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Va. A.G. Jones Announces Creation of Regulated Products Enforcement Unit
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 31 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Announces Creation of Regulated Products Enforcement Unit
Unit will centralize civil enforcement for liquid nicotine products (vapes), THC and hemp-derived products, kratom, and related emerging intoxicants
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Attorney General Jay Jones is proud to announce the Regulated Products Enforcement Unit which will oversee the administration and enforcement responsibilities around liquid nicotine vapor products, THC and hemp-derived products, kratom,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 31 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Announces Creation of Regulated Products Enforcement Unit
Unit will centralize civil enforcement for liquid nicotine products (vapes), THC and hemp-derived products, kratom, and related emerging intoxicants
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Attorney General Jay Jones is proud to announce the Regulated Products Enforcement Unit which will oversee the administration and enforcement responsibilities around liquid nicotine vapor products, THC and hemp-derived products, kratom,and related emerging intoxicants. The unit will centralize these responsibilities within a specialized team dedicated to civil enforcement, retail compliance, directory administration, stakeholder engagement, and public education.
"New intoxicating products and substances enter the market every single day, many of which include dangerous or illegal ingredients and are deceptively packaged, labeled, and marketed to consumers. Many of these products even target children, causing irreparable harm to their lives and their futures. As a result, the health and well-being of everyday Virginians and business owners alike are put at risk," said Attorney General Jones. "Thanks to landmark legislation passed by the General Assembly, this office has been empowered to protect and educate Virginians as the landscape around these substances evolves. We know that most businesses, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors want to follow the rules, and Virginians want to know what they are consuming. This new unit will educate Virginians and ensure strong accountability for bad actors who violate the law and put our communities at risk."
The Regulated Products Enforcement Unit will administer and maintain the Commonwealth's Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Product Directory established by law, review manufacturer certifications and supporting documentation, evaluate product eligibility, monitor changes in federal regulatory status, and coordinate with regulated entities to ensure that only authorized products are offered for sale in Virginia.
Delegate Patrick Hope said, "The creation of this new unit sends a clear message: retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers who violate the law and put unregulated and dangerous products on the shelves will be held accountable. Our laws are only as effective as their enforcement. I thank AG Jones for his dedication to enforcing the Vape Enforcement Act so that Virginia consumers--especially our young people--are protected from these harmful products."
"For far too long, too many vape shops have been ignoring the law, selling illegal and dangerous products to Virginians, and taking advantage of gaps in the law to sell vapes to kids. That ends now. The General Assembly took action to pass the Vape Enforcement Act, and the AG's new unit is ready to move against businesses that repeatedly disregard the law. I'm grateful to AG Jones for taking this important step to protect Virginians from harm," said Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg.
Through inspections, compliance monitoring, and coordination with regulatory agencies, the unit will identify and prevent violations by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. When necessary, the Regulated Products Enforcement Unit will take legal action and seek civil penalties to uphold the law and protect consumers. The unit will coordinate with Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) and other states to address widespread and systemic violations. Additionally, the unit will work in step with advocates, medical health professionals, and public health organizations to identify trends and strategies.
"The Regulated Products Enforcement Unit is a critical component of Attorney General Jones' commitment to keeping Virginians safe," said Helen Hardiman Deputy Attorney General of Public Advocacy. "Through investigation, enforcement, and programmatic work, this unit will ensure that consumers are well informed and protected from harmful products and that bad actors will be held accountable."
"By raising public awareness, helping retailers understand the laws on the books, using data to track trends, and focusing on prevention, Virginia can limit youth access to these products, reduce substance misuse, and support healthy youth development," said Rachelle Hunley, Senior Director of Programs. "This unit will help communities stay informed about the changing landscape of nicotine, hemp, THC, kratom, and synthetic products."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3087-attorney-general-jay-jones-announces-creation-of-regulated-products-enforcement-unit
Okla. A.G. Drummond Asks Trump Administration to Halt DOJ Probe of Broken Arrow
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 31 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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Drummond asks Trump Administration to halt DOJ probe of Broken Arrow
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today urged President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche to immediately halt the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the City of Broken Arrow, calling it an example of federal overreach and an unwarranted intrusion into local government.
