Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Utah OAG Secures Conviction of Former Judge Kevin Christensen for Targeting Minors Online
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 9 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on June 8, 2026:
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Utah OAG Secures Conviction of Former Judge Kevin Christensen for Targeting Minors Online
Kevin Christensen targeted and exploited children through online platforms, and a Utah judge sentenced him to three consecutive terms of zero-to-five years for it. The Office of the Utah Attorney General secured the conviction of Christensen, a former Utah judge, following an FBI investigation that uncovered thousands of predatory online chats targeting minors.
In late 2024, a tip from the
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 9 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on June 8, 2026:
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Utah OAG Secures Conviction of Former Judge Kevin Christensen for Targeting Minors Online
Kevin Christensen targeted and exploited children through online platforms, and a Utah judge sentenced him to three consecutive terms of zero-to-five years for it. The Office of the Utah Attorney General secured the conviction of Christensen, a former Utah judge, following an FBI investigation that uncovered thousands of predatory online chats targeting minors.
In late 2024, a tip from theNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent Brigham City Police to Utah's ICAC Task Force. During an investigation of this tip, investigators found Christensen's Kik account that held thousands of chats, many predatory in nature.
He had taken images of children from his own family and church congregation and sent them to other adults online. He also solicited explicit material directly from children.
"Kevin Christensen was a sitting judge. He swore an oath to uphold the law. Then he sent explicit images to a 13-year-old, solicited more from a 16-year-old, and left thousands of predatory messages behind. Today he is a convicted felon. No one is above the law, and this office will keep proving that," said Attorney General Derek Brown.
Christensen pleaded guilty to two counts of Dealing in Material Harmful to a Minor (Third-Degree Felony), for sending explicit images to a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old online, and one count of Enticement of a Minor (Third-Degree Felony), for soliciting additional explicit images from the 16-year-old. Prosecutors from the office argued for the maximum allotted sentence.
Christensen was sentenced to three consecutive terms of zero-to-five years on June 8, 2026.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/utah-icac-conviction-christensen/
New Jersey Bureau of Securities' Annual Examination of Investment Advisers Will Look Closely at AI and Cybersecurity
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 9 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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New Jersey Bureau of Securities' Annual Examination of Investment Advisers Will Look Closely at AI and Cybersecurity
2026 Examination is Underway, Seeking Deeper Insight into Firms' Cybersecurity Protocols and Use of Artificial Intelligence
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Bureau of Securities (Bureau) within the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the Bureau's annual investment adviser examination is underway. The examination,
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 9 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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New Jersey Bureau of Securities' Annual Examination of Investment Advisers Will Look Closely at AI and Cybersecurity
2026 Examination is Underway, Seeking Deeper Insight into Firms' Cybersecurity Protocols and Use of Artificial Intelligence
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Bureau of Securities (Bureau) within the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the Bureau's annual investment adviser examination is underway. The examination,which is a key part of the Bureau's efforts to protect the hard-earned money New Jerseyans entrust to investment advisers registered in the state, will feature a particular focus this year on protecting investors' sensitive data online and examining the emerging risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence.
The Bureau, which regulates New Jersey's securities industry, uses the examination as a risk assessment tool for the nearly 800 New Jersey-registered investment adviser firms that manage New Jersey clients' investment accounts. The examination seeks information regarding firm organization, business practices and investment concentration, as well as information regarding the representatives associated with the firm.
"New Jersey families work hard to make ends meet and build financial security, and protecting their investments is more important than ever," said Attorney General Davenport. "The annual investment adviser examination protects consumers by ensuring that firms managing New Jersey residents' money are operating responsibly and safeguarding client information. As cybersecurity threats proliferate and the use of artificial intelligence increases, the focus of this year's examination reflects our continued commitment to protecting the hard-earned money of New Jerseyans from risks both old and new."
"The annual examination process is a cornerstone of New Jersey's robust investor protection," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "The information gleaned from this examination enables our Bureau of Securities to identify emerging risks and address potentially disruptive industry practices before they can harm investors."
Each year, firms are required to provide responses to questions about their business activities, including portfolio composition, compliance with regulatory requirements, and customer complaints. The questions are updated each year to reflect changes in the investment adviser industry and the Bureau's examination priorities, including use of artificial intelligence, privacy protections, and the ongoing protection of vulnerable adults.
