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Statement of Maine A.G. Frey Prompted by the Shadow Hearing on the Use of Deadly Force by ICE in the Death of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 18 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Statement of Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Prompted by the Shadow Hearing on the Use of Deadly Force by ICE in the death of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero
The Office of the Maine Attorney General continues to actively investigate the shooting death of Mr. Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero by a federal Enforcement Removal Operations Officer in Biddeford on July 13, 2026.
Under Maine Law, the Attorney General's Office has exclusive responsibility both for any criminal investigation
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 18 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Statement of Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Prompted by the Shadow Hearing on the Use of Deadly Force by ICE in the death of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero
The Office of the Maine Attorney General continues to actively investigate the shooting death of Mr. Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero by a federal Enforcement Removal Operations Officer in Biddeford on July 13, 2026.
Under Maine Law, the Attorney General's Office has exclusive responsibility both for any criminal investigationof a homicide and for the use of deadly force by law enforcement acting in an official capacity. In cooperation with relevant local, state and federal agencies, this office has been collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence to determine whether Maine law authorizes legal action to address the conduct.
Once the investigation is complete and the Attorney General has determined whether available evidence supports any action under Maine law, the entire file will be provided to the Maine Deadly Force Review Panel, as contemplated by 5 M.R.S Sec. 200-K, for review and recommendations in effort to minimize and, to the greatest extent possible, prevent the use of deadly force.
As a general matter, neither the Office of the Maine Attorney General nor the Maine Deadly Force Review Panel may exercise jurisdiction over the practices of the Department of Homeland Security, and it will be the responsibility of either the federal administration or Congress to address any questions raised by such review.
Finally, the Office of the Maine Attorney General is keenly aware of the public interest in this case and is committed to a thorough, impartial investigation that ensures meaningful transparency and public confidence. While completeness and transparency are objectives of equal importance, protecting the integrity of the investigation takes priority while evidence is still being gathered. This Office is regularly assessing whether substantive updates may be made available without interfering with this important work. At the appropriate time, more information will be made publicly available. In the meantime, we appreciate patience as we proceed.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/ag/news-and-library/press-releases/statement-attorney-general-aaron-m-frey-prompted-shadow-hearing-use
S.D. A.G. Jackley Ready for Meta Trial to Begin Tuesday
PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 18 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Ready for Meta Trial to Begin Tuesday
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said a bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General will begin presenting its case Tuesday in its federal lawsuit against Meta. The coalition alleges the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely assuring parents and the public
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 18 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Ready for Meta Trial to Begin Tuesday
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said a bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General will begin presenting its case Tuesday in its federal lawsuit against Meta. The coalition alleges the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely assuring parents and the publicthat its platforms were safe for young users.
"We have waited three years for this case to go to trial, and the state coalition is ready to present its case," said Attorney General Jackley. "It is time to hold Meta accountable for designing a dangerous product that targeted children and then lying about it to parents, children, and officials."
In October 2023, the Attorneys General filed suit against Meta following a multi-year nationwide investigation. The states allege Meta deliberately designed its platforms to exploit young users' vulnerabilities, foster compulsive use, and maximize the time young people spend on Facebook and Instagram. The coalition also alleges Meta knew about harms to young children but deceived users, parents, and the public about the risks. The lawsuit further alleges Meta illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Meta has repeatedly tried to prevent the states' case from reaching trial. In 2025, the Court rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss key parts of the states' case, allowing claims related to allegedly addictive platform design and Meta's failure to warn young users and parents about known risks to move forward.
After the Court rejected Meta's motion to rule in their favor without a trial in June 2026, the company asked a federal District Court and the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the trial. Both Courts rejected that request, clearing the way for the Attorneys General to present their case at trial.
Opening statements begin Tuesday before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
The states have asked the Court to hold Meta accountable, stop unlawful practices, and require the company to follow laws designed to protect children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.
Attorney General offices of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey lead the litigation with South Dakota and the other coalition states participating and providing support.
Other Attorneys General included in the lawsuit are from: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3139
N.J. A.G. Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Announce Proposed Rules to Expand and Strengthen Boards' Ability to Fully Investigate Misconduct by Licensed Professionals
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Announce Proposed Rules to Expand and Strengthen Boards' Ability to Fully Investigate Misconduct by Licensed Professionals
New Rules Would Prohibit Licensees from Using Confidentiality or Non-Disparagement Agreements to Silence Victims and Witnesses in Misconduct Investigations
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Advancing efforts to protect New Jersey residents from sexual abuse and other misconduct by licensed professionals, Attorney General Jennifer
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division of Consumer Affairs Announce Proposed Rules to Expand and Strengthen Boards' Ability to Fully Investigate Misconduct by Licensed Professionals
New Rules Would Prohibit Licensees from Using Confidentiality or Non-Disparagement Agreements to Silence Victims and Witnesses in Misconduct Investigations
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Advancing efforts to protect New Jersey residents from sexual abuse and other misconduct by licensed professionals, Attorney General JenniferDavenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) today announced proposed rules aimed at broadening and strengthening the ability of licensing boards to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by, among other things, forbidding licensees from using confidentiality or non-disparagement agreements to prohibit victims and witnesses from testifying against them.