In a letter sent today, Drummond urged the Trump Administration to withdraw or suspend
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 31 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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Drummond asks Trump Administration to halt DOJ probe of Broken Arrow
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today urged President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche to immediately halt the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the City of Broken Arrow, calling it an example of federal overreach and an unwarranted intrusion into local government.
In a letter sent today, Drummond urged the Trump Administration to withdraw or suspendthe DOJ's July 17 investigative demand issued after Broken Arrow denied a rezoning application for a proposed mosque and commercial development. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is investigating the city's zoning practices under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), despite acknowledging it has made no determination that federal law was violated.
"The investigation is federal overreach of the first order," Drummond said. "Land-use decisions such as this belong to state and locally elected officials who are accountable to the people they serve, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington. Oklahoma cities should not be subjected to sweeping federal investigations based on a single zoning decision when the DOJ itself acknowledges it has made no determination that federal law was violated."
Drummond's letter argues the investigation exceeds the DOJ's authority by demanding years of municipal records, including communications involving private citizens who participated in the local zoning process. He warned that such demands threaten First Amendment rights by chilling citizens' willingness to speak, assemble and participate in local government.
Drummond asked that the DOJ:
* Withdraw or suspend its July 17 investigative demand pending review by Senate-confirmed leadership;
* Require senior-level approval for any further investigative steps;
* Withdraw demands targeting the speech and associational activities of private citizens; and
* Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office before taking further action against any Oklahoma municipality.
Drummond concluded by reaffirming his support for the City of Broken Arrow and pledging that his office will assist the city "by every lawful means" in responding to the federal investigation.
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/july/Letter_President%20Trump-AG%20Blanche%20RE%20Civil%20Rights%20Investigation%2007.30.2026.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/july/drummond-asks-trump-administration-to-halt-doj-probe-of-broken-arrow.html
New Hampshire Department of Justice Secures Accountability and Admission of Violations by NSC-131 Defendants in Civil Rights Case
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 31 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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New Hampshire Department of Justice Secures Accountability and Admission of Violations by NSC-131 Defendants in Civil Rights Case
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Department of Justice has submitted a Final Decree resolving the State's civil rights enforcement action against Christopher Hood, Nationalist Social Club-131 (NSC-131), and associated defendants for their conduct outside Teatotaller Cafe in Concord on June 18, 2023.
Under the
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 31 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:
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New Hampshire Department of Justice Secures Accountability and Admission of Violations by NSC-131 Defendants in Civil Rights Case
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Department of Justice has submitted a Final Decree resolving the State's civil rights enforcement action against Christopher Hood, Nationalist Social Club-131 (NSC-131), and associated defendants for their conduct outside Teatotaller Cafe in Concord on June 18, 2023.
Under theFinal Decree, the defendants admit that they violated New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination by attempting to coerce, intimidate, or compel a place of public accommodation to engage in unlawful discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.
The resolution follows nearly three years of litigation by the Attorney General's Civil Rights Unit to enforce New Hampshire law and hold accountable those who violate the rights of others. As a result of the litigation, NSC-131 has ceased operations in New Hampshire and has been unable to carry out further public activities in New Hampshire. The Court's Final Decree now permanently prohibits Hood, NSC-131 and the other defendants from engaging in unlawful discriminatory conduct in the State.
"This case is about one simple principle: the law applies equally to everyone, and every person is entitled to equal protection under the law," said Attorney General John M. Formella. "No individual or organization has the right to threaten, intimidate, or coerce a New Hampshire business into violating the law or denying lawful access based on protected characteristics. The defendants have admitted their conduct violated New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination, accepted significant court-ordered consequences, and are permanently prohibited from future unlawful discriminatory conduct. This resolution delivers accountability and sends the message that organized hate group activity that violates the law will not be tolerated."
