News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

Defending the Clean Power Plan

This week I led a coalition of 19 states and localities in calling on President-elect Trump to continue the federal government’s defense of the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan is vital to efforts to limit carbon pollution and is a blueprint for the critical action needed to fight climate change’s devastating environmental, economic, and public health impacts.

States like New York are on the front lines of climate change – and have demonstrated how to cut pollution and emissions while protecting affordable and reliable electricity, creating jobs, and growing our economy. The science is clear, and far too much is at stake to turn back the clock on our climate efforts.

Protecting Our Natural Resources

I join the thousands of New Yorkers who have raised serious concerns about the Coast Guard's Hudson River anchorage proposal. Last week my office sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security asking officials to reject the proposal, which would designate 43 new anchorage berths at 10 locations along the Hudson River between Albany and New York City.

The Hudson River is one of our state’s greatest natural resources, and we must remain vigilant in protecting it. The proposal to add 43 new anchorage sites along the river doesn’t pass the test.

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

A.G. Awards $12.6 Million in Local Grants to Help Communities Combat Zombie Homes

This week Attorney General Schneiderman awarded $12.6 million in grants to 76 New York cities, towns and villages to address the problem of vacant “zombie” homes that invite crime and reduce property values. The Attorney General’s Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative has already helped dozens of communities remediate these homes statewide. This new funding will give municipalities the resources they need to track and remediate these homes, while ensuring that bank-owned properties are maintained in accordance with NY law. 

Enforcing State Diversity Laws in Major Rochester Construction Project

The Attorney General reached settlements with five Rochester construction firms that lied about meeting state diversity requirements in order to win contracts on the $1.2 billion Rochester Schools Modernization Program – the largest public project in the city’s history. State and local law require contractors to meet certain diversity standards to level the playing field for women and minority owned businesses that have been historically shut out of government contracts. Due to their false claims of hiring minority and women-owned subcontractors, the firms will pay a total of $825,000 in fines.

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

 

Victory Over Citizens United

This week in the Citizens United v. Schneiderman case, the judge dismissed Citizens United's challenge to the Attorney General's longstanding donor disclosure rules. Under the Court's ruling, Citizens United must finally disclose its biggest donors to the Attorney General's Office.

Attorney General Schneiderman issued the following statement in response:

"Today’s decision is a victory for common sense oversight of New York’s vast nonprofit sector. New Yorkers deserve to know their donations are protected against fraud and abuse, and today the court protected that right by dismissing each and every one of Citizen United’s claims."

Protecting Animals And Families From Exploitation

Attorney General Schneiderman ordered former Scottsville Veterinary Adoptions, Inc. to distribute its assets to the Humane Society and Lollypop Farm after an investigation by the AG's office found that the group had been selling dying pets to unsuspecting New Yorkers. As a result of the agreement, the adoption center will no longer be permitted to operate as a non-profit and will be subject to inspection in order to ensure compliance with the New York Pet Lemon Law. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

Rebuilding and Revitalizing NY Neighborhoods Beset By Vacant Homes

This week, the Attorney General announced a $4 million pilot program that will empower local communities to transform abandoned properties into safe, affordable housing. These vacant "zombie" homes are stark reminders of the long-term effects of the 2008 housing crisis. Through the program's funding and the oversight of local land banks, community members can renovate zombie homes into rental housing to revitalize their communities. The funds to rebuild neighborhoods statewide were made available by the Attorney General's settlements with Citigroup and Bank of America.

Taking Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Off The Streets

The Attorney General sued a New York based online retailer, Legalherbalbud.com, for allegedly selling synthetic marijuana--otherwise known as K2. A recent uptick in New York sales of these dangerous drugs has caused a dramatic rise in emergency room visits across the state, straining local hospitals and endangering public safety. The online company sued by the AG illegally promoted its products as “legal highs”, “herbal incense” and “potpourri,” with packaging seemingly targeted at kids, with images and names such as “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Scooby Snax.”

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

Ending Deceptive Practices At Tanning Salons Across NY

The Attorney General reached a settlement with Total Tan that prohibits the company from making misleading claims about the health risks of indoor tanning. Despite the clear dangers of tanning, the company downplayed the risks, while also asserting that tanning prevents an array of diseases. This agreement is the latest in the Attorney General’s effort to educate the public about the harms associated with indoor tanning, and those who are considering going to their local salon should consult the office’s tips so they can get the facts about the risks.   

Consumer Protections for Synergy Fitness Club Members

If you are a consumer at Synergy Fitness Clubs in New York City or Long Island, you may be in for a refund. The Attorney General announced a settlement with six Synergy clubs for illegal and deceptive practices that included charging New Yorkers fees that were not disclosed in membership contracts, unfairly applying cancellations policies and engaging in improper billing. Those who believe they had been charged services after they cancelling their membership can now apply for restitution. Remember to check out the Attorney General’s tips when a considering a health club so you can avoid being scammed. 

Conviction and Jail Sentence For Doctor Who Sold HIV Meds on Black Market 

The ringleader of a scheme that sold black market HIV medications to patients now faces up to 25 years in prison following a jury trial in Suffolk County. Ira Grass helped perpetrate a scheme that billed Medicaid $274 million for HIV medication illegally obtained from the black market—exposing patients to potentially dangerous drugs. Gross himself profited over $25 million from the fraudulent dealings. 

