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Va. A.G. Jones Secures Preliminary Injunction Over Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Secures Preliminary Injunction Over Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of 17 million drivers and from terminating more than
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Secures Preliminary Injunction Over Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of 17 million drivers and from terminating more than$10 million in federal funding to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) if it refuses to produce the database.
"As we battle this latest attempt at federal overreach into the privacy of Virginians in court, we are glad the court agreed that the personal information of CDL licensees will stay out of Donald Trump's hands. Our aggressive federal government is attempting to seize power from the states and keep tabs on Americans, while they continue to threaten to withhold resources from Virginians. Virginia isn't going to give in," said Attorney General Jones. "The Commonwealth looks forward to defending the long standing privacy and governance protections around state-owned driver information in court."
In August, Attorney General Jones and the coalition filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an administration of the DOT, and AAMVA, as well as an additional related lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuits claim the DOT, FMCSA and DHS are violating multiple federal privacy laws by secretly setting up their own database with records extorted from AAMVA, with no guardrails on the use or sharing of drivers' Social Security numbers and other personal information, and no notice to the public.
Just a week after Attorney General Jones and the attorneys general filed the lawsuits, the court issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the administration from obtaining this sensitive information for two weeks. Today's preliminary injunction blocks the demand as Attorney General Jones and the attorneys general continue to litigate the ongoing case.
Attorney General Jones filed of these lawsuits with attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
September 18, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3122-attorney-general-jones-secures-preliminary-injunction-over-trump-administrations-unlawful-demand-of-cdl-drivers-personal-information
N.M. A.G. Torrez Talks With Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robust
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robustprotections for kids and consumers. Additionally, he welcomed feedback directly from the community at a public town hall held Wednesday night at the Dona Ana Community College where he was joined by State Senator Carrie Hamblen.
While in Las Cruces, Attorney General Torrez visited with New Mexico State University's (NMSU) "Humans 4 Humans" student organization, which is dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking in New Mexico. He also met with FYI+, an expansive organization and network in the community that provides young, at-risk New Mexicans with resources, housing and more as they exit difficult family situations or the foster care system.
"I am grateful to everyone in the Las Cruces community who took the time to share their experiences, their concerns and the work they are doing to support New Mexico's young people," said Attorney General Raul Torrez. "From students raising awareness about human trafficking to educators, parents and community organizations working to give young people the support they need, I heard firsthand about both the challenges facing families and the solutions that are making a difference. These conversations will help inform our efforts to advance meaningful legislation that protects children and consumers, supports families and strengthens communities across New Mexico."
Additionally, Attorney General Torrez was able to meet with NMSU President Valerio Ferme to recognize the University for implementing all of the recommendations made by the New Mexico Department of Justice to combat hazing on college campuses.
This third stop on his "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" followed the first two in Farmington and Gallup. The AG's next visit will be in the northern part of our state near the end of the month.
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Original text here: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-talks-with-las-cruces-residents-about-keeping-kids-safe-online/
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Gloucester County Pharmacist Must Sell Her Pharmacy Amid Allegations She Violated Order Temporarily Suspending Her License for Misconduct
TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 19 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Gloucester County Pharmacist Must Sell Her Pharmacy Amid Allegations She Violated Order Temporarily Suspending Her License for Misconduct
September 18, 2026
TRENTON - Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that Gloucester County pharmacist Nittal K. Lodha must sell Woodbury Family Pharmacy (Woodbury) amid allegations she violated an order temporarily suspending her pharmacy license for alleged unsafe practices,
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 19 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Gloucester County Pharmacist Must Sell Her Pharmacy Amid Allegations She Violated Order Temporarily Suspending Her License for Misconduct
September 18, 2026
TRENTON - Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that Gloucester County pharmacist Nittal K. Lodha must sell Woodbury Family Pharmacy (Woodbury) amid allegations she violated an order temporarily suspending her pharmacy license for alleged unsafe practices,unsanitary conditions, and interference with patients' right to obtain medications from pharmacies of their choice.
