Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Ga. A.G. Carr: DOJ Drops Election Lawsuit Instigated by Stacey Abrams
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 1 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 31, 2025:
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Carr: DOJ Drops Election Lawsuit Instigated by Stacey Abrams
ATLANTA, GA - Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that, at his request, the U.S. Department of Justice has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Georgia's Election Integrity Act. The lawsuit was filed by the Biden administration on June 25, 2021.
"The Biden administration used legally and factually false information provided by Stacey Abrams and her affiliated entities to file frivolous and costly lawsuits
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 1 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on March 31, 2025:
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Carr: DOJ Drops Election Lawsuit Instigated by Stacey Abrams
ATLANTA, GA - Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that, at his request, the U.S. Department of Justice has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Georgia's Election Integrity Act. The lawsuit was filed by the Biden administration on June 25, 2021.
"The Biden administration used legally and factually false information provided by Stacey Abrams and her affiliated entities to file frivolous and costly lawsuitsdefaming the State of Georgia," said Carr. "Georgia's law makes it easy to vote and harder to cheat, just as we saw in 2022 and 2024, which is exactly why we requested that the Department of Justice withdraw this politically motivated lawsuit."
As Attorney General, Carr has continued to successfully defend Georgia's Election Integrity Act, and he has so far defeated every legal challenge filed by Stacey Abrams since 2018.
Contact
Communications Director Kara (Richardson) Murray
kmurray@law.ga.gov
Contact
Communications Specialist Lauren Read
lread@law.ga.gov
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-03-31/carr-doj-drops-election-lawsuit-instigated-stacey-abrams
Eight Counties Awarded First of $60M in Grants Targeting Inmate Addiction in Jails
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Eight Counties Awarded First of $60M in Grants Targeting Inmate Addiction in Jails
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Grants totaling more than $1.2 million are headed to eight Ohio counties to help sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates, Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
In all, Yost's office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses in Ohio's jails. Substance abuse is a leading cause of death among
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Eight Counties Awarded First of $60M in Grants Targeting Inmate Addiction in Jails
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Grants totaling more than $1.2 million are headed to eight Ohio counties to help sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates, Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
In all, Yost's office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses in Ohio's jails. Substance abuse is a leading cause of death amongjail inmates in Ohio, accounting for at least 70 deaths since 2020, according to a recent USA Today report.
"The opioid crisis thrust county jails into the role of de facto addiction-treatment facilities, placing an unfunded burden on Ohio's sheriffs," Yost said. "These grants will provide relief to our jails as they manage the added responsibility of treating substance abuse. I'm grateful to every sheriff and deputy in Ohio, as they have adapted admirably to the evolving challenges of drug addiction."
The attorney general's Opioid Remediation Grant Program is awarding county jails up to $200,000 per year to hire a full-time addiction-services coordinator or a contractor providing similar services to treat opioid and other addictions, helping inmates through detox and recovery. Additionally, any county that operates a jail can apply for a $50,000 grant to fund medications and supplies for inmates experiencing opioid withdrawal.
Yost's office has awarded grants to eight counties thus far:
* Ashland: $114,788
* Erie: $177,516
* Medina: $50,000
* Richland: $250,000
* Summit: $187,200
* Trumbull: $250,000
* Washington: $144,470
* Wyandot: $95,252
Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said that tackling addiction behind bars is key to reducing crime, explaining that his county will use its grant in collaboration with Bayshore Counseling Services in Sandusky to provide additional addiction-treatment services to inmates.
"Many of those who are incarcerated have substance-abuse issues," Sigsworth said. "Those who are able to overcome their addiction issues with the assistance of treatment services funded by this grant will - hopefully - not commit future criminal offenses."
Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider echoed Sigsworth's comments, adding that the grants will help inmates plan long-term paths to recovery.
"All too often, our inmates are left standing at the exit doors wondering how, where and when they will continue getting help, and now we can assist them by coordinating a plan prior to their release from jail," Schneider said. "My hope is that each of them will continue seeking assistance in their recovery after their release to better their lives and avoid future run-ins with the law."
