Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Va. A.G. Jones Statement on Reported FBI Activity in Portsmouth
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 7 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement on Reported FBI Activity in Portsmouth
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement on this morning's reported FBI activity in Portsmouth:
"We simply do not have sufficient information about the reported FBI activity in Portsmouth.
However, several previous actions of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia have undermined public confidence in that office.
These include the failed prosecutions
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 7 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement on Reported FBI Activity in Portsmouth
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement on this morning's reported FBI activity in Portsmouth:
"We simply do not have sufficient information about the reported FBI activity in Portsmouth.
However, several previous actions of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia have undermined public confidence in that office.
These include the failed prosecutionsagainst President Trump's stated political enemies, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James that were both dismissed by a judge well before trial.
I urge everyone to exercise restraint in judgment until the relevant facts are known in this matter."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3018-attorney-general-jay-jones-statement-on-reported-fbi-activity-in-portsmouth
Utah OAG Secures Conviction of HVAC Owner on 11 Counts for Paying Workers Off the Book and Tax Evasion
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 7 -- The Utah Attorney General Office issued the following news on May 6, 2026:
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OAG secures conviction of HVAC owner on 11 counts for paying workers off the book and tax evasion
A jury has convicted Wayne Margetts, a Tooele County HVAC business owner, on 11 felony counts for hiding more than $780,000 in employee wages from the state.
Margetts was convicted of five counts of tax evasion, five counts of rendering a false tax return or supplying false information, and one count of pattern of unlawful activity.
From 2013 to 2018, Margetts paid more than 30 employees
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 7 -- The Utah Attorney General Office issued the following news on May 6, 2026:
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OAG secures conviction of HVAC owner on 11 counts for paying workers off the book and tax evasion
A jury has convicted Wayne Margetts, a Tooele County HVAC business owner, on 11 felony counts for hiding more than $780,000 in employee wages from the state.
Margetts was convicted of five counts of tax evasion, five counts of rendering a false tax return or supplying false information, and one count of pattern of unlawful activity.
From 2013 to 2018, Margetts paid more than 30 employeesan approximate $1,600,000 but reported about $820,000 in wages to the Utah State Tax Commission, hiding more than $780,000 in compensation from the state.
He did this by underreporting employees' hours, manipulating wage rates, paying workers off-books, and writing checks to an employee's spouse with no corresponding tax withholding.
Utah law requires employers to withhold state income tax from employee wages and send those withholdings to the Tax Commission each quarter. Margetts failed to meet this obligation for five years, leaving an estimated $20,000 in unpaid withholding tax and an estimated $25,000 in interest and penalties owed to the state.
On May 1, after a five-day trial, a Third District Court jury found Margetts guilty. He will be sentenced on June 4, 2026.
The Utah State Tax Commission's Criminal Investigation Unit investigated the case. The Financial Crimes Division prosecuted it.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/oag-secures-conviction-hvac-owner-tooele/
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Members of Gun Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 7 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Members of Gun Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced that four members of a Paterson, New Jersey, gun trafficking ring - including the leader - were sentenced today for their roles in a criminal operation that transported more than 120 guns from South Carolina into New Jersey for illegal sale here.
The ringleader, Travis Thomas, 45, of Lamar, South Carolina, originally of
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 7 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Members of Gun Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced that four members of a Paterson, New Jersey, gun trafficking ring - including the leader - were sentenced today for their roles in a criminal operation that transported more than 120 guns from South Carolina into New Jersey for illegal sale here.
The ringleader, Travis Thomas, 45, of Lamar, South Carolina, originally ofPaterson, New Jersey, was sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, with a mandatory 85% parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act. Thomas previously pleaded guilty to first-degree racketeering.
"New Jersey is fortunate to have some of the toughest gun safety laws in the country, but we must be vigilant about preventing weapons from being trafficked here from other states," said Attorney General Davenport. "We are always working to stop gun trafficking."