Under the Final Decree:
* Hood must pay a $10,000 civil penalty (the maximum fine permitted by law), with $7,500 suspended conditioned upon compliance with the Court's order.
* Hood must complete 250 hours of community service with an organization approved by the State.
* All defendants are permanently ordered to cease and desist from unlawful discriminatory practices.
* All defendants are permanently prohibited from future unlawful discriminatory practices and future unlawful hate- or bias-motivated conduct.
* All defendants are permanently prohibited from knowingly approaching within 250 feet of any Teatotaller Cafe location or contacting any owner or employee of the business.
* The Merrimack County Superior Court retains jurisdiction to enforce the Final Decree.
The Attorney General's Civil Rights Unit filed the enforcement action after alleging that members of NSC-131 gathered outside Teatotaller Cafe during a drag queen story hour event in an effort to intimidate the business into denying equal access based on protected characteristics. The complaint alleged that defendants surrounded the business, obstructed access, shouted homophobic slurs, banged on cafe windows, displayed anti-LGBTQ+ signs, and engaged in other conduct intended to intimidate patrons and disrupt the event.
In October 2024, the Merrimack County Superior Court denied the defendants' motion to dismiss, finding that the State had sufficiently alleged violations of New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination and rejecting the defendants' constitutional challenges. Following further litigation, including discovery proceedings in which the State prevailed, the defendants accepted the Final Decree resolving the case.
"This resolution confirms that this Office will not hesitate to enforce New Hampshire's civil rights laws to the fullest extent possible to protect the public from harm and to hold those who violate the civil rights of others accountable," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Sean R. Locke, Director of the Civil Rights Unit. "Through admission of statutory violations, meaningful remedies, and permanent protections to prevent future unlawful conduct, the Final Decree recognizes the significant violation of civil rights that occurred and hold Hood, NSC-131, and the other defendant accountable for their actions."
The Civil Rights Unit enforces state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit or by calling 603-271-3650.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-department-justice-secures-accountability-and-admission-violations-nsc
Utah Sues Hims & Hers for Charging Consumers Without Consent and Sharing Private Health Data
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 30 -- The Utah Attorney General Office issued the following news on July 29, 2026:
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Utah sues Hims & Hers for charging consumers without consent and sharing private health data
The Utah Department of Commerce's Division of Consumer Protection and the Office of the Utah Attorney General have joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of California in a federal lawsuit against telehealth company Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (Hims). The complaint, filed July 29 in the Northern District of California, alleges Hims violated the Utah Consumer Sales Practices
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 30 -- The Utah Attorney General Office issued the following news on July 29, 2026:
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Utah sues Hims & Hers for charging consumers without consent and sharing private health data
The Utah Department of Commerce's Division of Consumer Protection and the Office of the Utah Attorney General have joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of California in a federal lawsuit against telehealth company Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (Hims). The complaint, filed July 29 in the Northern District of California, alleges Hims violated the Utah Consumer Sales PracticesAct by improperly charging consumers for subscriptions they never authorized and improperly sharing their private health data with advertisers without consent.
The complaint alleges that Hims promoted a "free consult" that ultimately enrolled customers in recurring prescription subscriptions based solely on an online intake form, without proper consent or prior consultation with a healthcare provider.
The complaint alleges that when consumers attempted to cancel their subscriptions, Hims forced them through a convoluted process that obscured the cancellation option, funneling them through multiple survey screens and making it difficult to exit the service.
In addition to these alleged practices, Hims is accused of breaching its promises concerning privacy. The company assured consumers that their health information would remain "private and secure," yet the complaint alleges it shared sensitive data with third-party advertisers, including Meta and Snap.
"Hims promised a free consult and private healthcare. What Utahns actually got was a subscription trap and their most personal health data shipped to advertisers. We're not letting Hims profit off broken promises. That's why we're taking them to court," said Attorney General Derek Brown.
