http://www.oag.state.md.us RSS feed for Maryland Office of the Attorney General Press Headlines en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 EST Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:10:00 EST rguillory@oag.state.md.us(Raquell Guillory) webmaster@oag.state.md.us(Fritz Schantz) http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031710.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031710.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 17, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Neil Wayne Goldschmitt, 58, of the 4400 block of Meanderwood Drive, Burtonsville, pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to one count of felony Medicaid fraud for fraudulently billing the Medicaid and Medicare programs and private insurance companies for wheelchairs that he never provided. Judge Pamela J. White sentenced Goldschmitt to two years incarceration, suspended, and five years supervised probation. As a special condition of probation, Goldschmitt will serve six months home detention, pay restitution of $36,370, and perform 200 hours community service. Judge White also ordered that Goldschmitt is precluded from participating as a Medicaid or Medicare provider for a period of five years. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031210.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031210.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 12, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Joanne Radulski, 55, of the 2100 block of Oaklyn Drive, Fallston, pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to one count of felony Medicaid fraud for billing the Medicaid program for psychotherapy services she was not licensed to perform. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031010a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031010a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 10, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today the conviction of a Wicomico County septic waste hauler and the companys owner for water pollution and regulation violations. Chips Septic Care, a septage hauler, is owned and operated by Dale H. Daugherty. Chips Septic Care and Daugherty were each convicted of eight criminal counts pursuant to a plea taken in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County on March 9, 2010. Judge Don Davis ordered the company to pay a $2,000 fine to the Maryland Clean Water Fund. Daugherty was given a one year suspended sentence and placed on five years supervised probation. As a condition of his probation, Daugherty has been ordered to pay a fine of $8,000 to the Maryland Clean Water Fund. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031010.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/031010.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 10, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, Comcast, and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe) today announced the launch of new Internet safety videos now available on Comcast On Demand. The three separate videos, targeted to grade schoolers, tweens and high schoolers, explore the risks associated with the Internet. The videos contain content from the NetSmartz Workshop, an Internet safety program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). They teach parents and guardians how to become involved and take action to protect their children from the risks of social networking, cyber bullying, and Internet predators. The videos are free for all Comcast Digital TV customers in Maryland to access at their convenience, day or night, via Comcasts signature On Demand service, with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030910.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030910.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 9, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that his Consumer Protection Division, along with consumer protection agencies from 34 other states and the Federal Trade Commission, has reached a settlement with LifeLock, Inc., a Tempe, Arizona-based identity theft protection provider, concerning the companys advertising practices. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810c.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810c.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2010) - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, March 7 – March 13, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler released today a special edition of the Consumer Protection Divisions bimonthly newsletter, The Consumers Edge. This years theme is Dollars and Sense: Rated A for All Ages. Reflecting the need to educate consumers of all ages, the special edition newsletter has articles for all age groups, from children to retired seniors. The special edition Consumers Edge is available online at http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/ncpw_2010.pdf. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810b.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810b.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2010) - Attorney General Gansler today announced that he, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and eight other state attorneys general, has reached an agreement to remedy the harm to competition caused by Election Systems and Software, Inc.’s (ES and S) acquisition of Premier Election Solutions, Inc. (Premier). ES and S, the largest provider of voting systems in the United States, acquired Premier, a subsidiary of Diebold, Inc. and the second largest provider of voting equipment systems, on September 2, 2009, just six days before bids were due to install a new optical scan voting system in Maryland. As a result, Maryland was limited to either contracting with ES and S on its terms or continuing to use its old system. Ultimately, the State decided not to contract with ES and S for a new voting system for the 2010 election. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that the Consumer Protection Division has charged a Las Vegas company, National Awards Service Advisory, LLC, (also known as Prize Information Bureau and State of Maryland Commissioners of Registration), and the companys owner, Geovanni Sorino, with engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices in connection with its mail solicitations representing that consumers were eligible to receive cash prizes as high as $3,400,000. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/030810.htm BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2010) - Just as sharks smell blood in the water, foreclosure rescue scammers can pick out desperate homeowners on the brink of foreclosure. Many homeowners are unaware of their options and panic. In the latest issue of The Consumers Edge, Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler warns homeowners and consumers of foreclosure rescue scams, and offers tips on how to avoid them. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022610a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022610a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 26, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. (Toyota) has agreed to make certain accommodations for Toyota vehicle owners affected by Toyotas recent safety recalls. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022610.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022610.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 26, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Maria F. McMahan, 64, of Baltimore City, pled guilty and sentenced on a single count of misdemeanor theft. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge George L. Russell, III struck the guilty finding and placed McMahan on one year probation and ordered her to perform 50 hours of community service. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022310.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/022310.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 23, 2010) - Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Chae Hyong Chu, 40, of Gaithersburg, has been sentenced on a single count of felony theft. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Nelson W. Rupp, Jr. imposed a five year suspended sentence, two years probation, and 50 hours of community service. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021910.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021910.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 19, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has issued a final order requiring Home at Last, LLC and its principal to refund payments of $211,076.20 collected from consumers to construct homes in Prince Georges County and to pay penalties of $75,200. The Division found that Jacquelyn Willis, and her company, Home at Last, violated Marylands Custom Home Protection Act by failing to place or maintain money paid by consumers into an escrow account or having a surety bond to cover the deposits and payments made. The Division also found that Willis and her company violated the Home Builder Registration Act and the Consumer Protection Act by failing to build homes as promised. