Attorney General Schneiderman, joined by the New York State Police and other law enforcement officials, announced indictments of 72 individuals charged with operating two drug distribution rings in western New York. One ring, codenamed “Flowers,” allegedly sent heroin from New York City to Syracuse and then distributed in and around Syracuse. Authorities seized 10,750 bags of heroin – which the dealers referred to as “cupcakes” – over the course of the eleven-month investigation. The second ring, codenamed “Over the River,” alleges that 35 individuals sold cocaine in the suburbs of Syracuse and adjacent Oswego County. In the past week, the Attorney General’s office has announced the indictments of nearly 100 alleged narcotics distributors in the region.
Defending the AG's Right To Investigate Potential Fraud
In response to a letter sent by House Republicans seeking to interfere with AG Schneiderman's investigation into potential fraud at ExxonMobil, a spokesperson for the Attorney General pushed back, asserting the office's right to pursue consumer, investor, and business fraud investigations on behalf of all New Yorkers:
“Attorney General Schneiderman has opened a significant investigation into whether Exxon committed securities fraud, business fraud, and consumer fraud in New York and all across America. It is remarkable that a do-nothing congress that has refused to take any action on climate change is now attempting to disrupt this important investigation into potential corporate malfeasance…"
Read more from The Hill here.
Expanding Hepatitis C Coverage for New Yorkers
The Attorney General’s office continues to investigate numerous health insurers for improperly restricting coverage of Hepatitis C treatments and misleading their members about the scope of their coverage. In the Attorney General’s latest settlement, CDPHP has agreed to expand its Hepatitis C treatment coverage for New Yorkers on the blood-borne virus.
Enforcing Environmental Law To Protect Clean Water
The Attorney General announced separate settlements with Home Depot and Lowe’s for alleged violations of New York State’s “Nutrient Runoff Law” that is designed to reduce water pollution caused by excess phosphorus running off lawns into the State’s waters. The office’s 2014 investigation found that 90% of Home Depot stores and Lowe’s stores had one or more alleged violations of the law, either displaying phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers without required signage or commingling with phosphorus-free fertilizers. The settlements require both companies to comply with the law and pay penalties; Home Depot to pay $78,000 and Lowe’s to pay $52,000.