Margaret Woolley Busse, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Commerce, emphasized the need for accountability, saying, "Our aim is to restore trust and protect consumers from deceptive practices. Hims' actions not only violate the law but also undermine Utahns' confidence in healthcare providers. We are committed to ensuring that consumers feel safe and respected in their transactions."
With the FTC and California, Utah's legal action seeks not only a permanent injunction against Hims but also restitution for affected consumers, civil penalties, and the disgorgement of profits obtained through these unlawful practices. Affected consumers are encouraged to file complaints at consumerprotection.utah.gov.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/utah-sues-hims-hers/
Gov. Stein, AG Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Wilson Oppose EPA-Chemours Backroom PFAS Deal in Court
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 30 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Gov. Stein, AG Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Wilson Oppose EPA-Chemours Backroom PFAS Deal in Court
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RALEIGH-Today, Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing the proposed PFAS deal between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chemours. The comments urge the federal government to withdraw the proposed settlement, which would do almost nothing to address the damage Chemours has done in North Carolina.
"For decades,
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 30 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Gov. Stein, AG Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Wilson Oppose EPA-Chemours Backroom PFAS Deal in Court
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RALEIGH-Today, Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing the proposed PFAS deal between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chemours. The comments urge the federal government to withdraw the proposed settlement, which would do almost nothing to address the damage Chemours has done in North Carolina.
"For decades,Chemours knowingly contaminated North Carolina's air and water by discharging PFAS from its Fayetteville plant into the Cape Fear River," said Governor Josh Stein. "Now, the EPA is cutting a deal with Chemours that does next to nothing for North Carolinians and allows polluters to choose what to clean up and where. I will continue to fight for North Carolinians' clean air and clean water."
"Chemours and the EPA negotiated this deal behind our backs," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "It does nothing to fix the decades of damage Chemours has done to our state, and it's offensive to the people who drink this water. That's why I'm asking the federal government to throw it out. The people of eastern North Carolina deserve better."
"DEQ has worked tirelessly to hold Chemours accountable for contaminating North Carolina's air and water," said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. "This proposed sweetheart deal that was brokered without even consulting North Carolina requires almost nothing more of Chemours than it's already doing under the consent order it signed with DEQ. It's offensive and unfair to the people of this State, and I urge the court to reject it."
For decades, Chemours and its predecessor, DuPont, have been emitting GenX and other PFAS into the air and soil and discharging the chemicals into the Cape Fear River, which provides drinking water for 500,000 residents in eastern North Carolina. EPA says that its deal settles PFAS contamination claims from Chemours' North Carolina, New Jersey, and West Virginia facilities - but it guarantees nothing for North Carolina and was reached without consulting the North Carolina Department of Justice or the Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).
Gov. Stein, Attorney General Jackson, and Sec. Wilson are urging the federal court to reject the proposed settlement and instead have EPA work with North Carolina to develop a settlement with real benefits for our residents. They outline several reasons why the federal government should withdraw the deal:
1. North Carolina was excluded from negotiations, in violation of the EPA's own guidelines. Excluding North Carolina from the process has resulted in major disparities between the relief the agreement grants to the states.
2. North Carolina was excluded from any drinking water relief. The agreement includes sampling of water in New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia around Chemours facilities. When that sampling finds PFAS contamination above a certain level, Chemours would be required to provide alternative drinking water. However, the area around Chemours' North Carolina facility - Fayetteville Works - was excluded for no reason.
3. Chemours is not obligated to spend any of the $90 million in North Carolina. The agreement requires that Chemours spend up to $90 million over 15 years to fund PFAS pollution reduction and alternative drinking water projects, but it doesn't require that any of that money actually be spent in North Carolina. Chemours would be able to propose the projects it funds without input from North Carolina experts or its residents. If any of the states require Chemours to do any additional PFAS pollution reduction or alternative drinking water projects, the money Chemours spends can get credited against this $90 million.
