Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: A.G. JONES SHARES ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
RICHMOND, Virginia, March 28 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Celebrates Passage of Vape Enforcement Act, Fights Federal Overreach and Takes Legal Action to Hold Bad Actors Accountable
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Today, Attorney General Jay Jones released a comprehensive update on the action he has taken for Virginians, over the past two weeks. Putting money back in the pockets of Virginians, defending veterans, pushing back against federal overreach, and protecting
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RICHMOND, Virginia, March 28 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Celebrates Passage of Vape Enforcement Act, Fights Federal Overreach and Takes Legal Action to Hold Bad Actors Accountable
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Today, Attorney General Jay Jones released a comprehensive update on the action he has taken for Virginians, over the past two weeks. Putting money back in the pockets of Virginians, defending veterans, pushing back against federal overreach, and protectingpublic health and safety continue to remain a top priority.
Attorney General Jay Jones and Vape Enforcement Act News
Attorney General Jones hosted a virtual press conference celebrating the passage of the Vape Enforcement Act with former Virginia Senator Adam Ebbin, Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, and Delegate Patrick Hope. HB 308 and SB 620 would address the growing crisis of illegal and unregulated vape products in Virginia.
WJLA: AG Jay Jones backs bills that would allow only FDA-authorized or pending vapes to be sold
"These products are marketed in ways that downplay the harm...And they have been getting into the hands of young people far too easily. The Vape Enforcement Act closes those loopholes and gives us the tools to stop it."
Watch the press conference here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/19sfRbUIz3i86X5VOSY0VKCUgvGBR_3Vv/view).
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia plans crackdown on underage tobacco, vape sales
"Increasing rates of vaping are a concerning and important public health and safety issue as well as a consumer protection issue ... vaping threatens to addict a new generation of American youth, much the way that Big Tobacco did for generations before," Attorney General Jay Jones said Monday.
13NewsNow: Attorney General Jay Jones and others on Vape Enforcement Act
13NewsNow: Virginia AG Jay Jones highlights the passage of bills to close vape enforcement loopholes
29News: Virginia lawmakers, attorney general target vape sales to minors with new enforcement act
WVTF: Virginia AG, elected officials praise new Vape Enforcement Act
WRIC: 'A good day for public health': Virginia lawmakers crack down on illegal vape sales to minors with new legislation
FOX5: New Virginia law aims to prevent underage vaping in schools and communities
Axios: Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight
TobaccoReporter: Virginia AG Backs Legislation to Tighten Vape Controls
Social Media:
13 News Now - WVEC - Facebook Post
ABC 8News - WRIC - Facebook Post
7News DC - Facebook Post
Fighting Federal Overreach
Virginia Mercury: Virginia joins national push for refunds after US Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs
"Virginians shouldn't have to pay the exorbitant price tag of Donald Trump's trade tantrums."
OAG Release: Attorney General Jones Joins Coalition Standing Up to Trump Administration Attacks on Professional Medical Organizations
Attorney General Jones stands with 19 state attorneys general in support of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) targets evidence-based health policies and practices.
Virginia Mercury: Virginia joins states challenging Trump admin regulations that limit free birth control access
"When the federal government ignores the law and undermines access to basic health care, states have a responsibility to stand up. Virginia is doing exactly that to ensure that Donald Trump's unlawful rollback of contraceptive coverage does not stand."
WTOP News: States demand refunds on 'illegal' Trump tariffs as Maryland and Virginia join $166B push
WAVY News: AG Jones urges Congress to give refunds for President Trump's tariffs
WCBY: Virginia AG Jay Jones joins other attorneys general to attempt to block TV merger
Mountain Media News: Virginia joins national push for refunds after US Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs
Protecting Consumers
WWBT: Virginia joins multi-state lawsuit to block Nexstar-TEGNA merger
"Virginians deserve to get their news from the diverse, community-focused reporting that they trust, not recycled content created to serve only the bottom line."
