Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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AG Rayfield, State AGs Warn of Enforcement Gap as Feds Pull Back on Corporate Oversight
SALEM, Oregon, May 11 -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following news release:
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AG Rayfield, State AGs Warn of Enforcement Gap as Feds Pull Back on Corporate Oversight
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Attorneys General from Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, and New York to Highlight State-Led Wins - and Call for Resources to Address Growing Corporate Consolidation
Attorney General Dan Rayfield will host a multistate press conference today to highlight the critical antitrust enforcement work state attorneys general have been doing, and to make the case that states need more resources to keep
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SALEM, Oregon, May 11 -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following news release:
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AG Rayfield, State AGs Warn of Enforcement Gap as Feds Pull Back on Corporate Oversight
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Attorneys General from Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, and New York to Highlight State-Led Wins - and Call for Resources to Address Growing Corporate Consolidation
Attorney General Dan Rayfield will host a multistate press conference today to highlight the critical antitrust enforcement work state attorneys general have been doing, and to make the case that states need more resources to keepdoing it. The Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) plans to ask state lawmakers next month to double its antitrust unit's capacity.
"There are families who are paying more for groceries, getting squeezed on their cable bill, or watching their local newscast get hollowed out, and they have no idea a corporate merger is the reason why," said Attorney General Rayfield. "That's what's happening around the country, and it's why we've been fighting back. But the federal government is no longer a partner in this work, and the work doesn't stop. States have been filling that gap, and we need the resources to keep doing it."
For years, states have partnered with the federal government to take on some of the biggest corporate mergers in American history. But as US DOJ's antitrust division has lost key leadership and career attorneys and federal priorities shifted away from protecting consumers, state attorneys general stepped up to protect Americans from illegal mergers and monopolies. State AGs have a proven track record of collaborating across state lines and winning, and this multistate effort is one of the most significant in years.
In February, Gail Slater, the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the antitrust division, was forced out. US DOJ's antitrust division has since seen a mass exodus of career lawyers and enforcement priorities have shifted sharply. One example is when the Trump administration settled the Live Nation/Ticketmaster case against the wishes of the 34 states that had co-signed the lawsuit, it fell to state attorneys general to keep fighting. They did - and in mid-April, they won.
States have legal authority the federal government doesn't, including the ability to bring a jury trial in antitrust cases. Oregon has already demonstrated what state-led antitrust enforcement can accomplish. Oregon co-led the successful effort to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger - what would have been the largest grocery merger in American history - protecting consumers and union workers across the country.
Oregon is currently pursuing active cases involving the consolidation of internet networking infrastructure, local TV news ownership in Portland, and other mergers that threaten competition and consumer choice. These cases span groceries, entertainment, internet service, and local news - the places where monopoly power hits closest to home.
Antitrust cases are complex, time-intensive, and require specialized expertise. Currently, ODOJ has 8 positions to work on these cases. This limited staffing has historically meant that ODOJ has relied on following the lead of others - like states or the federal government - for these resource-heavy cases. In this environment, that structure no longer serves Oregonians. ODOJ is asking state lawmakers in June to approve 16 positions so it can increase capacity to fill the vacuum left by the federal government. One structural advantage to antitrust cases is that attorney fees can often be recovered when states succeed and do not require general funds from the legislature. That means much of the cost of this work can be shifted back to the corporations that forced it - not to Oregon taxpayers.
Joining Attorney General Rayfield today are California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, and New York Attorney Letitia James. Watch today's press conference live on YouTube at 11am PT (opens in a new tab/window).
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Original text here: https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/ag-rayfield-calls-for-state-resources-to-address-growing-mergers-monopolies/
Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Irene McIntyre
ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Irene McIntyre
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New York Attorney General Letitia James released footage from body-worn cameras (BWC) that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Irene McIntyre, who died on April 12, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in LaFayette, Onondaga County.
