Latest news with #OfficeofAttorneyGeneral
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Attorney General urges Congress to pass youth drug prevention bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that he joined a coalition calling on Congress to pass a bill that aims to reduce youth drug use through education and outreach. The bill, known as the 'Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act,' would employ prevention methods that have been proven to be effective in forming public service announcements and initiatives. The announcements would be created by student peers and aimed at young people when they have their first exposure to dangerous substances. 'Protecting children is a core function of the Office of Attorney General, and it is crucial that young people receive this positive messaging at a time when they are most impressionable. Without a doubt, the best way to solve a problem or crisis is to prevent it from happening,' Sunday said. 'As a father, I am well aware of the challenges and influences facing our children. We must do all we can to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices.' The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and looks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendments would provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements, youth-led campaigns and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use. 'This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement,' The letter sent by the coalition reads. The bill would fund a range of efforts to better reach youth with timely, credible and accessible information, including: Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth. Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity. Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms, and other media. Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability. The coalition of attorneys general stressed that youth substance use remains a 'growing public health and public safety concern.' In addition to Sunday, the letter was signed by Attorneys General from 33 other states and territories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
$6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania, officers treated for drug exposure
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) – A 'major' Pennsylvania-based fentanyl trafficking network was disbanded this week, resulting in the seizure of more than $6 million worth of fentanyl and xylazine. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says investigators made arrests during vehicle stops and search warrants on the 2800 block of North Franklin Street in Philadelphia, where 'agents encountered an active fentanyl-packaging operation.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Attorney General's office says individuals attempted to destroy evidence by throwing fentanyl into a sink, causing inxoticants to become airborne. Several officers were treated for ingestion and were released. More than 41 pounds of fentanyl and xylazine were recovered, accounting for at least 200,000 doses, as well as $185,000 in suspected trafficking profits. The Attorney General's office says seven people will be charged with corrupt organizations. 'We simply cannot overstate the dangers of fentanyl or the great police work involved here which surely saved the lives of countless Pennsylvanians who these drug traffickers intended to profit from,' Attorney General Sunday said. 'We seized hundreds of thousands of potentially deadly doses, which were headed to communities across the Commonwealth. I commend the officers who put themselves in harm's way to stop this trafficking operation, and am thankful no one was seriously injured.' Homeland Security Investigations, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office served the search warrants. The Office of Attorney General will prosecute the cases, and the investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Who doesn't?' AI child pornography found on Altoona man's devices, agents report
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — An Altoona man was charged after agents with the Office of Attorney General alleged child sex abuse material was sent from his Snapchat. Joseph Blair Hazlett, 43, was charged with four counts of child pornography, two counts of disseminating photo or video of child sex acts, and one count of criminal use of a communications facility after agents received a tip about child sex abuse material being sent over Snapchat in May 2024. According to the criminal complaint, agents of the Office of Attorney General and officers with the Altoona Police Department ultimately executed a search warrant at Hazlett's residence Thursday, May 15, after an extensive investigation. While speaking with agents, Hazlett was asked if he looks at child pornography, to which he allegedly replied, 'Who doesn't?' 2 charged, accused of selling 'burner' gun out of Altoona house Hazlett continued and allegedly admitted to the emails and screen names in question belonging to him, charging documents show. Hazlett also allegedly described the Snapchat photo of a young boy that triggered the investigation. Agents alleged Hazlett was found with one actual image of child sex abuse material and three artificially generated was arraigned Thursday and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged with 201 counts of child pornography
MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Moosic man has been charged with 201 felony counts of child porn. The Office of Attorney General's Child Predator Section has charged Lucas Kelsey, 44, of Moosic, with 201 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. Police say man shot over $5 marijuana debt The Office of the Attorney General says following a cyber tip, an investigation revealed an IP address that led to a search warrant being conducted at Kelsey's home on Springer Street. During the search, the release states that officers found 201 files across multiple devices depicting minor children engaged in sexual acts. Kelsey was arraigned on Friday, May 9, and bail was set at $100,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Attorney General pushes for criminals to have religious freedom
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections has updated its policy concerning religious accommodations. The change comes after collaboration between the Office of Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement Section and Allegheny County officials to ensure respectful treatment of individuals wearing religious head coverings during the jail booking process. Under the new policy, the county will permit anyone to wear a religious head covering during their booking photos as long as their face and profile are not covered. Head coverings include, but are not limited to, a Hijab, Tarmulke or Turban. Additionally, head covering searches must now happen without individuals of the opposite sex present. The policy changes stem from an incident reported in October 2024. A Muslim woman was forced to remove her Hijab during her booking process, as the County had a policy allowing inmates to wear religious headgear, but with no formal written policy for the booking process. The woman had filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement section, which then worked with the County to address the issue. The matter was handled by Deputy Attorney General Kevin Bendesky. 'This policy update is about upholding basic dignity while preserving religious freedoms for individuals,' Attorney General Sunday said. 'Many people wear religious head garments as a sincere tenet of their religious faith and no one should have to choose between their faith and their rights. I commend Allegheny County for working closely with my office to craft a policy that balances institutional safety with constitutional protections.' Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The policy now includes clear procedures for correctional staff to follow when an arrestee enters the facility with religious attire, with mandated communication with the chain of command and consultation with chaplaincy services in cases of uncertainty. Staff must file a report and notify supervisors immediately if a person feels as though their religious rights have been violated during the booking process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ -
