In General

Resolve to Reduce Underage Drinking in 2013

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:09:09 GMT

As members of the Washington Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, the Attorney General's Office urges you to join our team in reducing underage drinking and helping kids find safer, healthier alternatives. For tips on how you can help reduce youth exposure to alcohol, check out the latest op-ed by RUAD co-chairs, Michael Langer of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery and Sharon Foster of the Liquor Control Board.

Pierce County woman pleads guilty to Medicaid fraud

SES - ISD — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:38:11 GMT

Another win yesterday in the fight against Medicaid fraud. In Pierce County Superior Court, Diana Esterly pled guilty and was sentenced to First degree Theft and Medicaid False Statement.

New White House effort to fight modern day slavery

SES - ISD — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:36:54 GMT

Speaking today at the Clinton Global Initiative, President Obama announced “major actions to fight human trafficking at home and abroad.”

Washington warns federal government on potential Yucca spending

Public Affairs Unit — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:17:00 GMT

As Law360.com (subscription required) reported this week: The Washington Attorney General's Office called on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday not to use congressionally approved funds to impede Yucca Mountain licensing proceedings until the D.C. Circuit rules in

Massachusetts, Washington recognized for strides in fight against human trafficking

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:28:31 GMT

Polaris Project, one of the top national organizations confronting modern day slavery, Tuesday announced the launch of its 2012 Annual Ratings Map on state human trafficking laws.

Attorney General Rob McKenna: Arrests and lawsuit show dangers of Backpage

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:28:38 GMT

Two recent arrests offer a sobering reminder of what’s at stake in the fight over so-called “adult services” advertisements.

Video: McKenna on AC360, talking about Backpage

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:25:55 GMT

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna yesterday spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper, of AC360, regarding the lawsuit against Washington state's new law to prevent kids from being sold for sex online.

Backpage: an “ally” in the fight against trafficking?

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:57:12 GMT

Do you believe that Backpage – the online marketplace for prostitution – is an ally in the fight against human trafficking? Imagine our surprise when we opened our copies of the Seattle Times to find Backpage attorney Liz McDougall [“Backpage.com is an ally in fight against human trafficking,” Opinion, May 7] making this jaw-dropping claim.

McKenna speaks out against smoking in youth-rated movies

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:29:24 GMT

A letter signed by 38 state and territorial Attorneys General, including Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, today urges 10 movie studios to adopt policies to eliminate tobacco depictions in youth-rated movies.

Video: ABC-TV's investigation of Backpage

Public Affairs Unit — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:29:12 GMT

ABC Television's "Nightline" program Tuesday night aired a terrific investigation into the trafficking of minors via the online classified site Backpage.com.

Honoring a hero of open government

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:08:59 GMT

Sunshine Week, which began Sunday, is a national initiative to promote open government and freedom of information. It’s also a great time to celebrate a true hero of government openness and accountability.

McKenna, other AGs, urge Congress to spare cuts to criminal justice program

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:15:17 GMT

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna and 44 other Attorneys General today sent a letter to leaders in the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations committees, urging them to support federal funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program in the 2013 appropriations bill.

More minors advertised on Backpage.com

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:51:09 GMT

The News Tribune's "Lights & Sirens" blog has one of the latest example of minors advertised on the online classified site Backpage.com.

Your settlement questions answered during a Seattle Times chat

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:01:41 GMT

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna last week announced a $25 billion national mortgage settlement with five of the nation’s largest banks – the largest consumer settlement in history. David Huey, senior counsel with state Attorney General’s consumer protection division – one of the lead state negotiators in the settlement — answered questions about the settlement this week during a live chat with The Seattle Times.

Visiting the site of Super Bowl XLVI

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:06:28 GMT

Who goes Indianapolis before the Super Bowl and leaves before the big game?

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Awareness Day

Public Affairs Unit — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:36:39 GMT

When President Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, he explained that: “we are working to protect victims of human trafficking with effective services and support, prosecute traffickers through consistent enforcement, and prevent human rights abuses by furthering public awareness and addressing the root causes of modern slavery. The steadfast defense of human rights is an essential part of our national identity, and as long as individuals suffer the violence of slavery and human trafficking, we must continue the fight.”

