Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Statement From Va. A.G. Jones on Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and Gov. Spanberger's Response
RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 26 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Statement from Attorney General Jay Jones on Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and Governor Abigail Spanberger's Response
Williamsburg, VA -- Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and Governor Abigail Spanberger's response delivered in Williamsburg, Virginia:
"Donald Trump stood before the country tonight and doubled down on dangerous rhetoric, division, and power grabs, offering
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 26 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Statement from Attorney General Jay Jones on Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and Governor Abigail Spanberger's Response
Williamsburg, VA -- Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and Governor Abigail Spanberger's response delivered in Williamsburg, Virginia:
"Donald Trump stood before the country tonight and doubled down on dangerous rhetoric, division, and power grabs, offeringmore chaos at a time when families are asking for stability.
Here in Williamsburg, where Virginia directed its delegates to call for independence against a dangerous tyrant, Governor Spanberger offered a different vision - one rooted in accountability, liberty, and the courage to stand up to the federal overreach wreaking havoc on our communities.
President Trump defended his relentless efforts to expand his federal power, and the disruption that drives uncertainty. Governor Spanberger focused on what families are actually facing: rising energy costs, grocery bills, and housing costs that make home ownership and even housing stability out of reach for too many Virginians.
President Trump portrayed his unchecked use of federal force a strength, when in reality it is a posture that has put Americans at risk and, in several tragic cases, cost lives. Governor Spanberger spoke about keeping communities safe, safeguarding the rule of law, adhering to constitutional limits, and protecting rather than targeting communities.
As Attorney General, I answer to the Constitution and the people of Virginia. I will use every lawful tool available to challenge federal overreach, defend civil liberties, protect consumers and small businesses from economic harm, and ensure that Virginians do not suffer at the hand of the President's reckless abuse of power. I will work alongside Governor Spanberger to lower costs, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the freedom and security every Virginia family deserves."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2966-statement-from-attorney-general-jay-jones-on-donald-trumps-state-of-the-union-address-and-governor-abigail-spanbergers-response
Md. A.G. Brown Sues DHS, FEMA to Recover Grants to Combat Terrorism
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 26 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Sues DHS, FEMA to Recover Grants to Combat Terrorism
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today co-led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for unlawfully and abruptly ending millions in grants to states to prevent targeted violence and terrorist attacks.
Created by Congress in 2020, the Targeted Violence and Terrorism
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 26 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Sues DHS, FEMA to Recover Grants to Combat Terrorism
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today co-led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for unlawfully and abruptly ending millions in grants to states to prevent targeted violence and terrorist attacks.
Created by Congress in 2020, the Targeted Violence and TerrorismPrevention (TVTP) grant is dedicated to funding local, proactive targeted violence and counterterrorism efforts. These funds represent a significant source of financial support for states, including state agencies, health facilities, state universities, and state and local law enforcement to identify threats and prevent targeted attacks by violent extremists.
In Maryland, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management was awarded funds through the TVTP grant program to mitigate threats of terrorism, strengthen efforts to prevent targeted violence, and protect communities. These important programs are now at risk due to the federal government's unlawful termination. Despite real and persistent threats to public safety throughout the country, on July 21, 2025, DHS and FEMA wrongfully and immediately terminated TVTP grant awards mid-funding stream. According to DHS, the awards no longer achieved the program goals or priorities of the Trump administration.
"Terrorism threats don't go away just because funding streams are cut off," said Attorney General Brown. "We're going to court to defend these resources that protect Marylanders from targeted violence and terrorist attacks."
The states allege in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims that the administration's actions constitute a breach of the grant agreements. The agreements contain terms covering the specific and exclusive grounds for grant termination, such as a grantee's material failure to comply, and do not allow the government to unilaterally terminate based on partisan grounds or shifts in priorities from one administration to the next. In addition, the grant terminations also violate the government's duty of good faith and fair dealing.
For these reasons, the suing states say they are entitled to recover money damages for the breach of the grant agreements caused by the Trump administration's unlawful actions.
Attorney General Brown joins the attorneys general from Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, and Rhode Island in filing the lawsuit.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Sues-DHS,-FEMA-to-Recover-Grants-to-Combat-Terrorism%c2%a0%c2%a0.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging the Kennedy Vaccine Schedule and Unlawful Overhaul of Federal Childhood Immunization Policy
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 26 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging the Kennedy Vaccine Schedule and Unlawful Overhaul of Federal Childhood Immunization Policy
Complaint Alleges RFK Jr. and CDC Bypassed Federal Law, Ignored Scientific Evidence, and Endangered Children by Gutting Recommended Childhood Vaccines
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's radical overhaul of the nation's childhood immunization
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 26 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging the Kennedy Vaccine Schedule and Unlawful Overhaul of Federal Childhood Immunization Policy
Complaint Alleges RFK Jr. and CDC Bypassed Federal Law, Ignored Scientific Evidence, and Endangered Children by Gutting Recommended Childhood Vaccines
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's radical overhaul of the nation's childhood immunizationschedule. The complaint names Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Jay Bhattacharya, and the CDC and HHS as defendants.
The lawsuit challenges a January 5, 2026 CDC "Decision Memo" that stripped seven childhood vaccines - those protecting against rotavirus, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - of their universally recommended status. The complaint also challenges the unlawful replacement of officials on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the expert federal panel that has guided U.S. vaccine policy for decades.
"The Trump Administration's reckless changes to the child vaccine schedule will confuse parents about which shots their children need to stay safe and healthy. As fewer children get vaccinated, preventable and deadly diseases will spread throughout our daycares and schools, sickening families and threatening children's wellbeing," said Attorney General Brown. "We're taking the administration to court because our kids' lives are too important to leave to junk science and conspiracy theories."
According to the 2024 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, researchers have estimated that among children born in the U.S. between 1994 and 2023, routine childhood vaccinations prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and over 1.1 million deaths, generating $2.7 trillion in societal savings. This remarkable achievement has been made possible in large part by leading medical scholars and public health experts who have served on ACIP and established the science-based childhood vaccination schedule that federal agencies, states, and parents have confidently relied on for decades.
In June 2025, Secretary Kennedy abruptly fired all 17 ACIP voting members and replaced them with individuals who lack the scientific qualifications required by ACIP's own charter and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). At least nine of the 13 current ACIP members lack the expertise or professional qualifications required for the role, and a majority have publicly expressed views aligned with Secretary Kennedy's well-documented opposition to vaccines.
In December 2025, the reconstituted ACIP reversed nearly 30 years of CDC policy by eliminating the recommendation for a universal hepatitis B birth dose - a vaccine that is up to 90 percent effective in preventing perinatal infection when administered within 24 hours of birth.
Shortly thereafter, the CDC expanded its ideological attack on routine childhood vaccines. On January 5, 2026, then-Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill - who has no medical or scientific background - signed off on a "Decision Memo" that demoted seven vaccines from the universally recommended childhood vaccination schedule to a lesser status that invites confusion and uncertainty.
The Decision Memo was not based on any new scientific evidence, any recommendation by a lawfully constituted ACIP, or any comprehensive, systematic review of the available data. Instead, it relied primarily on superficial comparisons to purported "peer countries" - particularly Denmark - while ignoring the fundamental differences between those nations and the United States, as well as the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of the CDC's pre-Kennedy childhood immunization schedule.
Additionally, in contrast to countries like Denmark with universal healthcare, more than 100 million Americans lack usual access to primary care, meaning the instruction to "discuss with your clinician" frequently operates as a barrier, not neutral guidance.
Lower vaccination rates will in turn lead directly to higher rates of infectious disease. For Maryland and other states, this means a greater strain on their Medicaid programs and public health systems, more time and money spent combatting outbreaks and misinformation, and wasted resources decoupling state laws, regulations, and public guidance from ACIP's and CDC's now-untrustworthy recommendations. Indeed, the foreseeable increase in acute care needs caused by these changes will strain state funds and resources, such as increased claims to Medicaid, CHIP, and to the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) from providers and hospitals. Already, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has devoted significantly more time and resources to combating vaccine hesitancy caused by the federal schedule changes, including increased education on the safety and efficacy of vaccines through social media, state websites, press events and official statements.
Moreover, Maryland has invested significant work in recent years to increase uptake of RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibodies across the State. Contrary to Secretary Kennedy's misinformation and insinuations, vaccines previously recommended on the CDC's pre-Kennedy childhood immunization schedule remain safe and effective, and they are critical for protecting America's children and public health at large.
