OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 25, 2006 — The owner of a business that once operated 10 "Seen On Screen" kiosks in malls across Washington has been charged with 48 felony counts of theft of sales tax and filing false state tax returns.

SEATTLE -- A Marysville company that made unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of body-enhancement products it sold over the Internet has agreed to stop offering the products in Washington, Attorney General Christine Gregoire announced today.

Omni BioTech International, Inc., which also did business as Small Breast Solutions (SBS), targeted consumers who desired breast enlargement, weight loss, and sexual dysfunction cures. The products ranged from $14.95 for a supply of breast-enhancement soap to $349.90 for a six-month supply of the “Complete System.”

SPOKANE – The Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana today warned consumers to be wary of callers who either offer coupons or claim you have won a gift certificate from a local business, then ask for personal bank account information.

SPOKANE – Attorney General Rob McKenna joined with the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Washington and his local Medicaid fraud and criminal justice teams in Spokane today to discuss his office’s increased Eastern Washington emphasis on criminal justice issues.

McKenna discussed the expansion of the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and the office’s new criminal justice division presence in Spokane.

OLYMPIA—The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit today filed charges in Cowlitz County Superior Court against a Cowlitz County man accused of billing the state Department of Social and Health Services for 17 months of services he did not provide.

Victor L. Friedman was charged today with 16 counts of theft in the first degree and one count of theft in the second degree.

SEATTLE – Attorney General Rob McKenna today encouraged Washington residents to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina but also cautioned them to be on the lookout for charity scams, including bogus solicitations by e-mail and phone.

“Washington residents should not let cons exploit their generosity,” McKenna said. “I encourage people to do what they can to support victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating directly to familiar charities.”

Defendant’s name allegedly used as an alias in business transactions

SEATTLE – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna today announced a settlement with a New York man who allegedly allowed his name to be used as an alias in business dealings by Secure Computer, a company accused of violating Washington’s computer spyware law.

Attorney General Rob McKenna will present Cancer Lifeline with a check for $24,182 to benefit cancer patients. The grant is a portion of a multi-state settlement with drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb, which developed and marketed late-stage cancer drug Taxol.

Cancer Lifeline operates a statewide 24-hour-a-day phone service offering support and resources to patients and their families. The nonprofit provides the toll free line to increase support opportunities for rural residents.

SEATTLE -- Eight organizations that promote health and nutrition will receive $165,315 as a result of an antitrust settlement with the manufacturer of the George Foreman Grill.

The state today filed the proposed cash distribution plan in U.S. District Court in New York following a September 2002 settlement between the grill manufacturer, Salton, Inc., and 44 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The states alleged that Salton tried to keep retailers from selling the grill at a reduced price.