This year, the examination takes a close look at the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction of investment portfolios or recommendations to clients, including whether firms are using it as a data gathering or research tool, how they are marketing or advertising their use of AI, and how such information is disclosed to clients. The examination also focuses on online data protection, seeking to determine whether firms have written policies and procedures on cybersecurity and if firms conduct periodic employee training on these policies and procedures. Firms also are being asked if they perform ongoing periodic due diligence on third-party vendors, including the vendors' cybersecurity procedures.
"Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies may create new opportunities in the investment marketplace, but they also present new risks that demand careful oversight," said Bureau Chief Keith A. Alt. "By examining how firms use and market AI, as well as the steps they take to safeguard client data and manage cybersecurity threats, we can better identify emerging issues and promote transparency across the securities industry. Strong compliance practices not only protect investors, but they also help strengthen confidence in New Jersey's financial services sector and support a fair, innovative, and resilient marketplace for firms and clients alike."
The 2026 investment adviser written examination can be accessed on the Bureau's website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/bos/Pages/Investment-Adviser-Written-Examination.aspx.
Each registered investment adviser is required to complete the examination in the electronic format provided no later than June 30, 2026. Failing to comply may be deemed a failure to cooperate with the Bureau in violation of N.J.A.C. 13:47A-14.16, and result in administrative action being taken by the Bureau.
The Bureau is charged with protecting investors from investment fraud and regulating the securities industry in New Jersey. It is critical that investors "Check Before You Invest." Investors can obtain information, including the registration status and disciplinary history, of any financial professional doing business to or from New Jersey, by contracting the Bureau toll-free within New Jersey at 1-866-I-INVEST (1-866-446-8378) or from outside New Jersey at 973-504-3600, or by visiting the Bureau's website. Investors can also contact the Bureau for assistance or to raise issues or complaints about New Jersey-based financial professionals or investments.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/new-jersey-bureau-of-securities-annual-examination-of-investment-advisers-will-look-closely-at-ai-and-cybersecurity/
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Final Judgment in Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Unlawful $100k Tax for H-1B Visas
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Final Judgment in Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Unlawful $100k Tax for H-1B Visas
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today applauded a final ruling from the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts finding unlawful and vacating the Trump administration's policy imposing a $100,000 tax payment on new H-1B visa petitions. H-1B visas allow U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign national workers in roles that require specialized
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Final Judgment in Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Unlawful $100k Tax for H-1B Visas
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today applauded a final ruling from the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts finding unlawful and vacating the Trump administration's policy imposing a $100,000 tax payment on new H-1B visa petitions. H-1B visas allow U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign national workers in roles that require specializedskills, including teachers, physicians, researchers, nurses, and other vital workers, to alleviate nationwide labor shortages. The tax created a costly barrier for employers, weakened the economy, and disrupted essential services, especially for public sector and government employers trying to fill these positions. Attorney General Brown joined a multistate coalition in challenging the policy late last year.
"Maryland's schools, hospitals, and universities depend on highly skilled professionals from around the world to keep their doors open and their communities served," said Attorney General Brown. "This ruling makes clear that the federal government cannot impose unlawful financial barriers that make it harder to recruit the teachers, doctors, researchers, nurses, and other essential workers Marylanders rely on every day."
The H-1B visa program allows employers to petition for high-skilled foreign workers to temporarily fill positions in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree. In petitioning for an H-1B worker, the employer must submit an application, certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, that employment of the H-1B worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Congress limits the number of H-1B visas available each year for most private employers, with the current cap set at 65,000, with an exemption of 20,000 for individuals with a master's degree or higher. Many government and non-profit research organizations are exempt from the 65,000-person cap to ensure that the organizations are fulfilling their public service missions.
Since its inception, the H-1B visa program has been continually tailored by Congress to carry out its purpose of meeting employers' labor needs, while protecting the interests of American workers to ensure that they are not wrongfully displaced. Congress has repeatedly enhanced enforcement, increased penalties, and enacted legislation on fees for H-1B petitions to prevent misuse of the program. Given its careful structure, the H-1B program has proven to be massively beneficial to the United States. The program has been especially important to state and local governments faced with worker shortages in critical fields like education and healthcare, which have turned to H-1B visas in order to provide for the basic needs of residents. H-1B workers and their dependents contribute $86 billion annually to the economy and pay $35 billion in federal and payroll taxes, on top of $11 billion in state and local taxes.
