three illegal immigrants were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported. 48,665 plants and 1,803 pounds of processed marijuana
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 9 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Organized Crime Task Force raids two illegal marijuana grow operations in Prague
Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force raided two illegal marijuana grow operations Wednesday. Agents raided Benson Kush and Grand Growth, both in Prague.
Authorities detained 36 suspects, and three illegal immigrants were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported. 48,665 plants and 1,803 pounds of processed marijuanawere seized. The processed marijuana alone has an estimated street value of over $3 million.
"We are sending a clear message that the days of criminal organizations treating Oklahoma like a safe haven for illegal marijuana operations are over," Drummond said.
"We will not allow these criminals to continue exploiting workers, evade the law or endanger our communities. Those responsible will be tirelessly pursued and aggressively prosecuted."
OCTF agents worked to carry out these operations in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Pottawatomie County, District 23 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team.
When Drummond took office, more than 9,000 licensed marijuana grow operations were in Oklahoma. Now, fewer than 1,200 remain.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/organized-crime-task-force-raids-two-illegal-marijuana-grow-operations-in-prague.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection With Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection with Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that three defendants, including a Paterson zoning inspector, have pleaded guilty for their roles in providing applicants for city permits with fraudulent Paterson zoning permits bearing forged signatures in exchange
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection with Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that three defendants, including a Paterson zoning inspector, have pleaded guilty for their roles in providing applicants for city permits with fraudulent Paterson zoning permits bearing forged signatures in exchangefor payment.
Jose Fermin, 54, of Prospect Park, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2026 to conspiracy to commit official misconduct (2nd degree) during a hearing before Judge Sohail Mohammed in the Passaic County Superior Court. On the same date, Fermin's accomplice, Jose Juan Guerrero-Cruz, 46, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea before Judge Imre Karaszegi to official misconduct (3rd degree) during a hearing in which he admitted his role in assisting Fermin with the fraudulent permit scheme.
Previously, the third defendant, Alfonlly Monegro-Camilo, 28, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, before Judge Karaszegi to forgery (3rd degree) and acknowledged Fermin and Guerrero-Cruz's involvement in the criminal scheme.
"Each and every day members of the public follow the rules expecting that the officials they interact with will do the same. The defendants in this case exploited their positions of public trust for their own personal gain," said Attorney General Davenport. "Corruption at every level of government is unacceptable, and our office will continue working to ensure that public officials are held to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. When they don't, they will be held accountable."
As set forth in publicly filed documents in this case, the conspiracy unfolded between roughly December 2020 and February 2022.
The investigation revealed that Fermin and his co-defendants arranged to supply applicants for official city permits with illegitimate zoning permits for residential construction and other bogus documents that included the forged signature of Paterson's Planning and Zoning Director. Some applicants were told they could receive sham permits without even submitting building plans. Fermin received payments in exchange for producing those forged, illegitimate documents.
On February 20, 2024, a state grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Fermin as well as co-defendant Guerrero-Cruz. On October 1, 2025, the state grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding Monegro-Camilo as an additional defendant in the case.
Monegro-Camilo is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2026. Guerrero-Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. Fermin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2026.
Pursuant to Fermin's plea agreement, the State will recommend that he, the city zoning inspector, be sentenced to three years in state prison. As a consequence of his guilty plea, Fermin was also ordered to immediately forfeit all public employment and will be permanently disqualified from holding any future public office or employment in New Jersey.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, the State will recommend that defendant Guerrero-Cruz be sentenced to a term of probation, with the condition that he serve 364 days in county jail, and that defendant Monegro-Camilo be sentenced to a term of noncustodial probation.
This investigation was conducted by detectives from OPIA's Corruption Bureau. The case was prosecuted and the pleas were taken by Deputy Attorneys General Lisa Cialino and Adam Gerken for the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/three-defendants-plead-guilty-in-connection-with-scheme-involving-forged-paterson-zoning-certificates-in-exchange-for-illegal-payments/
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of States' Challenge to Tariffs That Are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on the American Economy
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose unlawful tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of States' Challenge to Tariffs That Are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on the American Economy
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose unlawful tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgmentin a case brought by a coalition of 24 states and held that those tariffs are not authorized by law. Although the court's order does not directly provide relief to Maryland or its residents, it opens the door to future challenges to these unlawful tariffs.
