Tag:

Letitia James

Former Hempstead Co-Op Prez Dodges Prison After Embezzling $26K Former Hempstead Co-Op Prez Dodges Prison After Embezzling $26K
Former Hempstead Co-Op Prez Dodges Prison After Embezzling $26K The former president of a Long Island co-op formally confessed to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars. Juan Alayo, age 72, of East Meadow, pleaded guilty to grand larceny and related charges on Friday, Nov. 15. New York Attorney General Letitia James said Alayo embezzled more than $26,700 between 2016 and 2023, during his tenure as president of the Marlboro Owners Corporation cooperative in Hempstead. An investigation found that he routinely wrote checks to himself and his company, A&J, that were neither discussed nor approved by the co-op board. He concealed his thefts by falsifyi…
White Plains Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG White Plains Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG
White Plains Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG A Westchester County nursing home is one of four in New York that will be required to pay tens of millions of dollars following years of mistreating and neglecting its senior residents, officials announced. In an announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14, New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed that four New York nursing homes, including the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 12 Tibbets Ave. in White Plains, would pay a $45 million settlement to address years of alleged insufficient staffing and resident neglect. The other nursing homes, all managed by Centers for Care, …
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K A Long Island contractor will fork over six figures in fines for building a parking lot on protected wetlands. Anthony Labriola and his companies, ALAC Realty and ALAC Contracting, were penalized $121,000 by New York State for illegally building on a protected area along the Carlls River in West Babylon. New York Attorney General Letitita James revealed Friday, Nov. 8, that Labriola and his companies removed trees and plants in a protected "buffer area” to build a construction vehicle parking lot and storage facility. The Carlls River freshwater wetlands are classified under the Department…
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general are calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence: “Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results," the coalition said. The coalition added: "A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles w…
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help As thousands flock to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, New York Attorney General Letitia James reminds voters that a hotline is available on election day for help. Hotline staffers can help voters troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues they may encounter when they cast their ballot. To help, James issued guidance for voters ahead of the election, and a guide addressing frequently asked questions is also available. “All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes,” said James. “Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you’re v…
First Person From Troy Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 First Person From Troy Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25
First Person From Troy Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 The first person charged in a major drug trafficking ring in the Capital Region and Dutchess County, busted last year and included 25 people, has been sentenced to prison. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the convictions of members of the major drug trafficking ring that distributed heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.  An investigation led by the Attorney General's Office recovered more than three kilograms of cocaine and approximately 40 grams of heroin laced…
State AG Sues Mobile Home Park Owners In Hurleyville For Horrific Living Conditions State AG Sues Mobile Home Park Owners In Hurleyville For Horrific Living Conditions
State AG Sues Mobile Home Park Owners In Hurleyville For Horrific Living Conditions The New York Attorney General's Office has filed a lawsuit against a mobile home park in the region and its owners for years of failing to maintain humane living conditions. The suit, filed Thursday, Oct. 10, in Sullivan County, targets River Valley Estates (River Valley), a mobile home park in Loch Sheldrake (Hurleyville), and its operators, George Levin and Gayla Sue Levin, for years of failing to maintain essential infrastructure in the park that left hundreds of residents without clean water and for charging illegal fees and rent hikes that cost residents hundreds of thousands of dollars…
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok knowingly harms young users’ mental health all in an effort to turn a profit, a new multistate lawsuit alleges. New York Attorney General Letitia James was among a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorneys general who filed a lawsuit against the social media platform on Tuesday, Oct. 8, alleging fraudulent and deceptive business practices, among other offenses. According to the complaint, TikTok falsely claims its platform is safe for young people despite “addictive features” that worsen their mental health and body image issues. Those features include around-the-clock notifications lea…
New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools
New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools With the new school year comes renewed debate over the use of cell phones in the classroom. Among New York parents of school-age children, 77-percent support barring cell phone use in schools during the day, a Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” poll found. Most parents, 72-percent, said they still want their child to have their phone on them in case of an emergency, the poll found. Earlier Report: Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children The poll was conducted by 600 parents with at least one child under the age of 18 in New York Cit…
