Ohio Attorney General's Office
Recent News About Ohio Attorney General's Office
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Ohio AG releases statement on slain Euclid police officer
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has released a statement concerning the tragic death of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday evening.
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Ohio Attorney General announces indictment in high-profile poaching case
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, representing the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, has announced the indictment of a Wilmington man for poaching an 18-point antlered white-tailed deer. The accused, Christopher J. Alexander, allegedly unlawfully harvested the deer on Nov. 9, 2023.
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Ohio AG Yost lauds Springfield students' insights on youth violence
Youth violence, a burgeoning societal issue, has been the focus of an essay by Springfield middle-schooler Adolfo Cruz Jr. He believes that to mitigate this problem, attention must be given to overlooked children who harbor feelings of anger and sadness. This emotional state can potentially lead them towards violent actions such as theft or causing harm to others.
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Wireless giants settle deceptive ad probe for $10.25 million
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that $10.25 million has been secured in three multistate settlements with the largest wireless carriers in the United States. The settlements are aimed at resolving investigations by 50 attorneys general into deceptive and misleading advertising practices.
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Investigation into Ohio Teachers Retirement Board launched by AG Yost
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated an investigation into concerns surrounding the State Teachers Retirement System's vulnerability to a potential hostile takeover by private entities.
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AG Yost Commends Zanesville Students for Thoughtful Reflections on Youth Violence
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost praised students from Zanesville Middle School for their insightful reflections on youth violence. The students participated in the Do the Write Thing program, which encourages seventh- and eighth-graders to analyze the impact of violence in their lives and propose solutions for their communities.
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Yost Testifies to Help Human Trafficking Victims Expunge Their Criminal Records: Office Also Launches ‘HT 101’ Guide to Aid Communities
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost testified before the House Criminal Justice Committee in support of legislation expanding the expungement eligibility for human trafficking survivors. Yost stated, “Once the nightmare of human trafficking is over, many individuals begin another battle – putting their lives back together and starting over.”
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Six Indicted in Columbus Trafficking, Drug Ring: Two of the Suspects Remain at Large
Six members of a Linden-area human trafficking and narcotics ring are facing numerous felony charges as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after an investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force, led by the Columbus Division of Police, discovered the group following tips received this spring. The organization, headed by Timotheus Graham, allegedly used violence to coerce victims in the Linden area. A Franklin County grand jury indicted the suspects on April 24 after the task force seized suspected narcotics and firearms during a...
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AG Yost Highlights Ongoing Challenge of Fentanyl in Ohio
"On a day set aside to raise awareness nationally about fentanyl-related overdose deaths, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released data from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s laboratory highlighting the ongoing prevalence of the synthetic opioid in Ohio. 'Illegal use of fentanyl continues to wreck Ohioans’ lives, causing addiction and death,' Yost said. 'Unless the pills you’re taking were prescribed by your doctor, you can’t be sure what it is – don’t risk it.'
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Magistrate Recommends $19.8 Million Penalty for Asbestos Violations at Troubled Columbus Apartment Complex
A Franklin County Magistrate has recommended a $19,840,000 civil penalty against the owners and property manager of an affordable housing apartment complex in Columbus, Ohio, for violating asbestos regulations. The recommendation came in response to arguments made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety regulations.Yost stated, “While not final, this sends a clear message that disregard for safety regulations and court orders will not be tolerated in Ohio. We will continue to vigorously pursue justice and hold accountable...
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Nine Who Died in Line of Duty Honored at Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony
Attorney General Dave Yost, in a solemn gathering at the 36th Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, paid tribute to the nine Ohio peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty between 2020 and 2023, along with one historical honoree. Yost expressed the collective grief of the attendees, stating, “Today is a day of remembrance and profound sadness. There is no need to mask our pain – we all share it.”Reflecting on a recent tragedy in Charlotte, North Carolina, where four police officers were slain, Yost emphasized the interconnectedness of law enforcement across...
