Featured Stories
Va. A.G. Jones Sues Trump Administration Again to Stop Latest Round of Illegal Tariffs
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 6 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jones Sues Trump Administration Again to Stop Latest Round of Illegal Tariffs
Lawsuit challenges unlawful tariffs that are increasing costs for Virginians and exacerbating the existing cost crisis
-
Attorney General Jones joined a coalition of 25 states in filing another lawsuit against the Trump Administration's efforts to impose illegal tariffs on American consumers and businesses. The case challenges the Administration's recent decision to increase
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 6 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jones Sues Trump Administration Again to Stop Latest Round of Illegal Tariffs
Lawsuit challenges unlawful tariffs that are increasing costs for Virginians and exacerbating the existing cost crisis
-
Attorney General Jones joined a coalition of 25 states in filing another lawsuit against the Trump Administration's efforts to impose illegal tariffs on American consumers and businesses. The case challenges the Administration's recent decision to increasetariffs on more than 80 countries that together account for 99.4% of all U.S. imports--costs that will be passed along to Americans already struggling to pay the price of essential consumer goods.
"Donald Trump's relentless commitment to breaking the law by imposing illegal tariffs is crushing Virginians. The cost of scraping by in survival mode is far more than the immediate impact on Virginians' pocketbooks. The chronic stress and inability to invest in a better future traps families in a debilitating cycle," said Attorney General Jones. "As long as the President continues to act outside of the bounds of his executive powers, this office will hold him accountable."
For more than a year, President Trump has inflicted chaos on the American economy by imposing tariffs without the legal authority to do so. Initially, the President claimed that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allowed him to impose tariffs of any amount, on any product, from any country, for any length of time. In February, the Supreme Court rejected that claim, agreeing with several state attorneys general that the IEEPA tariffs were unlawful. President Trump then turned to a separate law that had never been used before--Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974--and announced 10 percent tariffs on most products worldwide. But state attorneys general challenged those tariffs, too, and in May the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the President acted unlawfully.
Rather than accepting those losses, President Trump turned to another law--Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974--and directed the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate the European Union and 59 other countries, to determine whether those countries are doing enough to combat forced labor in global trade. Late last month, the USTR did what Trump wanted all along, imposing 10% and 12.5% tariff rates on nearly every economy that trades with the U.S. In other words, instead of taking actions that would combat forced labor, the USTR reached a foregone conclusion and imposed across-the-board tariffs similar to those that courts have struck down twice before.
This most recent lawsuit challenges his latest round of tariffs. The complaint contends that these actions exceed the administration's legal authority and violate the Administrative Procedure Act. The case was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade and is entitled State of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al.
A recent analysis (https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/) by researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York concluded that nearly 90 percent of the costs of tariffs in 2025 were paid by American consumers and businesses. By imposing another round of price increases on American consumers and businesses, the Trump Administration is tripling down on failed economic policies.
The lawsuit is led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Also joining are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3089-attorney-general-jones-sues-trump-administration-again-to-stop-latest-round-of-illegal-tariffs
S.D. A.G. Jackley Joins National Coalition Urging Congress To Strengthen Federal Hemp Reforms
PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 6 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jackley Joins National Coalition Urging Congress To Strengthen Federal Hemp Reforms
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined 34 other Attorneys General in urging Congress to maintain the November 2025 federal redefinition of hemp.
In a letter sent to congressional leadership and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the coalition thanked Congress for closing the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 6 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jackley Joins National Coalition Urging Congress To Strengthen Federal Hemp Reforms
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined 34 other Attorneys General in urging Congress to maintain the November 2025 federal redefinition of hemp.
In a letter sent to congressional leadership and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the coalition thanked Congress for closing the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowedunregulated intoxicating hemp products to proliferate nationwide. The coalition also urged lawmakers to ensure the new definition remains in effect.
"Reopening the loophole increases youth access to intoxicating hemp products," said Attorney General Jackley. "As Attorney General, I remain committed to safeguarding South Dakotans and ensuring hemp-related regulations reflect both common sense protections and the intent of Congress in establishing a safe and orderly hemp market."
By joining this coalition, South Dakota stands with other states in supporting a consistent national regulatory framework that protects consumers, strengthens enforcement clarity, and preserves legitimate agricultural and industrial hemp markets.
Other Attorneys General who are part of the letter are from: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The letter to Congress is attached: https://media.ark.org/ag/FINAL-Letter-to-Congress-Hemp-2026.pdf
* * *
INFODOC: https://media.ark.org/ag/FINAL-Letter-to-Congress-Hemp-2026.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3124
N.J. A.G. Davenport: State Board of Medical Examiners Permanently Revokes License of Gloucester County Pain Management Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Opioids
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 6 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
State Board of Medical Examiners Permanently Revokes License of Gloucester County Pain Management Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Opioids
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the State Board of Medical Examiners (Board) has permanently revoked the license of a Gloucester County physician following his conviction on a federal charge of unlawful drug distribution.