Under the proposed rules, published in the New Jersey Register today, licensees who invoke-or refuse to waive-confidentiality provisions in order to impede a board investigation could face disciplinary action for failing to cooperate with an ongoing investigation. The proposal also authorizes discipline for licensees who attempt to coerce or influence victims or witnesses or engage in other conduct that obstructs the boards' ability to gather information during an investigation.
"No licensee in this state should be able to avoid the consequences of their misconduct by silencing victims, intimidating witnesses, or otherwise interfering with a board investigation," said Attorney General Davenport. "The rules we're proposing today will help break down the barriers that prevent victims and witnesses from coming forward and ensure boards have access to the information they need to fully investigate misconduct and hold violators accountable."
"Public safety is at risk when boards do not have access to the information they need to investigate and determine whether a licensee has committed misconduct that could warrant the suspension or revocation of their license or other steps to prevent further harm to consumers," said Christopher Peterson, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "These proposed rules reinforce every licensee's obligation to cooperate with board investigations and make clear that efforts to obstruct those investigations will have consequences."
The proposed rules would amend N.J.A.C. 13:45C-1.3, a section of the New Jersey Administrative Code establishing a uniform obligation for all individuals and entities licensed, certified, registered, or permitted by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, its professional boards, and the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to cooperate fully with regulatory investigations.
Under the existing rules, if a licensee does not fully cooperate with an investigation, such conduct may constitute professional or occupational misconduct and thus subject a licensee to disciplinary action by a board. The existing rules include examples such as failing to respond promptly to investigative inquiries, failing to provide requested records and information, failing to appear for interviews or hearings when directed, failing to permit authorized inspections, and failing to advise licensing boards of address changes.
Under the proposed rules, failing to fully cooperate with an investigation would automatically be deemed professional or occupational misconduct. The proposed rules would add the following examples of such misconduct:
* Licensees' attempts to invoke, or their failure to waive, a nondisclosure agreement, non-disparagement agreement, confidentiality agreement, or any provision in a contract or agreement that has the purpose or effect of concealing the details relating to a claim of misconduct;
* Any of the following by a licensee, when directed toward a complainant or witness: coercion, intimidation, threats, interference, reprisal, retaliation, or efforts to influence;
* Any licensee conduct that impairs, obstructs or impedes, or that is intended to impair, obstruct, or impede, an inquiry, inspection or investigation.
Under New Jersey's rulemaking process, there will be a 60-day public comment period during which stakeholders have an opportunity to submit written comment on the proposed rules.
After the close of the public comment period on October 16, 2026, the Division will review all comments. A summary of the public comments and the Division's response to them will be published in a Notice of Adoption expected sometime in 2027. Upon publication of the Notice of Adoption, the rule will take effect.
The proposed rules and information on how to submit a comment can be viewed on the Division's website at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Proposals/Pages/dca-08172026-proposal.aspx or by clicking here (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Proposals/Pages/dca-08172026-proposal.aspx).
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-division-of-consumer-affairs-announce-proposed-rules-to-expand-and-strengthen-boards-ability-to-fully-investigate-misconduct-by-licensed-professionals/
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Bel Air
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 18 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Bel Air
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., an officer with the Bel Air Police Department
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 18 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Bel Air
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., an officer with the Bel Air Police Department(BAPD) conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of Franklin Street. During the traffic stop, the officer fired his service weapon, striking the man. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The officer sustained injuries and was treated at the hospital.
Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocol.
Officers were equipped with body-worn cameras. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-Bel-Air.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown on Victory in Lawsuit to Restore FBI Headquarters Project to Greenbelt
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown on Victory in Lawsuit to Restore FBI Headquarters Project to Greenbelt
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ruled in favor of Maryland and Prince George's County, blocking the Trump administration's unlawful attempt to move the FBI headquarters from the carefully selected Greenbelt site to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.:
"Maryland and
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown on Victory in Lawsuit to Restore FBI Headquarters Project to Greenbelt
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ruled in favor of Maryland and Prince George's County, blocking the Trump administration's unlawful attempt to move the FBI headquarters from the carefully selected Greenbelt site to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.:
"Maryland andPrince George's County committed more than a decade of work to earn the FBI headquarters and pledged hundreds of millions of dollars. By blocking the Trump Administration's unlawful attempt to move the FBI to the Reagan Building and divert the funds Congress set aside for this project, the Court has cleared the path back to Greenbelt.
This victory is about more than a building. It is about ensuring that when Congress makes a decision, the Federal Government cannot simply ignore it because they do not like the outcome.
Congress made a promise. The Trump Administration tried to break it. Now, the jobs, investment, and opportunity Marylanders deserve are within reach."