At 1:46 a.m. on April 12, NYSP troopers responded to a 911 call in a residential area
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ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Irene McIntyre
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New York Attorney General Letitia James released footage from body-worn cameras (BWC) that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Irene McIntyre, who died on April 12, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in LaFayette, Onondaga County.
At 1:46 a.m. on April 12, NYSP troopers responded to a 911 call in a residential areain LaFayette. Upon arrival, troopers encountered Ms. McIntyre, who was driving her car and using it to strike and run over other people. One trooper discharged their service weapon, striking Ms. McIntyre. Ms. McIntyre was transferred to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. One person struck by Ms. McIntyre was pronounced dead at the scene, and others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General's Office released footage from BWCs that troopers were equipped with during the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James' directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-releases-footage-investigation-death-irene-mcintyre
Attorney General Hanaway Joins 23-State Coalition Asking Supreme Court to Uphold Mifepristone Stay
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, May 11 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hanaway Joins 23-State Coalition Asking Supreme Court to Uphold Mifepristone Stay
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway joined a coalition of 23 state attorneys general in asking the Supreme Court to leave in place a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. The stayed rule, issued in 2023 by the Biden-era FDA, removed
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, May 11 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hanaway Joins 23-State Coalition Asking Supreme Court to Uphold Mifepristone Stay
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway joined a coalition of 23 state attorneys general in asking the Supreme Court to leave in place a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. The stayed rule, issued in 2023 by the Biden-era FDA, removedlong-standing safeguards on the chemical abortion drug mifepristone and allowed doctors in one state to prescribe abortion pills to patients in another.
"I am proud to stand with other attorneys general to fight back against a Biden Administration rule that completely ignored the Constitution and imposed a nationwide abortion standard that would give out-of-state physicians a loophole to ignore state laws," said Attorney General Hanaway. "We are hopeful the Supreme Court will uphold the stay the lower courts put in place. We will continue to defend the rule of law, ensure every unborn child has a voice, and protect women's health and safety."
The brief was filed in support of Louisiana's lawsuit challenging a Biden-era overreaching rule that expanded access to abortion drugs through mail and telehealth, despite contrary state laws. The Biden-era rule effectively permits states like California and New York to set abortion policy for pro-life states by enabling telehealth prescriptions that state law prohibits.
In addition to Missouri, Attorneys General from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming joined the brief.
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Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-joins-23-state-coalition-asking-supreme-court-to-uphold-mifepristone-stay/
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Another Baseless Attempt by Trump Administration to Access Medical Records on Gender-Affirming Care
SACRAMENTO, California, May 11 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Another Baseless Attempt by Trump Administration to Access Medical Records on Gender-Affirming Care
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief supporting a motion to quash the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ)'s subpoena against Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) seeking information regarding the provision of gender-affirming care to minors. In Friday's brief, Attorney
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 11 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Another Baseless Attempt by Trump Administration to Access Medical Records on Gender-Affirming Care
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief supporting a motion to quash the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ)'s subpoena against Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) seeking information regarding the provision of gender-affirming care to minors. In Friday's brief, AttorneyGeneral Bonta and the coalition argue that U.S. DOJ relies on a misinterpretation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) that would severely damage not just the administration of transgender healthcare, but many other fields of medicine.
"The Trump Administration continues to chase its hateful agenda against transgender Americans in another baseless attempt to access transgender patients' health records," said Attorney General Bonta. "U.S. DOJ seeks to justify its behavior with an incorrect interpretation of the law that would threaten patients' abilities to receive the most effective treatments across multiple fields of medicine, not just gender-affirming care. We are committed to defending patients and the providers they trust from federal overreach. We will fight to protect the well-being of transgender individuals and ensure all Americans retain access to top-notch medical care."
On July 3, 2025, U.S. DOJ issued an administrative subpoena against RIH, seeking records related to the provision of gender-affirming care to minors, allegedly to investigate potential violations of the FDCA. On April 30, 2026, U.S. DOJ filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas seeking to enforce the subpoena. On May 4, the Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate (Child Advocate) filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island seeking to quash the subpoena.
