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Va. A.G. Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 4 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
Attorney General Jones announced today that after securing a historic victory in a fair housing case involving racial discrimination, his office has successfully collected and returned more than $800,000 to the Virginians impacted by the discriminatory practices. On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones presented the Mills and Smith families
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 4 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
Attorney General Jones announced today that after securing a historic victory in a fair housing case involving racial discrimination, his office has successfully collected and returned more than $800,000 to the Virginians impacted by the discriminatory practices. On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones presented the Mills and Smith familiestheir payouts of more than $400,000, which is the largest payout to individual complainants in the history of the Virginia Fair Housing Office and Office of the Attorney General.
The case concluded in February 2025 when a jury found that the defendant and owner of Lazy Cove Campground, Regina Turner, discriminated against two families by evicting them upon learning that one of the campers was Black. After failing to comply with multiple court orders and refusing to pay the damages, the Office of the Attorney General initiated special auction proceedings for Ms. Turner's properties in order to obtain the funding for the court-ordered damages. On August 12, 2026, Regina Turner was also ordered to serve 30 days in jail at a contempt hearing where she was escorted out of the courthouse in handcuffs for failing to comply with the orders.
"Every Virginian deserves access to safe and affordable housing, and they deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity. This case and the egregious discriminatory actions endured by the Mills and Smith families are heart wrenching and unacceptable," said Attorney General Jones. "I am proud to bring much overdue and deserved relief, and I want to thank the public servants in both the Virginia Fair Housing Office and the Office of the Attorney General whose dedication and tenacity brought this precedent-setting conclusion into reality after six arduous years."
"These successful outcomes underscore the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's commitment to enforcing fair housing protections and holding accountable those who engage in housing discrimination in Virginia," said Liz Hayes, Director of the Virginia Fair Housing Office. "Most importantly, these cases demonstrate that individuals who experience discrimination can seek justice and meaningful remedies. The substantial awards secured for these families make clear that housing discrimination has serious consequences and that every Virginian deserves a fair and equal opportunity to access housing."
The 18-acres of waterfront on a peninsula in Smith Mountain Lake, which was foreclosed on to collect on the jury's verdict, was sold for $1,045,000.00. Each family received $417,287.67, which is the full amount, with interest, that a jury awarded them at the end of the trial.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3111-attorney-general-jones-awards-more-than-800-000-for-families-following-historic-victory-in-fair-housing-case
Md. A.G. Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown released the following statement after the Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that Question 3, the proposed congressional redistricting constitutional amendment, may remain on the November ballot with revised ballot language:
"I commend the attorneys and staff of the Office of the Attorney General who successfully defended the constitutional amendment
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown released the following statement after the Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that Question 3, the proposed congressional redistricting constitutional amendment, may remain on the November ballot with revised ballot language:
"I commend the attorneys and staff of the Office of the Attorney General who successfully defended the constitutional amendmentapproved by the General Assembly.
As Maryland's chief legal officer, I have a responsibility to defend the constitutionality and legal sufficiency of measures enacted or approved by the General Assembly when they are challenged in court, and our team carried out that responsibility with skill and professionalism.
"With today's ruling, the question will remain on the ballot, and Maryland voters will have the opportunity to decide the matter for themselves in November."
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Statement-on-Supreme-Court-of-Maryland-Redistricting-Ruling.aspx
Attorney General Schwalb Releases 2026 Labor Day Report
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (TNSrep) -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Releases 2026 Labor Day Report
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today released the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) 2026 Labor Day Report, highlighting how over the last year OAG has fought for workers, enforced the District's labor laws, and worked to ensure that all District businesses compete on a level playing field.
Since Labor Day 2025, OAG has secured over $7.8 million through workers' rights enforcement actions across industries.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (TNSrep) -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Releases 2026 Labor Day Report
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today released the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) 2026 Labor Day Report, highlighting how over the last year OAG has fought for workers, enforced the District's labor laws, and worked to ensure that all District businesses compete on a level playing field.
Since Labor Day 2025, OAG has secured over $7.8 million through workers' rights enforcement actions across industries.Since Attorney General Schwalb took office, OAG has secured over $28.5 million for thousands of workers who were taken advantage of and in penalties against companies that violated DC's labor laws.
"Workers are the backbone of our local economy. My office will always have their backs and fight to get them the pay and benefits they have earned while leveling the playing field for businesses across the District," said Attorney General Schwalb. "DC has some of the strongest labor protections in the country, but these laws don't enforce themselves. I'm exceptionally proud of the work that our Workers' Rights Section has done - securing record levels of relief for thousands of workers and making sure that all companies play by the rules."