"The leader of this enterprise was able to buy guns cheaply and easily from South Carolina and then deliver them to Paterson, where he had ties to the community," said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. "He may have thought flooding New Jersey with weapons was an easy way to make money, but putting New Jersey residents at risk with these dangerous weapons has serious consequences."
"The sentencing of these individuals -- including the alleged ringleader -- to prison for trafficking firearms into New Jersey sends a powerful and unmistakable message: those who fuel violence and profit from putting lives at risk will be met with decisive consequences," said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). "Illegal guns have no place in our neighborhoods, and every firearm taken out of the wrong hands is a critical step in preventing tragedy. This case reinforces our firm commitment to protecting lives and preserving the safety and stability of the communities we serve."
Also sentenced today were three codefendants who previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme:
* Yaquin Perry, 40, of Paterson, seven years in New Jersey state prison, 85% parole ineligibility; second-degree transporting a firearm into the state for unlawful sale
* Tyquan Evans, 41, of Paterson, five years in New Jersey state prison, 85% parole ineligibility; second-degree transporting a firearm into the state for an unlawful sale
* Marquetta Wilson, 36, non-custodial probation, third-degree conspiracy to dispose of an assault firearm
Two codefendants who previously pleaded guilty were sentenced earlier this year to New Jersey state prison. The remaining nine defendants previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The defendants were charged as a result of an investigation conducted by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), that dismantled the criminal enterprise and led to charges against Thomas, five of his gun suppliers in South Carolina, and nine "middlemen" who allegedly helped broker the sale of guns in Paterson. During the investigation, law enforcement seized 12 firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, six semiautomatic pistols, three revolvers, and two handguns. Evidence recovered from Thomas's cell phone indicated that Thomas was responsible for trafficking more than 120 firearms into New Jersey from South Carolina.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Thomas organized and directed various individuals in South Carolina to procure guns for him to transport from South Carolina for sale in New Jersey. Thomas would reach out to his suppliers to ask what firearms they could get for him, and they would obtain the guns through street buys from other individuals. Thomas would then send photos of the firearms to his middlemen in Paterson and tell them how much money he was charging for each gun. Thomas routinely sold guns in New Jersey for three times what he had paid for them in South Carolina. The middlemen shopped the photos around Paterson for buyers, increasing the prices to ensure their own profit.
On December 10, 2021, NJSP detectives arrested Thomas as he arrived in New Jersey from South Carolina with an assault rifle, semiautomatic pistol, and revolver in his possession. According to evidence obtained in the investigation, Thomas had purchased the AR-15 assault rifle in South Carolina for $400 and planned to sell it to a buyer in Paterson for $2,200. A review of Thomas's cellphone and Facebook account showed three years of text messages and Facebook Messenger conversations related to a firearm trafficking enterprise run by Thomas.
This investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police's Drug & Weapons Trafficking Central Unit, by Detective Sergeant Tyler Zarecki and Captain Erik Hoffman. Deputy Attorneys General Karen Braciszewski and Jesse Magliulo prosecuted the case for the Division.
Attorney General Davenport thanked the ATF in New Jersey and South Carolina for their assistance in the investigation. She also thanked the Brick Township and Paterson police departments in New Jersey; the Hartsville and Lamar police departments and the Darlington County and Florence County sheriff's offices in South Carolina; and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/members-of-gun-trafficking-organization-sentenced-to-prison/
N.H. A.G. Formella: Former Attorney Keri J. Marshall Agrees to Pay Over $60,000.00 to Resolve Investigation Into Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices and the Unauthorized Practice of Law
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Former Attorney Keri J. Marshall Agrees to Pay Over $60,000.00 to Resolve Investigation into Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices and the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Attorney General John M. Formella announces a settlement with former New Hampshire attorney Keri J. Marshall to resolve an investigation into complaints that Marshall committed unfair and deceptive acts or practices and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law following her resignation from
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Former Attorney Keri J. Marshall Agrees to Pay Over $60,000.00 to Resolve Investigation into Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices and the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Attorney General John M. Formella announces a settlement with former New Hampshire attorney Keri J. Marshall to resolve an investigation into complaints that Marshall committed unfair and deceptive acts or practices and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law following her resignation fromthe practice of law in 2022. The judgment was approved by the Rockingham County Superior Court on May 4, 2026.
