Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Va. A.G. Office Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation Into Natural Bridge Zoo
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- The Virginia Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Office of the Attorney General Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation into Natural Bridge Zoo
Legal action taken by the Office of the Attorney General has led to the safe return of the giraffe calves connected to the Natural Bridge Zoo following their disappearance in 2025.
Following an extensive investigation, the Office of the Attorney General located the missing giraffe calves and facilitated their placement with a professional
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- The Virginia Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Office of the Attorney General Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation into Natural Bridge Zoo
Legal action taken by the Office of the Attorney General has led to the safe return of the giraffe calves connected to the Natural Bridge Zoo following their disappearance in 2025.
Following an extensive investigation, the Office of the Attorney General located the missing giraffe calves and facilitated their placement with a professionalfacility specializing in giraffe care. The animals are safe and are receiving proper medical and behavioral support.
This outcome reflects the Attorney General's commitment to ensuring public safety, protecting our communities, and accountability for those who break the law. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, no further details can be released at this time.
The Office of the Attorney General extends its gratitude to the public for the tremendous support shown throughout this investigation.
If anyone has further information about the illegal movement of the giraffes, please call our office at 804-786-2071.
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Original texth ere: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3043-office-of-the-attorney-general-secures-safe-return-of-giraffe-calves-following-extensive-investigation-into-natural-bridge-zoo
Okla. A.G. Drummond Praises Big 12 Legal Action
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 17 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 15, 2026:
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Drummond praises Big 12 legal action
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today praised the Big 12 Conference for filing a legal complaint against Texas Tech seeking confirmation of its authority to sanction the institution if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays during the 2026 football season.
The action followed a letter Drummond sent to the conference on Friday encouraging the league to enforce its bylaws to uphold competition integrity in the wake of Sorsby's
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 17 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 15, 2026:
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Drummond praises Big 12 legal action
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today praised the Big 12 Conference for filing a legal complaint against Texas Tech seeking confirmation of its authority to sanction the institution if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays during the 2026 football season.
The action followed a letter Drummond sent to the conference on Friday encouraging the league to enforce its bylaws to uphold competition integrity in the wake of Sorsby'sgambling violations. Drummond also called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's claims that sanctions against Texas Tech would violate antitrust laws meritless.
The complaint, filed June 14, names Paxton, Texas Tech and several Texas Tech officials as defendants.
"I applaud the Big 12's swift action to defend its authority to enforce its own bylaws," Drummond said. "My office will protect Oklahoma's own stake in the integrity of these contests."
Drummond noted Oklahoma has direct interest in the integrity of the Big 12 Conference because Oklahoma State University is a member institution.
The Big 12's complaint extensively cited Drummond's letter, reiterating that the idea that the Big 12 may not sanction the actions of one of its members under an agreed-upon preexisting contract is facially absurd and that the private association can enforce its own rules.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/june/drummond-praises-big-12-legal-action.html
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces May 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces May 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
ATLANTIC CITY -- Today the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced the May 2026 total gaming revenue results.
Casino Win:
Casino Win for the nine casino hotels was $265.6 million for May 2026, reflecting an increase of 0.1% when compared to $265.3 million reported for May 2025. Year-to-date Casino Win was $1.15 billion through May 2026, reflecting an increase
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces May 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
ATLANTIC CITY -- Today the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced the May 2026 total gaming revenue results.
Casino Win:
Casino Win for the nine casino hotels was $265.6 million for May 2026, reflecting an increase of 0.1% when compared to $265.3 million reported for May 2025. Year-to-date Casino Win was $1.15 billion through May 2026, reflecting an increaseof 3.0% compared to the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Gross Revenue Reports are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-gross-revenue-reports/
Internet Gaming Win:
Internet Gaming Win for the casinos and their partners was $276.3 million for May 2026, reflecting growth of 11.9% when compared to $246.8 million reported for May 2025. Year-to-date Internet Gaming Win was $1.32 billion through May 2026, reflecting growth of 14.4% when compared to $1.16 billion for the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Internet Gaming Gross Revenue Reports are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-internet-gross-revenue-reports/
Sports Wagering Gross Revenue:
Sports Wagering Gross Revenue for the casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $85.2 million for May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 16.9% when compared to $102.5 million reported for May 2025. Year-to-date Sports Wagering Gross Revenue was $455.7 million through May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 1.0% when compared to $460.2 million reported for the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Sports Wagering Tax Returns are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-sports-wagering-revenue-reports/
Total Gaming Revenue:
Total Gaming Revenue for casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $627.1 million for May 2026, reflecting 2.0% growth when compared to $614.7 million reported for May 2025. Year-to-date Total Gaming Revenue was $2.93 billion through May 2026, reflecting 7.2% growth when compared to $2.74 billion reported for the prior year-to-date period. Total Gross Revenue Taxes were $87.4 million for May 2026 and $419.5 million for year-to-date through May 2026.