WRIC: Virginia joins multi-state lawsuit against OneMain Financial
"My office will always fight back against predatory lenders that take advantage of vulnerable communities for their own financial gain. We will protect vulnerable consumers against bad actors"
WCYB: Virginia AG Jay Jones joins other attorney generals to attempt to block TV merger
Fox Homes: Local news at risk? Virginia AG sues to block $6.2B Nexstar Takeover of Tysons-based Tegna
FFX Now: FCC approves $6.2B takeover of Tysons-based Tegna as Virginia AG sues to block it
Keeping Communities Safe
OAG Release: Six Sentenced in Healthcare Fraud Conspiracy that Stole $10 Million from Medicaid Over Six-Year Period.
Six defendants who stole upwards of $10 million from the Virginia Medicaid system between 2017 and 2023 were sentenced for their theft from hard-working Virginians.
Media Daily News: Virginia Presses To Reinstate Social Media Time Limits
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones sought to halt a federal appellate court pause in the enforcement of age verification and time limits for minors under 16 on social media.
Defending Virginia's Veterans
OAG Release: Attorney General Jay Jones Takes Action to Defend Virginia Veterans' GI Bill Benefits
Attorney General Jones filed a brief as part of the fight to defend the education benefits of Virginia veterans as the Trump administration unlawfully denies them.
Protecting Our Environment
WRIC: Virginia joins multistate lawsuit over EPA move on vehicle emissions rule
"While the Trump administration continues to try to convince us that up is down and down is up, we cannot allow them to dismiss decades of evidence gathered by the scientific community and ignore the very real harm to our health and welfare created by greenhouse gases."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2991-what-virginians-are-seeing-attorney-general-jay-jones-shares-roundup-of-actions-taken
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Prince George's County
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 28 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Prince George's County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Chillum, Prince George's County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., an officer with
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 28 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Prince George's County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Chillum, Prince George's County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., an officer withthe Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) conducted a traffic stop near 23rd Avenue and East-West Highway. The officer called for backup and a second PGPD officer responded. During the traffic stop, the driver was directed to exit the vehicle and sit on a nearby curb. As an officer searched the vehicle, the driver reentered the car. The driver began to drive while the officer was inside the car. The officer fired his service weapon, striking the driver of the car. The car crashed into a utility pole.
Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene and transported the driver of the vehicle to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Both officers were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening-injuries. The officer who fired his service weapon was equipped with a body-worn camera. The backup officer was equipped with a body-worn camera, and his vehicle was outfitted with a dash camera.
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.
The IID will generally release body-worn and/or dash 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-a-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-Prince-George%e2%80%99s-County--.aspx
U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government Fraud
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 27 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government Fraud
U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government Fraud
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SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons and South Dakota Attorney General Marty J. Jackley held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to highlight
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 27 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government Fraud
U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government Fraud
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SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons and South Dakota Attorney General Marty J. Jackley held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to highlightnew federal and state initiatives to combat the serious problem of fraud committed against state and federal governments and government programs.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office are working together toward the same goals: protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring government program funding goes to the people in need of assistance, and prosecuting those who steal from state, federal, or tribal governments. Alongside law enforcement and agency partners, the U.S. Attorney's Office and South Dakota Attorney General's Office work together to detect, root out, and prosecute fraudulent conduct. Tips and leads from employees, contractors, and concerned citizens are often how fraud is first discovered.
"Fraud is not a mistake. It is not a technicality. It is not just 'gaming the system.' And it is not victimless. It is stealing. And those who steal from the American taxpayer will be held accountable," said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
"South Dakotans deserve a state government that is transparent and free from corruption," said Attorney General Jackley. "I have and will hold offenders accountable."
NATIONAL CONTEXT: THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion every year to fraud -- representing 3% to 7% of total federal spending. Since 2003, cumulative improper payments have totaled approximately $2.8 trillion. In fiscal year 2024 alone, 16 federal agencies reported $162 billion in improper payments across 68 programs.
The federal multi-agency crackdown on benefit fraud in Minnesota--which resulted in charges against 98 defendants and 64 convictions to date--demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement across multiple agencies. The new national DOJ Fraud Enforcement Division created under the Trump Administration is modeled on that effort and dedicated to combating fraud--both criminal and civil--in every federal program, in every state. On March 24, 2026, Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald was confirmed by the United States Senate to lead that division.