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation ordering an unprecedented $100,000 tax payment for new H-1B visa petitions, undermining the very purpose of the H-1B visa by making it harder to address severe labor shortages in critical fields such as education and healthcare and ultimately worsening the staffing crisis. As implemented by DHS through a series of written documents, the policy affected any application filed after September 21, 2025, and granted the Secretary of Homeland Security broad discretion to determine which petitions are subject to the fee or an exemption, raising concerns that the enforcement could be applied selectively against employers disfavored by the Trump administration. The $100,000 visa tax was devastating for all states, including Maryland, and threatened the quality of education, healthcare, and other core services available to our residents.
On December 12, 2025, Attorney General Brown and the coalition sued, alleging that the Trump administration's H-1B visa tax violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution. Shortly thereafter, the coalition of attorneys general moved for summary judgment, and the federal defendants moved to dismiss the complaint and filed their own motion for summary judgment,
Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and vacated the policies implementing the President's proclamation. The Court held that the $100,000 payment for H-1B visa petitions is a tax and that the President did not have the authority to impose such a tax.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Final-Judgment-in-Lawsuit-Challenging-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-0k-Tax-for-H-1B-Vis.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Names Four Additional Defendants to 2025 RealPage and Residential Landlords Lawsuit
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Names Four Additional Defendants to 2025 RealPage and Residential Landlords Lawsuit
Lawsuit Alleges Landlords Used RealPage to Raise Rent Prices in Violation of the Maryland Antitrust Act
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today named four more landlords in Maryland's suit against RealPage and residential landlords that used its revenue management software to coordinate prices and raise rents on thousands of Marylanders. The four new defendants
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Names Four Additional Defendants to 2025 RealPage and Residential Landlords Lawsuit
Lawsuit Alleges Landlords Used RealPage to Raise Rent Prices in Violation of the Maryland Antitrust Act
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today named four more landlords in Maryland's suit against RealPage and residential landlords that used its revenue management software to coordinate prices and raise rents on thousands of Marylanders. The four new defendantsare Camden Development Inc., Harbor Group Management Company LLC, Equity Residential Management LLC, and Trinity Property Consultants LLC.
"These landlords used RealPage's rent-setting algorithm to drive up housing costs for thousands of Marylanders," said Attorney General Brown. "Our Office will not stop until we get complete relief for Marylanders, hold these Defendants accountable, and secure guardrails for this technology to protect renters from these costly and unlawful schemes."
These landlords used RealPage software to fix rents at more than 30 apartment buildings in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties, raising rents for thousands of Marylanders by as much as $130 a month.
These four new defendants are added to eight of the largest residential landlords in Maryland that were named in the lawsuit when it was filed on January 15, 2025. The defendant landlords are alleged to have unlawfully colluded to raise rents by agreeing to exchange competitively sensitive information and collectively setting rents based on RealPage's technology that inflated prices, costing renters millions of dollars.
The original press release announcing this lawsuit may be read here (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Names-Four-Additional-Defendants-to-2025-RealPage-and-Residential-Landlords-Lawsuit-.aspx). The lawsuit is pending in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Names-Four-Additional-Defendants-to-2025-RealPage-and-Residential-Landlords-Lawsuit-.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches - and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving those
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 to End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches - and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving thoseproducts.
In a letter sent to FIA and Formula 1 leadership (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Effort-Urging-Formula-1-to-End-Tobacco-and-Nicotine-Product-Sponsorships-.aspx), the coalition expressed concern that tobacco companies are once again reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically cites nicotine pouch advertising connected to Formula 1 teams and events, including products marketed by major tobacco companies.
The coalition noted that attorneys general have a longstanding history of protecting consumers and young people from the harms of tobacco marketing. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement restricted tobacco advertising practices that targeted youth, including sponsorship limitations tied to sporting events and auto racing.
In the letter, the attorneys general emphasized that Formula 1's rapidly growing youth audience heightens concerns about exposure to nicotine product advertising. According to Formula 1 reports, viewership among children and teenagers has increased significantly in recent years, alongside major growth across streaming platforms and social media. The coalition also highlighted Formula 1's expanding partnerships with youth-oriented entertainment and consumer brands, including toy manufacturers and media companies.
In March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates similarly called on Formula 1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport. Research shows that tobacco advertising and marketing exposure can increase the likelihood of youth nicotine use and future tobacco initiation.
Attorney General Brown is joined in the letter by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Effort-Urging-Formula-1-to-End-Tobacco-and-Nicotine-Product-Sponsorships-.aspx
HAWAII A.G. LOPEZ LEADS MULTISTATE EFFORT URGING FORMULA 1 TO END TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCT SPONSORSHIPS
HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 9 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ LEADS MULTISTATE EFFORT URGING FORMULA 1 TO END TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCT SPONSORSHIPS
Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced Hawaii is co-leading a coalition of attorneys general from 18 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches - and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 9 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ LEADS MULTISTATE EFFORT URGING FORMULA 1 TO END TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCT SPONSORSHIPS
Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced Hawaii is co-leading a coalition of attorneys general from 18 states and jurisdictions in calling on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches - and to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involvingthose products.
In a letter sent to FIA and Formula 1 leadership, the coalition expressed concern that tobacco companies are once again reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically cites nicotine pouch advertising connected to Formula 1 teams and events, including products marketed by major tobacco companies.
"We cannot allow tobacco and nicotine companies to use the excitement and popularity of Formula 1 racing to market addictive products to young audiences," said Attorney General Lopez. "These sponsorships risk normalizing nicotine use for a new generation and run counter to decades of public health efforts aimed at reducing youth addiction. Protecting youth from the harms of nicotine addiction remains a public health priority."
The coalition noted that attorneys general have a longstanding history of protecting consumers and young people from the harms of tobacco marketing. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement restricted tobacco advertising practices that targeted youth, including sponsorship limitations tied to sporting events and auto racing.
The attorneys general emphasized that Formula 1's rapidly growing youth audience heightens concerns about exposure to nicotine product advertising. According to Formula 1 reports, viewership among children and teenagers has increased significantly in recent years, alongside major growth across streaming platforms and social media. The coalition also highlighted Formula 1's expanding partnerships with youth-oriented entertainment and consumer brands, including toy manufacturers and media companies.
In March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates similarly called on Formula 1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport. Research shows that tobacco advertising and marketing exposure can increase the likelihood of youth nicotine use and future tobacco initiation.
Attorney General Lopez is co-leading this effort with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark. They are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington.
A copy of the letter is available here (https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-08-Multi-State-AG-F1-Letter-re-Tobacco-Advertising.pdf).
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INFODOC: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-08-Multi-State-AG-F1-Letter-re-Tobacco-Advertising.pdf
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/News-Release-2026-32.pdf
Del. DOJ Secures Multiple Convictions Including Murder First in Fatal Newark Pedestrian Collision
DOVER, Delaware, June 9 -- The Delaware Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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DOJ secures multiple convictions including Murder First in fatal Newark pedestrian collision
A New Castle man has received multiple convictions following his involvement in a crash that killed one bystander and wounded others in April 2025. On June 5, Gordon Turner, 23, was convicted of Murder First Degree, Manslaughter, two counts of Assault First Degree, 6 counts of Assault Third Degree, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Disregarding
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DOVER, Delaware, June 9 -- The Delaware Department of Justice issued the following news release on June 8, 2026:
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DOJ secures multiple convictions including Murder First in fatal Newark pedestrian collision
A New Castle man has received multiple convictions following his involvement in a crash that killed one bystander and wounded others in April 2025. On June 5, Gordon Turner, 23, was convicted of Murder First Degree, Manslaughter, two counts of Assault First Degree, 6 counts of Assault Third Degree, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Disregardinga Police Signal, Reckless Endangering Second Degree, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
"The reckless and cowardly actions of the defendant can never be undone - but this result is a critical step towards justice for those that he victimized and their families," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "As we move towards sentencing, I will ensure that my office continues to be uncompromising in its pursuit of justice in this case. I'm grateful to our DOJ trial team and our law enforcement partners in Newark for their diligent work in securing these convictions."
"This was a senseless tragedy that deeply impacted our entire community," said Newark Police Department Chief Mark Farrall. "This conviction is an important step toward justice for the victims and their families, who have endured unimaginable loss and pain. I could not be prouder of the Newark Police Department employees who responded to this tragic incident, managed an extraordinarily difficult scene, and carried this case forward with professionalism, compassion, and resolve."
On April 29, 2025, Gordon Turner fled from the Newark Shopping Center onto E. Main in a stolen U-Haul truck after police approached him in the stolen vehicle. As he fled, he struck and killed University of Delaware student Marina Vasconcelos and critically injured another UD student. Several other students suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Turner faces a minimum mandatory sentence of life in prison for these charges. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/06/08/doj-secures-multiple-convictions-including-murder-first-in-fatal-newark-pedestrian-collision/