Click here (https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/docs/Financials/PressRelease2026/May2026.pdf) for the DGE press release for additional informati
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/new-jersey-division-of-gaming-enforcement-announces-may-2026-total-gaming-revenue-results/
N.J. A.G. Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
With New Jersey hosting eight World Cup matches this summer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office is taking a proactive, multi-part approach to stifle human trafficking, elevate the issue on a global stage, and ensure the tournament is not used by criminals to exploit vulnerable people and workers.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Comprehensive, Multifaceted Set of Actions to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking During the World Cup
With New Jersey hosting eight World Cup matches this summer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office is taking a proactive, multi-part approach to stifle human trafficking, elevate the issue on a global stage, and ensure the tournament is not used by criminals to exploit vulnerable people and workers.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenporttoday highlighted a series of steps her office is taking to confront this heinous crime, including enforcement actions, efforts to raise public awareness, and training for frontline workers.
"From the beginning of my tenure, I identified human trafficking as a major priority. In light of the World Cup, additional enforcement is taking place and support resources are available. Our efforts help survivors and victims while holding perpetrators of this crime accountable," said Attorney General Davenport. "Each of us, working together in ways big and small, can end the nightmare that human trafficking victims endure day in and day out. And our efforts do not end with the World Cup; we will continue to do this work for survivors and victims -- those who have shown the courage to come forward so law enforcement can act, bring traffickers to justice, and prevent further victimization."
Over the past several years the State has been increasing attention, awareness, prevention, and enforcement of human trafficking, expanding both the Human Trafficking Units of the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).
As World Cup matches are played in the Meadowlands and Philadelphia this summer, numerous efforts are being undertaken by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and other agencies to disrupt human trafficking operations across the state.
Increased enforcement
* Criminal enforcement: In May, the NJSP and DCJ Human Trafficking Units announced charges against a Camden man in connection with his alleged trafficking, promoting of prostitution, and acts of violence against two women, who he allegedly forced to commit commercial sex acts in exchange for money and narcotics. Keith B. Woodson, 40, of Camden, rented hotel rooms, bought supplies, and arranged meetings between one of his victims and clients, with the victim fearing that if she refused to perform sex acts against her will, the defendant would hurt her or withhold food. Woodson allegedly collected all the money the clients had paid.
In another case announced in May, 13 New Jersey residents were arrested in connection with a human trafficking ring they allegedly ran in Central and South Jersey. The ring operated across multiple counties, including Middlesex, Ocean, Camden, and Burlington. The victims provided the ring with all the money they earned, and in exchange the suspects allegedly paid for their lodging, food, other necessities, transportation, and controlled dangerous substances (CDS). The enterprise forced the victims to post online advertisements of themselves and was also involved in drug distribution, expecting the victims to provide narcotics to clients who were interested in CDS.
The NJSP and DCJ Human Trafficking Units will continue these important enforcement efforts and will increase enforcement throughout the duration of the World Cup, as such large international sporting events also bring an increase in trafficking activity.
* Victim outreach: In coordination with local and county partners, state law enforcement has conducted victim outreach operations, with the aim of recovering and providing services to potential victims of human trafficking. By combining investigative resources, victim advocacy, and specialized training, law enforcement can both rescue victims and connect them with support services, including housing, counseling, and medical care. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors on their path to recovery.