THE USAO'S NEW GOVERNMENT FRAUD UNIT
Recently, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota established a Government Fraud Unit to integrate civil and criminal prosecutors from the outset of every case involving government fraud. This unit facilitates the simultaneous pursuit of criminal charges and civil remedies, including recovery under the False Claims Act, which allows the government to seek treble damages for fraud against federal programs. The Unit's focus areas include:
* Healthcare fraud (Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health programs)
* Procurement and grant fraud
* False Claims Act violations
* Theft from tribal programs and organizations
* Financial fraud against federal programs of every kind
The USAO Government Fraud Unit in South Dakota will work closely and coordinate with the new Fraud Enforcement Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
SOUTH DAKOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE PROGRAMS
Attorney General Marty Jackley has three programs that promote government accountability within South Dakota: the Public Integrity Unit, Medicaid Fraud Abuse and Neglect Services, and Cooperative Disability Investigations.
South Dakota's Public Integrity Unit was established through Senate Bill 62, which was proposed by Attorney General Jackley, passed by the 2025 Legislature, and signed by Governor Larry Rhoden. The legislation created mandatory reporting requirements for state employee misconduct and provided protection for employees who make good faith reports to authorities.
In its first year, the unit received 58 reports that resulted in 16 investigations, nine substantiated allegations, and four individuals charged. A yearly report will be presented to the legislative Government Operations and Audit Committee. This year's Public Integrity Report can be found at: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/January%202026%20Public%20Integrity%20Report%20to%20GOAC.pdf
Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Neglect Services recovered $942,248.56 in 2025, while the office's Cooperative Disability Investigations program was ranked the sixth most productive unit in the country for Fiscal Year 2025. The program recorded $4.5 million in Social Security Program Savings and $2.9 million in Medicaid/Medicare Program Savings.
"We will not tolerate fraud that steals from taxpayers," said Attorney General Jackley. "Every dollar recovered is a dollar returned to the public."
RECENT FEDERAL CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Crop Insurance Fraud--Sully County (Criminal Convictions and Civil Judgment: $4,019,820)
Two Sully County farmers falsely certified to a federal crop insurance company that they had planted approximately 2,200 acres of sunflowers and corn that were never planted, then collected over $1.3 million in insurance payments. After criminal convictions in 2022, the government pursued civil remedies under the False Claims Act. In September 2025, a federal judge entered a civil judgment of $4,019,820 against the defendants. The case, which was investigated by the USDA Office of Inspector General and the USDA Risk Management Agency, demonstrates the USAO Fraud Unit's integrated civil and criminal enforcement model.
Theft from Tribal Employment Office--Pine Ridge (Indicted: $4.7 Million+)
Two defendants were federally indicted for conspiring to divert over $4.7 million in employment fee checks from the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) on the Pine Ridge Reservation into a private bank account over a seven-year period. The funds--meant to support tribal employment programs--were allegedly split between the two defendants and used for personal purchases including homes and vehicles. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 22 counts of wire fraud, and 7 counts of money laundering, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. One defendant has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The other has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS Office of Inspector General.
False Claims Act: Telecommunications contractors sued for defrauding Indian Tribe--Rosebud, SD ($2.1 Million+)
The owners and agents of a telecommunications company have been sued under the False Claims Act for allegedly making false claims for payment to the federal government to enrich themselves. A tribal government was awarded a federal grant to expand internet access on the reservation. The Tribe awarded the contract to complete the work to defendants, who then conspired to invoice the Tribe for equipment never purchased and to create fraudulent, inflated invoices for vehicles that were then charged to the federal grant. The claim is subject to treble damages under federal law. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.
Tax Preparer Scheme for Submitting Fraudulent Tax Returns--Sioux Falls (Indicted: $685,437)
Working out of her Sioux Falls home, the defendant allegedly submitted fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of dozens of unwitting clients from approximately 2020 through 2023. The tax returns included a variety of falsely claimed items, such as Schedule A deductions and childcare tax credits, thereby inflating individual tax refunds. Defendant was indicted in January 2026 on 45 counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Presentation of a False and Fraudulent Tax Return and faces a maximum penalty of three years on each count. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Superintendent Embezzlement, Bureau of Indian Education School--Pine Ridge (Indicted: $700,000)
The superintendent of a federally funded Bureau of Indian Education school on the Pine Ridge Reservation was indicted on charges of embezzlement and theft from a tribal organization, larceny, and theft of government property for allegedly stealing approximately $700,000 through multiple schemes. The school receives most of its operating budget from the federal government. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled for June 2026. Forfeiture proceedings are underway to recover stolen funds for the school and community. The case was investigated by the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General.