The plaintiff states are asking the court to declare the Kennedy Schedule and the Kennedy ACIP appointments unlawful and to enjoin, vacate, and set aside both the new immunization schedule and the unlawful appointments.
In filing the lawsuit, Attorney General Brown is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and the Governor of Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Lawsuit-Challenging-the-Kennedy-Vaccine-Schedule-and-Unlawful-Overhaul-of-Federal-C.aspx
HAWAII COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ENTERS PLEA FOR TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Feb. 26 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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HAWAII COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ENTERS PLEA FOR TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
HILO, Hawaii - On February 25, 2026, Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pled no contest to the criminal charge Tampering with Physical Evidence. Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea.
The charge stemmed from Kenolio's unconstitutional search of an arrestee's belongings inside the Hilo Police Station. Kenolio searched a closed container
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, Feb. 26 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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HAWAII COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ENTERS PLEA FOR TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
HILO, Hawaii - On February 25, 2026, Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pled no contest to the criminal charge Tampering with Physical Evidence. Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea.
The charge stemmed from Kenolio's unconstitutional search of an arrestee's belongings inside the Hilo Police Station. Kenolio searched a closed containerfound inside the arrestee's handbag without a warrant. He then sprayed an alcohol solution on the outside of the closed container and thoroughly wiped it down to remove trace evidence of his search.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) and the Hawaii County Police Department.
"Officer Kenolios no contest plea underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional protections. The rule of law applies equally to everyone," said Attorney General Anne Lopez. "We thank the Hawaii Police Department for its cooperation and professionalism throughout this investigation and we remain committed to maintaining public trust in our justice system." "Professionalism, integrity, and respect for constitutional protections are the cornerstones of policing," said Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna. "We value the collaborative and professional manner in which this matter was investigated and remain committed to serving our community with transparency and accountability." The case, State v. Blaine Kenolio et al., 3CPC-26-0000022 is being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Rose. Tampering with Physical Evidence is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026 at 9 a.m.
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/News-Release-2026-09-1.pdf
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces $1 Million Settlement With Weidner Property Management LLC in Rental Price-Fixing Case
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 26 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Arizona Attorney General Announces $1 Million Settlement with Weidner Property Management LLC in Rental Price-Fixing Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a settlement with Weidner Property Management LLC, resolving allegations that the company participated in an unlawful scheme to inflate rental prices through the use of revenue management software. The settlement is part of the State's broader lawsuit against RealPage, Inc. and multiple landlords accused of
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 26 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Arizona Attorney General Announces $1 Million Settlement with Weidner Property Management LLC in Rental Price-Fixing Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a settlement with Weidner Property Management LLC, resolving allegations that the company participated in an unlawful scheme to inflate rental prices through the use of revenue management software. The settlement is part of the State's broader lawsuit against RealPage, Inc. and multiple landlords accused ofengaging in anti-competitive practices that harmed Arizona renters.
"Arizona renters deserve a fair and competitive housing market--not one manipulated by secret algorithms and backroom deals," said Attorney General Mayes. "This settlement not only stops harmful practices but also provides direct assistance to renters. My office will continue to hold companies accountable and restore transparency and fairness to the rental market."
Weidner has already terminated its revenue management contracts with RealPage. Under the agreement, Weidner will:
* Support renters: Weidner will pay $1 million to Wildfire, an Arizona nonprofit that provides rental assistance through Arizona's community action agencies. The funds will be earmarked for current and former tenants of Weidner properties, with $500,000 donated by February 28, 2026, and the remaining $500,000 by January 31, 2027.
* Refrain from anti-competitive practices: Weidner is prohibited from using revenue management products that rely on competitors' nonpublic data or that incentivize acceptance of algorithm-driven rent recommendations.
* Renounce data-sharing: The company must not share with or solicit competitively sensitive rental data from other property managers or owners.
* Ensure compliance: Weidner will provide annual certifications and reports to the Attorney General's Office verifying compliance.
The settlement stems from Arizona's lawsuit against RealPage, Inc. and several corporate landlords, alleging violations of the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act and the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. The complaint asserts that RealPage's revenue management products facilitated a conspiracy among landlords to fix rental prices in Arizona.
