Kentucky.gov

Below is a list of all current press releases.  To view the full text, click on the press release title.

• Former Eastern Kentucky Dentist Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud & Drug Trafficking
  Wednesday, November 18, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control today announced that a plea agreement was reached in the case of 47-year-old Craig Ralston, a former dentist in Eastern Kentucky. Ralston, formerly of Bell County, Ky., was indicted in December 2007 on charges that he defrauded the Kentucky Medicaid Program and three counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, Hydrocodone. Ralston pled guilty to all counts in Bell Circuit Court on Monday, November 16.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Agreement With Vonage Regarding Cancellation Issues
  Monday, November 16, 2009
  Company will issue refunds and modify cancellation & retention practices.
• Attorney General Conway Applauds FDA Probe of Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today joined 18 other state attorneys general in applauding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement today that it will look into the safety and legality of alcoholic energy drinks (AEDs). General Conway, a member of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Youth Access to Alcohol Committee, is also pleased with the FDA’s decision to request that manufacturers of these products provide the agency with support for the claim that the use of caffeine and other stimulants in alcoholic beverages is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under FDA regulations.
• Former Group Home Administrator Pleads Guilty to Neglecting Patients
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a plea agreement was reached in the case of a former Kentucky group home administrator accused of neglecting patients. Terry Wallingford, who previously ran New Hope, LLC, a Support for Community Living group home in Mercer County, Ky., waived his right to a grand jury hearing and was charged by information in Mercer Circuit Court on Tuesday, November 10. Wallingford, currently of Harrodsburg, Ky, pled guilty to one count of wanton neglect of a vulnerable adult under KRS 209.990(3), a Class D felony.
• Former Nurse Sentenced in Connection With Death of Patient
  Friday, November 06, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced the sentencing of a nurse formerly employed by Hurstborne Care Center in Jefferson County, Ky.
• Attorney General Conway Files Motion With U.S. Supreme Court Asking For Stay of KY Sex Offender Residency Ruling
  Thursday, November 05, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today filed a motion with the United States Supreme Court asking it to stay the recent ruling by the Kentucky Supreme Court that lifts the residency restrictions for all registered sex offenders who committed their crimes before July 12, 2006 –meaning more than 5,500 sex offenders could live next to schools and daycares.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Conviction in Magoffin County Jury Tampering Case
  Thursday, November 05, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the convictions of a Magoffin County woman and her grandson for their roles in creating a mistrial in the September sodomy trial of Chester Allen.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Conviction of Multi-County Burglar/Robber
  Thursday, November 05, 2009
  Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the conviction of 42-year-old Gerald D. Weddle in Oldham Circuit Court for his part in a multi-county crime spree in 2007.
• Attorney General Conway's Prescription Drug Diversion Task Force Participates In Historic Drug Sweep
  Friday, October 30, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway’s prescription drug diversion task force was among the agencies making arrests this week as part of the largest drug sweep operation in Kentucky’s history.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Indictments of Three People in Connection with Adair County Arson
  Thursday, October 29, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the indictments and arrests in Columbia of a former Kentucky State Police Trooper and two of his relatives in connection with an arson in Adair County.
• Attorney General Conway Will Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Review Sex Offender Residency Case
  Thursday, October 29, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that his office will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the recent ruling by the Kentucky Supreme Court that lifts the residency restrictions for all registered sex offenders who committed their crimes before July 12, 2006 – meaning hundreds of sex offenders could live next to schools and daycares.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Refund for Former Customers of Nicholasville Health Club
  Friday, October 23, 2009
  Former customers of the LA Boxing Health Club will soon receive refunds as a result of action taken by Attorney General Jack Conway’s Office of Consumer Protection.