In Friday's amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition support Child Advocate's motion to quash the subpoena. In the brief, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that:
* U.S. DOJ justifies its subpoena based on a wrongful claim that prescribing and administering drugs for off-label uses is prohibited by the FDCA.
* U.S. DOJ's wrongful interpretation of the FDCA would jeopardize entire fields of medicine beyond transgender healthcare, as many fields frequently prescribe drugs for off-label purposes.
Attorney General Bonta is committed to defending medical providers and their patients from overreach and intimidation by the Trump Administration. On January 26, 2026, Attorney General Bonta joined a multistate amicus brief opposing a U.S. DOJ subpoena against telemedicine platform QueerDoc seeking information and documents regarding on QueerDoc's provision of gender-affirming care, including personally identifiable information for QueerDoc's patients. Attorney General Bonta joined amicus briefs opposing similar U.S. DOJ subpoenas against University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Children's Hospital Colorado.
In filing Friday's amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joined the Attorneys General of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-opposes-another-baseless-attempt-trump-administration
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Suffolk County
ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Suffolk County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Steven Eastwood, who died on May 10, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Southampton Town Police Department (STPD) in Southampton, Suffolk County.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on May 10, STPD officers responded to a house in Southampton where
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ALBANY, New York, May 11 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Suffolk County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Steven Eastwood, who died on May 10, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Southampton Town Police Department (STPD) in Southampton, Suffolk County.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on May 10, STPD officers responded to a house in Southampton wherethey encountered Mr. Eastwood, who was allegedly stabbing his mother with a knife. Officers repeatedly directed Mr. Eastwood to drop the knife, but he failed to comply. Two officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Eastwood. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered several knives at the scene.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-office-special-investigation-opens-investigation-15
AG Sunday Announces Takedown of Upper-Level Drug Trafficking Organization Distributing Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine in Eastern Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 11 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday Announces Takedown of Upper-Level Drug Trafficking Organization Distributing Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine in Eastern Pennsylvania
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Local organization was fueled by suppliers in Mexico
Attorney General Dave Sunday, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments, announced the takedown of a Lehigh County-based drug trafficking organization that utilized suppliers in Mexico to traffic fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in multiple
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 11 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday Announces Takedown of Upper-Level Drug Trafficking Organization Distributing Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine in Eastern Pennsylvania
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Local organization was fueled by suppliers in Mexico
Attorney General Dave Sunday, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments, announced the takedown of a Lehigh County-based drug trafficking organization that utilized suppliers in Mexico to traffic fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in multiplePennsylvania counties.
This week, the Office of Attorney General filed charges against ten people for their roles -including the leader of the organization, 40-year-old Joaquin "Kino" Gonzalez. Arrests were made in recent days. Allentown Police Department assisted in Gonzalez's arrest over the weekend.
Each defendant is charged with corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and related offenses.
The collaborative investigation began in 2024 and involved searches at numerous locations and seizures of large quantities of narcotics.
Investigators determined Gonzalez had a connection in Southern California, where a Mexican trafficking organization supplied him with drugs for distribution in Pennsylvania.
"This was a high-level, cross-country operation that polluted neighborhoods across the eastern part of the Commonwealth with deadly poisons," Attorney General Sunday said. "Closing down drug-trafficking pipelines remains a top priority for my office, as these traffickers value dollars over human lives, and we have seen, time and time again, the deadly violence attached to drug trafficking groups."
The defendants charged are:
* Joaquin Gonzalez, 40, of Emmaus
* Danny Cancel, 25, of Bethlehem
* Joel Castro, 41, of Orefield
* Sally Garcia-Colon, 39, of Emmaus
* Jorge Marrero-Rodriguez, 60, of Allentown
* Jordan Pagan, 37, of Leola
* John Pagan DeJesus, 49, of Whitehall
* Israel Perez, 45, of Bethlehem
* Anthony Planas, 42, of Bethlehem
* Hanzel Rivera, 37, of Bethlehem
Gonzalez's bail was set at $1 million. The nine other defendants are also in custody. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for May 12.