$100 Million Settlement For New York in Barclays Bank Case

The Attorney General’s office led a multi-state coalition that negotiated a $100 million settlement with Barclays that holds the bank accountable for artificially manipulating interest rates. Government and non-profit entities were defrauded out of millions as a result of Barclays actions, but the settlement provides restitution to those affected. Attorney General Schneiderman believes there must be one set of rules for everyone—not matter how rich or powerful, and that includes big banks and financial institutions.  

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755.

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

  

Ensuring Equal Rights For All Citizens

Attorney General Schneiderman and Governor Cuomo led a coalition of ten states and the District of Columbia in filing of an amicus brief challenging North Carolina’s discriminatory anti-transgender law. The so-called “bathroom bill” limits the ability of cities and localities to protect the rights of transgender and non-gender-conforming people. The coalition, along with two other states, filed a second court brief opposing Texas’s failure to allow transgender students to use the facilities of their choosing.

Allowing Consumers To Dispute Damage Fees When They Use Zipcars

The Attorney General reached a settlement with Zipcar for charging New Yorkers rental vehicle damage fees without giving consumers the opportunity to dispute them. Zipcar routinely charged consumers these fees before notifying them of suspected damage. Zipcar is a car-sharing service that allows members to rent vehicles on an hourly or daily basis at a variety of locations for a monthly membership fee. The company has agreed to refund damage charges assessed against consumers who contested their responsibility for the vehicle damage and comply with New York law regarding vehicle damage charges. 

Protecting Vulnerable Citizens From Unscrupulous Landlords

The owners of the Esplanade Senior Residences in White Plains will pay $528,000 to 139 elderly residents after forcing them to vacate their apartments. The Attorney General charged the owners for continuing to rent apartments to senior citizens without informing them of their plan to vacate and renovate the building. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

 

Holding Volkswagen Accountable For High-Level Fraud and Deceit

Attorney General Schneiderman, joined by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, announced lawsuits against Volkswagen alleging that they intentionally sold polluting cars and SUVs, advertised as green and energy efficient vehicles, and attempting to cover up the large-scale fraudulent behavior. As a result of the ongoing investigations into Volkswagen and its affiliates, the suit alleges that the cars were knowingly equipped with illegal “defeat devices" to conceal higher amounts of harmful emissions, violating state environmental laws. 

Combating Vacant and Abandoned Properties with a $13 Million Grant Initiative

To address the growing statewide problem of “zombie" homes, the Attorney General announced a $13 million grant initiative to combat the foreclosure crisis. The Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative will help local communities stop the spread of vacant and abandoned homes that banks have left decrepit, and allow local governments to track and rehabilitate these properties.

Ensuring Equal Education Opportunities for Immigrant Families 

As a result of a lawsuit and settlement with the Attorney General's office, Utica City School District will ensure equal educational opportunities for immigrant and refugee students. Attorney General Schneiderman alleged that the District denied enrollment to such students and their families in local public high schools. The office is committed to ensuring that New York’s education system is open to any and all children, regardless of race, national origin, English language proficiency, or immigrant or refugee status.

Enforcing Tax Laws For Art Dealers And Galleries  

Following an investigation into sales tax fraud, the Attorney General reached a settlement with international art dealer Gagosian Gallery. A leading New York contemporary art dealer, Gagosian Gallery will pay $4.28 million and follow agreed upon code of conduct including more transparent transaction details, charge of sales tax for buyers and sellers, and clearer shipping parameters. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

AG Schneiderman Task Force Takes Down Major NY Drug Ring

Attorney General Schneiderman, joined by partners in law enforcement, charged 27 people with operating two drug distribution rings as part of “Operation Uptown Red Alert.” The first drug ring allegedly transported heroin, cocaine, and illegal narcotic pills throughout New York State and surrounding states. The second allegedly sold cocaine throughout Albany. Led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, state investigators seized $500,000 worth of heroin, $50,000 worth of cocaine, more than 1,000 illegal prescription narcotic pills, and multiple firearms. The two separate indictments charge 27 individuals with 324 crimes.

Adequate Medical Services for Prisoners

Attorney General Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against Armor Correctional Health Medical Services, claiming that they failed to provide proper medical services to inmates as required by Nassau County Correctional Center. The lawsuit alleges that Armor, a prison health services company responsible for providing comprehensive medical services, either failed to perform or egregiously underperformed many of its obligations. Of the 12 inmate that have died since Armor was contracted by the county, five were found to have received inadequate medical care. 

Protecting the Unemployed from Predatory Scams

The Attorney General filed a lawsuit against New York City-based Delta Services, Inc., its predecessor Ultimate Security Force, Inc., and their owner Jeffreys Paulino, for allegedly using phony job listings and making false promises of employment to unemployed consumers struggling to find work.  The Attorney General alleges that Delta, Ultimate Security, and Mr. Paulino scammed hundreds, if not thousands, of consumers by tricking them into paying for expensive, and often unnecessary, training courses. 

Enforcing Child Labor Laws

The Attorney General announced the arrest of Homer farm owner Luke Park for multiple alleged child safety violations related to the death of 14-year-old Alex Smith. The boy died while allegedly operating a hydraulic lift with fork attachment – equipment that is explicitly prohibited by child labor laws. Mr. Park also allegedly employed other minors on his dairy farm, required them to work more hours per week than the maximum for children of that age, and paid them off-the-books. New York’s Child Labor Laws set forth strict guidelines regarding the employment of minors that includes limitations on operating dangerous equipment or performing hazardous work. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755.