• Kentucky's Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board Marks 25th Anniversary
  Wednesday, October 21, 2009
  Hosts 1st Annual Halloween Ball
• Four Pharmaceutical Companies Agree to Pay $124 Million for Alleged Submission of False Claims to Medicaid
  Monday, October 19, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that Kentucky has joined with other states and the federal government in reaching an agreement with four pharmaceutical companies over allegations they submitted false claims to Medicaid. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MPI), UDL Laboratories, Inc. (UDL), AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., will pay a total of $124 million to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act by failing to pay appropriate rebates for drugs that were paid for by Medicaid. As part of the settlements, the Commonwealth of Kentucky will recover more than $1.6 million in total state and federal dollars. More than $500,000 will go to Kentucky’s Medicaid Program.
• Kentucky Sheriffs and Deputies to Receive Needed Equipment in Settlement over Allegations of Deceptive Fundraising Practices by Charity
  Monday, October 19, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway is pleased to announce that Kentucky sheriffs and their deputies will benefit from a settlement reached between his office and a Texas-based charity and its solicitor over allegedly deceptive fundraising practices.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Training for New Prosecutors
  Friday, October 16, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that his office will host the Kentucky Prosecutors Institute (KPI) next week to train new prosecutors about courtroom procedure and techniques. Developed in conjunction with the Prosecutors Advisory Council, KPI provides intensive, hands-on training for new prosecutors by using actual courtroom scenarios.
• Attorney General Conway Announces $14.7 Million Verdict Against Drug Company
  Thursday, October 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced that a Franklin Circuit Court jury has handed down a $14.7 million verdict against global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca for defrauding the Medicaid program and Kentucky consumers by inflating the prices of their prescription drugs.
• Fifth Annual Free Community Shredding Event
  Wednesday, October 07, 2009
  Fight identity theft and recycle confidential documents and materials.
• Kentucky Court Upholds Constitutionality of State's Price-Gouging Statute in Challenge By Marathon Oil
  Tuesday, October 06, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a significant ruling in Franklin Circuit Court in a lawsuit against Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, Marathon Oil Corp., and Speedway SuperAmerica LLC alleging price gouging in the wholesale and retail pricing of gasoline in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
• Attorney General Conway & CyberSafeKY Announce Back to School Safety Initiatives
  Monday, October 05, 2009
  20 Computers Donated to Community Organizations
• Attorney General Conway Files Suit Against Merck
  Monday, September 28, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today filed suit in Franklin Circuit Court against pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. alleging violations of Kentucky's Consumer Protection Act related to the anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx. General Conway is seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, and other equitable relief related to Merck's marketing of Vioxx.
• Attorney General Conway Receives $3.94 Million Grant to Take Kentucky's eWarrants System into Rural Areas
  Thursday, September 24, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that his office has received a $3.94 million grant from the American Resource and Recovery Act (ARRA) to expand Kentucky's electronic warrant management (eWarrants) system. The Office of the Attorney General will work closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Kentucky State Police and Kentucky's County Attorneys to install the eWarrants system in nearly all of the state's rural counties. Currently, only six Kentucky counties have access to the electronic warrant system. In addition to improving public safety, the grant will also create approximately 20 new jobs across the Commonwealth.
• Jessamine County Man Indicted for Allegedly Trying to Lure a Child for Sex Via the Internet
  Tuesday, September 22, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and Tom Lockridge, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit representing Garrard and Jessamine counties, today jointly announced the indictment of a Jessamine County man on two counts of using electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities. The charges are Class D felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison on each count.
• Bracken County Man Indicted on 485 Counts of Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography
  Friday, September 18, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and Kathryn Hendrickson, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit representing Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties, today jointly announced the indictment of a Bracken County man on 485 counts of distribution and possession of child pornography.
• Attorney General Conway's Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force Participates in Floyd County Drug Round-up
  Wednesday, September 16, 2009
  Members of Attorney General Jack Conway's new statewide prescription drug abuse task force assisted in a drug round-up in Floyd County on Tuesday, September 15. The joint operation between the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Drug Diversion Task Force; Operation Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education (UNITE); Floyd County Sheriff's Department; and police departments from Prestonsburg and Martin resulted in the arrests of three individuals on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance. Additional arrests and charges are expected.
