Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

08/02/2024

In a letter to federal authorities, myself and Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania responded to a proposed settlement with Norfolk Southern, highlighting issues the company must still address as a result of the train derailment last year in East Palestine, Ohio.

I commend the The United States Department of Justice for efforts to reach a settlement as soon as possible to help those deeply affected by the disaster. However, I remain concerned and identified shortfalls that keep the full scope of harmed residents and workers from receiving sufficient aid and for failures to provide healthcare treatment costs for harms yet to be known.

This catastrophic crash had wide-ranging impacts on many Pennsylvania residents and workers, and Norfolk Southern must remedy these impacts. As a result of this incident, many Pennsylvanians are in financial hardship and were physically harmed — the full extent of those negative health impacts still to be seen — and they deserve to be made whole, now and in the future.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-federal-settlement-proposal-over-train-derailment-in-east-palestine-does-not-help-enough-pennsylvanians-impacted-by-the-incident/

08/02/2024

Did you know that August is ? At OAG, we love our canine friends, especially our incredibly hard working K9 officers, K9 Emery, K9 Mizu and K9 Arko.

Plus, a special shout out to Pup, Attorney General Henry’s rescue.

Every one of these good boys and girls deserve an extra treat this month!

08/01/2024

Diversity Equity and Inclusion coordinator Dorene Wilbur represented OAG at this year’s Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg Gala.

It is so important that we get to know and understand the people that make up our communities.

This was a beautiful event, and thank you for having us!

08/01/2024

Yesterday, I helped open an important event with Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association and Nonprofit, aimed at educating civilians and people on the ground, who may come across human trafficking in their work.

Human trafficking is so insidious, it relies on victims’ silence. Our hope is that through education, others will see the signs and know how best to speak up for these victims and alert authorities so these traffickers can be brought to justice.

I have worked with these great organizations, Uber, and more, to provide training and resources to these groups. The commonality here is the transportation sector — the infrastructure that traffickers exploit. We must target education efforts to the people who frequent these spaces.

08/01/2024

A Sullivan County jury convicted Brigitte Meckes of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and related offenses for failure to summon professional medical help for an ailing newborn baby following a home birth in 2022.

The death of this purely innocent baby boy is a tragedy beyond words — a tragedy that is compounded by the fact that it might have been prevented. This defendant, along with the child’s parents, knew the baby was in serious medical trouble and did nothing to help him.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/verdict-family-friend-who-acted-as-midwife-guilty-of-involuntary-manslaughter-related-charges-in-connection-with-sullivan-county-babys-death-in-2022/

07/31/2024

I am proud of the work my office did with Montgomery County District Attorney's Office to put a stop to this criminal organization. This group’s aim was to profit from providing criminals with fi****ms altered to achieve optimal destruction while avoiding law enforcement detection.

Every firearm that is illegally trafficked is a direct threat to public safety, and my office is committed to removing those weapons from neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.

Read more about the case: https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/southeastern-pa/its-bad-boyertown-residents-react-to-illegal-ghost-gun-ring/article_d78d186a-4eec-11ef-ad64-3f18311b5744.html -source=Homepage-Top-Stories

07/31/2024

My office created a new complaint form for Pennsylvanians encountering hardships with airline travel, ranging from flight delays and cancellations to boarding problems.

It’s no secret that consumers across the country are finding less and less convenience when traveling by air.

This form makes it easier for travelers who encounter problems to file a complaint, and is part of an ongoing initiative with federal partners to hold airlines and agents accountable when they mistreat consumers.

The form is available here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/aviation-complaint/

07/31/2024

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc issued a recall of deli meat products after a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for Listeria. The list of 71 products created between May 10, 2024-July 29, 2024 can be found here:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due

07/30/2024

My office is continuing efforts to protect all students from s*x discrimination by joining with fifteen state Attorneys General to ensure new regulations under Title IX go into effect as intended next month.