In 2024, investigators observed Gonzalez deliver six pounds of methamphetamine to Pagan. Additionally, investigators discovered approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, seven pounds of marijuana, and $2,500 in cash during a traffic stop involving Rivera.
During searches, investigators seized:
* 5 pounds of fentanyl
* 7 pounds of heroin
* 3,000 fentanyl pills
* 48 pounds of methamphetamine
* 6 pounds of cocaine
* 2 pounds of marijuana
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christie Bonesch of the Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sunday-announces-takedown-of-upper-level-drug-trafficking-organization-distributing-fentanyl-meth-cocaine-in-eastern-pennsylvania/
VA. A.G. JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of 24 States, Invalidating Tariffs that are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on Virginians
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Attorney General Jay Jones today secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment to a coalition of 24 states,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of 24 States, Invalidating Tariffs that are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on Virginians
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Attorney General Jay Jones today secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment to a coalition of 24 states,striking down those tariffs.
"Today's ruling is a major victory for Virginians. The Court made clear something that we have known all along - the Trump Administration's tariffs were unlawful from the start," Attorney General Jay Jones said. "In exceeding his authority, Donald Trump's tariffs resulted in raising prices and disrupting our economy. Virginia joined this coalition to protect consumers, businesses, and the rule of law and I am proud that the Court has decisively struck these tariffs down."
For more than a year, President Trump has unlawfully attempted to impose tariffs on essential goods purchased by American consumers and businesses. Initially, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act--but the Supreme Court ruled those tariffs were unlawful. The President then attempted to use a different law that has never been used before--Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974--and imposed 10 percent tariffs on most products worldwide, supposedly in response to trade deficits.
Today, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that those tariffs are illegal, too. Section 122 allows tariffs only when there are "large and serious balance-of-payment deficits." But no such thing exists--a trade deficit is not a balance-of-payment deficit. As the court ruled, the President's tariffs proclamation "is invalid, and the tariffs imposed on Plaintiffs are unauthorized by law."
The case is led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Also joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3021-attorney-general-jay-jones-wins-lawsuit-against-trump-administrations-illegal-tariffs
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Organized Crime Task Force Raids Two Illegal Marijuana Grow Operations in Prague
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 9 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Organized Crime Task Force raids two illegal marijuana grow operations in Prague
Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force raided two illegal marijuana grow operations Wednesday. Agents raided Benson Kush and Grand Growth, both in Prague.
Authorities detained 36 suspects, and three illegal immigrants were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported. 48,665 plants and 1,803 pounds of processed marijuana
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 9 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Organized Crime Task Force raids two illegal marijuana grow operations in Prague
Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force raided two illegal marijuana grow operations Wednesday. Agents raided Benson Kush and Grand Growth, both in Prague.
Authorities detained 36 suspects, and three illegal immigrants were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported. 48,665 plants and 1,803 pounds of processed marijuanawere seized. The processed marijuana alone has an estimated street value of over $3 million.
"We are sending a clear message that the days of criminal organizations treating Oklahoma like a safe haven for illegal marijuana operations are over," Drummond said.
"We will not allow these criminals to continue exploiting workers, evade the law or endanger our communities. Those responsible will be tirelessly pursued and aggressively prosecuted."
OCTF agents worked to carry out these operations in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Pottawatomie County, District 23 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team.
When Drummond took office, more than 9,000 licensed marijuana grow operations were in Oklahoma. Now, fewer than 1,200 remain.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/organized-crime-task-force-raids-two-illegal-marijuana-grow-operations-in-prague.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection With Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection with Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that three defendants, including a Paterson zoning inspector, have pleaded guilty for their roles in providing applicants for city permits with fraudulent Paterson zoning permits bearing forged signatures in exchange
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Connection with Scheme Involving Forged Paterson Zoning Certificates in Exchange for Illegal Payments
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced that three defendants, including a Paterson zoning inspector, have pleaded guilty for their roles in providing applicants for city permits with fraudulent Paterson zoning permits bearing forged signatures in exchangefor payment.