The State Board of Pharmacy (Board) ordered the temporary suspension of Lodha's license and Woodbury's permit to operate following a June 5, 2026, hearing in which the State successfully argued that their continued practice posed a clear and imminent danger to public health, safety, and welfare. In new allegations filed in August, the State alleged that Lodha defied the Board's orders by continuing to fill and dispense prescriptions and by dispensing medications from Woodbury's drug stock, which the Board had determined was unsafe and unfit for distribution.
Rather than contest the State's latest allegations before the Board, Lodha agreed to divest her financial interest in Woodbury and remain out of practice until the allegations against her are resolved. Under an Interim Consent Order filed on September 1, 2026, Lodha must sell the pharmacy to a Board-approved purchaser within 90 days and is barred from entering the premises except to facilitate the sale or respond to insurance audits -- and then only when accompanied by a Board-approved monitor.
"Pharmacists entrusted with the health and safety of their patients cannot simply ignore a Board order and continue practicing as they please. The allegations in this case, if proven, demonstrate a blatant disregard for the rules and safeguards designed to protect the public," said Attorney General Davenport. "Those who defy the authority of their licensing board will be held accountable."
"New Jersey consumers are entitled to safe access to their prescription medications," said Christopher Peterson, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "The action we're announcing today is the result of Ms. Lodha's alleged defiance of a Board of Pharmacy order, conduct that put public health and safety at risk."
At the June hearing, the State sought the immediate temporary suspension of Lodha's license and Woodbury's permit pending a plenary hearing on allegations of conduct that jeopardized patient safety, caused adverse health consequences, and contributed to the deterioration of patients' medical conditions. Specifically, the State alleged that Lodha repeatedly disregarded patients' requests to stop filling their prescriptions and transfer them to other pharmacies, instead continuing to fill the prescriptions herself using medications stored under unsanitary conditions. The State further alleged that Lodha dispensed incorrect dosages and medications in packages with broken safety seals or missing pills, leaving some patients to ration their medications or go without them altogether.
The Board granted the temporary suspensions but provided Lodha and Woodbury a pathway to limited reinstatement before a plenary hearing, provided they satisfied conditions imposed by the Board. As a result of the Board's latest allegations, the Board revoked that opportunity and continued Lodha's suspension indefinitely pending final resolution of her case.
Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, conducted the investigation into this matter.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Daniel Evan Leef Hewitt, 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.
View Interim Consent Order (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20260901_28RI03035700.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/gloucester-county-pharmacist-must-sell-her-pharmacy-amid-allegations-she-violated-order-temporarily-suspending-her-license-for-misconduct/
N.H. A.G. Formella Joins $694 Million Multistate Settlement With Subprime Auto Lender Credit Acceptance Corporation
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Sept. 19 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Attorney General John M. Formella Joins $694 Million Multistate Settlement with Subprime Auto Lender Credit Acceptance Corporation
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that New Hampshire, along with the attorneys general of 40 other states, has entered into a settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC), one of the nation's largest subprime auto lenders, requiring the company to provide substantial consumer relief and make significant
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Sept. 19 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Attorney General John M. Formella Joins $694 Million Multistate Settlement with Subprime Auto Lender Credit Acceptance Corporation
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that New Hampshire, along with the attorneys general of 40 other states, has entered into a settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC), one of the nation's largest subprime auto lenders, requiring the company to provide substantial consumer relief and make significantchanges to its lending and dealer practices.
The settlement provides $694 million in cash and debt relief to consumers in connection with their auto loans. It also includes injunctive terms designed to provide greater protections for consumers, including disclosures about loan risks and safeguards against certain negative outcomes associated with risky loans. The settlement also requires CAC to take steps to protect consumers from dealers "packing" auto-loan contracts with unwanted Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC) and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) products.
"New Hampshire consumers should be able to understand the terms of an auto loan and know what they are actually paying for," said Attorney General Formella. "Our office will always stand up for New Hampshire consumers when companies try to deceive them or treat them unfairly. This settlement requires meaningful changes to lending and dealer practices and provides important protections for consumers who may be particularly vulnerable to predatory practices."