All students deserve to learn in a safe environment free from harassment and discrimination. We are allied with partners, like the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, to ensure schools remain safe havens for student learning and achievement.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-supports-new-title-ix-rule-preventing-discrimination-in-public-schools-based-on-s*xual-orientation-and-gender-identity/

07/30/2024

Two former Penn State University students have pleaded guilty to hazing and reckless endangerment for their actions as fraternity leadership in the 2017 hazing incident that sophomore Timothy Piazza was found unresponsive after.

There should be no discussion of this case without recognizing the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza’s family and friends.

Timothy wanted to join a social organization for the benefits of community and shared experiences. Instead, he never had the opportunity.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-announces-guilty-pleas-from-two-former-penn-state-university-students-charged-in-fraternity-hazing-incident/

07/26/2024

"Cameo is a way for Pennsylvanians and businesses to have personalized access to prominent figures, but consumers deserve to know when a video they're seeing has been paid for," Attorney General Henry said. https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-announces-settlement-with-cameo-app-over-misleading-videos-violating-consumer-protection-laws/

07/25/2024

Happy ! This year’s celebration comes as we say goodbye to dozens of interns my office had across the Commonwealth this summer. After speaking with all our interns (including this crew I met with this week!), I am so inspired by the hard work and dedication of these young people.

Best of luck to all, and we hope to work with you in the future!

07/24/2024

My office has filed a lawsuit against Brothers All Around Service, LLC and its owner, John McDonald, alleging that the Allegheny County home improvement company used illegal contracts and failed to complete jobs or provide refunds:

https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-sues-pittsburgh-area-home-contractor-over-illegal-contracts-failures-to-complete-jobs/

07/23/2024

We had the cutest little visitor today, Sir Issac Newton! This precious little boy is a puppy mill survivor, who joined The Humane Society of the United States to present on state and federal regulations for dog breeding and safety and PA’s Puppy Lemon Law at the OAG offices.

Puppy mills are harmful to puppies and to the humans who adopt them, not realizing the many risks involved. Our agents and attorneys work on dozens of these cases every year. We will continue to fight against these dangerous practices, to keep protecting puppies like Issac.

Thank you to the Humane Society for joining us today! Anyone who thinks they have encountered puppy mill practices can learn more about the law and file a complaint here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/protect-yourself/puppy-lemon-law/

07/19/2024

Thank you to the PA State Mayors' Association for having me speak today! I shared about how AI is changing our world, in good and bad ways. These mayors were so kind, and I know they are working hard for their constituents every day. Thanks to all!

07/18/2024

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and brought unneeded/unused medications during this year’s Drug Take Back event at the Pocono Raceway! We loved meeting race fans and even got to do some fun projects with younger ones on Kids Day. We couldn’t do this event without you!

07/17/2024

Cambria County man, Albert Spicer, will serve 13 to 30 years in prison for his latest drug-trafficking offense — which led to the death of 5-year-old Alaia Young.

This defendant is the stem that caused an unthinkable tragedy — the death of a purely innocent five-year-old girl. His drug trafficking days have lasted long enough, and this sentence will ensure it will be many years before he can possibly pose another risk to society.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/career-drug-dealer-whose-fentanyl-supply-led-to-the-death-of-a-5-year-old-girl-jailed-up-to-30-years/

07/16/2024

My office has settled a lawsuit against the owners of Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, regarding alleged mistreatment of consumers who purchased timeshares.

Consumers who paid hard-earned dollars for vacation accommodations for themselves and their families were overcharged and denied access to their getaway resort. This settlement involves significant restitution funds for timeshare owners who did not get what they paid for.

Timeshare owners who believe they qualify for a refund of the resort fee are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or visit the Attorney General’s website to file a complaint.