Jose Fermin, 54, of Prospect Park, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2026 to conspiracy to commit official misconduct (2nd degree) during a hearing before Judge Sohail Mohammed in the Passaic County Superior Court. On the same date, Fermin's accomplice, Jose Juan Guerrero-Cruz, 46, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea before Judge Imre Karaszegi to official misconduct (3rd degree) during a hearing in which he admitted his role in assisting Fermin with the fraudulent permit scheme.
Previously, the third defendant, Alfonlly Monegro-Camilo, 28, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, before Judge Karaszegi to forgery (3rd degree) and acknowledged Fermin and Guerrero-Cruz's involvement in the criminal scheme.
"Each and every day members of the public follow the rules expecting that the officials they interact with will do the same. The defendants in this case exploited their positions of public trust for their own personal gain," said Attorney General Davenport. "Corruption at every level of government is unacceptable, and our office will continue working to ensure that public officials are held to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. When they don't, they will be held accountable."
As set forth in publicly filed documents in this case, the conspiracy unfolded between roughly December 2020 and February 2022.
The investigation revealed that Fermin and his co-defendants arranged to supply applicants for official city permits with illegitimate zoning permits for residential construction and other bogus documents that included the forged signature of Paterson's Planning and Zoning Director. Some applicants were told they could receive sham permits without even submitting building plans. Fermin received payments in exchange for producing those forged, illegitimate documents.
On February 20, 2024, a state grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Fermin as well as co-defendant Guerrero-Cruz. On October 1, 2025, the state grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding Monegro-Camilo as an additional defendant in the case.
Monegro-Camilo is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2026. Guerrero-Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. Fermin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2026.
Pursuant to Fermin's plea agreement, the State will recommend that he, the city zoning inspector, be sentenced to three years in state prison. As a consequence of his guilty plea, Fermin was also ordered to immediately forfeit all public employment and will be permanently disqualified from holding any future public office or employment in New Jersey.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, the State will recommend that defendant Guerrero-Cruz be sentenced to a term of probation, with the condition that he serve 364 days in county jail, and that defendant Monegro-Camilo be sentenced to a term of noncustodial probation.
This investigation was conducted by detectives from OPIA's Corruption Bureau. The case was prosecuted and the pleas were taken by Deputy Attorneys General Lisa Cialino and Adam Gerken for the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/three-defendants-plead-guilty-in-connection-with-scheme-involving-forged-paterson-zoning-certificates-in-exchange-for-illegal-payments/
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of States' Challenge to Tariffs That Are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on the American Economy
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose unlawful tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgment
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 9 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures Court Ruling Against Trump Administration's Unlawful Tariffs
Court of International Trade Rules in Favor of States' Challenge to Tariffs That Are Increasing Prices and Inflicting Chaos on the American Economy
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown secured an order invalidating President Trump's latest efforts to impose unlawful tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. A federal court granted summary judgmentin a case brought by a coalition of 24 states and held that those tariffs are not authorized by law. Although the court's order does not directly provide relief to Maryland or its residents, it opens the door to future challenges to these unlawful tariffs.
"Time and again, courts are making clear that the Trump Administration cannot impose unlawful and costly tariffs on Marylanders," said Attorney General Brown. "This ruling is another important step toward ensuring that American families are not left paying more for groceries, household goods, and everyday essentials because of the Trump Administration's lawless trade policies. We will continue fighting in court to hold this Administration accountable to the law."
For more than a year, President Trump has unlawfully attempted to impose tariffs on essential goods purchased by American consumers and businesses. Initially, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but the Supreme Court ruled those tariffs were unlawful.