Charges Reinstated Against Trooper For Murder Of Girl In Kingston Crash Charges Reinstated Against Trooper For Murder Of Girl In Kingston Crash
Charges Reinstated Against Trooper For Murder Of Girl In Kingston Crash A state appellate panel has reinstated a murder charge against a former New York State Police trooper who allegedly rammed a vehicle twice at 130 miles per hour during a traffic stop, killing an 11-year-old girl. The incident occurred in Ulster County on I-87 in Kingston on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, around 11:30 p.m. In a statement released by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday, Sept. 19, James said the charges of murder, depraved indifference murder, and reckless endangerment had been reinstated against former Trooper Christopher Baldner in connection with the death of 11-ye…
Officer Who Shot Man Dead In New Rochelle Won't Face Charges: NY AG Officer Who Shot Man Dead In New Rochelle Won't Face Charges: NY AG
Officer Who Shot Man Dead In New Rochelle Won't Face Charges: NY AG Although a police detective who fatally shot a man in Westchester following an incident at a grocery store will not face charges, the New York Attorney General's Office has recommended his department update its training and policies.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 18, New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation revealed the results of its investigation into the shooting of 37-year-old New Rochelle resident Jerrel Garris during an incident that happened in New Rochelle on July 3, 2023.  Earlier Report - Man Shot Dead By Cop: Ful…
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues You’ve seen them on cigarettes and alcohol – now social media accounts could come with their own warnings if New York Attorney General Letitia James gets her way. James was among a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general who sent a letter to Congress on Tuesday, Sept. 10, urging lawmakers to approve US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's request for warnings on sites like TikTok and Instagram about potential adverse mental health effects for minors. Murthy made the request in June, citing new research showing that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face an incr…
NYers Urged To Beware, Report AI Election Misinformation NYers Urged To Beware, Report AI Election Misinformation
NYers Urged To Beware, Report AI Election Misinformation State leaders are urging New Yorkers to beware purposely misleading election information generated by artificial intelligence. On Thursday, Sept. 5, New York Attorney General Letitia James released an online guide to help voters identify and report AI-generated “deepfakes” that can create videos depicting politicians saying or doing something they never did. Misinformation can also deceive voters on things like eligibility to vote, and where, when, or how to vote. “New Yorkers deserve to be well-informed, not misinformed, about their choices for the upcoming November elections,” James said…
AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding
AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding State leaders are on the lookout for businesses hoping to cash in on the recent flooding that hit Long Island. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert warning businesses against price gouging on essential items in Suffolk County.  It comes after a federal emergency was declared in response to widespread flooding that damaged several homes and washed out roads. “As families in Suffolk County recover from the devastating aftermath of last week’s storm, I am warning businesses not to use this as an opportunity to unfairly raise prices,” James said. Earlier Report:&nbs…
New Video Shows Moments Leading Up To Fatal Shooting Of Middletown Man By NYSP New Video Shows Moments Leading Up To Fatal Shooting Of Middletown Man By NYSP
New Video Shows Moments Leading Up To Fatal Shooting Of Middletown Man By Nysp Newly released body camera footage shows the tense moments that led to a New York’s man’s death at the hands of police. The Sullivan County incident happened in the town of Thompson, on Rock Hill Drive, at around 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16. New York State Police said troopers were pursuing 32-year-old Orange County resident Albert Melendez, of Middletown, when Melendez stopped and attempted to turn around at the intersection of Rock Hill Drive and Emerald Place. Earlier Report: Man From Region Killed By State Trooper After Striking Officer With Car, Police Say A trooper exited…
Once-Thriving Celeb Messaging Site 'Cameo' Violated Federal Guidelines: New Jersey AG Once-Thriving Celeb Messaging Site 'Cameo' Violated Federal Guidelines: New Jersey AG
Once-Thriving Celeb Messaging Site 'Cameo' Violated Federal Guidelines: New Jersey AG Cameo, message site that allows you or someone you care about to receive a video message from a range of celebrities, admitted to violating Federal Trade Commission endorsement guidelines, Matthew Platkin, the New Jersey Attorney General said. The website, features a diverse group of celebrities like former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, British politician Nigel Farange and legendary professional wrestler Mick Foley, reached a settlement with the state after it alleged Cameo failed to provide appropriate disclosures to consumers purchasing these personalized videos for business or product endors…
Cameo Agrees To Pay NY $25K For 'Misleading' Promotional Videos Cameo Agrees To Pay NY $25K For 'Misleading' Promotional Videos