The multistate investigation resolves allegations that CAC originated loans that the company knew or should have known consumers could not afford. CAC gives a proprietary "score" to each of its loans representing its prediction of the percentage amount CAC will collect on the loan from all sources. The attorneys general allege that consumers could not reasonably afford many of CAC's low "score" loans, including those where CAC predicted the consumer would not pay back even the loan's principal loan amount. Unsurprisingly, many of those low "score" loans resulted in consumers defaulting on their loans and losing their cars when they were repossessed and sold at auction.
The settlement, which will be effective as of November 2, 2026, also resolves allegations that CAC encouraged and failed to reasonably prevent unlawful VSC and GAP product "packing" by auto dealers in CAC's network. The attorneys general allege that CAC's dealer compensation methodology and lack of reasonable dealer oversight resulted in dealers aggressively selling VSCs and GAP products in connection with CAC loans when consumers were either unaware they were purchasing the products or were led to believe the products had to be purchased for the consumer to get financing.
Nationally, the settlement provides $60 million in cash restitution that will be distributed to consumers to whom CAC gave particularly risky loans. For certain risky CAC loans made between November 1, 2015, and November 30, 2025, CAC is also required to provide, on or before November 2, 2026, $388 million in debt relief to consumers whose cars have been repossessed, and $246 million in debt relief to consumers whose cars have not been repossessed, allowing those consumers to keep their cars. CAC must also pay an additional $15 million to the attorneys general. New Hampshire consumers will also receive an estimated $786,342.88 in restitution and debt forgiveness from the settlement, and the State will receive $114,985.36.
The settlement's injunctive terms include the following long- and short-term requirements designed to meaningfully reform the company's lending practices:
* For consumers with certain risky CAC loans that CAC made starting in December 2025, CAC will provide "off ramps" for loans that fail quickly. Qualifying consumers will get 95% debt relief, and CAC is prohibited from filing collections lawsuits against them. CAC must provide these off ramps for a five-year period starting on November 2, 2026.
* The settlement mandates a process to prevent unlawful VSC and GAP product packing, including enhanced pre-purchase disclosures, a post-purchase process alerting consumers about the purchase(s) and allowing easier product cancelation, and dealer monitoring.
* CAC must provide consumers with pre-loan disclosures about the risks of default and the value of the vehicle.
* For seven years, CAC must institute a price cap for vehicle prices at 109% of retail book value for certain consumers.
* CAC must implement processes to prevent dealers from raising car prices due to credit worthiness or above advertised prices.
The Executive Committee leading the settlement comprises the attorneys general of Maryland, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New Jersey. Along with New Hampshire, the settlement was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. New York is concurrently settling litigation it brought against CAC in the Southern District of New York.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau investigates unfair, deceptive, or unreasonable practices involving New Hampshire consumers. To file a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, visit https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-john-m-formella-joins-694-million-multistate-settlement-subprime
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of millions of commercial
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of millions of commercialdriver's license (CDL) drivers and from terminating more than $10 million in federal funding to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) if it refuses to produce the database.
"Marylanders' personal data, including their Social Security numbers, cannot be seized by the federal government without lawful justification," said Attorney General Brown. "Today's ruling stops this unlawful demand and protects millions of drivers while litigation continues."
In August, Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an administration of the DOT, and AAMVA, as well as an additional related lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuits claim the DOT, FMCSA, and DHS are violating multiple federal privacy laws by secretly setting up their own database with records extorted from AAMVA, with no guardrails on the use or sharing of drivers' Social Security numbers and other personal information, and no notice to the public.
Just a week after Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed the lawsuits, the court issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the administration from obtaining this sensitive information while the court considered and ruled on the coalition's motion for a preliminary injunction. The preliminary injunction blocks the demand as Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general continue to litigate the ongoing case.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing these lawsuits are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Preliminary-Injunction-Blocking-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Demand-of-CDL-Drivers%e2%80%99-Perso.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Court Ruling Finding Termination of K-12 Teacher Preparation Grants Unlawful
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Finding Termination of K-12 Teacher Preparation Grants Unlawful
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured a final court order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts finding the Trump administration's termination of grant funding for K-12 teacher preparation programs unlawful. Beginning in February 2025, Maryland institutions received letters purporting to terminate millions in critical
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Finding Termination of K-12 Teacher Preparation Grants Unlawful
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured a final court order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts finding the Trump administration's termination of grant funding for K-12 teacher preparation programs unlawful. Beginning in February 2025, Maryland institutions received letters purporting to terminate millions in criticalfunding to address the state's ongoing teacher shortage through teacher preparation programs.