The settlement resolves an investigation by the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau (the Bureau) into Marshall's conduct in regard to her former law practice, Marshall Law PLLC. The investigation revealed that following Marshall's resignation from the Bar in 2022, Marshall continued to practice law and engaged in several deceptive practices that created the impression that she was still a licensed attorney.
Specifically, Marshall continued to meet with, advise, and draft legal documents on behalf of new and existing clients, and used the name "Marshall Law" on signs, business cards, letterhead, and invoices. Multiple consumers reported hiring and paying Marshall to represent them in their legal matters and believing that she was a licensed attorney based on her conduct and deceptive practices.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Marshall is required to:
* Pay restitution to certain consumers
* Pay $50,000.00 in civil penalties to the State of New Hampshire
* Reimburse the State of New Hampshire $10,000.00 for the cost of the investigation
* Marshall is also enjoined from using the name "Marshall Law in any form of trade or commerce in the State of New Hampshire and is prohibited from engaging in the practice of law or any other business which involves the provision of legal services.
RSA Sec. 358-A:2 makes it unlawful to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the course of trade or commerce in New Hampshire. Complaints of unfair or deceptive acts or practices are investigated and prosecuted by the Bureau and are punishable by a civil penalty of up to $10,000.00 for each violation.
If you or someone you know has experienced unfair or deceptive acts or practices by a business, please file a complaint with Bureau by visiting the following link: Consumer Complaints | New Hampshire Department of Justice (https://www.doj.nh.gov/citizens/consumer-protection-antitrust-bureau/consumer-complaints).
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/former-attorney-keri-j-marshall-agrees-pay-over-6000000-resolve-investigation-unfair
Md. A.G. Brown Announces Sentences of Outlaw Motorcycle Club Members Involved in Interstate Motorcycle Theft Ring
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 7 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Sentences of Outlaw Motorcycle Club Members Involved in Interstate Motorcycle Theft Ring
"Sin City Deciples" Motorcycle Club Defendants Connected to At Least 19 Motorcycle Thefts, Including During Ocean City's Annual BikeFest in September 2024
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that five defendants associated with the Sin City Deciples outlaw motorcycle club were sentenced after pleading guilty to participating in
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 7 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Sentences of Outlaw Motorcycle Club Members Involved in Interstate Motorcycle Theft Ring
"Sin City Deciples" Motorcycle Club Defendants Connected to At Least 19 Motorcycle Thefts, Including During Ocean City's Annual BikeFest in September 2024
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that five defendants associated with the Sin City Deciples outlaw motorcycle club were sentenced after pleading guilty to participating ina criminal organization and engaging in a motorcycle theft scheme exceeding $100,000.
The convictions arise from a multi-jurisdictional investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Unit into a coordinated motorcycle theft enterprise operating across Worcester, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's Counties, as well as portions of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that the individuals formed a criminal organization and were linked to at least 19 high-value, stolen motorcycles - primarily Harley Davidson models - from dealerships and large-scale motorcycle events. The group specifically targeted the custom motorcycles of attendees at the 2024 Ocean City BikeFest.
"The members of this crime ring treated BikeFest attendees and motorcycle dealerships as easy targets, stealing and dismantling people's prized possessions to fund their criminal enterprise," said Attorney General Brown. "These sentences show that our Office will prosecute any criminal organization that seeks to prey on Marylanders and profit from their losses."