* Identifying and assisting victims: Expanding an innovative law enforcement-led pilot program designed to assist police officers with identifying young survivors and connecting them to support, rather than the criminal justice system. In partnership with Covenant House New Jersey, the Attorney General's STAR program (Screen, Train, Assist, Respond), which started in Mount Laurel and expanded to Elizabeth in May, aims to divert victims away from punishment and toward support and stability.
The program focuses on young adults ages 18 to 24, a population particularly vulnerable to trafficking when experiencing poverty or homelessness. Officers are trained to use a screening tool at the point of arrest to determine whether a detainee could be a victim of exploitation and ensure victims receive appropriate services instead of facing further punitive actions. Participants are referred to services that provide case management, housing support, legal advocacy, and more to promote long-term stabilization and to prevent future revictimization and justice system involvement.
* Elevating the voices of survivors: OAG has been collaborating with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking, composed of numerous survivor leaders. Attorney General Davenport has held meetings with survivors to learn more about their experiences, their paths to recovery and resilience, and to discuss best practices in our efforts to combat human trafficking.
Public awareness
OAG is fostering greater awareness of human trafficking among residents, business owners, and agencies at different levels of government, encouraging them to recognize the signs and how they should respond if they encounter suspected trafficking:
* Alerting licensees: Letters were sent by the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA), within the Division of Law and Public Safety, to New Jersey's licensed medical professionals and licensed cosmetology professionals -- both groups who may come into contact with human trafficking victims -- educating them on red flags related to trafficking that they should look out for.
* Putting businesses on notice: OAG and DCA sent notices to a broad array of businesses operating in New Jersey, including hotels and motels, massage businesses, and online payment apps, reminding them of their obligations under New Jersey and federal law to prevent human trafficking. The notices also highlight the federal Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, which allows the Attorney General to bring civil enforcement actions against individuals or entities who engage in sex trafficking or financially benefit from knowing participation in a sex trafficking venture. The notices also include resources that help businesses identify the signs of human trafficking and direct them to promptly report instances to law enforcement.
* Training inspectors: Training has been provided to municipal fire inspectors and code enforcement officers, who may encounter evidence of potential trafficking situations during property inspections. Members of the NJSP and the New Jersey Department of Corrections have also been receiving continuing education on how to spot potential incidents and victims.
* Combating labor trafficking: Staff from the New Jersey Racing Commission, including investigators, veterinarians, and license inspectors, attended a proactive training session at Monmouth Park in Oceanport to learn how to recognize potential signs of human trafficking in the backstretch community: the many behind-the-scenes workers who live and work at racetracks during race season. This group includes stable hands, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders, and other workers, largely from immigrant communities, who travel around the country working long hours caring for the horses. Staff who attended the training, provided by Covenant House, were educated about labor trafficking, its characteristics, the industries and populations where it has been found, as well as how to spot possible signs of trafficking in a person's presentation, behavior, and history.
* Prevention campaign: A public awareness campaign was launched on June 1 with the nonprofit It's a Penalty, which recruited soccer players to serve as ambassadors warning the public about the risk of human trafficking associated with large international sporting events.
The prevention campaign, running throughout the global soccer event, includes ad placements and activities at airports, airlines, hotels, accommodation providers, transportation networks, media platforms, and fan venues in New Jersey, New York, and other host cities across North America. It also includes educational videos, reporting mechanisms, training for frontline staff, and resources for the public.
* Online information and resources: The unveiling of a World Cup website that includes a dedicated page on fighting human trafficking, with the aim of promoting public understanding of how to detect and report suspected trafficking. The site includes tip lines for victims and witnesses to contact authorities, posters businesses can print out and display to alert the public to what to look out for, as well as resources for survivors to help them with counseling, legal assistance, housing, and other needs.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-announces-comprehensive-multifaceted-set-of-actions-to-prevent-and-disrupt-human-trafficking-during-the-world-cup/
Md. A.G. Brown: Baltimore Man Sentenced to Jail and Ordered to Pay Over $68,000 in Restitution to the State for Cigarette Smuggling Tax Fraud Scheme
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Baltimore Man Sentenced to Jail and Ordered to Pay Over $68,000 in Restitution to the State for Cigarette Smuggling Tax Fraud Scheme
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that Saad Al Qutaibi, 40, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to illegally import untaxed cigarettes into the state and evade Maryland's cigarette tax. This investigation was led by the Attorney General's Fraud and Corruption Unit and the Maryland
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Baltimore Man Sentenced to Jail and Ordered to Pay Over $68,000 in Restitution to the State for Cigarette Smuggling Tax Fraud Scheme
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that Saad Al Qutaibi, 40, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to illegally import untaxed cigarettes into the state and evade Maryland's cigarette tax. This investigation was led by the Attorney General's Fraud and Corruption Unit and the MarylandAlcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC).