• Attorney General Conway Announces that Columbia Gas Agrees to Cut Requested Rate Increase by More than $5 Million
  Tuesday, September 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a settlement agreement with Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc., which reduces the company’s original demand for a rate hike by almost 50 percent. The agreement limits Columbia to a general increase of $6.125 million, a decrease of $5.44 million from its original request of approximately $11.57 million.
• Western Kentucky Dentist Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud
  Tuesday, September 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control today announced a plea agreement was reached in the case of a Western Kentucky dentist. Dr. Timothy Underwood, 58, of Central City in Muhlenberg County, was indicted in December 2006 on charges that he defrauded the Kentucky Medicaid Program. Underwood pled guilty and was sentenced in Franklin Circuit Court on Friday, September 11, 2009 for presenting false claims to the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program.
• Attorney General Conway & Department of Financial Institutions Announce Launch of Lifesmarts Competition
  Tuesday, September 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and the Department of Financial Institutions is pleased to announce with its other state partners, the Department of Insurance, the Better Business Bureau, and 4-H Cooperative Extension, the official start of the 2009-2010 LifeSmarts season in Kentucky.
• Kentucky Attorney General to Host National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units Annual Conference
  Thursday, September 10, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced that his office will host the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) Annual Conference in Louisville next week. The conference, which focuses on identifying and fighting Medicaid fraud and protecting our most vulnerable citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation, will be held at the Galt House beginning on Monday, Sept. 14 to Thursday, Sept. 17. Attorney General Conway will provide the opening remarks between 9:00 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 for the approximately 200 prosecutors and investigators from all 50 states and the District of Columbia who are expected to attend.
• Former Nurse Pleads Guilty in Connection with Death of Patient
  Friday, September 04, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a plea agreement was reached in the case of a Kentucky nurse formerly employed by Hurstborne Care Center in Jefferson County, Ky. Stacy Harrison, of Henderson, Ky. was indicted in June 2008 on charges related to the abuse and neglect of a patient under his care. Harrison pled guilty in Jefferson Circuit Court today to knowing neglect of a vulnerable adult under KRS 209.990(2), a Class C felony.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Indictments In Magoffin County Jury Tampering Case
  Thursday, September 03, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the indictments of a Magoffin County woman and her grandson on charges of jury tampering and retaliating against a participant in the legal process.
• Knott County Man Pleads Guilty in Child Pornography Case
  Wednesday, September 02, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Department of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) Cybercrimes Unit today announced that a plea agreement has been reached with a Knott County man for receipt of child pornography. This marks the completion of one of the first child pornography investigations handled by General Conway's newly created Cybercrimes Unit.
• Attorney General Conway Announces $2.3 Billion Settlement With Pfizer
  Wednesday, September 02, 2009
  Pfizer to pay Kentucky $5.4 Million for Medicaid Fraud, Consumer Protection violations
• Attorney General Conway Issues Refund Checks from Settlement with Suretouch Long Distance
  Friday, August 28, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that more than 1,000 Kentuckians will receive refund checks as part of a settlement in a telemarketing enforcement action against Direct Connect Consulting Inc. of Alpharetta, Georgia and related defendants which marketed "SureTouch" Long Distance service. The action was filed in May 2008 alleging the defendants had engaged in deceptive marketing and illegal billing practices. The case was filed jointly by the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as part of a national telemarketing fraud sweep called "Operation TelePhoney."
• Attorney General Conway Warns Kentucky Senior Citizens Not to Fall for the "Grandparents Scam"
  Friday, August 28, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway is warning Kentuckians about a phone scam that targets grandparents. General Conway’s Office of Consumer Protection has received calls from concerned consumers about the so-called "Grandparents Scam," also known as the "Emergency Scam." At least one victim in Kentucky was conned out of $6,000.