4. The requirement to control GenX at the Fayetteville Works facility by 99.5% does not meaningfully reduce GenX pollution. GenX is toxic even at very low levels, and NCDEQ has already required Chemours to install technology to reduce certain GenX pollution at a 99.99% efficiency - which makes EPA's 99.5% requirement potentially meaningless. Even if the proposal would result in GenX reductions, there's no guarantee those reductions would occur in North Carolina because Chemours can take credit for reductions achieved in other states.
5. The deal resolves 200+ Clean Water Act violations at Fayetteville Works in exchange for no real benefit to North Carolina. If the federal government actually wants to resolve these violations, it needs to do more for North Carolinians and provide concrete measures that will improve their lives.
PFAS contamination poses serious health risks. These forever chemicals don't degrade. They accumulate in the body through water, soil, and air contamination. PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and birth defects.
North Carolina officials have been fighting to hold Chemours accountable for the damage done to North Carolina. In 2019, NCDEQ reached a settlement with Chemours requiring the company to pay civil penalties, control PFAS air emissions, provide filtration systems to residents with contaminated drinking water wells, reduce PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River, and address all sources of chemical contamination at the facility to prevent further harm. Attorney General Jackson is litigating a separate case against DuPont, Chemours, and affiliated corporate entities to ensure the state is compensated for the damage they've done to North Carolina's natural resources. Attorney General Jackson is also litigating six other cases against 14 companies, including Chemours and DuPont, that manufacture AFFF, a fire suppressant that contains PFAS and has contaminated several military bases, airports, and fire training facilities around the state.
A copy of the comments is available here.
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Original text here: https://ncdoj.gov/gov-stein-ag-jackson-and-deq-sec-wilson-oppose-epa-chemours-backroom-pfas-deal-in-court/
Attorney General James Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Florida Man for Investment Fraud Scheme Targeting the Haitian Community
ALBANY, New York, July 30 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Florida Man for Investment Fraud Scheme Targeting the Haitian Community
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July 30, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction and sentencing of Marc Henry Menard, formerly of Mineola, New York, for operating a three-year securities fraud scheme that targeted the Haitian community in New York, Florida, and Georgia, and stole more than $600,000 from 11 investors. Menard, who is not
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ALBANY, New York, July 30 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Florida Man for Investment Fraud Scheme Targeting the Haitian Community
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July 30, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction and sentencing of Marc Henry Menard, formerly of Mineola, New York, for operating a three-year securities fraud scheme that targeted the Haitian community in New York, Florida, and Georgia, and stole more than $600,000 from 11 investors. Menard, who is notregistered to offer or sell securities, solicited unsuspecting individuals to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars, claiming that he was a highly successful trader and could generate returns of up to 20 percent per month. Instead, Menard transferred investors' money into his own personal trading account, where he sustained staggering losses from high-risk trading. Menard also used his investors' money to pay his personal expenses, make expensive purchases on travel and luxury goods, including from Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and repay prior investors. In April, Menard pleaded guilty in Nassau County Supreme Court to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, and Securities Fraud. Today, he was sentenced to five years' probation and was banned from participating in the securities industry for five years.
"Marc Henry Menard lied to hard-working New Yorkers and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat himself to lavish trips and luxury purchases," said Attorney General James. "Thank you to my partners in law enforcement for helping to end this fraud and bring Menard to justice. I encourage all New Yorkers to take caution when making investments and report any suspicious offers to my office."
Today's sentencing is the result of an investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC), which revealed that beginning in July 2020 and continuing through June 2023, Menard solicited members of the Haitian community to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into his company, Marcotech, LLC. Menard targeted Haitians in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Queens counties, as well as Florida and Georgia. He promised investors monthly returns of between 12 and 20 percent and promised higher percentages if they recruited additional individuals to invest. In order to solicit investments, Menard told investors that he was an experienced and highly successful trader of stocks and cryptocurrencies.
