Dana's Dispatch: You belong here, Walgreens opioid settlement, robocall crackdown update, and more!

[logo]( You Belong Here! A message to all LGBTQ+ Americans and their allies who feel unsafe and unwanted in their state: Michigan would like a word. YOU BELONG HERE! Happy Pride to all! [[ratio]  ]( Video courtesy of Protecting Michigan Foundation   AG Nessel announces over $338 million opioid settlement with Walgreens Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a settlement with Walgreens Pharmacy worth $338 million for their role in Michigan’s opioid epidemic. “The opioid epidemic was born, in part, out of a concert of action by many large corporations who reaped incredible profits as a result,” said Nessel. “It is rewarding to both hold them accountable and secure much needed funding for the continued suffering of those with opioid-use disorder.” The settlement requires Michigan to join the Walgreens National Opioid Settlement, which provides approximately $200 million over 15 years. By participating in the National Settlement, eligible local governments will have an opportunity to participate in this portion of the settlement and receive direct payments. Along with the Walgreens National Opioid Settlement, Michigan will receive an additional $138 million dollars over 18 years. [READ MORE]( Katrianna Ray, WWMT (June 12, 2023) AG Nessel announces over $338 million opioid settlement with Walgreens Retrieved from: [AG Nessel announces over $338 million opioid settlement with Walgreens](   Detroit man sentenced to up to 15 years for torturing ex-girlfriend's dog A Detroit man who pleaded guilty to stealing his ex-girlfriend's Yorkshire Terrier and sending her videos of him torturing it was sentenced on Monday, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Julius Holley, 56, was sentenced to serve five to 15 years in prison on one count of first-degree animal torture. His sentenced was enhanced due to him being a habitual offender. Holley was convicted in August 1992 of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Holley is prohibited from owning or possessing any animal and is prohibited from contacting his ex-girlfriend. "I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated prosecutors in my office, as well as the staff of Michigan Humane," Nessel said. "Animal abuse often goes hand-in-hand with domestic abuse and other crimes and Michigan Humane provides support to pet owners who are victims of domestic violence and may be reluctant to leave their abuser if it means leaving their pet behind," Nessel said. "The victims in this case can rest assured knowing society is being protected from this defendant’s abuse." Michigan Human provides a pet fostering program for those who need a safe place to temporarily house their pets. [READ MORE]( Brandon Chew, WPBN/WGTU (June 13, 2023) Detroit man sentenced to up to 15 years for torturing ex-girlfriend's dog Retrieved from: [Detroit man sentenced to up to 15 years for torturing ex-girlfriend's dog](   Mid-Michigan woman sentenced to prison for embezzling over $400K, using money to gamble A Lansing-area woman has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for embezzling more than $400,000 from the car dealership where she worked and using the money to gamble. Amanda Root of St. Johns – just north of Lansing – was sentenced to 42 months in prison on Wednesday. She pleaded guilty in April to one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more and two counts of filing false tax returns. Her sentence also includes restitution in the amount of $459,645.70 paid to the victim, the victim’s insurance companies, and the Michigan Department of Treasury. “Family-owned businesses and other small or local interests can be irreparably devastated by embezzlement on this scale from their own trusted employees,” Nessel said in a press release. [READ MORE]( WWJ Newsradio 950 (June 14, 2023) Mid-Michigan woman sentenced to prison for embezzling over $400K, using money to gamble Retrieved from: [Mid-Michigan woman sentenced to prison for embezzling over $400K, using money to gamble](   Nessel: Crack down on robocalls is working Michigan is seeing a reduction in robocall complaints, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel. Video courtesy of WNEM Using data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Nessel reported the reduction of robocalls and an increase in the number of Michigan residents registering on the Do Not Call list. The FTC shows robocalls are the most reported type of consumer Do Not Call complaint in the state. FTC data shows Michigan residents filed 197,420 complaints in 2018 and 98,920 complaints in 2022: a nearly 50 percent difference in four years. With her Robocall Taskforce, Nessel said she helped lead a national effort to reduce the number of unwanted automated calls in Michigan. Since taking office, Nessel has also worked with state and federal partners to reduce the number of illegal robocalls. “This report shows that our efforts to reduce robocalls and robotexts targeting Michigan residents are working,” Nessel said. “Once we began to hold bad actors accountable who knowingly route illegal robocalls through their networks, we saw a demonstratable decrease in calls. This tells us that regulatory intervention – or the fear of it – can help to stop these companies in their tracks.” [READ MORE]( George Castle, WNEM (June 15, 2023) Nessel: Crack down on robocalls is working Retrieved from: [Nessel: Crack down on robocalls is working](   Michigan AG announces multistate settlement with lingerie company Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a settlement with a lingerie retailer over deceptive marketing. Video courtesy of WNEM The AG’s office said a $2.35 million multistate settlement was reached with AdoreMe, Inc. (Adore Me), a lingerie retailer that is primarily run online. The settlement is resolving claims that the company used deceptive marketing in regard to its VIP Membership Program, and then made it difficult for customers to cancel that membership, the AG’s office said. Of the $2.35 million, Michigan will receive $77,526.92, the AG’s office said. “Deceptions of this kind are becoming all too common in the online marketplace,” Nessel said. “It’s always wise to carefully read the payment terms and all other purchase terms when joining a membership program. But in this case, Adore Me’s terms omitted critical information about the program and its charges. This settlement should stand as a warning to companies that use deceptive online sales practices: If you charge consumers without their knowledge and consent, or for ongoing purchases they no longer want, you will be held accountable.” [READ MORE]( Hannah Mose, WNEM (June 9, 2023) Michigan AG announces multistate settlement with lingerie company Retrieved from: [Michigan AG announces multistate settlement with lingerie company](   Attorney General Dana Nessel visits Grand Rapids for round table on abuse survivors Video courtesy of WZZM [READ MORE]( WZZM, (June 16, 2023) Attorney General Dana Nessel visits Grand Rapids for round table on abuse survivors Retrieved from: [Attorney General Dana Nessel visits Grand Rapids for round table on abuse survivors](   AG Dana Nessel accuses farm in Tuscola Co. of illegal discharge of waste into state waters Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel, has filed a complaint against Zimba Dairy, Inc. in Tuscola County for violations related to unlawful discharges into state waters. The complaint alleges that Zimba Dairy has failed to obtain a mandated wastewater permit and has unlawfully impacted wetlands and inland streams with significant damaging effects. AG Nessel's office states that Zimba Dairy has been accused of other illegal discharge actions. The complaint alleges Zimba Dairy polluted North Branch White Creek with runoff from unlawfully stockpiled agricultural waste. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy have documented other state water quality standards violations allegedly coming from Zimba's discharges near its production area. Zimba is a concentrated animal feeding operation with three locations and more than 2,000 cattle, including around 1,600 dairy cows. AG Nessel's office adds that by law, Zimba must properly manage the waste it produces by confining the animals in the space it allocates. Instead, Nessel alleges that the farm has flaunted wastewater permitting rules and continues to pollute Michigan's water resources. “My department is committed to protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as the animal life that depends on them,” Nessel said. “Large livestock operations need to adhere to Michigan’s water quality standards. If they place their bottom line ahead of the health and safety of Michigan’s residents, my office will hold them accountable.” [READ MORE]( Kevin Craft, WJRT, (June 16, 2023) AG Dana Nessel accuses farm in Tuscola Co. of illegal discharge of waste into state waters Retrieved from: [AG Dana Nessel accuses farm in Tuscola Co. of illegal discharge of waste into state waters](     KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DANA: [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Web Site]( Any donor history information in this email reflects what we have on file for this specific email address. 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