Cameo Agrees To Pay NY $25K For 'Misleading' Promotional Videos Cameo will pay dozens of states, including New York, for failing to ensure customers knew that promotional videos on its site were actually paid endorsements. Baron App Inc., owner of the popular celebrity-shoutout-ordering website, agreed to pay $100,000 in penalties to 30 states as part of a settlement agreement reached Wednesday, July 24. New York will receive $25,000 of that, state Attorney General Letitia James said. Cameo found itself in hot water after launching its “Business Cameo” service in 2020, allowing companies to hire celebrities to record videos endorsing their services. A…
Transgender Athlete Ban Signed Into Law On LI; AG, NYCLU Announce Plans To Sue Transgender Athlete Ban Signed Into Law On LI; AG, NYCLU Announce Plans To Sue
Transgender Athlete Ban Signed Into Law On LI; AG, Nyclu Announce Plans To Sue Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) have announced plans to sue Nassau County after a bill preventing transgender women from participating in women’s sports was made official. The Nassau County bill was signed into law on Monday, July 15. Introduced by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — whose February executive order with the same goals prompted backlash and was quickly struck down — the bill requires sports teams to designate whether they are a female, male, or co-ed team and prevents “biological males” from competing on women’s teams at th…
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers The Nassau County Legislature passed a bill that prevents transgender women from competing in women’s sports on Long Island. At a meeting on Monday, June 24, lawmakers voted 12-6 to pass the law. Originally introduced by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office, the bill would require sports teams to designate whether they are a female, male, or co-ed team and is aimed to prevent “biological males” from competing on women’s teams. Earlier Report: Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Advanced By Nassau County Lawmakers It echoes an executive order Blakeman originally introduce…
Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General
Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General New York Attorney General Letitia James urged New Yorkers to be on high alert for increasingly common online romance scams that lead to the victims making fraudulent investments. Also referred to as “pig butchering” schemes, the perpetrators of such crimes will work to gain trust with their victims, “fattening” them up so they willingly provide the scammer money, James said in a Thursday, June 6 press release. Victims are usually targeted via dating websites and apps, social media, and unsolicited text messages. Earlier report - NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: …
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians ‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians New York politicians wasted no time reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision striking down a federal ban on bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire more quickly. In their 6-3 ruling Friday, June 14, with conservatives in the majority, the high court sided with a Texas gun store owner who surrendered his bump stocks after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reclassified the devices as machine guns in 2018. He later sued to get them back. The ATF’s regulation, issued under the Trump administration with his full support, came about after the 2017 Las Veg…
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Advanced By Long Island Lawmakers Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Advanced By Long Island Lawmakers
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Advanced By Long Island Lawmakers A month after the Nassau County Executive’s executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports was struck down in court, a new proposed bill with the same goal has been advanced to the next step. After an at-times heated discussion between lawmakers and public commenters at a Nassau County legislative committee meeting on Monday, June 10, a bill aiming to bar transgender women from women’s sports passed an initial committee vote. Earlier Report: Nassau County Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing In Women's, Girls Sports The bill, which was introd…
Nissan Dealers Fined $350K For 'Junk Fees' Levied On Long Island Lease Customers Nissan Dealers Fined $350K For 'Junk Fees' Levied On Long Island Lease Customers
Nissan Dealers Fined $350K For 'Junk Fees' Levied On Long Island Lease Customers If you purchased a Nissan vehicle on Long Island, you may have some cash coming your way. Two Nissan dealerships in Amityville and Patchogue have agreed to pay over $350,000 for charging customers “junk fees” when they purchased their leased vehicles. An investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office found that South Shore Nissan, in Amityville on Sunrise Highway, and Route 112 Nissan, in Patchogue on Medford Avenue, for years added unnecessary fees or falsified the price of leased vehicles that consumers bought when their lease ended. Route 112 Nissan was also found to have…
Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event Aims To Reduce Crime Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event Aims To Reduce Crime
Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event Aims To Reduce Crime An upcoming Hudson Valley gun buyback event is aimed at reducing crime and gun violence and keeping families safe. The event, sponsored by New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Kingston Police Department, will be held in Ulster County on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center at 467 Broadway in Kingston. This event is part of James’ ongoing effort to help protect communities from gun violence.  During the buyback, residents can drop off working and non-working firearms in exchange for gift cards – with no questions a…