The President then attempted to use a different law that has never been used before -Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 -and imposed 10 percent tariffs on most products worldwide, supposedly in response to trade deficits.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that those tariffs are unlawful, too. Section 122 allows tariffs only when there are "large and serious balance-of-payment deficits." But no such thing exists - a trade deficit is not a balance-of-payment deficit. As the court ruled, the President's tariffs proclamation "is invalid."
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Court-Ruling-Against-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Tariffs--.aspx
HAWAII A.G. LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 9 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
The Department of the Attorney General is providing its regular biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the previously federally disclosed transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds.
Since the last update, the department's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) has engaged in additional interviews, issued more subpoenas and continues to examine
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 9 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
The Department of the Attorney General is providing its regular biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the previously federally disclosed transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds.
Since the last update, the department's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) has engaged in additional interviews, issued more subpoenas and continues to examinedocuments received in response to the subpoenas.
Recent media coverage has contributed to increased public interest and speculation surrounding this investigation.
"It continues to be my intent to protect the confidentiality of the individual or individuals who may be subject to this investigation along with numerous witnesses," said Attorney General Anne Lopez. "We continue to work as expeditiously as possible while adhering to best practices.
I cannot predict when I will have more meaningful updates, but I want to assure residents of Hawaii that this investigation remains one of our highest priorities."
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/News-Release-2026-24.pdf
Disclosure of Officers' Names From the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 9 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Disclosure of Officers' Names from the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident that occurred during a police motor vehicle stop on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Ashland, New Hampshire, in which Demitri Zimmer (age 24) was shot and killed.
The officer who discharged his firearm during the incident
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 9 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Disclosure of Officers' Names from the April 20, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Ashland, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident that occurred during a police motor vehicle stop on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Ashland, New Hampshire, in which Demitri Zimmer (age 24) was shot and killed.
The officer who discharged his firearm during the incidentwas Ashland Police Sergeant Nicholas Shannahan. Sergeant Shannahan has been a law enforcement officer for the Town of Ashland for approximately three years.
The officer who was shot and wounded at the beginning of the incident was Officer Mason Dalphonse.
Officer Dalphonse has been a law enforcement officer for the Town of Ashland for approximately two years.
Officer Dalphonse is at home and is continuing to heal from his wound.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation. No further updates are expected until the investigation is completed.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/disclosure-officers-names-april-20-2026-officer-involved-shooting-incident-ashland
A.G. Jones Statement Regarding Va. Supreme Court Decision in Redistricting Case
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 8, 2026, in response to the Va. Supreme Court decision in the redistricting case:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement Regarding Supreme Court of Virginia Decision in Redistricting Case
"Today the Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen to put politics over the rule of law by issuing a ruling that overturns the April 21st special election on redistricting.
This decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it fuels
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on May 8, 2026, in response to the Va. Supreme Court decision in the redistricting case:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Statement Regarding Supreme Court of Virginia Decision in Redistricting Case
"Today the Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen to put politics over the rule of law by issuing a ruling that overturns the April 21st special election on redistricting.
This decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it fuelsthe growing fears across our nation about the state of our democracy.
As Attorney General, it is my job to enforce the laws on the books and defend the will of the people. Before the Court, my office clearly laid out both in filings and oral arguments that this constitutional amendment process and voter ratification occurred in a timely, constitutionally-compliant, and legally sound manner.
The Republican-led majority of the Supreme Court of Virginia contorted the plain language of the Constitution and Code of Virginia to give it a meaning that was never intended, which allowed them to reach the wrong legal conclusion that fit their political agenda. The consequences of their error are grave.
The strength and stability of our democracy depends on adherence to the rule of law, the execution of free and fair elections where every eligible voter can cast their ballots to choose their leaders, and public trust in the institutions that provide accountability and protect our democratic processes. This Court's ruling follows a dangerous trend of tilting power away from the people.
My team is carefully reviewing this unprecedented order and we are evaluating every legal pathway forward to defend the will of the people and protect the integrity of Virginia's elections."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3022-attorney-general-jay-jones-statement-regarding-supreme-court-of-virginia-decision-in-redistricting-case