"Time and again, courts are making clear that the Trump Administration cannot impose unlawful and costly tariffs on Marylanders," said Attorney General Brown. "This ruling is another important step toward ensuring that American families are not left paying more for groceries, household goods, and everyday essentials because of the Trump Administration's lawless trade policies. We will continue fighting in court to hold this Administration accountable to the law."
For more than a year, President Trump has unlawfully attempted to impose tariffs on essential goods purchased by American consumers and businesses. Initially, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but the Supreme Court ruled those tariffs were unlawful.
The President then attempted to use a different law that has never been used before -Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 -and imposed 10 percent tariffs on most products worldwide, supposedly in response to trade deficits.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that those tariffs are unlawful, too. Section 122 allows tariffs only when there are "large and serious balance-of-payment deficits." But no such thing exists - a trade deficit is not a balance-of-payment deficit. As the court ruled, the President's tariffs proclamation "is invalid."
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Court-Ruling-Against-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Tariffs--.aspx
HAWAII A.G. LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 9 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
The Department of the Attorney General is providing its regular biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the previously federally disclosed transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds.
Since the last update, the department's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) has engaged in additional interviews, issued more subpoenas and continues to examine
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 9 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
The Department of the Attorney General is providing its regular biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the previously federally disclosed transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds.
Since the last update, the department's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) has engaged in additional interviews, issued more subpoenas and continues to examinedocuments received in response to the subpoenas.
Recent media coverage has contributed to increased public interest and speculation surrounding this investigation.
"It continues to be my intent to protect the confidentiality of the individual or individuals who may be subject to this investigation along with numerous witnesses," said Attorney General Anne Lopez. "We continue to work as expeditiously as possible while adhering to best practices.
I cannot predict when I will have more meaningful updates, but I want to assure residents of Hawaii that this investigation remains one of our highest priorities."
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/News-Release-2026-24.pdf
Disclosure of Officers' Names From the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 9 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Disclosure of Officers' Names from the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident that occurred during a police motor vehicle stop on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Ashland, New Hampshire, in which Demitri Zimmer (age 24) was shot and killed.
The officer who discharged his firearm during the incident
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 9 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Disclosure of Officers' Names from the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident that occurred during a police motor vehicle stop on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Ashland, New Hampshire, in which Demitri Zimmer (age 24) was shot and killed.
The officer who discharged his firearm during the incidentwas Ashland Police Sergeant Nicholas Shannahan. Sergeant Shannahan has been a law enforcement officer for the Town of Ashland for approximately three years.
The officer who was shot and wounded at the beginning of the incident was Officer Mason Dalphonse.
Officer Dalphonse has been a law enforcement officer for the Town of Ashland for approximately two years.
Officer Dalphonse is at home and is continuing to heal from his wound.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation. No further updates are expected until the investigation is completed.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/disclosure-officers-names-april-20-2026-officer-involved-shooting-incident-ashland
A.G. Jones Statement Regarding Va. Supreme Court Decision in Redistricting Case
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 8, 2026, in response to the Va. Supreme Court decision in the redistricting case:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement Regarding Supreme Court of Virginia Decision in Redistricting Case
"Today the Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen to put politics over the rule of law by issuing a ruling that overturns the April 21st special election on redistricting.
This decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it fuels
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 8, 2026, in response to the Va. Supreme Court decision in the redistricting case:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement Regarding Supreme Court of Virginia Decision in Redistricting Case
"Today the Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen to put politics over the rule of law by issuing a ruling that overturns the April 21st special election on redistricting.
This decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it fuelsthe growing fears across our nation about the state of our democracy.
As Attorney General, it is my job to enforce the laws on the books and defend the will of the people. Before the Court, my office clearly laid out both in filings and oral arguments that this constitutional amendment process and voter ratification occurred in a timely, constitutionally-compliant, and legally sound manner.
The Republican-led majority of the Supreme Court of Virginia contorted the plain language of the Constitution and Code of Virginia to give it a meaning that was never intended, which allowed them to reach the wrong legal conclusion that fit their political agenda. The consequences of their error are grave.
The strength and stability of our democracy depends on adherence to the rule of law, the execution of free and fair elections where every eligible voter can cast their ballots to choose their leaders, and public trust in the institutions that provide accountability and protect our democratic processes. This Court's ruling follows a dangerous trend of tilting power away from the people.
My team is carefully reviewing this unprecedented order and we are evaluating every legal pathway forward to defend the will of the people and protect the integrity of Virginia's elections."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3022-attorney-general-jay-jones-statement-regarding-supreme-court-of-virginia-decision-in-redistricting-case