The application window for 2025 grants runs through Dec. 1, 2025. An application form is available here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominic Binkley: 614-728-4127
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/March-2025/Eight-Counties-Awarded-First-of-60M-in-Grants-Targ
Cell Phone Repairman Who Stashed Customers' Nude Photos Sentenced to Prison
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Cell Phone Repairman Who Stashed Customers' Nude Photos Sentenced to Prison
(GALLIPOLIS, Ohio) -- A Gallia County man who worked for a cell phone repair business was sentenced to prison today for downloading nude photos from customers' phones, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
"This crime was the digital equivalent of a peeping Tom hiding in the bushes outside a bedroom window - it's creepy, and it's an invasion of privacy," Yost said. "He will now face serious time for his cybercrimes."
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31 -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following news release:
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Cell Phone Repairman Who Stashed Customers' Nude Photos Sentenced to Prison
(GALLIPOLIS, Ohio) -- A Gallia County man who worked for a cell phone repair business was sentenced to prison today for downloading nude photos from customers' phones, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
"This crime was the digital equivalent of a peeping Tom hiding in the bushes outside a bedroom window - it's creepy, and it's an invasion of privacy," Yost said. "He will now face serious time for his cybercrimes."
Calvin Jordan, 27, of Gallipolis, was sentenced to 49 to 51 years in prison. He will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender.
Johnson pleaded guilty in February to a 40-count indictment. The charges include:
* Three counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor (F2)
* One count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance (F5)
* 36 counts of unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunications property (F5)
Jordan worked at Direct Computing Solutions (aka DC Solutions) in Gallipolis when the crimes took place. Investigators with the Gallipolis Police Department and Yost's Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that Jordan took possession of customers' phones and downloaded private photos without their knowledge from December 2021 to April 2022.
More than 40 customers - males and females - were victimized, including minors ranging in age from 14 to 17.
Attorneys from Yost's Special Prosecution Section prosecuted the case.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/March-2025/Cell-Phone-Repairman-Who-Stashed-Customers-Nude-Ph
Attorney General Nessel Joins Coalition Calling on Federal Government to Protect, Uphold NEPA
LANSING, Michigan, March 31 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Nessel Joins Coalition Calling on Federal Government to Protect, Uphold NEPA
LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter (PDF) opposing the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ)'s interim final rule (Repeal Rule), which repeals CEQ's regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the nation's bedrock environmental law. The coalition argues that this unprecedented attempt
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, March 31 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Nessel Joins Coalition Calling on Federal Government to Protect, Uphold NEPA
LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter (PDF) opposing the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ)'s interim final rule (Repeal Rule), which repeals CEQ's regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the nation's bedrock environmental law. The coalition argues that this unprecedented attemptby the Trump Administration undermines federal environmental and community protections by eliminating uniform requirements for federal agencies to analyze and consider environmental impacts of projects that involve federal land, funding, or approvals.
"The Trump Administration's illegal move threatens the well-being of Michigan residents and the health of our Great Lakes," Nessel said. "These decades-old safeguards that require federal agencies to consider climate change and environmental justice impacts play a vital role in preserving our environment and protecting our communities. Abandoning them will leave our natural resources and public health at risk."
In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that the Repeal Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act, NEPA, and the Endangered Species Act. They warn the Repeal Rule will create uncertainty, delay project approvals, reduce public participation, and result in less-informed environmental decisions. CEQ's NEPA regulations, first adopted in 1978, have remained unchanged for decades, playing a vital role in guiding federal agencies through environmental review processes. Eliminating CEQ's NEPA regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations complicates federal and state coordination on environmental reviews and hinders public involvement in the process.
In the comment letter, the coalition highlights that:
* The current NEPA regulations have successfully safeguarded public health and the environment for decades.
* The 30-day comment period does not provide the public sufficient opportunity to participate in the rulemaking and comment on the proposal.
* The Repeal Rule is "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion" and "without observance of procedure required by law," violating the Administrative Procedure Act.
* CEQ did not adequately review the possible environmental harms of the Repeal Rule, as required by NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.
* CEQ's NEPA rules tell federal agencies how to comply with their statutory requirements under NEPA; although eliminating the regulations will not change the statutory requirements, it will cause chaos for environmental review of federal projects.