• Attorney General Conway Names 2009 Outstanding Commonwealth's and County Attorneys
  Thursday, August 20, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today presented awards for the 2009 Outstanding Commonwealth’s and County Attorneys at the Kentucky Prosecutor’s Conference at the Lexington Convention Center.
• Attorney General Conway Launches Statewide Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force
  Thursday, August 20, 2009
  Office of the Attorney General Receives $50,000 grant to expand drug diversion efforts.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Additional Dates for Senior Crime Colleges in Western Ky
  Wednesday, August 12, 2009
  Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway wants to make sure Kentucky’s senior citizens are armed with the latest information about scams that target the elderly. The Office of the Attorney General has already hosted nearly 20 senior crime colleges this year and recently added additional dates in Western Kentucky.
• Hopkinsville Couple Arraigned on Felony Charges Related to Phony Investment Scam
  Wednesday, August 12, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and 3rd District Commonwealth’s Attorney Lynn Pryor today announced the arraignment of two of four people charged in connection with a phony investment scam in Christian County that has cost its victims more than $516,000.
• Attorney General, Mayor: Avoid Flood-Related Scams
  Tuesday, August 11, 2009
  Mayor Jerry Abramson and Attorney General Jack Conway warned Louisville residents to be vigilant against fly-by-night repair crews, bogus charitable collectors and fake officials – scams designed to exploit people recovering from disasters like last week’s flash flooding.
• Attorney General Conway Offers Tips To Consumers With Flood Damaged Vehicles
  Thursday, August 06, 2009
  With hundreds of cars damaged in Tuesday’s record-breaking rainfall and subsequent flooding in the Louisville Metro area, Attorney General Jack Conway has some important tips for consumers whose vehicles were damaged by floodwaters. General Conway also cautions consumers to be on the lookout for flood-damaged vehicles that may end up on used car lots.
• Attorney General Conway Provides Consumer Information for Kentucky Storm Victims
  Wednesday, August 05, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway wants victims of Tuesday’s severe storms and torrential downpours to be aware of scam artists who may try to prey upon their misfortune.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Plan To Pay $1.64M to Qualifying Kentucky Countrywide Mortgage Borrowers
  Thursday, July 23, 2009
  Payments follow settlement with Countrywide over allegations of predatory lending.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Fraud Alert
  Tuesday, July 21, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today warned consumers who have purchased classified ads in newspapers that they could be targeted by scam artists and should not give out personal information over the phone.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Nearly $6 Million National Settlement With DISH Network
  Thursday, July 16, 2009
  Settlement addresses allegations of deceptive and unfair sales practices.
• Badges For Baseball Pilot Program Helping Area Youth Learn Baseball Basics, Healthy Choices
  Wednesday, July 15, 2009
  AG Conway Greets 2009 Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Summer Camp Participants in Frankfort
• Attorney General Conway Announces Multi-State Settlement with Drug Companies over Slow Disclosure of Negative Drug Study Results
  Wednesday, July 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway, along with attorneys general of 35 other states, today announced a settlement with Merck & Co. Inc, Shering-Plough Corporation, and a joint venture of the two companies, MSP Singapore Company, LLC. The agreement, filed in Franklin Circuit Court, resolves an investigation into the companies’ delay in releasing negative results from a clinical trial involving the cholesterol lowering drug Vytorin® (a combination of the drug Zetia® and Simvastatin).
• Attorney General Conway Announces $4.5 Million Settlement with Drug Company
  Friday, July 10, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a $4.5 settlement with several U.S. subsidiaries of global pharmaceutical manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, headquartered in Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany. The U.S. companies involved in the settlement are Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane, Inc., Roxane Laboratories, Inc. and Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc.
• Latest Scams Target Out-of-work Kentuckians
  Friday, July 10, 2009
  Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway warns out-of-work Kentuckians to be leery of the latest wave of scams to hit the Commonwealth. The Office of the Attorney General has received an increased number of complaints and inquiries about so-called "Secret Shopper" and Automated Clearing House transfer scams that have cost victims thousands of dollars and prey upon those who are experiencing tough times.
