Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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W.Va. A.G. McCuskey Announces Nearly $18 Million Settlement With Drug Companies for Conspiracies to Inflate Prices and Limit Competition
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Feb. 5 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey announces nearly $18 million settlement with drug companies for conspiracies to inflate prices and limit competition
If you bought certain generic prescription drugs in the United States between May 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019, you could be eligible for money.
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Today, West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, along with a coalition of 48 states and territories, announced two settlements with prescription drug companies
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Feb. 5 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey announces nearly $18 million settlement with drug companies for conspiracies to inflate prices and limit competition
If you bought certain generic prescription drugs in the United States between May 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019, you could be eligible for money.
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Today, West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, along with a coalition of 48 states and territories, announced two settlements with prescription drug companiesfor widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs.
The settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. ("Lannett") and Bausch Health US, LLC and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("Bausch") total $17.85 million. As part of their settlement agreements, both companies have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have further agreed to a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.
"Today's settlement is part of a long-running and on-going investigation into illegal actions by prescription drug companies, which have left consumers paying more and more for the medicines they need. I am proud of the work being done by this bi-partisan coalition of attorneys general to go after companies that care more about their bottom line than the people they serve," Attorney General McCuskey said.
The Lannett and Bausch settlements follow prior settlements with Apotex and Heritage which totaled $49.1 million.
If you purchased a generic prescription drug manufactured by either Lannett or Bausch between May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
Also, West Virginia joined a 42-state coalition led by Connecticut's Attorney General to file a new lawsuit against Novartis and its generic subsidiary Sandoz alleging a systemic campaign to conspire with other generic manufacturers to fix prices, allocate markets and rig bids for 31 different generic drugs. The complaint further alleges that Novartis took steps to fraudulently transfer and drain assets from Sandoz and spin off Sandoz to shield Novartis from liability in the three previously filed state antitrust complaints against the company.
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/attorney-general-mccuskey-announces-nearly-18-million-settlement-drug-companies
Update: New Jersey, New York Sue Trump Administration for Illegally Withholding Gateway Tunnel Funding
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 5 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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UPDATE: New Jersey, New York Sue Trump Administration for Illegally Withholding Gateway Tunnel Funding
Without Quick Court Action, Jobs Will be Lost and New Jersey and New York will Suffer
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NEWARK - At a press conference today at Newark Penn Station, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that New Jersey and New York are suing the Trump Administration illegally withholding $15 billion in federally committed funding for the Gateway project
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 5 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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UPDATE: New Jersey, New York Sue Trump Administration for Illegally Withholding Gateway Tunnel Funding
Without Quick Court Action, Jobs Will be Lost and New Jersey and New York will Suffer
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NEWARK - At a press conference today at Newark Penn Station, Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that New Jersey and New York are suing the Trump Administration illegally withholding $15 billion in federally committed funding for the Gateway projectto provide new tunnels and rehabilitate the existing vital Hudson River rail crossing between northern New Jersey and New York City, jeopardizing the economic future of the Northeast region.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, seeks emergency relief to stop the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from continuing to implement its indefinite funding freeze--funds needed to ensure that active construction on the project can continue, that workers do not lose their jobs, and that the States and their residents are not harmed.
"Every time the Trump Administration gets involved, costs go up and working people suffer. The illegal attack on the Gateway Tunnel is yet another example. New Jersey will not back down from this fight," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "If this project stops, 1,000 workers will immediately lose their jobs and hundreds of thousands of commuters will lose the chance at finally having reliable train service that makes their lives easier."
"Our promise to our residents is clear: we will protect them from attacks on their rights and on their pocketbooks, whatever the source," said Acting Attorney General Davenport. "The President's decision to freeze funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project jeopardizes safe and reliable infrastructure and puts thousands of jobs at risk. The Federal Government has left us no choice: we must challenge this illegal action in court, and demand emergency relief that will protect us from these unlawful harms."
Additional Details:
The existing tunnel that carries NJ Transit and Amtrak service from New Jersey to New York is insufficient for the region's needs. Built in 1910, it suffers from ongoing deterioration and flooded significantly during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The tunnel's 200,000 daily commuters face frequent service disruptions. Without a new tunnel, Amtrak and NJ Transit would eventually have to consider cutting capacity by 75% at peak hours, imposing significant economic harms on the region to the tune of $100 million per day. These devastating effects would be felt up and down the Northeast Corridor and through multiple states.
The Gateway project launched in 2019. Federal agencies have since obligated roughly $15 billion in funding under federal laws designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and resiliency of core infrastructure. The States have made major, independent investments in the project too: New Jersey and New York have invested more than $500 million into the Gateway project so far. In addition, New Jersey has acquired over 100 parcels of land needed for construction of the new tunnel.