Attorney General Mayes will continue pursuing claims against other defendants in the case to ensure accountability and protect Arizona consumers.
The State will dismiss its claims against Weidner. The agreement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Weidner. A copy of the settlement agreement is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=4b9312b2f7&e=9153ff6c96).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/arizona-attorney-general-announces-1-million-settlement-weidner-property-management
Alaska A.G. Cox Joins Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Scrutinization of Netflix's Proposed Merger With Warner Brothers
JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 26 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Alaska Attorney General Cox joins Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Scrutinization of Netflix's Proposed Merger with Warner Brothers
(Anchorage, AK) -Alaska joined an 11-State coalition in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking it to thoroughly scrutinize Netflix's proposed merger with Warner Bothers. The merger, if approved, would give Netflix a considerable market share over competitors. This could lead to higher prices, lower-quality content, and
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JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 26 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Alaska Attorney General Cox joins Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Scrutinization of Netflix's Proposed Merger with Warner Brothers
(Anchorage, AK) -Alaska joined an 11-State coalition in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking it to thoroughly scrutinize Netflix's proposed merger with Warner Bothers. The merger, if approved, would give Netflix a considerable market share over competitors. This could lead to higher prices, lower-quality content, andless innovation, all to the detriment of consumers.
"Streaming now dominates how consumers watch film, television, and sometimes the news," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "When one company moves to consolidate streaming-platform control with studio production power, that risks vertical consolidation on a massive scale-- and it could mean higher prices, fewer choices, and less innovation for Alaskans who already face limited options. The Department of Justice has the responsibility to review mergers like this, and we are insisting on a hard look."
Netflix's merger with Warner Brothers could be especially disastrous for movie theaters. Warner Brothers regularly distributes movies--especially blockbusters--to theaters. If Netflix gains control over Warner Brothers, it could strangle a key source of revenue from theaters. Money, usually spent in and kept within states, would no longer support small businesses and franchises but would instead go to a single California company. The impact on theaters would come just as they are beginning to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes.
Attorney General Cox joined Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers and Montana Attorney General Knudsen on the letter with attorneys general from the following States: Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/022526-Netflix.html
A.G. Davenport: N.J. Bureau of Securities Takes Action to Halt Nationwide Investment Fraud Scheme by N.J.-Based Arya International Dance Institute and Its Owner
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 26 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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NJ Bureau of Securities Takes Action to Halt Nationwide Investment Fraud Scheme by NJ-Based Arya International Dance Institute and Its Owner
Scheme Targeted Friends and Family of Students at the South Asian Dance Academy
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that the New Jersey Bureau of Securities ("Bureau") within the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") has taken emergency action to halt the further sale of unregistered securities
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 26 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 25, 2026:
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NJ Bureau of Securities Takes Action to Halt Nationwide Investment Fraud Scheme by NJ-Based Arya International Dance Institute and Its Owner
Scheme Targeted Friends and Family of Students at the South Asian Dance Academy
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that the New Jersey Bureau of Securities ("Bureau") within the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") has taken emergency action to halt the further sale of unregistered securitiesin a nationwide investment scheme tied to Arya International, a South Asian dance academy based in Morris County, New Jersey.
The Bureau issued a Summary Cease and Desist Order directing Mystical Stars, LLC, formerly Arya International Inc. (collectively, with Mystical Stars, LLC, "Arya International"), and its owner, Rupal K. Patel, to stop selling unregistered securities and misleading investors. The Bureau's investigation found that Patel and Arya International targeted friends and family of Arya International students across the U.S., raising $5,469,228 from 74 investors-including 48 New Jersey residents-through unregistered securities sales.
"As part of our commitment to tackling the affordability crisis, our office will hold financial predators accountable whenever they cheat New Jerseyans out of their hard-earned money," said Attorney General Davenport. "Fraudulent investment schemes like the one run by Arya International cause significant financial harm to the public, unlawfully exploiting their trust and siphoning away their money. My office will continue to take action to halt fraudulent conduct and ensure compliance with the laws that protect our investors from financial predators."