Larry Pettis, a pain
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 6 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
State Board of Medical Examiners Permanently Revokes License of Gloucester County Pain Management Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Opioids
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the State Board of Medical Examiners (Board) has permanently revoked the license of a Gloucester County physician following his conviction on a federal charge of unlawful drug distribution.
Larry Pettis, a painmanagement specialist in Williamstown, New Jersey, has not practiced medicine in New Jersey since January 2025, when he entered into an Interim Consent Order voluntarily surrendering his medical license pending the resolution of criminal charges stemming from his arrest by federal agents in December 2024. Pettis subsequently pleaded guilty to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance and is scheduled for sentencing in October 2026.
The Final Consent Order permanently revoking Pettis's license resolves allegations that Pettis's conduct in the criminal matter amounted to professional misconduct, involved a crime directly related to his responsibilities as a physician, and was serious enough to warrant the permanent revocation of his medical license. Additionally, the Division's Drug Control Unit permanently revoked Pettis's registration to prescribe controlled dangerous substances in New Jersey.
"There is no place in the medical profession for doctors who abuse their prescribing privileges by unlawfully distributing controlled substances that fuel addiction, overdoses, and death," said Attorney General Davenport. "We will continue to protect the public by seeking the strongest possible sanctions against physicians who break the law and expose their patients to grave harm."
The evidence against Pettis alleged that he pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances so that another individual, who was unable to issue such prescriptions, could issue the prescriptions when Pettis was out of the office. The evidence also showed that Pettis issued prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances without first assessing patients, and that he allegedly altered and fabricated medical records for patients receiving controlled substances.
"New Jersey's strict prescribing rules have helped us turn the tide on the opioid epidemic in our state, but this physician repeatedly disregarded those safeguards and violated the standards expected of every medical professional," said Christopher L. Peterson, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "By removing this dangerous prescriber from practice, we're enhancing public safety and gaining critical traction in our fight to end the addiction crisis."
Under the terms of the Consent Order, which was filed on July 29, 2026, Pettis must immediately cease and desist from all patient contact at any location in New Jersey, and from prescribing medications and rendering medical care. He is also barred from entering the premises of his former medical practice during business hours when patients may be present. Additionally, Pettis is precluded from managing, overseeing, supervising, or influencing the practice of medicine or provision of healthcare activities, including by testifying as an expert witness or being retained as a consulting expert, in New Jersey. He also must divest himself from any current and future financial interest in, or benefit derived from, the practice of medicine in New Jersey and from charging, receiving, or sharing in any fee for professional services rendered by others.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber, 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.
Individuals who believe that they have been treated in an inappropriate manner by a licensed professional can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
View Consent Order (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20260729_25MA04164000.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/state-board-of-medical-examiners-permanently-revokes-license-of-gloucester-county-pain-management-doctor-convicted-of-illegally-distributing-opioids/
N.H. A.G. Formella Urges Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms and Protect Consumers From Intoxicating Hemp Products
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 6 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Formella Urges Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms and Protect Consumers from Intoxicating Hemp Products
Attorney General John M. Formella, working as part of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from across the country, is urging Congress to preserve recent federal hemp reforms and reject any effort to delay, repeal, suspend, or weaken the new framework governing hemp-derived products.
In a letter sent to congressional leaders
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 6 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Formella Urges Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms and Protect Consumers from Intoxicating Hemp Products
Attorney General John M. Formella, working as part of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from across the country, is urging Congress to preserve recent federal hemp reforms and reject any effort to delay, repeal, suspend, or weaken the new framework governing hemp-derived products.
In a letter sent to congressional leadersand the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the coalition is thanking Congress for closing a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed unregulated intoxicating hemp products to proliferate nationwide. The attorneys general urged Congress to ensure the new definition of hemp remains in effect and continues to provide clarity and protection for consumers, businesses, and states.
"Congress acted to close a loophole that allowed intoxicating hemp products to enter the marketplace without consistent safety standards or meaningful consumer protections," said Attorney General Formella. "Maintaining this framework will protect consumers, provide certainty for legitimate businesses, and ensure that hemp policy remains focused on lawful, nonintoxicating products."
The coalition's letter explains that, since Congress enacted the new definition of hemp in November 2025, states, federal agencies, businesses, and consumers have begun adjusting to a more consistent and responsible regulatory framework. Many states have aligned, or are in the process of aligning, their laws, regulations, and enforcement efforts with the new federal standard.