Highlights include:
* $1.7 million from Welch Mechanical Contractors and $1.5 million from Brothers Mechanical, construction companies that have worked on high-profile development projects across DC, for illegally misclassifying hundreds of workers as independent contractors to avoid giving them the pay and benefits they had earned and were legally entitled to.
* $243,000 from The Park at 14th, a DC restaurant and nightclub, for failing to give workers paid sick leave, illegally misclassifying employees as independent contractors, and retaliating against workers who spoke up about the conditions.
* 3,486 District workers who received relief, including back pay and critical benefits, through OAG's worker rights enforcement actions over the past year.
The full report is available here (https://oag.dc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/OAG%202026%20Labor%20Day%20Report.pdf).
OAG employs a talented and dedicated team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and staff assistants in our Workers' Rights and Antifraud Section. This team includes Assistant Attorneys General Norman Anderson, Eric Anthony, Hannah Cole-Chu, Beth Feldstein, Molly Keck, Kara Mahoney, Jude Nwaokobia, Cara Reichard, Tascha Shahriari-Parsa, and Charlie Sinks; Investigators Kenithia Alston and Na'eelah Bakari; Paralegal Diego Pereira; Staff Assistant Mina Kasama; Assistant Section Chief Dennis Corkery; and Section Chief Graham Lake. OAG also thanks Intern Xiaoduo Chen for help in preparing this report.
How to Report Wage and Hour Violations
OAG's Workers' Rights and Antifraud Section is dedicated to fighting wage theft and protecting District workers. Workers who believe that their rights have been violated, or that they have experienced wage theft or other wage and hour violations, can contact OAG by calling (202) 724-7730 or emailing workers@dc.gov or trabajadores@dc.gov.
OAG's wage theft enforcement efforts have focused on industries with high populations of vulnerable workers, such as construction, restaurants and hospitality, healthcare, and the gig economy.
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Original text here: https://oag.dc.gov/release/attorney-general-schwalb-releases-2026-labor-day
Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 4 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey posted the following news release:
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Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
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Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, including new impersonation and video-call sweepstakes schemes
The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newly
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 4 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey posted the following news release:
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Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
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Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, including new impersonation and video-call sweepstakes schemes
The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newlyreported scam tactics: scammers impersonating West Virginia state representatives and scammers using video calls to claim consumers have won sweepstakes or lottery prizes.
Of the 401 scam complaints the Consumer Protection Division received in August, the top scams were:
1. Medicare
2. West Virginia state representative impersonation scams
3. Robo Calls (loans, debt relief, final funeral expenses, etc.)
4. Computer/Phishing
5. Sweepstakes and lottery scams
The Consumer Protection Division received reports involving a scammer who claimed to be a representative of the State of West Virginia and offered insurance and other subsidies. One consumer reported receiving approximately 70 calls from the scammer, who used spoofed West Virginia telephone numbers to make the calls appear legitimate. These calls were live rather than automated or robotic. Consumers should remember that scammers can use technology to "spoof" caller ID, making a call appear to come from a familiar or legitimate West Virginia telephone number.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Division is warning West Virginians about a sweepstakes scam involving video calls. Scammers use What's App, Facetime and other applications with video capabilities. These calls typically come from an email address and numbers are not usually listed. Many consumers who reported this scam did not answer. When consumers have answered, they say the scammer's video screen is black and they cannot see the scammer, but the scammer can see them.
Ways to protect yourself
* Be aware that criminals can "spoof" phone numbers - Your caller ID may show familiar numbers that aren't actually calling
* Be wary of notices of any contest winnings, especially if you didn't enter
* If calls seem suspicious, don't engage with callers; hang up and call back using numbers you have on file
* Keep detailed records - Document all interactions with service providers and financial transaction
* Research before you trust - Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
What not to do
* Don't handle money transfers for strangers - You could unknowingly participate in money laundering
* Never accept or forward packages for online acquaintances - This may involve illegal activity
* Never pay anyone with gift cards - Legitimate companies don't accept gift cards as payment
* Never pay money to claim prizes - Real contests don't require payment
* Never provide personal or financial information over the phone - to unsolicited callers
* Never send money to people you haven't met in person - This includes online romantic interests
You can find out more about scams, ways to protect yourself, and file a scam report at ago.wv.gov. Likewise, you can call our Consumer Protection Hotline and speak with our Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov//article/attorney-general-mccuskey-warns-consumers-new-scam-tactics-targeting-west-virginians
Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Charles Butler
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Charles Butler
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NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Charles Butler, who died on March 5, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo, Erie County.
