New York Attorney General Letitia James had a tumultuous week, filled with highs and lows in office. Known for her civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump, which resulted in a judgment of $355 million plus interest, James also found success in a joint fraud investigation with the Department of Justice. However, she also faced a lawsuit from multiple anti-abortion groups for attempting to stop organizations from providing misleading information about abortion pill reversal methods. The groups accused James of violating their First Amendment rights. James sent “Notice of Intention to Sue” letters to pregnancy centers promoting APR, a controversial technique not approved by the FDA.
In addition to the anti-abortion lawsuit, James announced a new lawsuit against the NCAA for imposing what she deems “unfair” restrictions on student athletes’ careers. She joined other groups in challenging the NCAA’s rules that limit prospective student athletes’ ability to earn money and benefit from their name, image, and likeness. James argues that the current rules prevent students from reviewing compensation offers before enrolling in school, limiting their options. The NCAA responded by stating that altering the rules would destabilize the collegiate environment. However, the organization supports student-athletes making money from their name, image, and likeness, and is working on changes to benefit athletes.
Furthermore, James and the DOJ revealed that they had collected and distributed nearly $6.3 million in restitution to the victims of two men convicted of stealing $11.8 million from the estates of three deceased sisters. Richard Sherwood and Thomas Lagan were attorneys and trustees who used their positions to steal millions from the sisters’ estates intended for charitable causes. Sherwood was sentenced to federal and state prison, while Lagan received a federal prison sentence. The restitution recovered was distributed to victims, including churches, civic organizations, a hospital, and a university scholarship fund. James emphasized the importance of trusting financial advisors to act in the best interests of their clients.
Throughout the week, James faced challenges and successes in her role as attorney general of New York. While the civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump was a notable success, her actions against pregnancy centers promoting APR and the NCAA’s rules drew criticism and lawsuits. Despite these challenges, James remained dedicated to seeking justice for victims of fraud and ensuring fair treatment for student athletes. She emphasized the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable and recovering restitution for those affected. The attorney general’s commitment to upholding the law and fighting for justice was evident in her actions throughout the busy week.