Between September 4, 2024, and October 16, 2024, Al Qutaibi imported untaxed cigarettes from North Carolina into Maryland, stamped them with counterfeit Maryland cigarette tax stamps, and then resold them to customers without paying the State's $5 per pack tax on cigarettes. On October 16, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the headquarters of the conspiracy in Baltimore City and recovered more than 8,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes and hundreds of counterfeit Maryland tax stamps.
"Maryland's tax laws exist to ensure a fair and level playing field for businesses and to provide the revenue that supports essential government services," said Attorney General Brown. "Schemes involving counterfeit tax stamps, cigarette smuggling, and tax evasion undermine that system and cheat Maryland taxpayers. This case demonstrates that our Office will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit through fraud."
"Concerns for public health and fair business practices are driving forces behind much of the work that the ATCC does in tobacco enforcement," said ATCC Executive Director Jeffrey A. Kelly. "Cigarette taxes are essential to the State's public health initiatives to treat addiction, prevent minors from accessing tobacco, and deal with the long-term cost of smoking related illness. This successful prosecution ensures that bad actors cannot profit at the expense of Maryland citizens, and protects a fair and competitive marketplace for thousands of responsible Maryland businesses."
On June 9, 2026, Al Qutaibi pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lawrence Fletcher-Hill of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to one count of conspiracy to transport unstamped cigarettes, one count of conspiracy to possess a counterfeited tax stamp, and one count of possession of more than 30 cartons of unstamped cigarettes. Judge Fletcher-Hill sentenced Al Qutaibi to serve 30 days in jail and pay over $68,000 in restitution to the State. Judge Fletcher-Hill also ordered that Al Qutaibi be placed on three years of probation. If he violates probation, he faces nearly eight years of potential incarceration.
In making today's announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked Criminal Division Chief Katie Dorian, Fraud and Corruption Unit Chief Alexander Huggins, and Assistant Attorneys General Kathryn Bartz and William Elman, who prosecuted this case. Finally, Attorney General Brown thanked State's Attorney for Baltimore City Ivan Bates for his assistance with this prosecution.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Baltimore-Man-Sentenced-to-Jail-and-Ordered-to-Pay-Over-,000-in-Restitution-to-the-State-for-Cigarette-Smuggling-Tax-Fra.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and reject
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges Congress to Restore SNAP Benefits and Protect Food Assistance in Farm Bill
Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and eligibility protections in the upcoming Farm Bill and rejectefforts to reduce food assistance.
In a letter to Senate leadership and the leaders of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Attorney General Brown and the coalition warned that recent federal SNAP cuts - the largest reductions to food assistance in modern history - are increasing hunger, creating new bureaucratic hurdles for eligible families, and shifting billions of dollars in costs onto states and local governments. They write that as the Senate considers the next Farm Bill, it has an opportunity to reaffirm a bipartisan commitment that no American should go hungry because they cannot afford food.
SNAP provides critical support to 680,000 Marylanders, including nearly 270,000 children. New federal restrictions passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded work requirements and additional administrative hurdles, make it significantly harder for Maryland residents to keep their benefits or threaten to push them off the program altogether. In the letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that expanded work requirements and administrative hurdles do not create jobs or reduce poverty. Instead, they cause eligible families to lose assistance because they are unable to navigate increasingly complex bureaucratic requirements.