After soliciting investments, Menard deposited a portion of investors' money into his own personal trading accounts. He then used these funds to engage in risky trading options including high-risk day trading and options trading, which resulted in losses totaling over $670,000 between July 2021 and October 2022. Menard also used hundreds of thousands of dollars from investors to repay prior investors, and for personal expenditures. Menard spent over $100,000 on trips to Turkey, Puerto Rico, and Disney World, a 2021 Mercedes Benz and a 2022 BMW, and purchases at luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
To further his scheme, Menard showed investors a fake ATM receipt that reflected a bank account balance of over $8 million, and a fake trading screen showing a net account value of over $1 million. Menard's investors relied on these false statements, believing they were earning significant profits, and continued to invest. The OAG's investigation revealed between July 2021 and October 2022, the highest net value of Menard's trading account was $240,000 and the highest balance of Menard's bank account was $301,000.
On April 17, 2026, Menard pleaded guilty in Nassau County Supreme Court to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, and Securities Fraud. Today, he was sentenced to five years of probation and was banned from participating in the securities industry for five years. Menard also admitted to the amounts he owes investors, totaling $385,271, and judgments were entered against him in favor of his victims.
Attorney General James recommends that New Yorkers take basic steps to avoid becoming the victim of investment fraud schemes. These include:
* In general, do not wire money, send cryptocurrency, or give cash to people you don't know and haven't vetted because these transactions are irreversible;
* Be suspicious of individuals you encounter who pressure you to withdraw from retirement accounts (even at a penalty), to borrow money from friends/relatives, or to apply for loans from a bank;
* Beware of individuals who promise you higher profits if you agree to recruit others invest;
* Never rush into any investment. Be skeptical if the individual insists that you must invest money within a very short time frame, claiming you will lose out on the opportunity;
* Verify that the person offering the investment is properly registered. You can check investment professional registration at FINRA's BrokerCheck;
* Before investing, consult a trusted legal professional or financial advisor who can advise you if the investment is proper;
* Trust your instincts and think twice before investing. If the investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is; and
* If you suspect fraud, report the individual to law enforcement. Save all communications so that you can provide them to law enforcement if needed.
Attorney General James encourages anyone who may have been a victim of this type of scam to report it to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755. Any identifying information provided to OAG will be protected according to law and policies on the safeguarding of identifying information.
Attorney General James thanks the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and its Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group for their invaluable assistance in this investigation. Attorney General James also thanks the Sunrise Police Department, the Broward County State Attorney's Office in the State of Florida, and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office for their assistance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General David Vargas of CEFC. Analytical work was provided by Senior Analyst Joseph Conniff, under the supervision of Chief Analyst Jayleen Garcia. Forensic accounting was conducted by Senior Auditor Investigator Brenna Magruder, under the supervision of Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri and Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro of the Forensic Audit Section. CEFC is led by Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton and Deputy Bureau Chief Joseph G. D'Arrigo.
The criminal investigation was conducted by Senior Detective Brian Metz, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Juanita Bright, Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro, and Detective Supervisors Walter Lynch and Anna Ospanova. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes. Both CEFC and the Investigations Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-announces-conviction-and-sentencing-florida-man
AG Brown continues fight against excessive energy rate increases with challenge to PSE rate increase
OLYMPIA, Washington, July 30 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown continues fight against excessive energy rate increases with challenge to PSE rate increase
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Washington Attorney General Nick Brown today took another important step in his effort to defend consumers from fast-rising utility bills, arguing against Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) steep price hikes for gas and electric service.
"We need to fight to keep Washington affordable for everyone," said Brown. "PSE should only raise prices on consumers when necessary and reasonable,
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OLYMPIA, Washington, July 30 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown continues fight against excessive energy rate increases with challenge to PSE rate increase
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Washington Attorney General Nick Brown today took another important step in his effort to defend consumers from fast-rising utility bills, arguing against Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) steep price hikes for gas and electric service.
"We need to fight to keep Washington affordable for everyone," said Brown. "PSE should only raise prices on consumers when necessary and reasonable,and we do not think that is the case here."