RECENT STATE CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Stealing from Children: Lonna Carroll, former DSS administrative assistant, was sentenced to seven years and ordered to repay $1.78 million for stealing from Child Protection Services between 2010 and 2023.
Exploiting Trust: Mark Rathbun, former state driver's license examiner, faces an 85-count indictment for possession of child pornography and unlawful access of computer systems. Charges include using confidential driver's license data and creating or sharing computer-generated pornographic images of minors. Rathbun's case is pending. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Falsifying Inspections: Renee Strong, former Department of Public Safety employee, was convicted for forging food service inspections.
Concealing Fraud: Danielle Degenstein, former Department of Revenue employee, was sentenced and fined for failing to report a colleague's creation of fake vehicle titles.
Medicaid Fraud: Sharon Monson of Pierre was indicted on five felony charges for allegedly defrauding the South Dakota Medicaid Program of approximately $588,000. Monson, owner of At Home Nursing, faces charges including unlawful receipt of medical benefits, aggravated grand theft, perjury, and failure to maintain necessary records. The case is pending, and Monson is presumed innocent.
HOW TO REPORT FRAUD
Members of the public who have information about fraud against federal programs are encouraged to come forward. Reports can be made confidentially.
* U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota: (605) 330-4400 (Sioux Falls); (605) 224-5402 (Pierre); (605) 342-7822 (Rapid City) | www.justice.gov/usao-sd
* South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation: (605) 773-3331
* FBI: tips.fbi.gov | 1-800-CALL-FBI
* USDA OIG (crop/food programs): 1-800-424-9121
* HHS OIG (Medicare/Medicaid): 1-800-HHS-TIPS
* GAO FraudNet: gao.gov/fraudnet | fraudnet@gao.gov | (800) 424-5454
Individuals with inside knowledge of fraud against the government may also be eligible to file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act and may receive between 15% and 30% of any government recovery. Federal law prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3042
Statement From Md. A.G. Brown on Landmark Verdicts Against Meta and YouTube for Harming Children
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 27 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on March 26, 2026:
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Statement from Attorney General Brown on Landmark Verdicts Against Meta and YouTube for Harming Children
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after juries in New Mexico and California returned verdicts against Meta and a jury in California returned a verdict against YouTube for designing social media platforms that exploit children and cause serious harm to their mental health.
"The verdict against Meta and YouTube in California,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 27 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on March 26, 2026:
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Statement from Attorney General Brown on Landmark Verdicts Against Meta and YouTube for Harming Children
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after juries in New Mexico and California returned verdicts against Meta and a jury in California returned a verdict against YouTube for designing social media platforms that exploit children and cause serious harm to their mental health.
"The verdict against Meta and YouTube in California,along with the verdict against Meta in New Mexico, are landmark moments in the fight to protect our children from social media platforms that are designed to exploit them. The anxiety, depression, and addiction that millions of young people are experiencing are not accidents -- they are the result of deliberate design choices made by companies that put profit over young people's mental health. These verdicts are a long-overdue reckoning for an industry that has spent years exploiting the vulnerabilities of children while telling parents there was nothing to worry about. Maryland is part of similar multistate federal litigation against Meta because every child across our State and nation deserves protection from platforms that treat them as a commodity and exploit their vulnerabilities. Our children's wellbeing should not be for sale."
In October 2023, Attorney General Brown and a bipartisan coalition attorneys general filed lawsuits against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging that the company knowingly designed Instagram and Facebook with addictive features, while falsely assuring the public that these features are safe and suitable for young users. Attorney General Brown's case remains ongoing.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Statement-from-Attorney-General-Brown-on-Landmark-Verdicts-Against-Meta-and-YouTube-for-Harming-Children.aspx
Okla. A.G. Drummond Applauds Passage of Bills Aimed at DUI Offenses
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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Drummond applauds passage of bills aimed at DUI offenses
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the state Legislature's passage of a pair of bills that place restrictions on driving under the influence (DUI) offenders.