However, on the eve of a government shutdown last September 30, 2025, DOT announced it would indefinitely suspend payment of all funds for the Hudson Tunnel Project pending a newly-announced compliance review. DOT's announcement came without warning and without any clear explanation of why it was necessary to freeze federal funding and threaten the project's completion. However, as the President later confirmed, DOT suspended the funding to punish New York officials for opposing unrelated Presidential demands.
President Trump announced that the decision to freeze all project funds was aimed at "really terminating tremendous numbers of Democrat projects. This is not only jobs, I mean the project in Manhattan, the project in New York. It's billions and billions of dollars that [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer has worked 20 years to get--it's terminated." He has also said "The project is gonna be dead. It is pretty much dead right now," and "the Gateway Project is "terminated because the Democrats are so foolish," adding "there is no funding--because it's up to me."
In light of DOT's continued implementation of its indefinitely funding freeze, the Gateway Development Commission issued notices last week to contractors stating that all active construction work must cease this Friday, February 6. That required GDC to file its own lawsuit yesterday, claiming that DOT breached contracts that those two entities had signed. That case is now pending.
The States are bringing their own independent lawsuit because they are suffering their own independent harms. Ending federal funding would do more than just kill thousands of jobs and imperil the future commutes of hard-working New Jerseyans. It would also mean that New Jersey and New York lose the benefits of the millions in funding and land they provided to the Gateway Project. It would mean New Jersey and New York would need to incur significant new operating costs. And because the Gateway Project is well underway with a number of active construction sites, it also means New Jersey and New York would have to incur millions to secure those sites and to prevent serious public safety and public health hazards.
Given the immediate chaos, loss of jobs, and serious harms to New York and New Jersey that are otherwise coming, the States are seeking emergency relief--including a preliminary injunction--to block DOT from continuing to implement this indefinitely funding freeze. The States also seek relief by February 6, when hundreds of workers will be forced off the job.
View Complaint (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-0203-NJ-v-DOT-Compl.pdf) | View Brief (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-0203-NJ-v-DOT-TRO-PI-Brief.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/update-new-jersey-new-york-sue-trump-administration-for-illegally-withholding-gateway-tunnel-funding/
S.D. A.G. Jackley Presents Public Integrity Report to Legislative Committee
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 5 (TNSxrep) -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Presents Public Integrity Report to Legislative Committee
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released his Public Integrity Report to the Government Operations & Audit Committee. The report details the work of the Public Integrity Unit in 2025, which reviewed 47 unique reports of misconduct by state government employees, resulting in 14 criminal investigations and four state employees being criminally charged. All four cases are still
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 5 (TNSxrep) -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Presents Public Integrity Report to Legislative Committee
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released his Public Integrity Report to the Government Operations & Audit Committee. The report details the work of the Public Integrity Unit in 2025, which reviewed 47 unique reports of misconduct by state government employees, resulting in 14 criminal investigations and four state employees being criminally charged. All four cases are stillpending.
"South Dakotans deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and free from corruption," said Attorney General Jackley. "I am committed to ensuring South Dakota taxpayers are protected."
The Public Integrity Unit was established through Senate Bill 62, proposed by Attorney General Jackley, passed by the 2025 Legislature, and signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden. The legislation created mandatory reporting requirements for state employee misconduct and provided protections for employees who make good-faith reports to authorities.
Housed within the Attorney General's Office, the Public Integrity Unit investigates cases of state employee misconduct. It includes an Assistant Attorney General serving as prosecutor and a Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Supervisory Special Agent serving as investigator.
Gov Rhoden said: "In several states across our country, corruption and fraudulent practices are going unchecked -- and in South Dakota, we stood up against it. Our people deserve transparency and accountability, now more than ever. I am proud to work with the Attorney General on instituting and implementing this law."
"The more than 14,000 South Dakota state employees are hardworking, law-abiding public servants who dedicate themselves to serving the state,' said Attorney General Jackley. "We will not allow a few to tarnish their dedication to South Dakota."
The report will be presented yearly to the legislative Government Operations & Audit Committee. It can be accessed here: 2025 Public Integrity Program Report (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3004)
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3004
R.I. A.G. Neronha Protects Local Pharmacies From Alleged Illegal Practices by PBMs
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Feb. 5 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha protects local pharmacies from alleged illegal practices by PBMs
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that the Office has concluded its enforcement action against pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Prime Therapeutics, LLC for allegedly violating a state law restricting certain pharmacy audits by conducting unannounced audits of three Rhode Island pharmacies.