In expert testimony filed Tuesday with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), the AG's office is challenging the energy utility PSE's proposal to increase customer electric rates by 29% and gas rates by 20% over the next three years. The AG's office argues that these increases are excessive and unreasonable.
The AG's office offers a different plan. By lowering PSE's return on equity to the actual cost of capital, asking shareholders to pay their fair share of expenses such as insurance, investor relations, and executive compensation costs, and by demanding PSE more accurately estimate future costs, the AG's office believes PSE could save customers as much as $695 million in 2027 alone. The AG's office will continue to identify more potential savings as the case progresses.
The AG's Public Counsel Unit keeps private utilities accountable to ratepayers by opposing unfair or unreasonable price increases. This role is more important than ever as many private utilities are dramatically raising prices, and the cost of living is increasing. This year, the Public Counsel Unit has also advocated for lower prices in Southwest Washington and Eastern Washington.
PSE is a private, for-profit utility company which the state has licensed to operate as a monopoly in western Washington, serving 1.2 million electric and 900,000 natural gas customers. Private utilities in Washington don't get to unilaterally set customer rates. Instead, they propose rates which are then approved or denied by the UTC. Under state law, utility companies may only impose rate increases on customers that are "fair, just, and reasonable" and are in the public interest.
If the proposed rate increases are approved by the UTC, PSE would increase electric rates by 17% in January 2027 or $28.31 per month for the average household. Gas rates would increase by 13% in January 2027 or $13.63 per month for the average household.
Rates would continue to increase in 2028 and 2029. By 2029, the average customer's electric bill would have increased $50.58 a month or $606.96 per year, and their gas bill would have increased by $21.96 a month or $263.52 per year, compared with current rates. Under PSE's proposal, they would collect an extra $3.396 billion from customers over the next three years. These increases are on top of the massive rate increases PSE customers have already endured: between 2020 and 2025, PSE's electric rates nearly doubled.
In 2025, PSE paid $62.9 million in dividends to their shareholders. In 2024, it was an eye-popping $175.9 million in dividends. On average, 12% of customers' electric bills and 11% of their gas bills go to paying investors rather than for services.
PSE also spends customer money on projects that are not related to providing services. The AG's office argues that spending on these items should come out of the pot of money PSE uses to pay shareholder dividends, rather than money customers pay as part of their electric and gas rates:
* Increasing the pay of executives. PSE's CEO received total compensation of $6.4 million in 2024. PSE's CEO was paid 55 times more than the median PSE employee last year.
* Marketing. PSE spends customer money to advertise itself to its own customers, who have no choice about their electric or gas service.
* Lobbying elected officials. PSE also spends customer money to lobby Washington state government.
PSE's requested rate increase would guarantee PSE a profit margin of 10.8% over the next four years. Their current profit margin is 9.9%. The AG's office instead urges the UTC to support a lower profit margin of 8.17%.
In addition to its proposed rate increase, PSE also wants to shift all the risk for power market volatility onto customers. Currently, when power is more expensive than PSE expects, customers and the company share that unexpected cost. Under PSE's proposal, customers would instead foot the bill for 100% of higher power costs from events like the Iran War. These costs would be in addition to the rate increases over the next three years. PSE has not provided any estimates of how much this change would cost customers.
The AG's office will continue to take a firm line with Washington utility companies who overcharge their customers. Attorney General Brown says that energy costs are a burden for many households, particularly on top of other increases in the cost of living. More than 30% of people living in PSE's service area are housing-burdened, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Research shows that high utility prices are correlated with more evictions. Brown says that no one should lose their home because a utility company unnecessarily raised the cost of electricity.
The UTC will host an in-person comment hearing at 6:00 p.m. on September 29, and a virtual public comment hearing at 6:00 p.m. on October 7. The public may participate in the virtual hearing through Zoom or phone.
Comments may also be sent to the Commission by email at comment@utc.wa.gov, by mail at P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504, or by phone at 888-333-9882 (toll-free).
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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-brown-continues-fight-against-excessive-energy-rate-increases-challenge-pse