House Bill 3114 and Senate Bill 137, authored by Rep. Jonathan Wilk and Sen. Warren Hamilton, are identical bills that would prohibit prison inmates who have been convicted of a DUI causing great bodily injury to another person
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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Drummond applauds passage of bills aimed at DUI offenses
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the state Legislature's passage of a pair of bills that place restrictions on driving under the influence (DUI) offenders.
House Bill 3114 and Senate Bill 137, authored by Rep. Jonathan Wilk and Sen. Warren Hamilton, are identical bills that would prohibit prison inmates who have been convicted of a DUI causing great bodily injury to another personfrom being released on the Department of Corrections' Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Surveillance Program. The measures also cause anyone participating in the GPS program who is ineligible under the new rules to be removed from the program.
"Any drunk driver who severely injures an innocent person should face consequences that fit the gravity of their crime," Drummond said. "I appreciate the work that Rep. Wilk and Sen. Hamilton put into these bills, and I appreciate the House and the Senate for voting to pass their respective versions of the bills."
The bills were introduced amid a controversial decision by the Department of Corrections last month to release Sara Polston from prison to the GPS program after serving only 73 days of her eight-year sentence. Polston nearly killed Micaela Borrego, now 23, while driving under the influence in 2023. Borrego suffered brain damage in the crash and has lasting, life-altering injuries.
SB 137 has passed the Senate 37-8 and now heads to the House for passage. HB 3114 heads to the Senate after a 92-2 vote in the House.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/march/drummond-applauds-passage-of-bills-aimed-at-dui-offenses.html
Attorney General James Bars Correctional Health Care Provider from New York Following Deaths in Custody
ALBANY, New York, March 27 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Bars Correctional Health Care Provider from New York Following Deaths in Custody
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March 27, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a settlement with correctional health care provider NaphCare, LLC (NaphCare) and its affiliate Proactive Health Care Medicine, PLLC (Proactive), following an investigation into three deaths at the Onondaga County Justice Center (OCJC) in Syracuse. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that
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ALBANY, New York, March 27 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Bars Correctional Health Care Provider from New York Following Deaths in Custody
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March 27, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a settlement with correctional health care provider NaphCare, LLC (NaphCare) and its affiliate Proactive Health Care Medicine, PLLC (Proactive), following an investigation into three deaths at the Onondaga County Justice Center (OCJC) in Syracuse. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found thatNaphCare illegally practiced medicine in New York and broadly controlled medical decisions at OCJC despite not being licensed to provide medical services in the state. As a result of the investigation, NaphCare must pay $875,000 to the state and is barred from contracting to provide health services in any New York state or local correctional facility for five years.
"Every New Yorker deserves safe and competent medical care," said Attorney General James. "Our investigation found that NaphCare illegally practiced medicine in New York and failed to adequately protect individuals in custody who relied on their care. These failures put vulnerable individuals at serious risk and had devastating consequences. Today, we are holding NaphCare accountable and ensuring it cannot return to New York without strict oversight."
NaphCare is a private, for-profit correctional health care company based in Alabama that provided medical services at OCJC, the Onondaga County Correctional Facility, and the Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center between 2020 and 2022. The OAG launched an investigation following reports of multiple deaths in custody potentially attributable to inadequate medical care. Through the investigation, OAG determined that NaphCare had created Proactive, a New York corporation, to serve as the nominal medical provider for incarcerated individuals in Onondaga County facilities while continuing to illegally handle decision-making and oversight from Alabama.
When entering into contracts with correctional facilities, NaphCare and Proactive claimed that Proactive would provide all clinical care, while NaphCare would provide only administrative and management services. However, the OAG found that NaphCare employees in Alabama regularly issued treatment orders, prescribed medications, and directed care for incarcerated patients in New York. NaphCare also exercised significant control over Proactive's operations and supervised its medical staff, effectively running the entire medical practice at the facilities despite not being licensed to practice medicine in New York.
The OAG investigation also uncovered serious failures in care during NaphCare's tenure at OCJC. Within a roughly 20-month period, three people in custody died after receiving inadequate medical attention. One incarcerated pregnant woman, who was given no prenatal care, repeatedly reported that her water had broken and that she was in labor, but was not evaluated by a medical provider for more than 30 hours and was not transported to a hospital until after she gave birth alone in her cell. Her premature newborn died hours later. Another person died by suicide after not receiving necessary mental health care. A third person, a man in his sixties with a known history of hypertension and other medical conditions, died from cardiovascular disease after receiving only intermittent treatment for dangerously high blood pressure and after multiple medication errors, including mix-ups in ordering and administering his prescriptions.