• Attorney General Conway's Cybercrimes Unit Marks 1st Anniversary
  Wednesday, July 08, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway’s Cybercrimes Unit just marked its 1st anniversary. In June 2008, General Conway followed through on his commitment to Kentuckians to create a unit dedicated to investigating crimes that occur online.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with Drug Company
  Thursday, July 02, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a $2 million settlement with Deerfield, Ill., pharmaceutical manufacturer Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a subsidiary of global healthcare company Baxter International, Inc.
• Attorney General Conway's Senior Crime Colleges Help Seniors Protect Themselves
  Wednesday, July 01, 2009
  Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway wants to make sure Kentucky’s senior citizens are armed with the latest information on scams that may target the elderly.
• Bourbon County Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography
  Tuesday, June 30, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Department of Criminal Investigations today announced the arrest of Larry S. Maitland of Paris, in Bourbon County, on five counts of possession of child pornography, a Class D felony.
• Attorney General Conway Among Those Urging Fedex Ground to Play by the Rules, Classify Drivers Properly
  Thursday, June 25, 2009
  AGs concerned FedEx may be circumventing worker protections, dodging state taxes
• Attorney General Conway Announces $16 Million Dollar Judgment Against Drug Company
  Wednesday, June 24, 2009
  Attorney General Jack today announced that a Franklin Circuit Court jury has handed down a $16 million judgment against Sandoz, the generic-drugs division of pharmaceutical giant Novartis, for defrauding the Medicaid program and Kentucky consumers by inflating the prices of their prescription drugs.
• Former Bell County Dentist Indicted on Charges of Jury Tampering
  Thursday, June 18, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced the indictment of Craig Ralston, a former dentist in Bell County, on five counts of jury tampering, a Class D felony. The Bell County grand jury handed down the indictment on Wednesday, June 17, 2009.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Prison Term for Former Minister on Theft, Forgery Charges
  Wednesday, June 17, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the sentencing of Richard Bridges, of Bowling Green, on felony theft and forgery charges in connection with a long-term embezzlement scheme perpetrated against a Simpson County Church.
• Attorney General Releases Advisory Legal Opinion Regarding Video Lottery Terminals At Racetracks
  Monday, June 15, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today released an advisory legal opinion regarding video lottery terminals at Kentucky racetracks.
• Citizens, Service Providers Urged to Report Elder Abuse
  Monday, June 15, 2009
  Attorney General, Financial Regulator Join Forces to Fight Exploitation
• Attorney General Conway Urges Kentucky Parents to Keep Their Kids Cybersafe This Summer
  Thursday, June 11, 2009
  June Marks National Internet Safety Month
• Attorney General Conway and Members of the Prosecutors Advisory Council Praise Governor Beshear’s Proposed Budget Increase for Prosecutors
  Wednesday, June 03, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and members of the Prosecutors Advisory Council today praised Governor Steve Beshear’s proposed Special Session budget that seeks to increase funding for Kentucky prosecutors.
• Fleming County Man Indicted For Distribution And Possession of Child Pornography
  Wednesday, June 03, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Department of Criminal Investigations have announced the indictment of a Fleming County man on multiple charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.
• Louisville Man Sentenced For Involvement In Ponzi-Like Scheme
  Thursday, May 28, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Candace G. Hill, have announced the sentencing of Roger W. Jones, 54, of Louisville, for selling investments as an unregistered broker/dealer and for his role in a Ponzi-like scheme known as Semper Libera.
• Attorney General Conway Announces Murray Couple Sentenced In Child Abuse Case
  Tuesday, May 26, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the sentencing of a Murray man and woman for their roles in a Calloway County child abuse case
• Attorney General Conway Announces $5.1 Million Settlement With Eli Lilly
  Tuesday, May 26, 2009
  Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a $5.1 million settlement with Eli Lilly and Company over allegations of improper marketing of the antipsychotic drug, Zyprexa.