Former human trafficking victim speaks out

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:47:18 GMT

This morning, Shared Hope International released its annual Protected Innocence Initiative, which grades states on their work to combat human trafficking. In the AP video covering the event, former human trafficking victim Holly Austin Smith bravely talks about her frightening experience being forced into prostitution.

Teachers, others join fight against 'beacon for human traffickers”

Public Affairs Unit — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:59:13 GMT

Malia Zimmerman of the Hawaii Reporter writes about teachers joining the online petition campaign against Backpage.com.

Drowsy driving may be just as dangerous as drunk driving

Public Affairs Unit — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:53:27 GMT

An AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study shows that one in six deadly crashes involves drowsy driving. And, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that each year drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents. According to the Washington State Patrol, in 2010, there were 17 people killed and 74 seriously injured in Washington state because motorists were either drowsy or had fallen asleep while driving.

Another teen arrested in Backpage.com incident

Public Affairs Unit — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:51:32 GMT

Gannett News service reports on another case of a teen arrested in a Backpage.com-related crime

Turn in Unused/Expired Prescription Drugs Saturday, Oct. 29

Sarah Lane All Consuming Blog Moderator — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:42:54 GMT

The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. There are more than 90 take-back locations in Washington.

Clergy join call for Backpage.com to end trafficking of minors

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:35:00 GMT

We totally agree with 36 prominent clergy members who today appealed to Village Voice Media “to end the sex trafficking of girls and boys made possible by its Web site, Backpage.com.”

Saluting J.P. Patches and Gertrude

Attorney General Rob McKenna — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:21:37 GMT

As you may have heard, J.P. Patches makes his final public appearance in Seattle on Saturday.

Three AAGs Win First Supreme Court Victories

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:06:32 GMT

In the last week, the Washington State Supreme Court issued opinions on three cases argued by assistant attorneys general. In all three cases is was their first time arguing before the Supreme Court, and in each case they were successful. Here's to the beginning of three great case records!

ICE Assistance Program Helps Human Trafficking Victims

AGO Intern — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:52:10 GMT

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement not only targets and apprehends human traffickers, but it also provides assistance to human trafficking victims through its Victim Assistance Program. That assistance comes in various forms like temporary immigration benefits, counseling, and more.

Everett officer fights gangs with soccer

AGO Intern — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:33:44 GMT

A police offficer in Everett has opened a soccer camp to help keep kids away from gangs in the summer.

Rob McKenna launches anti-human trafficking campaign

AGO Intern — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:07:01 GMT

Attorney General McKenna, after taking over as President of the National Association of Attorneys General, began his initiative to crack down on modern-day slavery in the US.

Seattle man sentenced in child pornography and molestation case

AGO Intern — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:28:00 GMT

In the ongoing fight against sexual crimes against children, a Seattle man was sentenced to 17 years, 6 months in prison after admitting to possessing child pornography and molesting a child.

McKenna in Washington Business Magazine: gang crimes hurt businesses

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:32:51 GMT

Editors ask, "Why should businesses in Washington be concerned about gangs? And, what can employers do to curb the disturbing trend of young children being recruited into gangs?"

Video: Gang problem is big and getting bigger

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:09:55 GMT

The gang problem is "big and getting bigger" according to Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, who last week spoke with Comcast's Sabrina Register.

Facebook and Microsoft team up to tackle child pornography

Public Affairs Unit — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:16:02 GMT

Attorney General McKenna this week congratulated Facebook for deploying a powerful new program, developed by Microsoft, to combat terrible crimes against kids. The New York Times describes the cutting-edge technology

Washington residents respond to DEA 'Got Drugs' campaign

AGO Intern — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:06:35 GMT

From left to right: Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg, Attorney General McKenna, DEA Agent in Charge Ray Lopez (admiring the haul) and Kennewick Police Captain Trevor White. Congratulations to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a job well done! The second national drug take-back

Living In Gangland

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:49:04 GMT

KUOW is in the middle of a week-long series on gang violence (links include audio).

First- in-the-nation state law used to keep predators away from public pools

Public Affairs Unit — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:18:09 GMT

In February, the Yakima Herald reported an ominous development at a protest against the rumored closure of a local swimming pool: The police chief spotted a repeat sex offender among the demonstrators.