The attorneys general warn that reopening the loophole or weakening the revised definition would create regulatory uncertainty, increase litigation, disrupt lawful businesses that have already adapted to the new framework, and allow the return of unregulated intoxicating hemp products.
The coalition emphasized that maintaining the new definition of hemp will not interfere with legitimate industrial, agricultural, or commercial hemp production. Instead, the reforms restore the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill by supporting lawful hemp markets while preventing the sale of intoxicating products that exploited ambiguities in federal law.
In addition to Attorney General Formella, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
* FINAL-LETTER-TO-CONGRESS-HEMP-2026 https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/media/media_document/final-letter-to-congress-hemp-2026.pdf
* * *
INFODOC: https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/media/media_document/final-letter-to-congress-hemp-2026.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-urges-congress-preserve-federal-hemp-reforms-and-protect
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms Concerning Intoxicating Hemp Products
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 6 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms Concerning Intoxicating Hemp Products
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 other attorneys general in a letter to congressional leaders urging them to preserve the federal redefinition of hemp and reject any effort to delay, repeal, suspend, or weaken the reforms Congress enacted to address intoxicating hemp-derived products.
In
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 6 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Preserve Federal Hemp Reforms Concerning Intoxicating Hemp Products
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 other attorneys general in a letter to congressional leaders urging them to preserve the federal redefinition of hemp and reject any effort to delay, repeal, suspend, or weaken the reforms Congress enacted to address intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Ina letter sent to congressional leadership and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the coalition thanks Congress for closing the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed unregulated intoxicating hemp products to proliferate nationwide and urges lawmakers to ensure the new definition takes effect as enacted.
Congress acted in 2025 to establish a clearer and more responsible framework for hemp regulation. The coalition's letter explains that states, federal agencies, businesses, and consumers have already begun adjusting to the revised definition and that many states have aligned, or are in the process of aligning, their laws and enforcement efforts with the new federal standard.
The attorneys general warn that reopening the loophole or weakening the revised definition would create regulatory uncertainty, increase litigation, disrupt lawful businesses that have already adapted to the new framework, and allow the return of unregulated intoxicating hemp products to the marketplace.
In their letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to maintain the November 2025 redefinition of hemp and reject any effort to reopen the loophole that Congress previously acted to close. They argue that preserving the current framework will provide regulatory certainty, protect public safety, and support a uniform national approach to hemp regulation.
In addition to Attorney General Brown, the attorneys general of the following states and territories also signed the letter: Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
* * *
INFODOC: https://media.ark.org/ag/FINAL-Letter-to-Congress-Hemp-2026.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Bipartisan-Coalition-Urging-Congress-to-Preserve-Federal-Hemp-Reforms-Concerning-Intoxicating-.aspx
Ga. A.G. Carr Secures New Indictment for Trafficking of Missing Teen in Richmond County
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Carr Secures New Indictment for Trafficking of Missing Teen in Richmond County
RICHMOND COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has secured the indictment of William Wyche, 34, of Hephzibah, for the trafficking of a missing 16-year-old female in Richmond County. In part, the defendant is alleged to have harbored and solicited the child for sex.
The victim was recovered by the Attorney General's Human Trafficking
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on Aug. 5, 2026:
* * *
Carr Secures New Indictment for Trafficking of Missing Teen in Richmond County
RICHMOND COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has secured the indictment of William Wyche, 34, of Hephzibah, for the trafficking of a missing 16-year-old female in Richmond County. In part, the defendant is alleged to have harbored and solicited the child for sex.
The victim was recovered by the Attorney General's Human TraffickingProsecution Unit, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Carr expanded his Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Augusta region just last year.
"Let me be clear - if you abuse and exploit a child in this state, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "This is exactly why we expanded our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Augusta region, and we're proud to work with all of our local, state and federal partners to protect our most vulnerable Georgians. Together, we're rescuing even more victims and making sure that traffickers have nowhere to run."
This case was investigated by the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the GBI, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Georgia Department of Human Services Special Investigations Unit, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Marshals Service.
"The successful recovery of this young victim and the indictment in this case reflect what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together with a shared mission," said Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley. "Human trafficking is a horrific crime that exploits the most vulnerable members of our community, and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office remains fully committed to identifying offenders, rescuing victims, and holding those responsible accountable. I want to thank Attorney General Chris Carr and his Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and all of our law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaboration and dedication throughout this investigation."
"Sheriff Clay Whittle and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office is proud to assist in the arrest and indictment of an individual accused of numerous sex trafficking offenses. This case shows the success you can achieve when you have close collaboration with our law enforcement partners and especially the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. With the investigative tools and resources we have on hand at CCSO, we will always stand ready to assist when it comes to arresting and prosecuting cases such as this."
