Ohio Attorney General Blog RSS

Attorney General DeWine Announces Hamilton County Contractor Charged with Theft from the Elderly

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:02:58 GMT

(CINCINNATI) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Hamilton County Grand Jury has issued an indictment charging Christopher Burnett with two counts of theft from an elderly person or disabled adult, both of which are felonies of the second degree and carry a maximum sentence of up to eight years in prison. The charges result from Burnett's July 2012 interactions with a 74-year-old Cincinnati-area man.

In July 2012, Christopher Burnett approached a 74-year-old Cincinnati-area homeowner and offered roof and driveway contracting services. The homeowner agreed to this work and paid Burnett approximately $5,700. The work that the victim initially agreed to was started, but never finished.

Attorney General DeWine Announces Plan to Focus Attention on Ohio Unsolved Homicides

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:05:30 GMT

The effort includes listing every Ohio cold case homicide on the Attorney General's website and offering Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) expert services.

Attorney General DeWine Statement on Trumbull County Grand Jury

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:34:30 GMT

After an investigation by both the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and by attorneys in his office, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today reported that a Trumbull County Grand Jury did not return any indictments on two employees of Trumbull County Children Services Board. The investigation looked into whether actions by employees constituted any child endangerment or other violation of Ohio Law

Attorney General DeWine Announces Arrest of Man Accused of Sexual Battery Involving a Juvenile

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:54:02 GMT

Agents with the Attorney General's Crimes Against Children Unit (CAC), a component of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), made the arrest in North Kingsville this morning. They were assisted by authorities with the Hocking County and Ashtabula County Sheriff's Offices.

Harvard Honors Attorney General's Program Integrity Group

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:31:07 GMT

Today Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government honored the Ohio Program Integrity Group (PIG) as one of its top "Bright Ideas" for 2012.

WANTED SEX OFFENDER: David Frantz Jr.

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:35:24 GMT

Deputies with the Stark County Sheriff's Office filed a warrant for the arrest of David Frantz Jr. in August 2011.

Attorney General DeWine Calls Youngstown Area Fugitive Safe Surrender Event A Major Success

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:20:36 GMT

A total of 212 people turned themselves in to officers during the three-day event at Youngstown's First Presbyterian Church.

Attorney General DeWine: Borrowers Who Lost Homes to Foreclosure May Be Eligible for Benefit

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:58:31 GMT

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said today that claim forms are going out to 64,428 Ohio borrowers who lost their home to foreclosure between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011 and who may be eligible for payment under the $25 billion National Mortgage Foreclosure settlement.

Attorney General DeWine Reminds Ohioans of US Fidelis Claim Submission Deadline

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:10:26 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Attorney General Mike DeWine reminded Ohioans today that the deadline is nearing to submit a claim in the agreement reached with a national vehicle service contract dealer. In July, Attorney General DeWine and 11 other state attorneys general announced an agreement with US Fidelis that provides $13 million in consumer restitution.

Along with an earlier settlement with Warrantech, a service contract obligor, more than $14 million is available in the Consumer Restitution Fund.

Attorney General DeWine Sues Internet Layaway Business

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:14:54 GMT

(CINCINNATI) – Attorney General Mike DeWine filed suit today against Layaway Express and 123 Layaway for failing to deliver products consumers purchased on layaway and for failing to provide refunds to consumers.

“Consumers have to be able to trust that they will get a product when they pay for something with their hard-earned money,” said Attorney General DeWine. “When companies or individuals don’t deliver on that promise, we will go after them.”

Attorney General DeWine Launches 2012 High School Video Scholarship Contest

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:31:56 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced the start of the 2012 Take Action High School Video Contest, which gives Ohio high school students a chance to win college scholarships.

"Consumer scams continue to plague Ohioans of all ages," Attorney General DeWine said. "This contest gives high school students a chance to educate Ohioans and their peers about scams while demonstrating their creativity and talent."

Attorney General DeWine Offers Foster Youth Help With Credit Report Errors

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:30:19 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine recently sent letters to the state's public children services agencies offering help in meeting a new federal mandate requiring youth at least 16 years old and within the foster system to have their credit checked. The mandate also requires the clearance of any errors found on their credit report.

"Unfortunately, foster youth can be especially vulnerable to becoming victims of identity theft," said Attorney General DeWine. "Working with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and county foster care systems, we stand ready to help correct any problems found in these annual credit checks."