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021810a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021810a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 18, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Randii Leigh Adams, 43, of Fort Washington, pled guilty and has been sentenced on a single count of felony theft. Prince Georges County Circuit Court Judge Graydon S. McKee imposed a five year suspended sentence, ordered five years probation, $1,800 restitution and a $1,105 fine. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021810.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/021810.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 18, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Neil Wayne Goldschmitt, 60, of the 4400 block of Meanderwood Drive, Burtonsville, was charged in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City with one count of felony Medicaid fraud for fraudulently billing the Medicaid and Medicare programs for wheelchairs that he never provided. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/020110a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/020110a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 1, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that former Maryland State Trooper Andrew A. Mohan, 37, was sentenced to nine months in the Prince Georges County Detention Center for felony theft and misconduct in office. The sentencing follows Mohans conviction on December 3, 2009, on two counts of felony theft of money from the Maryland State Police (MSP) and five counts of misdemeanor misconduct in office. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/020110.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/020110.htm BALTIMORE, MD (February 1, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that his Securities Division has issued a Summary Order to Cease and Desist against a Baltimore company advertising in a local paper, widely read by senior citizens, offering secured notes backed by real estate. The Order names Patuxent Management LLC, Patuxent Development Inc., and Antonio Almenara, and orders that they cease all offers and sales of the unregistered securities. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012810a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012810a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 28, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that David Young Park, 43, the former president of Capital City Financial Group in Ellicott City, entered a plea of guilty to one count of felony theft in Baltimore County Circuit Court. Judge John J. Nagel, III sentenced Park to five years in jail with all but 18 months suspended. Park was also ordered to complete five years of supervised probation and make restitution to the victim in the amount of $116,556. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012810.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012810.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 28, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) today announced the launch of the 2010 Maryland Badges for Baseball program. The program is being implemented in nine Maryland jurisdictions, including eight county Sheriffs offices. Badges for Baseball partners include: the Sheriffs offices of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Charles, Dorchester, Garrett, Harford, Prince Georges and Washington counties, and Baltimore City. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012710.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012710.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 27, 2010) - Maryland is First State to Reach Settlement Ending *Camel Farm* Campaign. Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today announced the settlement of his lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (Reynolds) over the Camel Farm marketing campaign*s alleged use of cartoons and brand name merchandise in violation of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) and Consent Decree. In addition to ending the campaign and substantially restricting its marketing practices across all Reynolds* brands of tobacco products, the company agreed to pay $150,000 to the State of Maryland. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012510.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012510.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 25, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Joanne Radulski, 51, of the 2100 block of Oaklyn Drive, Fallston, was charged by criminal information in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City with one count of felony Medicaid fraud for billing the Medicaid program for psychotherapy services she was not licensed to perform. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012110a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012110a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 21, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Maryland has joined 22 other states and the federal government to settle allegations against FORBA Holdings, LLC., a dental management company that provided management services to Small Smiles dental clinics nationwide. Under the agreement, FORBA agreed to pay the participating states and the federal government $24 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations that it caused bills to be submitted to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid. Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal and state governments. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012110.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/012110.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 21, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Joseph Francis Brooks, 46, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania pled guilty in Montgomery County Circuit Court to a single count of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. Judge Michael J. Algeo imposed a five year suspended sentence and 18 months probation. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011510a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011510a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 15, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Ryan Blumenauer, 22, of Hagerstown, plead guilty to felony arson in the Circuit Court for Washington County. Judge Daniel P. Dwyer sentenced Blumenauer to five years in jail, all suspended, three years probation and 100 hours of community service. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011510.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011510.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 15, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Daniel Dwight Manoff, 46, of Poolesville, and his estranged wife Theresa Elizabeth Thorne, 30, were indicted by grand juries in the Circuit Court for Charles County and the Circuit Court for St. Marys County on several counts of felony theft and conspiracy. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011410a.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011410a.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 14, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today announced that the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals (MSBCA) has determined that the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System is entitled to be paid $72,956,188 by Milliman, Inc., an actuarial firm that had four contracts with the system from 1982 through 2005. The contracts required Milliman to perform annual actuarial valuations, and to certify to the Retirement System Board of Trustees the amount of State contributions that would be necessary to fund future liabilities. The MSBCA concluded that Milliman made a mistake that was a breach of the professional standards of care that actuaries are obligated to meet in their work, that Millimans mistake continued undetected for 22 years, and that this continuing mistake by Milliman was a breach of its contracts with the System. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011410.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/011410.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 14, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is advising Marylanders to be cautious about the relief organizations that they choose to give donations for the victims of the recent Haitian earthquake. http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/010710.htm http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2010/010710.htm BALTIMORE, MD (January 7, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today announced that he, along with 23 other state attorneys general, has reached a $22.5 million settlement with pharmaceutical giants Abbott Laboratories, Fournier Industrie et Sante and Laboratories Fournier, S.A to settle allegations that the companies illegally thwarted competitors from offering cheaper generic drugs as substitutes for the cholesterol-controlling prescription drug TriCor.