"Human trafficking is a horrific crime that exploits vulnerable people for profit, robbing them of their freedom and dignity," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "The GBI remains steadfast alongside the Georgia Attorney General's Office and our other partners with a clear mission: to eliminate human trafficking and ensure traffickers no longer operate in the state. This indictment reflects this commitment to pursuing these criminals and ensuring survivors have the opportunity to move toward safety and recovery."
Richmond County Indictment
On Aug. 4, 2026, the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Richmond County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of William Wyche.
The defendant is facing the following charges.
* 2 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude in violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-5-46: Did unlawfully solicit a minor for the purpose of sexual servitude
* 2 counts of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude in violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-5-46: Did unlawfully harbor a minor for the purpose of sexual servitude
* 1 count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude in violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-5-46: Did unlawfully transport a minor for the purpose of sexual servitude
* 2 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child in violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-12-100: Did knowingly create a material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct
* 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-131
Wyche was taken into custody on July 22, 2026.
No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
* * *
About the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit
In 2019, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and leaders in the Georgia General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created the first-of-its-kind statewide Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Since its inception, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has secured more than 70 criminal convictions and rescued and assisted over 200 children. This Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Macon and Augusta.
The Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
* * *
Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-05/carr-secures-new-indictment-trafficking-missing-teen-richmond-county
Alaska Law Dept.: Kyle and Molly Bates, Their Three Corporations, and Peyton Love Indicted for $14.6 Million of Medicaid Fraud
JUNEAU, Alaska, Aug. 6 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on Aug. 4, 2026:
* * *
Kyle and Molly Bates, Their Three Corporations, and Peyton Love Indicted for $14.6 Million of Medicaid Fraud
(Anchorage, AK) - Today, a Grand Jury indicted Kyle Bates, Molly Bates, Peyton Love, Heritage Assisted Living Home LLC, Heritage Home LLC, and Alaska Life Group Home LLC for multiple counts of Scheme to Defraud, Theft in the First Degree, Medical Assistance Fraud and a single count of Falsifying Business Records. Kyle and Molly Bates have also been charged with Criminal Impersonation
... Show Full Article
JUNEAU, Alaska, Aug. 6 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on Aug. 4, 2026:
* * *
Kyle and Molly Bates, Their Three Corporations, and Peyton Love Indicted for $14.6 Million of Medicaid Fraud
(Anchorage, AK) - Today, a Grand Jury indicted Kyle Bates, Molly Bates, Peyton Love, Heritage Assisted Living Home LLC, Heritage Home LLC, and Alaska Life Group Home LLC for multiple counts of Scheme to Defraud, Theft in the First Degree, Medical Assistance Fraud and a single count of Falsifying Business Records. Kyle and Molly Bates have also been charged with Criminal Impersonationin the Second Degree.
Between July 18, 2019, and Nov. 25, 2025, Kyle and Molly Bates owned two group homes (Heritage Assisted Living Home LLC and Heritage Home LLC) which they ran with the assistance of Peyton Love. In 2024, Kyle and Molly created a new LLC, Alaska Life Group Home LLC.
A joint investigation by the FBI and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit discovered that many of the services that were billed by Heritage Assisted Living Home LLC and Heritage Home LLC were allegedly either not provided, not adequately staffed, or not adequately documented. Subsequent investigation, with the assistance of the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Senior and Disability Services, also discovered that the entities were allegedly operating without an approved program administrator.
Investigators discovered that after the former program administrator quit and moved out of state in 2019, Molly and Kyle Bates allegedly impersonated her and misrepresented her employment to the Alaska Department of Health. Operations allegedly continued without an approved program administrator until Nov. 25, 2025. During this time, Kyle and Molly Bates allegedly forged signatures, took training courses in the former administrator's name, submitted documents claiming the former administrator was still an employee and lied on their certification applications to Medicaid.
Kyle and Molly Bates and their co-defendants are alleged to have fraudulently billed $14,694,800.47 to the Alaska Medicaid Program between July 2019 and Nov. 2025.
Arraignments on the indictment are scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026.
These charges are only allegations and are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
*The Alaska MFCU is part of the Alaska Department of Law and is located in Anchorage. It is responsible for investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of patients in any facility that accepts Medicaid funds. The unit is 75% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,979,808 for FY 2026. The remaining 25%, totaling $659,934, is funded by the State of Alaska. Citizens with information about suspected medical assistance fraud, patient abuse or neglect are encouraged to use the Alaska MFCU online complaint form or to contact the unit at (907) 269-6279.
CONTACT: Heather Dyreng, Assistant Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (907) 269-6297.
* * *
Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/080426-MFCU.html