The OAG learned that many treatment decisions during these incidents were made remotely through NaphCare's electronic communication system, which allowed providers in Alabama to review electronic records and issue orders without seeing or speaking to patients. Ultimately, OAG determined that NaphCare engaged in repeated and persistent illegal practices, including widespread violations of New York's corporate practice of medicine laws, which prohibit non-medical corporations from owning medical practices and from directly employing physicians to provide medical care in the state. The OAG also found that NaphCare violated numerous state regulations governing medical care in correctional facilities and repeatedly failed to follow its own policies and procedures, as well as national standards for correctional health care.
As a result of OAG's investigation, NaphCare must pay $875,000 in penalties and is prohibited from bidding on or entering into any contracts with New York state or any New York municipality to provide correctional health services for five years. For an additional five years after that, NaphCare must provide advance notice to OAG and receive written approval before entering into any such contract. If the company is ever permitted to provide correctional health services in New York again, any providers delivering medical, dental, or mental health care to patients in the state, including through telehealth, must be employed by or contracted through a properly licensed New York professional medical entity. If NaphCare fails to uphold any terms of the agreement, it will face a $50,000 penalty for each violation and may face additional enforcement action.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Susan Lambiase under the supervision of Health Care Bureau Chief Darsana Srinivasan. The Health Care Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux 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-bars-correctional-health-care-provider-new-york-following
Attorney General Clark Asks Court to Enforce Order Blocking HHS from Sharing Large Swaths of Medicaid Data with ICE
MONTPELIER, Vermont, March 27 -- Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark posted the following news release:
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Attorney General Clark Asks Court to Enforce Order Blocking HHS from Sharing Large Swaths of Medicaid Data with ICE
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Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a multistate coalition asking the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to enforce its preliminary injunction blocking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from obtaining and using the data of Medicaid recipients who are lawfully residing in the United States. The coalition's recent communications
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MONTPELIER, Vermont, March 27 -- Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark posted the following news release:
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Attorney General Clark Asks Court to Enforce Order Blocking HHS from Sharing Large Swaths of Medicaid Data with ICE
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Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a multistate coalition asking the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to enforce its preliminary injunction blocking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from obtaining and using the data of Medicaid recipients who are lawfully residing in the United States. The coalition's recent communicationswith the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicate that HHS shared with ICE a "a large and complex data set" of Medicaid recipient data, even though the Court unambiguously held that much Medicaid data, including that of citizens and lawful permanent residents, is "off limits." The exact contents of this data set are unclear. In filing its motion to enforce, the coalition also asks the court to confirm the scope of its original order includes all individuals lawfully residing in the U.S. and require the federal government to explain what data has been shared by HHS, and how ICE is using the data.
Created in 1965, Medicaid is an essential source of health insurance for lower-income individuals and particular underserved population groups, including children, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. The Medicaid program allows each participating state to develop and administer its own unique health plans; states must meet threshold federal statutory criteria, but they can tailor their plans' eligibility standards and coverage options to residents' needs. As of January 2025, 78.4 million people were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) nationwide.
On July 1, 2025, the coalition filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration arguing that HHS's mass transfer of Medicaid data to ICE violates the law and asking the court to block any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes. The lawsuit highlighted that the Trump Administration's illegal actions are creating fear and confusion leading noncitizens and their family members to disenroll, or refuse to enroll, in emergency Medicaid for which they are otherwise eligible, leaving states and their safety net hospitals to foot the bill for federally mandated emergency healthcare services.
In a limited preliminary injunction order, the court allowed some data transfers, but enjoined ICE's broader efforts to obtain sensitive health data; data of citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other s residing lawfully in the U.S. ; and data from other CMS administered health programs.
In filing this motion, Attorney General Clark joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the Governor of Kentucky.
A copy of the motion is available on our website.
CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171
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Original text here: https://ago.vermont.gov/blog/2026/03/27/attorney-general-clark-asks-court-enforce-order-blocking-hhs-sharing-large-swaths-medicaid-data-ice