"Where there's money to be made, there will inevitably be those
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Feb. 5 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha protects local pharmacies from alleged illegal practices by PBMs
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that the Office has concluded its enforcement action against pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Prime Therapeutics, LLC for allegedly violating a state law restricting certain pharmacy audits by conducting unannounced audits of three Rhode Island pharmacies.
"Where there's money to be made, there will inevitably be thosewilling to exploit an industry to maximize profit, and unfortunately, health care is not exempt," said Attorney General Neronha. "This is precisely why my Office filed a lawsuit against three of the largest PBMs last year. We allege that these groups often exploit the complex scheme of pricing and payment for prescription drugs, and take a cut of ever-increasing drug prices at every step of the way. Here, we allege that Prime Therapeutics violated the law when they caused undue administrative burden and disruption to three independent Rhode Island pharmacies by showing up unannounced and demanding to see their books. This kind of behavior can drive up pharmacy costs, limit care choices, and harm local businesses if left unchecked. So, we checked it."
The Rhode Island General Assembly enacted the Pharmacy Audit Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 5-19.1-35) to protect pharmacies from unfair, anticompetitive audit activities by PBMs, insurance carriers, and other intermediaries. The law grants the Office of the Attorney General enforcement authority and establishes requirements with which PBMs must comply when conducting on-site audits, including but not limited to:
* limiting audits to one per pharmacy per year unless fraud is suspected
* providing 14-day advance notice for audits
* prohibiting auditors from receiving pay based on recouped money, and
* barring extrapolation in audit findings.
As alleged in a complaint filed in Providence Superior Court, on October 27, 2025, Prime Therapeutics initiated unannounced on-site audits of three independently owned local pharmacies. Further, as alleged, Prime failed to provide pharmacies with advanced notice of the range of prescription numbers involved in the audit; audited for a period which exceeded two years; and refused to allow pharmacies an opportunity to reschedule with the auditor - all alleged violations of the law.
In an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) filed in court, Prime Therapeutics agrees to terminate the aforementioned audits initiated on October 27, 2025 and agrees to conduct all future audits in compliance with the law. Prime Therapeutics also agrees to several additional provisions which the Office has determined will help ensure Prime's future compliance with the law.
As previously mentioned, the purpose of the Pharmacy Audit Act is to mitigate the administrative burden and disruption to patient care that Rhode Island pharmacies face when audited by carriers and their intermediaries, and to provide certain basic procedural protections so that pharmacies can adequately prepare for and respond to audits. Many PBMs own or selectively partner with certain pharmacies that directly compete with independent pharmacies, such as those the Pharmacy Audit Act aims to protect. Therefore, PBMs may have incentives to increase administrative costs burdens and potentially find ways to claw back payments from these independent and competitor pharmacies.
Today's announcement follows a 2025 lawsuit by the Office against the country's largest PBMs (CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum) and their affiliated Group Purchasing Organizations (Zinc, Ascent Health Services, Emisar Pharma Services) for their alleged role in unfairly and deceptively increasing the costs of prescription drugs, limiting care choices for Rhode Islanders, and harming local businesses.
To learn more about the Office's health care initiatives, please visit our dedicated website (http://www.riag.ri.gov/way-forward).
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-protects-local-pharmacies-alleged-illegal-practices-pbms
N.J. A.G. Davenport: New York Man Convicted for Attempting to Lure and Sexually Assault Minor
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 5 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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New York Man Convicted for Attempting to Lure and Sexually Assault Minor
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today that a New York man was convicted of trying to lure and sexually assault a minor.
Shaheen Lariff, 56, of New City, New York, was found guilty by a jury on all three counts in the indictment against him - second-degree luring/enticing a child, second-degree attempted sexual assault, and third-degree
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 5 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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New York Man Convicted for Attempting to Lure and Sexually Assault Minor
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today that a New York man was convicted of trying to lure and sexually assault a minor.
Shaheen Lariff, 56, of New City, New York, was found guilty by a jury on all three counts in the indictment against him - second-degree luring/enticing a child, second-degree attempted sexual assault, and third-degreeendangering the welfare of a child. Lariff was convicted following a jury trial before Bergen County Superior Court Judge Christopher R. Kazlau.
"Protecting children from sexual predators always will be a top priority for my office," said Acting Attorney General Davenport. "We will be unrelenting in identifying, prosecuting, and removing those who target children in our communities. The defendant here believed he was talking to a teenager and continued to try and set up an encounter to engage in sexual assault. Though he thought he was talking to a teenager, he was in fact talking to an undercover law enforcement officer. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for using all available tools to keep our children safe."