NYers' Views On Transgender Athletes, Other Hot Button Issues Revealed In Fresh Polling NYers' Views On Transgender Athletes, Other Hot Button Issues Revealed In Fresh Polling
NYers' Views On Transgender Athletes, Other Hot Button Issues Revealed In Fresh Polling In an age where Democrats and Republicans can't seem to agree on anything, fresh polling shows New Yorkers on both sides of the aisle still have some common ground on a few hot button issues. Strong bipartisan majorities support safeguarding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and enhancing protections for the LGBTQ community, a Siena College poll released Monday, April 22, showed. Specifically, 80 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Republicans, and 72 percent of independents favored safeguarding access to IVF for all Americans, the poll found. Related Report: 'Blatantly Illegal…
NY AG Releases Body-Cam Video Of State Police Deadly Shooting In Hudson Valley NY AG Releases Body-Cam Video Of State Police Deadly Shooting In Hudson Valley
NY AG Releases Body-Cam Video Of State Police Deadly Shooting In Hudson Valley New York Attorney General Letitia James has released police body-worn camera footage of the shooting death of a motorist by New York State Police in the Hudson Valley in January.  The incident occurred in Rockland County on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 3 in Ramapo. According to the AG's Office, troopers Steven Missale and Ronald Raymond pulled over a car on the New York State Thruway based on a report about an incident that had taken place earlier the same day in Albany.  Rakim Tillery, age 35, address unknown, was the driver of the car. Tillery fired a gun at the troopers, …
NY AG Begins Process To Seize Trump’s Bedford Estate, Briarcliff Manor Golf Course: Report NY AG Begins Process To Seize Trump’s Bedford Estate, Briarcliff Manor Golf Course: Report
NY AG Begins Process To Seize Trump’s Bedford Estate, Briarcliff Manor Golf Course: Report New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken the first step toward seizing former President Donald Trump’s golf course and private estate, CNN reports. Lawyers from James’ office registered New York’s $454 million civil judgment against Trump In Westchester County Court on Wednesday, March 6, the outlet reports. A Manhattan judge ordered Trump to pay the massive penalty after he, his adult sons, and the Trump Organization were found liable for using “numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation” to inflate his net worth to get better loan terms. The reported move by the AG’s office wo…
Westchester Native, Ex-Olympian Caitlyn Jenner Visits NY In Support Of Trans Athletes Ban Westchester Native, Ex-Olympian Caitlyn Jenner Visits NY In Support Of Trans Athletes Ban
Westchester Native, Ex-Olympian Caitlyn Jenner Visits NY In Support Of Trans Athletes Ban Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympian and media personality, paid a visit to Long Island to publicly back a recent executive order banning transgender women from participating in women’s sports. On Monday, March 18, the former Olympian, who came out as a trans woman in 2015, held a press conference alongside Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in support of his polarizing transgender athlete ban. The executive order, which went into effect on Thursday, Feb. 22, prohibits the Nassau County Parks & Recreation Department from issuing permits to female teams that include transgender women, …
Long Island Roller Derby Team, NYCLU Sue County Executive Over Trans Athlete Ban Long Island Roller Derby Team, NYCLU Sue County Executive Over Trans Athlete Ban
Long Island Roller Derby Team, Nyclu Sue County Executive Over Trans Athlete Ban Long Island’s first flat-track roller derby league, alongside the New York Civil Liberties Union, has filed a lawsuit against a ban on transgender women participating in women’s sports. “We’re ready for the courts to relegate this harmful, transphobic policy to the dustbin of history, where it belongs.” On Monday, March 11, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), partnered with its plaintiff, the Long Island Roller Rebels, announced that it had filed a lawsuit against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in response to his February executive order banning transgender women from parti…
9 Get Prison Time For Stealing Vehicles In Yonkers As Part Of Car Theft Ring 9 Get Prison Time For Stealing Vehicles In Yonkers As Part Of Car Theft Ring
9 Get Prison Time For Stealing Vehicles In Yonkers As Part Of Car Theft Ring Nine members of a car theft ring have been sentenced after stealing 45 vehicles from Westchester and New York City during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials announced.  The nine defendants were sentenced to prison in connection with a car theft ring that operated over six months in 2020 and targeted vehicles in New York City and Westchester, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, March 11.  According to James's office, the nine sentencings were the result of a two-year investigation into the scheme that began in September 2019 and eventual…
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says
Avoid Scams: These Are Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2023, NY AG Says To honor National Consumer Protection Week, New York Attorney General Letitia James has revealed the most common fraud complaints faced by residents during 2023.  In an announcement on Monday, March 4, James said that these common complaints ranged from price gouging of much-needed goods and services to housing issues, online banking fraud, and even travel-related issues.  The top ten most common consumer complaints of 2023 in New York were:  Retail Sales: (Online purchases, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, poor customer service, pet stores, animal breede…