This evening, Attorney General Brown also issued the following video statement: https://youtu.be/ZOMskb8xeM8
Attorney General Brown filed this lawsuit in November 2025 alongside Prince George's County to stop the Trump administration's unlawful attempt to move the FBI headquarters from the lawfully selected Greenbelt site to the Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., and to prevent the diversion of more than $1 billion in congressionally appropriated funds.
Today, the Court struck down the Trump administration's decision to move FBI headquarters to the Reagan Building and the FBI's move to redirect $555 million in funds for that purpose. The Court permanently blocked the administration from taking any actions to facilitate or advance the relocation of the FBI Headquarters to the Reagan Building and the Court further blocked the administration from disbursing any funds in support of that attempted relocation.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/STATEMENT-Attorney-General-Brown-on-Victory-in-Lawsuit-to-Restore-FBI-Headquarters-Project-to-Greenbelt.aspx
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta Over Addictive Features That Harm Kids
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 18 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta Over Addictive Features That Harm Kids
Ahead of opening statements, Attorney General Mayes today issued the following statement as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general prepare to present their case against Meta, alleging the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely assuring
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 18 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta Over Addictive Features That Harm Kids
Ahead of opening statements, Attorney General Mayes today issued the following statement as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general prepare to present their case against Meta, alleging the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely assuringparents and the public that its platforms were safe for young users.
"For years, Meta chased engagement and profit while turning a blind eye to the damage it was doing to kids," said Attorney General Mayes. "Arizona joined this case because our children's safety online shouldn't depend on a company's bottom line, and we will not stop fighting until Meta is held fully accountable."
In October 2023, the state coalition filed suit against Meta following a multi-year nationwide investigation. The states allege Meta deliberately designed its platforms to exploit young users' vulnerabilities, foster compulsive use, and maximize the time young people spend on Facebook and Instagram. The attorneys general also allege Meta knew about harms to young users but deceived users, parents, and the public about the risks. The lawsuit further alleges Meta illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Meta has repeatedly tried to prevent the states' case from reaching trial. In 2025, the court rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss key parts of the states' case, allowing claims related to allegedly addictive platform design and Meta's failure to warn young users and parents about known risks to move forward. After the court rejected Meta's motion to rule in their favor without a trial in June 2026, the company asked the district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the trial. Both courts rejected that request, clearing the way for the attorneys general to present their case at trial.
The trial opened before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
The states are asking the court to hold Meta accountable, stop unlawful practices, and require the company to follow laws designed to protect children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.
The trial will be litigated by counsel from the attorney general offices of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with support from other coalition states.
In addition to Arizona, the coalition includes attorneys general from 24 other states: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-issues-statement-start-trial-against-meta-over-addictive
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces First Delivery of Eggs to Yuma-area Food Banks as Part of Price-Fixing Case Settlement
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 18 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces First Delivery of Eggs to Yuma-area Food Banks as Part of Price-Fixing Case Settlement
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that Cal-Maine Foods delivered 17 pallet loads (183,600 eggs) to the Yuma Community Food Bank last Friday, marking the first delivery of eggs secured through her office's price-fixing settlement with major egg producers.
"Many Arizonans are struggling to make ends meet because of illegal tariffs, inflation, and
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 18 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces First Delivery of Eggs to Yuma-area Food Banks as Part of Price-Fixing Case Settlement
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that Cal-Maine Foods delivered 17 pallet loads (183,600 eggs) to the Yuma Community Food Bank last Friday, marking the first delivery of eggs secured through her office's price-fixing settlement with major egg producers.
"Many Arizonans are struggling to make ends meet because of illegal tariffs, inflation, andcorporate greed," Attorney General Kris Mayes. "When major egg producers engaged in illegal price-fixing that drove prices up even further, my office stepped in to stop them. This delivery is proof that when companies break the law and drive up costs for Arizonans, we will hold them accountable and get real relief for Arizonans."
The Yuma Community Food Bank is one of four regional food banks in the Arizona Food Bank Network -- alongside St. Mary's Food Bank, United Food Bank, and Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona -- that redistribute large donations to more than 1,000 smaller organizations across the state. The eggs delivered to Yuma will be distributed to food banks, food pantries, and other partner agencies throughout Yuma County and La Paz County.
The delivery follows a settlement Attorney General Mayes announced on June 30, 2026, after a bipartisan multistate investigation with the U.S. Department of Justice found that Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum, and Hickman's Egg Ranch illegally coordinated to manipulate a daily egg price index, artificially inflating prices for retailers and consumers nationwide.
The investigation found that from approximately June 2022 to March 2025, the three companies secretly coordinated their bidding activity to influence benchmark price quotes published by Urner Barry, a pricing service widely used in egg supply contracts.
As part of the settlement, the companies agreed to donate more than 53 million eggs -- at their own expense -- to food banks and nonprofit organizations across the states that joined the investigation, in addition to paying a combined $3.3 million to the states. The companies also agreed to end their illegal coordination, adopt compliance measures, and submit to ongoing state oversight.
Additional deliveries as part of this settlement will be announced at a later date.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-first-delivery-eggs-yuma-area-food-banks-part-price