Medical Equipment Provider Sentenced to Pay More Than $214,000

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:02:40 GMT

Paul Brockman, 42, of Columbus was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to one year in prison. He will also have to pay Medicaid $214,018.92 in restitution.

WANTED SEX OFFENDER: Larry "Shytown" Hyche

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:46:42 GMT

Deputies with the Clark County Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for the arrest of Larry Hyche in late June. He is wanted on a charge of Failure to Provide a Change of Address.

Attorney General DeWine Reminds Ohioans of New Program to Help Identity-Theft Victims at Columbus Fraud Forum

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:25:27 GMT

Attorney General Mike DeWine reminded Ohioans today at the Central Ohio Community Fraud Forum that he has launched a new program to assist victims of identity theft.

Attorney General DeWine Announces Final Arrest in Telemarketing Land Scam Case

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:40:22 GMT

Deputies with the Howell County, Missouri, Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Sweigart last night. Several anonymous tips to the Attorney General's Office led officers to a home in West Plains, Missouri, where Sweigart went into custody without incident.

Attorney General DeWine, ODJFS File Complaint Against Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:01:10 GMT

(CALDWELL, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) have filed a complaint against the Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp in Summerfield for operating a long-term residential facility for children without a state license. The complaint asks that the facility cease operations until proper certification is obtained.

"The state requires licensure for such facilities in order to ensure the safety of the children living there," said Attorney General DeWine. "Some of these children have been there more than two years. And as far as we know, they aren't attending school or getting the education they are required to, and need, for their ages."

Attorney General DeWine Launches New Program to Help Identity-Theft Victims

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:59:28 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a new statewide program designed to help victims of identity theft repair damage to their credit reports and rectify other problems associated with identity theft.

"The effects of identity theft can linger for years, causing serious problems for the victim," Attorney General DeWine said. "We've created this program to help individuals resolve the damaging effects of identity theft so they can start to move forward with their lives."

Pill Mill Owner Pleads Guilty to Multiple Felony Charges

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:57:58 GMT

George Adkins' plea represents one of the first convictions on the state level against a non-prescriber for the management and activities connected to a pill mill.

Attorney General DeWine, Salvation Army in Central Ohio Announce Combined Effort to Combat Human Trafficking

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:03:54 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Salvation Army in Central Ohio Director of Professional and Community Services Michelle Hannan announced today the formation of a new partnership to combat human trafficking in the Columbus region.

The two agencies are pooling their resources to form the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Collaborative to bring greater focus to the problem of human trafficking, add capacity to respond to human trafficking cases, and build communication channels across jurisdictional boundaries and between law enforcement, prosecutors, and social service providers.

Attorney General DeWine Thanks Public for Tips Leading to Arrest

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:55:12 GMT

According to authorities with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Tyonne Hosey, 29, was taken into custody in Akron around ten o’clock Tuesday night. He was wanted for failing to provide a change of address.

Attorney General DeWine Announces Three Appointments to the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Advisory Board

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:37:31 GMT

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has made three appointments to the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Advisory Board. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Advisory Board is a bipartisan board made up of nine members; three each representing residential consumers, organized labor and family farmers.

Wanted Sex Offender: Tyonne Hosey

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:43:23 GMT

Tyonne James Hosey, who is known to go by the alias Tyronne, spent time in prison for the rape of a juvenile female. He was released in 2006 and classified as a sexually oriented offender with the requirement to register his address once a year for ten years.

Attorney General DeWine Statement on Decision to Appeal Obama for America v. Husted Ruling

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:25:39 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced he will appeal the ruling for a preliminary injunction issued today by United States District Judge Peter Economus in Obama for America v. Husted.

"With all due respect to the Judge, we disagree with his ruling today," said Attorney General DeWine. "We have always allowed distinction for military voters, and to say this violates equal protection is wrong.

Attorney General DeWine Warns Ohioans of Traveling Scam Artists

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:42:34 GMT

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today is warning Ohioans to watch for traveling scam artists offering roof repair, driveway paving and sealing, and tree trimming.

"We've received at least one report of suspected travelers in Clinton County," Attorney General DeWine said. "With just a few weeks of summer left, we don't want to take any chances. We're warning all Ohioans to be skeptical of anyone who shows up unexpectedly offering home repairs."