"This case shows the dangers that our children face from online predators every day," said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. "The excellent work by our prosecutors and law enforcement partners let us intercept this criminal before he could victimize a child."
"This conviction exposes the serious dangers posed by individuals who use the internet to lure and sexually assault children," said Lt. Colonel David Sierotowicz, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "We will continue to aggressively investigate these crimes, pursue those responsible, and take decisive action to protect our most vulnerable and keep our communities safe"
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial, during the investigation, Lariff contacted an individual on a dating application whom he believed to be a 15-year-old male. Lariff identified himself as a 31-year-old male and continued communications, including discussion of sex acts, despite the individual's age. Lariff subsequently traveled to a predetermined location to meet the individual, where he was arrested by law enforcement.
Acting Attorney General Davenport credited the NJSP and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office with the investigation of this case.
The case was prosecuted by DCJ Deputy Attorneys General John Donovan and Anton Kiryako and Management Assistant Ysan Chin.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/new-york-man-convicted-for-attempting-to-lure-and-sexually-assault-minor/
Alaska A.G. Cox: Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 5 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
(Anchorage, AK) - Three Department of Law Attorneys have been selected to fill judicial vacancies. Two state appointments were made by Governor Mike Dunleavy, and one federal nomination by President Trump confirmed today by the U.S. Senate.
"When the Department's attorneys are chosen to serve on the bench, it reflects well on them--and on Alaska," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "We'll miss their daily
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JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 5 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
(Anchorage, AK) - Three Department of Law Attorneys have been selected to fill judicial vacancies. Two state appointments were made by Governor Mike Dunleavy, and one federal nomination by President Trump confirmed today by the U.S. Senate.
"When the Department's attorneys are chosen to serve on the bench, it reflects well on them--and on Alaska," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "We'll miss their dailyleadership at the Department of Law, but the State is better off when judges bring real experience, sound judgment, and a public-service ethic forged in the trenches. These appointments strengthen Alaska's courts, and I'm proud of the work these lawyers have done and the service they'll continue to provide from the bench."
First, Governor Dunleavy appointed Chief Assistant Attorney General RuthAnne Beach to serve on the Alaska Court of Appeals. Chief AAG Beach has served in the Office of Criminal Appeals since 2017. Throughout her time with the Department, she has demonstrated exceptional legal skill, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the fair administration of justice. Her appointment is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and service to the people of Alaska.
Second, Governor Dunleavy appointed John Haley to the Anchorage District Court. Senior AAG Haley served in the Department of Law's Consumer Protection Unit, and previously in criminal prosecution roles within the Department. His dedication and steadfastness resulted in millions of dollars being returned to Alaskan consumers.
Finally, President Trump nominated Senior Assistant Attorney General Aaron Peterson to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Alaska. The U.S. Senate has formally confirmed Senior AAG Peterson this morning. Senior AAG Peterson started in the Criminal Division as the fish and game prosecutor, before moving to the Civil Division to advise to represent the Board of Fisheries. His successes in the Criminal and Civil Divisions and his ability to navigate complex legal issues helped him secure this nomination.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/020426-Judicial.html
A.G. Drummond Applauds Passage of Bill That Protects Oklahoma Worship Services
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 5 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Drummond applauds passage of bill that protects Oklahoma worship services
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today issued the following statement after the Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 743, legislation by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, to protect worship services from intentional disruption.
"Oklahomans have a fundamental right to worship freely and peacefully without fear of harassment or intimidation. Senate Bill 743
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 5 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Drummond applauds passage of bill that protects Oklahoma worship services
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today issued the following statement after the Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 743, legislation by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, to protect worship services from intentional disruption.
"Oklahomans have a fundamental right to worship freely and peacefully without fear of harassment or intimidation. Senate Bill 743provides important protections for religious communities while respecting constitutional rights to free speech and lawful protest.
"What happened in Minnesota last month was appalling. Protesters invaded a church sanctuary during Sunday worship services, creating chaos and fear among families who were simply trying to practice their faith. This kind of targeted disruption of religious worship cannot be tolerated in a free society. Oklahoma families deserve better, and this legislation ensures they will have the legal protections they need.
"I commend Sen. Gollihare and Rep. Lawson for their leadership on this issue and stand ready to vigorously enforce this law if enacted."
Under Senate Bill 743, a first offense for disturbing an assembly of religious worship would be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. A second offense would be classified as a felony, carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to two years in prison.
Senate Bill 743 passed 31-15 and passed the House last session. It heads to the Governor's office now.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-applauds-passage-of-bill-that-protects-oklahoma-worship-services.html