The attorneys general also raise concerns about the impact of new SNAP changes on state economies. New cost-sharing provisions require states to shoulder billions of dollars in new costs while imposing substantial new administrative burdens, a significant shift from SNAP's longstanding federal commitment to ensuring that Americans do not go hungry during times of need. Attorney General Brown and the coalition warn that these unprecedented shifts could force states to make impossible choices between cutting other essential services or reducing SNAP support for vulnerable residents.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition are urging the Senate to take a different approach from the House-passed Farm Bill, which fails to reverse recent cuts to food assistance. They are calling on the Senate to restore SNAP benefit levels and funding, reverse or delay new cost-sharing requirements, and roll back expanded work requirements and eligibility restrictions. They also urge the Senate to reject further benefit cuts, preserve state flexibility, and strengthen access to nutrition assistance for seniors, children, veterans, and working families.
The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman, and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar.
Joining Attorney General Brown in sending the letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Urges-Congress-to-Restore-SNAP-Benefits-and-Protect-Food-Assistance-in-Farm-Bill.aspx
Alaska Law Dept.: Acting Attorney General Mills Settles With Jai Mahtani, the Owner of 'Gold Rush,' a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, Over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
KETCHIKAN, Alaska, June 17 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Acting Attorney General Mills settles with Jai Mahtani, the owner of "Gold Rush," a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a second settlement in recent weeks with a business purporting to sell Alaskan gold. Similar to Miner's Gems, Jai Mahtani, the sole proprietor of the Ketchikan jewelry store known as "Gold Rush," misrepresented his products to an undercover investigator from the Department
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KETCHIKAN, Alaska, June 17 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Acting Attorney General Mills settles with Jai Mahtani, the owner of "Gold Rush," a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a second settlement in recent weeks with a business purporting to sell Alaskan gold. Similar to Miner's Gems, Jai Mahtani, the sole proprietor of the Ketchikan jewelry store known as "Gold Rush," misrepresented his products to an undercover investigator from the Departmentof Law's Consumer Protection Unit. Under the proposed consent decree filed in Ketchikan Superior Court today, Mahtani will pay $10,000 to the State of Alaska and be subject to a permanent injunction designed to prevent future misrepresentations.
"The many Alaskan businesses which sell their products honestly should not have to compete with products sold through falsehoods, and the many Alaska miners and artisans that actually mine or make products from Alaska's abundant minerals should be protected," said Acting Attorney General Mills. "We will continue to deploy undercover investigators in Southeast ports to protect consumers from deceptive sales pitches and to uphold a fair marketplace."
When an undercover investigator visited Gold Rush in 2025, Mahtani greeted them by saying "all our product is locally sourced." When the investigator asked him to show them "something Alaskan" he directed the investigator to jewelry which he described as "Alaska's gold and Alaska's gold bearing quartz." He described the gold quartz as "totally Alaskan, totally locally sourced" and said that he got it from "Fairbanks or Anchorage." But during the State's subsequent investigation, Mahtani admitted that none of his jewelry was locally sourced and that he does not know if he has ever sold a piece of gold bearing quartz that was mined in Alaska.
During its investigation, the State reviewed footage from a 2023 undercover visit to Gold Rush and discovered that Mahtani had represented a white stone flecked with gold as being naturally occurring gold quartz. The State was now able to identify the stone as likely being fake gold quartz. When the State presented a picture of the stone to Mahtani during an investigative interview, he was readily able to identify the object as a German-made imitation of gold quartz. In 2023 he had represented the stone as gold bearing quartz that had been mined in Alaska. Mahtani even disparaged other stores which sold Chinese-made imitation gold quartz and told the investigator "mine is local." The fake gold quartz which Jai Mahtani had represented to be naturally occurring gold bearing quartz that was mined in Alaska.
Under the terms of the consent decree, Mahtani is subject to a permanent injunction that, among other things, will require him to maintain records demonstrating that any products he represents to be "Alaskan" or "locally sourced" or as including naturally occurring gold quartz or gold nuggets are in fact as he represents them to be. The injunction empowers state investigators to ensure Mahtani's compliance and the accuracy of his representations to consumers by auditing these records.
The State encourages any person who believes they were subjected to unfair or deceptive business practices to submit a complaint to the Consumer Protection Unit at https://law.alaska.gov/department/civil/consumer/cp_complaint.html.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/061626-GoldRush.html