Members of the criminal organization traveled together to scope out and identify target motorcycles, stole motorcycles in coordinated groups, used stash houses to store and dismantle stolen vehicles, transported stolen motorcycles across state lines, and sold motorcycles and parts for profit. The group frequently changed license plates, removed identifying features, and used stolen motorcycles to commit additional thefts. A large proportion of the thefts occurred during BikeFest in Ocean City, where the defendants stole numerous motorcycles over multiple days, abandoning some along Route 50 and transporting others to stash locations in Baltimore County for resale or parts.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, all five defendants pleaded guilty before the Honorable Beau H. Oglesby in the Circuit Court for Worcester County.
Jermaine Alphonso "Banga" Holland was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration. Holland is facing further charges in Virginia and Pennsylvania for similar conduct.
Darius Kyre "Sluggz" Wilson was sentenced to a total of 20 years of incarceration, suspending all but 10 years. He was also ordered to pay restitution and will serve 5 years of supervised probation upon his release from prison.
Marque Lava "StaiRdy" Smith received 10 years of incarceration, suspending all but 5 years. Smith also pleaded guilty to the Illegal Possession of Ammunition. He was ordered to pay restitution and will serve 5 years of supervised probation upon his release from prison.
Megan Alexis "Pyro" Wilson was sentenced to 5 years, suspending all but 2 years. She was ordered to pay restitution and will serve 4 years of supervised probation upon her release from prison.
Kai Dupree "Stiff" Burrell received 5 years of incarceration, suspending all but 67 days. He was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and $500 in restitution and was placed on supervised probation for 5 years.
As part of their probation, all five defendants are prohibited from having any contact with outlaw motorcycle clubs or "1%" clubs, including the Sin City Deciples. They are barred from attending future motorcycle-focused events, including Ocean City BikeFest, and must remove any gang-related imagery or references from social media or personal materials. They are further prohibited from selling or promoting any outlaw motorcycle gang paraphernalia, from entering Harley-Davidson dealerships, and from any conduct that would associate them with motorcycle club activity. Darius and Megan Wilson are married and therefore are permitted to have contact with each other.
"I want to commend our detectives and intelligence unit for their exceptional work on this case. Their dedication, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate seamlessly with our law enforcement partners in neighboring jurisdictions, Worcester County State's Attorney Kris Heiser, and the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland to ensure this investigation was thoroughly and successfully executed," commented Chief Raymond J. Austin of the Ocean City Police Department. "This case reinforces our uncompromising commitment to public safety and accountability. We will be clear, Ocean City is not a place for unlawful behavior. If you choose to break the law, you will be investigated, and you will be held accountable."
In making today's announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked Criminal Division Chief Katie Dorian, Organized Crime Chief Paul Halliday, and Assistant Attorneys General Jennifer Doud and Surur Fatema Yonce who prosecuted this case. Attorney General Brown also thanked the State's Attorney for Worcester County, Kristin M. Heiser, and her office for their assistance in this investigation as well as lead detectives Amy Gutowski, Carl Perry, and Eddie Newcomb of the Ocean City Police Department, Detective Todd Collini of the Baltimore County Police Department, Sergeant Richard Keys of Maryland State Police, and IOS Jeremy Sheetz with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. He also thanked State's Attorney for Baltimore County Scott Shellenberger, State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County Anne Colt Leitess, and all law enforcement partners who handled related cases against these defendants in neighboring states for their collaboration throughout the investigation.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-Sentences-of-Outlaw-Motorcycle-Club-Members-Involved-in-Interstate-Motorcycle-Theft-Ring-.aspx
Ga. A.G. Carr Backs Federal Complaint Against Maryland School District's Secret 'Gender Transition' Policies
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 7 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Carr Backs Federal Complaint Against Maryland School District's Secret "Gender Transition" Policies
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and 19 other attorneys general have sent a letter to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education in support of a complaint against Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Rockville, Maryland, alleging that the district pushed students to "socially transition" without parental consent. The attorneys general also note how MCPS staff concealed
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 7 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Carr Backs Federal Complaint Against Maryland School District's Secret "Gender Transition" Policies
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and 19 other attorneys general have sent a letter to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education in support of a complaint against Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Rockville, Maryland, alleging that the district pushed students to "socially transition" without parental consent. The attorneys general also note how MCPS staff concealedthose transitions from parents anytime they were deemed "insufficiently supportive."