Attorney General Nessel is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Harris County, Texas, in sending this comment letter.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2025/03/31/attorney-general-nessel-joins-coalition-calling-on-federal-government
Attorney General Mayes Launches Webpage to Report Social Security Disruptions
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 31 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Launches Webpage to Report Social Security Disruptions
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a new webpage her office is launching to collect reports of Social Security issues.
"I am highly concerned that Elon Musk and the Trump Administration will take a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration," said Attorney General Mayes "We need any Arizonan who experiences any disruption to their hard-earned Social Security to report the issue immediately
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 31 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Launches Webpage to Report Social Security Disruptions
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a new webpage her office is launching to collect reports of Social Security issues.
"I am highly concerned that Elon Musk and the Trump Administration will take a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration," said Attorney General Mayes "We need any Arizonan who experiences any disruption to their hard-earned Social Security to report the issue immediatelyto my office. I refuse to let an authoritarian administration override the rule of law and destroy critical services that millions of Arizonans rely on."
Following recent reporting of potentially disastrous changes in the Social Security Administration--from cutting (link is external) 12% of the Social Security workforce to potentially gutting its (link is external) phone services and requiring (link is external) in-person check-ins while simultaneously (link is external) closing field offices --the Attorney General is creating a webpage to allow Arizonans to report any disruption they experience to their earned benefits. At this time, Arizonans should be receiving their Social Security cheques as normal, but we are starting to see (link is external) reports of disruptions.
Attorney General Kris Mayes continues to hold the federal government accountable for the illegal and unconstitutional actions by President Trump and Elon Musk, including reversing the devastating impacts with court orders. The Arizona Attorney General's office has filed the following lawsuits against the Trump administration to protect Arizonans: protecting Birthright Citizenship and the 14th amendment, blocking the federal funding freeze, stopping DOGE's attacks on privacy, protecting medical and public health research, stopping Elon Musk's unconstitutional power grab, employees, and protecting Arizona students and schools.
Arizonans experiencing a disruption in the social security payments or services can report it here:
https://www.azag.gov/socialsecurity
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/report-social-security-disruptions
AG's Office Relaunches Expanded Funding Program To Revitalize Distressed Neighborhoods And Expand Affordable Housing
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 31 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG's Office Relaunches Expanded Funding Program To Revitalize Distressed Neighborhoods And Expand Affordable Housing
BOSTON -- The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is relaunching its Receivership Expense Assistance for Creating Housing (REACH) program to help facilitate the conversion of blighted residential properties into affordable housing units in communities across the Commonwealth.
The REACH program, previously known as the Abandoned Housing Initiative Receivership
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 31 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG's Office Relaunches Expanded Funding Program To Revitalize Distressed Neighborhoods And Expand Affordable Housing
BOSTON -- The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is relaunching its Receivership Expense Assistance for Creating Housing (REACH) program to help facilitate the conversion of blighted residential properties into affordable housing units in communities across the Commonwealth.
The REACH program, previously known as the Abandoned Housing Initiative ReceivershipFund (AHIR), will award up to $2 million to 1-2 organizations that will serve as fund administrators. The chosen administrators will make loans to receivers across the state, overseeing rehabilitation projects that will help revitalize communities, return tax dollars to cities and towns, and increase the number of available housing units with the potential to create affordable homeownership opportunities.
Previously, under AHIR, receivers could borrow up to $100,000 per affordable housing project, or $75,000 for market rate housing. REACH will now allow receivers to borrow up to $250,000 per project. Additionally, the REACH program will forgive up to 10% of loans on market rate housing projects and 15% of loans on affordable housing projects in which the cost of rehabilitation exceeds the sale price of the home.
"The REACH program is an important tool in addressing our affordable housing crisis, offering critical funding that brings abandoned and blighted properties back into use," said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. "I am proud to announce the expansion of this program, which now will award even more money to expand housing opportunities and make our neighborhoods safer, more beautiful places to live."
Since 2013, the program has loaned more than $9 million to property rehabilitation efforts, resulting in repairs at 109 blighted properties and 214 housing units put back into use.