Read more:
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/attorney-general-henry-settles-lawsuit-against-split-rock-resort-owners-who-allegedly-denied-consumers-access-overcharged-fees/

07/15/2024

SCAM ALERT
If you receive this text, please contact our Bureau of Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555

Beware of this text message scam claiming to be from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission! If you get this text, do not click on the link.

07/15/2024

A day after Bastille Day, we are celebrating French-American Heritage Month! This year, we’re excited to see our athletes (37 from PA!) competing in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Let’s show our support to the hosts by enjoying French food, art, music and more throughout July!

07/14/2024

I am deeply disturbed by today's act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere.

My regards are with the families who will be forever impacted by this heinous act.

I am hopeful for a speedy recovery for former President Trump.

We are in contact with our law enforcement partners and will work cooperatively with them.

07/12/2024

We are happy to uplift the voices of the differently-abled community this month and celebrate them. Disability comes in many forms and we want people to feel empowered and know they are valued with or without disabilities. Happy !

07/12/2024

The rain couldn’t keep me away! Loved spending some time at Pocono Raceway this weekend. I had a blast chatting with people, and supporting my office’s Drug Take Back initiative. Don’t forget, OAG will be here all weekend.

Good luck to the drivers, and have fun!

07/12/2024

Armstrong County man Nathan Wolfe was convicted of third-degree murder, drug delivery resulting in death, and related charges for providing a dose of fentanyl-cocaine that killed another man in 2020.

Fentanyl continues to cause devastation and heartbreak across the Commonwealth and country, and my office will continue to take an aggressive approach to traffickers who know they are profiting from poison.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/verdict-armstrong-county-man-convicted-of-3rd-degree-murder-for-providing-cocaine-laced-with-fentanyl-that-caused-fatal-overdose/

07/10/2024

Pennsylvanians are eligible for free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services after a February data breach of Change Healthcare, which is estimated to have impacted millions. The company has not notified individuals whose data was compromised.

For the company to stay silent and minimize the widespread consumer impact is totally unacceptable. The breach involved stolen sensitive information and data, so consumers should do what they can to protect themselves going forward by utilizing these free services.

Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-henry-shares-free-credit-monitoring-resources-protection-services-available-to-consumers-impacted-by-change-healthcare-data-breach/

07/10/2024

We are days away from weekend at ! Don’t forget, bring your unneeded, unused prescriptions for our Drug Take Back event which will be open all weekend. Join us, and make your home a little safer while you enjoy the races!

07/08/2024

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for MGA Entertainment ‘Make It Mini’ sets containing resins that violate Federal Hazardous Substances Act regulations for children’s products. When liquid, there are reports of these resins causing burns, irritation and respiratory irritation.

Read more: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/MGA-Entertainment-Recalls-Miniverse-Make-It-Mini-Sets-with-Unused-Liquid-Resins-Due-to-Risk-of-Skin-Eye-and-Respiratory-Irritation-and-Sensitization-Violation-of-the-Federal-Hazardous-Substances-Act

07/05/2024

Office of Public Engagement Specialist Dave Shallcross had a great time doing a senior scams presentation at the U R Welcome Club in Palmer Township, Northampton County last month.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!

07/04/2024

This July 4th, we remember the hope of the framers to form a more perfect union, and the bravery of all Americans who have stood for life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness and against tyranny and oppression.

Happy Independence Day!

07/03/2024

My office, along with D.C. AG Brian Schwalb and NJ AG Matt Platkin, co-led a group of 24 AGs urging the Supreme Court to uphold a federal rule that categorizes “ghost guns” as what they are: fi****ms.

These ghost gun kits, frames and receivers should have serial numbers and background check requirements before purchase, just like all other legal fi****ms.

These dangerous weapons, often purchased as kits needing assembly, are being used in crimes across this Commonwealth and nation. It is critical to the safety of our communities that this rule is upheld. We cannot make it easier for bad actors to have access to fi****ms.

Read more: https://oag.dc.gov/release/attorney-general-schwalb-leads-coalition-urging-1