The America First Legal (AFL) Foundation submitted the initial complaint in April 2026. Now, 20 attorneys general are joining AFL in urging the Departments to investigate these allegations, including potential violations of parents' constitutional rights to free exercise of religion, free speech, and due process.
"Parents have a fundamental right to direct their child's care, and we will fight to protect that right every time," said Carr. "For any school to secretly 'transition' a student isn't just unconstitutional, it's unconscionable. The classroom must be preserved for education, not indoctrination."
As outlined in the coalition's letter to the Departments, MCPS's secret transition policies:
* Put students' health, safety and wellbeing at risk;
* Infringe upon parents' and students' First Amendment Rights to practice their religion;
* Violate parents' fundamental rights to raise their children; and
* Deprive parents of procedural due process.
Along with requesting an investigation, the attorneys general also urge the Departments to consider issuing joint guidance to school districts nationwide making clear that policies that systematically exclude parents from knowledge of their child's "social gender transition" may violate federal law - including parents' constitutional rights.
Carr is joined in sending this West Virginia-led letter by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
Find a copy of the letter here (file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Downloads/5.5%20DOJ-DOE%20Letter%20re%20Montgomery%20County%20(1).pdf)
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INFODOC: file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Downloads/5.5%20DOJ-DOE%20Letter%20re%20Montgomery%20County%20(1).pdf
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-06/carr-backs-federal-complaint-against-maryland-school-districts-secret
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Moves to Hold Tucson Mobile Home Park in Contempt for Unfinished Electrical Repairs
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Moves to Hold Tucson Mobile Home Park in Contempt for Unfinished Electrical Repairs
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that she's filed an Application for an Order to Show Cause, demanding that the owner and manager of Redwood Mobile Home Park be held in contempt for failing to complete agreed-upon repairs to its electrical system.
"Landlords must fulfill their obligations to protect the health and safety of their residents. We are going to Court
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Moves to Hold Tucson Mobile Home Park in Contempt for Unfinished Electrical Repairs
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that she's filed an Application for an Order to Show Cause, demanding that the owner and manager of Redwood Mobile Home Park be held in contempt for failing to complete agreed-upon repairs to its electrical system.
"Landlords must fulfill their obligations to protect the health and safety of their residents. We are going to Courtto demand compliance with our agreement," said Attorney General Mayes. "Landlords around the state should be on notice - my office will not allow you to neglect your tenants."
In August of 2025, the Attorney General filed consumer fraud lawsuit against the owners and operators of Redwood Mobile Home Park in Tucson for failing to inform Park residents that the Park's electrical system was extremely dangerous, unreliable, overloaded, and prone to frequent failures. For years, residents of the Park suffered unacceptable, regular electrical outages, leaving them unable to air condition their homes during dangerous summer heat waves.
After filing, Redwood agreed to undergo major repairs to its electrical system and the parties entered into a stipulation, which the Court approved in December 2025. The deadline for completing such repairs was March 30, 2026.
To date, the repairs have yet to be completed. Tucson, Arizona has already experienced weeks of triple-digit temperatures, and Redwood residents should not be forced to endure yet another summer in hazardous conditions. For this reason, the Attorney General is asking the Court to compel Defendants to complete repairs and pay up to $25,000 per violation of the Court's order.
If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud or unfair practices, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office at www.azag.gov/consumer. If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
A copy of the filing (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=99f59b4123&e=9153ff6c96) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-moves-hold-tucson-mobile-home-park-contempt-unfinished