Attorneys General keep Japan in the forefront

Scott Peterson — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:21:05 GMT

To quote a “Frostyism” (Frosty Westering, Hall of Fame head football coach, PLU, 1972-2003) from my time playing and coaching at Pacific Lutheran University: “Today’s headlines are tomorrow’s floors of bathrooms.”

So as the papers and news broadcasts move away from the disaster and recovery efforts in Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) is keeping the issue at the forefront.

Drive-by shootings hit Yakima and Seattle

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:03:07 GMT

Unfortunately, a series of new gang crimes are in the news this week.

So Long, Farewell...

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:41:20 GMT

Today, I bid my goodbye to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. It has been a short yet successful run, and I am extremely grateful for these past three months.

Shocking gang statistics

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:25:25 GMT

Yesterday's Tri-City Herald editorial includes numbers that underscore the importance of tackling the state's public safety emergency.

Curbing Gangs

Sarah Lane All Consuming Blog Moderator — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:42:14 GMT

The Tri-City Herald reports that Attorney General Rob McKenna realized the severity of Washington’s mounting gang problem in 2005. McKenna discussed his awareness at a Richland Rotary Club meeting earlier this month:

KING 5: Inmates could lose ability to profit off record requests

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:15:17 GMT

In a story that aired this week, KING 5's Drew Mikkelsen spoke with convicted bank robber Matthew Silva, who has made more than 125 public records requests—or “PRRs”— to the Department of Corrections (DOC), requiring more than 1400 taxpayer-funded staff hours to respond.

In their own words: advocates for community safety

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:58:16 GMT

Yakama Nation member: "We need something to help us to remain safe in our town"

As the Legislature continues to consider a bill to reduce gang violence, consider the words of those most impacted by the issue. On Jan. 19, community activists, parents who’ve lost children, officers who police gang-plagued cities, public officials and others came to Olympia to speak out. They pleaded with the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, urging them to pass HB 1126.

Q13: Crime Stoppers Campaign Against Elder Abuse

Sarah Lane All Consuming Blog Moderator — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:03:43 GMT

Q13 TV and other media outlets announced an important campaign yesterday.

Gang bill on Inside Olympia

Public Affairs Unit — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:04:56 GMT

From the TVW synopsis: "Anti-gang legislation is stirring debate over public safety and civil rights. Host Austin Jenkins interviews Attorney General Rob McKenna, and hosts a panel discussion with an ACLU representative, a police officer, and an ex-gang member."

KCTS: Gangs and Guns in Washington state

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:42:43 GMT

On Friday, KCTS aired an thorough program about gang violence. An important, yet disturbing, bit of information was revealed: Washington state is tied for fourth place among states with the most drive-by shootings.

Increased gang violence in Whatcom County

AGO Intern — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:12:39 GMT

The Bellingham Herald reported that Whatcom County has recently faced a harsh gang reality. Since 2007, the county’s gang violence has risen nearly 34 percent

Another broadside against a bipartisan anti-gang bill

Public Affairs Unit — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:05:18 GMT

In case you missed it, the ACLU has launched a campaign of fear and deception about a bipartisan bill to reduce gang violence.

KING TV: Standing room only at anti-gang bill hearing

Public Affairs Unit — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:17:12 GMT

As KING 5 News reporter Drew Mikkelsen reports, police and prosecutors testified in favor of it at Wednesday's standing-room-only hearing at the Capitol

Legislative Transparency

AGO Intern — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:31:19 GMT

In an effort to promote increased awareness of the work of the Legislature and to encourage regular people to provide input on the legislative process, State Auditor Brian Sonntag and I offer our support to the Washington Policy Center’s constitutional transparency amendment.

Audio: Attorney General McKenna on abusive lawsuits

Public Affairs Unit — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:30:49 GMT

Attorney General McKenna appeared on KONA Radio this morning with Jeff Phillips.

Slade Gorton: Attorney general's independence protects the legal rights of the state

Public Affairs Unit — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:50:18 GMT

Former Washington State Attorney General Slade Gorton penned a powerful piece for the Olympian regarding two State Supreme Court cases challenging the independence of the AGO.