These programs are designed to create a pipeline for teachers serving rural and urban communities and teaching harder-to-fill positions like math and science. The programs have been shown to increase teacher retention rates and ensure that educators remain in the profession beyond the crucial first five years. Maryland joined a multistate coalition in challenging the terminations, and yesterday, the court granted its motion for summary judgment, finding the Trump administration's termination of these grants is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
"A highly qualified teacher can change the course of a student's life, and that starts with investing in the programs that train them," said Attorney General Brown. "This ruling protects that investment and ensures Maryland schools can continue building the teacher pipeline our students, especially in our most under-resourced communities, depend on."
In 2024, more than 400,000 teaching positions in the U.S. - representing about one in eight of all teaching positions nationwide - were vacant or filled by uncertified teachers. When schools are unable to find qualified teachers, students suffer. Teacher shortages can result in larger class sizes, cancelled courses, or classes staffed with teachers less able to teach a subject.
To address the nationwide teacher shortage, especially for hard-to-fill subject areas like math, science, and special education and in hard-to-staff school districts in rural and urban areas, Congress established and allocated funding pursuant to the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development grant programs to train teachers, create a new teacher pipeline, and improve teacher quality. The U.S. Department of Education subsequently awarded grants and obligated funds to states' public universities and associated nonprofits under these programs to do exactly what Congress mandated - provide teacher training, placement, retention and new teacher pipeline development in the states.
Beginning on February 7, 2025, the Department of Education terminated, with immediate effect, grants awarded to K-12 teacher preparation programs in Maryland and nationwide. Hundreds of millions in grants have been terminated. In Maryland alone, the Department provided notice of termination of grants worth millions in funding across a number of grants. These terminations have been felt across Maryland schools, who rely on these programs to bring teachers into their classrooms. For example, when grants were terminated from Towson University, at least one project had over $800,000 remaining in funds committed by the Department. Similarly, the University of Maryland College Park had one project with over $870,000 remaining in committed funds. Yesterday's court order blocks these harmful terminations moving forward.
Attorney General Brown was joined in filing the lawsuit by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Court-Ruling-Finding-Termination-of-K-12-Teacher-Preparation-Grants-Unlawful.aspx
Ga. Gov. Carr: 11 Indicted in Chatham County Following Multistate Organized Retail Crime Investigation
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 19 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Carr: 11 Indicted in Chatham County Following Multistate Organized Retail Crime Investigation
CHATHAM COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit has secured a new indictment in Chatham County charging 11 individuals in connection with a large-scale organized retail crime scheme that targeted 10 retail stores in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. Total losses are believed to be over $200,000.
"Organized
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 19 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Carr: 11 Indicted in Chatham County Following Multistate Organized Retail Crime Investigation
CHATHAM COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit has secured a new indictment in Chatham County charging 11 individuals in connection with a large-scale organized retail crime scheme that targeted 10 retail stores in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. Total losses are believed to be over $200,000.
"Organizedretail crime poses a significant threat to our state, leading to billions in lost revenue, thousands of lost jobs, and increased violence against employees," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "That's exactly why we created Georgia's first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit, so we could work with all levels of law enforcement to protect businesses and consumers, and this case is just the latest example. If you target our retailers, we're coming for you, and we will ensure that you're prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
As asserted in the indictment, between October 2022 and September 2026, the defendants stole and robbed merchandise from The Home Depot, Inc., Walmart, Inc., Ulta Beauty, Inc., Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Bath & Body Works, Inc., Luxottica of America, Inc. (Sunglass Hut), DTLR, Inc., Sterling Jewelers, Inc. (Kay Jewelers), Signet Jewelers Inc. (Zales), and Great American Jewelers. This includes locations in Bartow, Bibb, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Cobb, Glynn, Houston, Liberty, Oconee and Toombs counties, along with additional stores in Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. The defendants are alleged to have primarily targeted flooring, paint, household fixtures, small appliances, electronics, clothing, perfume, cologne, sunglasses, solid gold necklaces, solid gold bracelets, diamond rings, and Rolex watches.