The REACH program is administered by the AGO's Neighborhood Renewal Division (NRD), which was created from the Attorney General's Abandoned Housing Initiative and uses the enforcement authority of the State Sanitary Code to turn around abandoned residential properties. Working in close partnership with cities and towns, NRD seeks out delinquent property owners and encourages them to voluntarily repair their properties. If owners refuse, the office's attorneys will petition the Court to appoint a receiver to bring the property up to code.
Under AG Campbell's administration, NRD has assisted communities in recovering approximately $1.14 million in previously unpaid property taxes and municipal fees. Additionally, NRD has completed the receivership and revitalization process on 31 properties across the Commonwealth.
Applications for the REACH program are due by 5:00 pm on April 25, 2025. Additional information about the program and application details may be found on the AGO's website.
* Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/ags-office-relaunches-expanded-funding-program-to-revitalize-distressed-neighborhoods-and-expand-affordable-housing
AG Nessel Warns Residents of Post-Storm Scams Following Severe Weather
LANSING, Michigan, March 31 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Warns Residents of Post-Storm Scams Following Severe Weather
LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents to watch out for common post-storm scams as communities across Michigan continue cleanup and repairs following severe weather. Over the weekend, severe thunderstorms and high winds swept across the Lower Peninsula, while parts of Northern Michigan were hit with an ice storm.
"After a weekend of severe weather, falling victim to a scam may be
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, March 31 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Warns Residents of Post-Storm Scams Following Severe Weather
LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents to watch out for common post-storm scams as communities across Michigan continue cleanup and repairs following severe weather. Over the weekend, severe thunderstorms and high winds swept across the Lower Peninsula, while parts of Northern Michigan were hit with an ice storm.
"After a weekend of severe weather, falling victim to a scam may bethe last thing on your mind, but fraudsters often know that and try to take advantage," Nessel said. "Be cautious to protect yourself from these scams when hiring contractors or making donations."
As residents begin to address the issues that arise from downed trees, power losses and other storm damage, Attorney General Nessel is reminding Michiganders about common scams that often follow the severe weather.
Nessel encourages impacted residents to always take the following steps when they're ready to start rebuilding and before signing any contracts or placing deposits:
* Get in touch with your insurance company,
* Speak to a local licensed professional,
* Review credentials and references,
* Get more than one written estimate, and
* Ask for a contract and read it carefully.
Attorney General Nessel's Government Imposter Scams Consumer Alert educates Michiganders on ways bad actors may try to take advantage of people who are cleaning up after severe weather, and reminds residents that imposters may claim to be anyone ranging from a government official to your local power or insurance provider.
In particular, criminals will contact consumers and tell them they have been selected to receive government funding to assist with repairs, or that if they pay an early deposit, they may receive priority standing for needed repairs. In order to receive the alleged benefit, the person will be asked to share personal or bank information.
Attorney General Nessel's Disaster Scams Consumer Alert provides information on how to identify and stop other common post-disaster scams.
The Better Business Bureau is also a helpful resource to research local companies and contractors when navigating repairs and cleanup.
While tree services are not licensed, it's important consumers vet them as thoroughly as other contractors and request written quotes outlining the total project cost before signing any agreements. This will help consumers avoid potential price gouging and other predatory business practices, especially during emergencies.
Another common scam following severe weather is the Disaster Relief Charity Scam. Attorney General Nessel encourages residents who want to help to use the following tips to ensure they are giving wisely:
* Be wary of messages from unknown organizations. Give to organizations that are well known for giving disaster relief.
* Avoid social media ads to raise money for victims. If you wish to give online, use the charity's website instead of going through an unknown link.
* Research the charity and find out if they are registered to receive money (solicit) in Michigan.
* Don't be pressured. Genuine charities give you time to decide when and what's right for you.
* Be careful when places say you already gave to them. Especially if you don't remember donating.
* Avoid alleged charities that ask for alternate forms of payment. Real charities never ask for wire transfers, gift cards, or other non-traditional payments.
* Donate to trusted places even if you don't receive a new offer.
Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime online on a variety of topics. Attorney General Nessel's Consumer Alerts, which cover a wide range of topics, can also be found directly on the Department's dedicated consumer protection site. To report extended power outages or inquire about overdue outage credits, the department provides a Power Outage Feedback and Inquiry form for all residents.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2025/03/31/ag-nessel-warns-residents-of-post-storm-scams-following-severe-weather