At 10:55 p.m. on March 5, BPD officers reported to a residence on Minnesota Street
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ALBANY, New York, Sept. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Charles Butler
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NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Charles Butler, who died on March 5, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo, Erie County.
At 10:55 p.m. on March 5, BPD officers reported to a residence on Minnesota Streetin Buffalo in response to a 911 call. At 10:58 p.m., the officers forced entry into a bedroom of the residence and encountered Mr. Butler, who was allegedly holding a knife in each hand. Mr. Butler allegedly ran toward an officer, holding the knives, and ignored commands to drop them. At least one officer deployed a Taser. Mr. Butler allegedly still held the knives when one officer discharged their service weapon, striking him. Mr. Butler was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General's Office released footage from body-worn cameras that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James' directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
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.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-releases-footage-investigation-death-charles-butler
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that her Office's Criminal Appeals Section successfully defended the overwhelming majority of criminal convictions challenged on appeal or in federal habeas proceedings over the last two fiscal years, maintaining a 96.5% success rate.
"Among the most important work of the Attorney General's Office is defending convictions obtained
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that her Office's Criminal Appeals Section successfully defended the overwhelming majority of criminal convictions challenged on appeal or in federal habeas proceedings over the last two fiscal years, maintaining a 96.5% success rate.
"Among the most important work of the Attorney General's Office is defending convictions obtainedby prosecutors around our state on appeal - including for crimes like homicide and rape," said Attorney General Mayes. "I am proud that my office has successfully defended those convictions in nearly every case and kept violent offenders behind bars."
Over the last two fiscal years, the Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Section defended 687 cases involving 2,287 individual convictions, including 197 homicide convictions and 697 sex crime convictions. Of those convictions, the Office successfully defended 2,207 -- a success rate of 96.5%.
The convictions defended span a wide range of offenses, including homicide, sex crimes, crimes against persons such as assault, kidnapping, and robbery, property crimes, fraud, drug offenses, and other criminal offenses.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-nearly-97-success-rate-defending-criminal
AG Nessel Announces Public Administrator Appointments
LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 4 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Announces Public Administrator Appointments
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LANSING - Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the recent appointments of Angelo Donofrio (PNG) as a Macomb County Public Administrator and Patricia Davis (PNG) as the Marquette County Public Administrator. County public administrators have powers and duties related to decedent estates, primarily those where there is no will and there are no known heirs, including managing the determination, collection, liquidation,
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LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 4 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Announces Public Administrator Appointments
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LANSING - Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the recent appointments of Angelo Donofrio (PNG) as a Macomb County Public Administrator and Patricia Davis (PNG) as the Marquette County Public Administrator. County public administrators have powers and duties related to decedent estates, primarily those where there is no will and there are no known heirs, including managing the determination, collection, liquidation,and/or distribution of any assets in the estate. Attorneys that serve in this capacity often have private practice responsibilities that are separate and unrelated to their appointment as county public administrator.
"Michigan's public administrators have strong commitments to their communities, and I am sure Mr. Donofrio and Ms. Davis will uphold that standard," said Attorney General Nessel. "Their integrity and experience will be paramount in serving the residents of Macomb and Marquette counties."
"I look forward to working with County Public Administrators Donofrio and Davis," said State Public Administrator Randi M. Merchant. "I have every confidence that they will each serve as an outstanding addition to the roster of talented and passionate attorneys that serve as county public administrators across the state and that they will effectively and efficiently fulfill their duties when acting in this position of trust."
Donofrio, a graduate of Wayne State Law School, has been an associate attorney at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. for the past eight and a half years. He represents clients in a broad range of matters, including probate litigation, business disputes, and criminal defense. He previously served as president of the Italian American Bar Association and is a contributing writer to the Macomb County Bar Association's Bar Journal. Donofrio was sworn in on August 28, 2026.
Davis is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison and William Mitchell College of Law, where she was editor-in-chief of the William Mitchell Law Review. After clerking for a federal magistrate judge and working at a large firm in Minneapolis, she moved to Marquette in 2015 and joined Kendricks Bordeau, P.C. She currently serves as managing partner to the firm and practices in the areas of estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, and probate litigation. She is also an active participant in many service organizations in her community. Davis was sworn in on September 1, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/09/04/ag-nessel-announces-public-administrator-appointments