This case was investigated by the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit, the Savannah Police Department, and the asset protection teams at Signet Jewelers Limited, The Home Depot, Inc., Ulta Beauty, Inc., Walmart, Inc., and Bath & Body Works, Inc.
"This case involved a tremendous amount of collaboration and teamwork across multiple agencies," said Chief Lenny B. Gunther of the Savannah Police Department. "I couldn't be prouder of the outstanding work of SPD's officers and that of our state and local law enforcement partners."
The following law enforcement agencies also provided critical assistance throughout the investigation: Georgia State Patrol; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Chatham County Police Department; Pooler Police Department; Garden City Police Department; Glynn County Police Department; Brunswick Police Department; Hinesville Police Department; St. Marys Police Department; Cobb County Police Department; Warner Robins Police Department; Statesboro Police Department; Vidalia Police Department; Bartow County Sheriff's Office; Oconee County Sheriff's Office; Lexington (SC) Police Department; Columbia (SC) Police Department; Beaufort County (SC) Sheriff's Office; North Charleston (SC) Police Department; Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office; Nassau County (FL) Sheriff's Office; Orlando (FL) Police Department; and Woodstock (VA) Police Department.
The Enterprise and Racketeering Conspiracy
The defendants in this case are listed below and, together, they are alleged to have formed the criminal enterprise at the center of this indictment.
* Shawntavius Shanell Butler (aka TayTay or Tay), 31, of Savannah
* Rashamel Okuise Gardner (aka Rara or Ralis), 33, of Savannah
* Eugene Edward Sibert (aka Hawk), 54, of Savannah
* Lakytra Marie Gardner (aka KeKe or Ke), 37, of Savannah
* Jasmonique Lavon Franklin (aka Jazz or Jaazz), 35, of Pooler
* Deaunbrey Antonio Gardner (aka Antonio or Tonio), 51, of Savannah
* Dominique A. Giles, Jr. (aka Domo or Lil Domo), 19, of Savannah
* Zyquie Hakeem Gardner (aka Zy), 26, of Savannah
* Javari Javontay Romain Larry (aka Lil One or Fed), 24, of Savannah
* Shi'heed Ja'mill Small (aka Shi, Shy, or Shii), 26, of Savannah
* Cedric Latroy Gardner (aka Roy), 33, of Savannah
Each of the defendants has been charged with Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. As such, they are alleged to have conspired together to acquire and maintain, directly and indirectly, an interest in and control of personal property through a pattern of racketeering activity.
This includes allegations that the defendants - individually and as members of the enterprise - completed a scheme that involves:
* Stealing various merchandise from retail stores;
* Snatch and grab robberies at jewelry stores; and
* Selling stolen merchandise on Meta Platforms, Inc. (Instagram).
Chatham County Indictment
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit presented evidence to a Chatham County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of all 11 defendants.
Specifically, the defendants are facing the following charges.
Shawntavius Shanell Butler:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of Theft by Shoplifting
Rashamel Okuise Gardner:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property
Eugene Edward Sibert:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of Robbery
Lakytra Marie Gardner:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property
Jasmonique Lavon Franklin:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Deaunbrey Antonio Gardner:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 3 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Dominique A. Giles, Jr.:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 8 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Zyquie Hakeem Gardner:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 6 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Javari Javontay Romain Larry:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property
* 5 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Shi'heed Ja'mill Small:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 8 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Cedric Latroy Gardner:
* 2 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 3 counts of Theft by Shoplifting
Read a copy of the indictment (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/091626-chatham-county-orc-indictmentpdf/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
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About the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Unit
In 2024, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit.
The Organized Retail Crime Unit works with retailers and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the criminal networks that are engaged in recurring thefts and acts of violence targeting businesses throughout the state.
Specifically, Georgia businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion to retail theft annually, including $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs.
The Organized Retail Crime Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his Gang Prosecution Unit, and his White Collar and Cyber 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.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-09-18/carr-11-indicted-chatham-county-following-multistate-organized-retail