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Austin Master Services Fails to Clean Up Waste, AG Yost Requests Judge to Hold the Facility in Contempt
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is asking a Belmont County judge to find Austin Master Services and Brad D. Domitrovitsch, who is in control of the company, in contempt for failing to meet the court’s deadline to clean up the illegal levels of fracking waste stored at its recycling facility in Martins Ferry.Yost expressed the critical nature of the situation, stating, "The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated." He emphasized, “We are operating quickly to make sure contamination can be avoided and we protect Ohioans and the waterways we share.”...
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AG Yost Recognizes Youngstown Students for Essays That Aim to Curb Youth Violence
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently commended 10 Youngstown students as finalists in the "Do the Write Thing Program," aimed at addressing youth violence. AG Yost, in collaboration with the national program, recognized the students for their insightful essays on violence and solutions for their community.In a booklet containing the writings of the Youngstown finalists, Yost expressed his appreciation for the students' candor and thoughtfulness, stating, “They tackled the difficult subject with candor, thoughtfulness and insight beyond their years.”The program,...
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AG Yost Recognizes Canton Students in Do the Write Thing Program, Which Targets a Reduction in Youth Violence
(CANTON, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recognized 20 students from the Canton City School District this morning as finalists in the "Do the Write Thing" program, aimed at reducing youth violence. One of the students, Nick Jones from Early College Middle School, shared his perspective on growing up in a violent environment, stating, "For most of my life so far I lived in a low-income area... it was normal for us."Jones pointed out the impact of desensitization on the surge of youth violence, a belief echoed by many in communities across the country. Attorney...
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Mentor Attorney Arrested in Sex Sting
(LISBON, Ohio) — Agents with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested an attorney from Mentor, Jeffrey McGaffick, for allegedly engaging in illegal activities during an undercover operation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene made the announcement today, revealing that McGaffick, 62, has been charged with both engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools.According to reports, McGaffick, who practices law in the Cleveland area with a focus on real estate title work and claims to have served as a part-time...
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AG Yost Seeks Public’s Feedback on New Protections for Signatures
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is seeking the public's feedback on potential new protections for signatures. Yost emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "A gap in state law has left your signature – a symbol of your identity – vulnerable to misuse." He further added, "It’s your signature, and we want your input on how to protect it."The request for comments aims to gather opinions on a proposed rule that would require businesses to adhere to specific guidelines when using a person's signature for purposes unrelated to a transaction. Yost's office is...
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AG Yost Asks Ohio Supreme Court to Narrow ‘Unlawful’ Injunction on HB 68
Attorney General Dave Yost has taken emergency action by filing a motion with the Ohio Supreme Court, asserting that Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook exceeded his judicial authority by halting the implementation of House Bill 68. Yost's filing contends that Judge Holbrook's decision on April 16 to issue a broad injunction on the entire law was an overreach. "One judge from one county does not have more power than the governor’s veto pen," Yost stated in response to the injunction placed on HB 68 by Judge Holbrook. The Attorney General argued that the...
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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Highlights Environmental Team's Success on Earth Day 2024
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Mention the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Ohio residents probably think about its efforts to protect consumers, combat human trafficking, or investigate crime. But the office also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the state’s environment. Today, in honor of the global observance of Earth Day, Attorney General Dave Yost is spotlighting the accomplishments of his Environmental Enforcement Section thus far in 2024."Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to help preserve the planet for future generations," stated Attorney General Dave...
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Stark County Attorney Who Swindled Clients Sentenced to Prison
A former Canton-area attorney has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from his clients. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier made the announcement regarding the sentencing of William Sparks, 71, of Jackson Township.Yost emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “Robbing elderly clients behind their backs is a disgraceful betrayal of trust that warrants stiff consequences. This sentence should serve as a warning that targeting older Ohioans for exploitation won’t be tolerated.”...
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Citing Constitutional Concerns, Yost Urges DOJ to Scrap ‘Red Flag’ Gun-Confiscation Program
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 18 other state attorneys general have expressed their opposition to a new federal program that advocates for the aggressive enforcement of "red flag" gun-confiscation laws. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Yost and his counterparts argue that the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, launched by the Department of Justice in March, undermines fundamental rights in an effort to reduce gun violence.Yost emphasized the importance of protecting citizens' rights, stating, "The solution to gun...