Patel is the owner, chief executive officer, director, and sole shareholder of Arya International, a self-described "charitable dance and entertainment organization" offering South Asian dance instruction classes throughout the United States. The Bureau found that, starting in March 2016, Patel and Arya sold unregistered securities tied to the dance academy in the form of promissory notes issued by Arya International ("Unregistered Arya Securities").
Patel, who is not registered to sell securities in New Jersey, marketed the unregistered securities as safe investments with a 10-to-20 percent return personally guaranteed by Arya International and Patel. These promises prompted some investors to put their children's college savings into the fraudulent venture.
"Rupal Patel used her position as head of Arya International to shamelessly prey on and financially exploit friends and families of her students," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "The Cease and Desist Order issued today demands they immediately stop this unlawful conduct and fully comply with our Uniform Securities Law."
"This enforcement action not only halts any further sale of these unregistered securities in New Jersey, but also underscores the importance of verifying an investment before committing your money," said Acting Bureau Chief Keith A. Alt. "By operating outside the regulatory framework of the securities industry, Patel and Arya International misled investors and withheld critical information that investors needed--and were legally entitled to receive--in order to make informed investment decisions."
The Bureau found that Patel and Arya International, through Patel, made untrue statements of material fact in connection with the offer and sale of the Unregistered Arya Securities, including:
* Guaranteeing new investors a full return of their investment plus interest upon the maturity of the Unregistered Arya Securities, despite being unable to pay earlier investors. Arya was unable to pay earlier investors in part because Arya International had borrowed at least $1,960,452 through factoring agreements with merchant cash advance companies between 2020 and 2023, thereby assigning the rights to Arya International's future accounts receivable to those companies.
* Stating in a 2022 investor solicitation email that the Arya Dance Academy had expanded post-COVID, when in reality the academy shut down for three years between 2020 and 2023; and
* Stating that investments in the Unregistered Arya Securities were personally guaranteed by Arya International and Patel between 2020 and 2023, when Arya International had in fact run out of money and was not generating new revenue through classes after being shut down during the pandemic.
The Bureau also found that Patel and Arya International failed to disclose material facts to certain investors, including that:
* Patel and Arya International regularly failed to pay investors when their promissory notes matured;
* Arya International owed at least $1,960,452 to merchant cash advance companies to which it had assigned an interest in many of its receivables;
Arya International did not file certain state tax returns or did not pay certain state taxes from 2010 through 2023;
* Arya International's corporate charter was reversed by the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation on June 1, 2021, and as a result, the company immediately lost its good standing and legal authority to operate in the State of New Jersey; and
* the Unregistered Arya Securities were not registered with the Bureau, exempt from registration, or federally covered and Patel was not registered with the Bureau as an agent to sell securities as required by law.
The Bureau concluded that Patel and Arya International violated the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law by offering and selling unregistered securities; employing a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud certain investors of their investments in Arya International; making untrue statements of material fact and omitting to disclose material facts to certain investors in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of the Unregistered Arya Securities; and engaged in acts, practices, or courses of business that operated as a fraud and/or deceit upon investors. Additionally, Patel violated the law by acting as an unregistered agent of Arya International in effecting transactions in securities in and from New Jersey and Arya International employed an agent without registration.
The Bureau's investigation was handled by Supervising Investigator Sharon MacDermott and Investigator Boris Maltsev. The Bureau is represented by Deputy Attorney General Elisabeth Juterbock of the Securities Fraud Prosecution Section, under the supervision of Assistant Section Chief Evan A. Showell in the Division of Law's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.
The Bureau is charged with protecting investors from investment fraud and regulating the securities industry in New Jersey. It is critical that investors "Check Before You Invest."
Investors can obtain information, including the registration status and disciplinary history, of any financial professional doing business to or from New Jersey, by contacting the Bureau toll-free within New Jersey at 1-866-I-Invest (1-866-446-8378) or from outside New Jersey at (973) 504-3600, or by visiting the Bureau's website at www.NJSecurities.gov. Investors can also contact the Bureau for assistance, or to raise issues or complaints about New Jersey-based financial professionals or investments.
Summary Cease & Desist Order (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-0225_Patel-and-Arya-International-Summary-Cease-and-Desist-Order.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/nj-bureau-of-securities-takes-action-to-halt-nationwide-investment-fraud-scheme-by-nj-based-arya-international-dance-institute-and-its-owner/
