(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned that scam artists are using the relay system for the hearing impaired to target Ohio consumers and small businesses.

"We have received several recent reports from Ohioans who have been targeted by these scams," Attorney General DeWine said. "Many of the complaints come from small businesses who say individuals are trying to use the relay system to defraud them.  Preying on Ohio consumers by using technology dedicated to help the hearing impaired is simply unconscionable."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today kicked off National Poison Prevention Week, which runs from March 20–26, with a visit to the Drug and Poison Information Center at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati.

"There is something wrong in this state when four Ohioans a day are dying every single day from unintentional drug overdoses," said Attorney General DeWine. "More Ohioans are dying today of drug poisonings than in car accidents."   

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced he is recommending legislation to establish oversight of gaming that takes place at internet cafes and similar establishments. The proposal will address electronic games that look like slot machines, which can mislead players and cause confusion for law enforcement.

"Internet cafes and sweepstakes that are skirting the law are growing in many of our communities. By establishing oversight of these previously unregulated games, law enforcement, consumers, and charities can all operate in a more fair environment," DeWine said.

PORTSMOUTH – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine was on site today for a multi-jurisdictional search for evidence of possible prescription drug abuse at an office at 602 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth.

"The prescription drug abuse epidemic is destroying Ohio families. Today's raid is the beginning of an unprecedented and coordinated effort with more than 10 state and local agencies coming together to fight prescription drug abuse," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "Governor Kasich and I will be relentless in our efforts and not let up. The damage done by prescription drug abuse is widespread, insidious and deadly. It has broken up families, left children orphaned and relatives grieving, and it's time put it to an end."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost today announced the release of an update to the Sunshine Laws Manual. This open government resource, which is published as a joint venture of both offices, is a guide to the state's laws concerning open meetings and public records.

The release of this new edition of the Sunshine Laws Manual coincides with Sunshine Week, which is celebrated from March 13-19, 2011.

Attorney General Mike DeWine toured areas of southern Ohio that have been hit hard by the prescription drug abuse epidemic on Thursday and Friday.

"As Attorney General, I took an oath to protect Ohio families, and fighting Ohio's prescription drug abuse problem is a major part of that commitment. The war on prescription drug abuse has many fronts.  It is critical that we work closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to get at the heart of this problem."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned Ohioans to watch for charitable giving scams as they prepare to help fund rescue efforts related to the Japan tsunami.

"Charitable scams tend to emerge after large-scale disasters," DeWine said. "Ohioans should be commended for wanting to help victims, but they should be wary that their generosity is not exploited by scam artists."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine along with 37 other attorneys general today announced a record $68.5 million dollar settlement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and AstraZeneca LP (collectively "AstraZeneca") to resolve concerns about its off-label marketing of the antipsychotic drug Seroquel.

"This agreement represents the largest monetary settlement ever reached in a multi-state consumer protection pharmaceutical settlement," DeWine said. "It sends the message that pharmaceutical companies must not market their products in a deceptive manner. Consumer safety must come first."  

(Columbus, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that he is committed to continuing the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program in Ohio.  DeWine, as a United States Senator, sponsored legislation that became law to authorize funding for the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program.

"I have a long-standing commitment to the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program, and I want to see it continue in Ohio.  By giving people who have outstanding warrants for misdemeanors and low-level felonies the chance to resolve these issues in a church or other community-based setting, we can also help protect our peace officers from potentially being involved in a more violent encounter," said Attorney General Mike DeWine.

(MARYSVILLE, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced the appointment of Union County Sheriff Rocky Nelson as Executive Director of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC). DeWine made the announcement at the Union County Courthouse in Marysville.

The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission is a state commission through which local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies can coordinate investigations and prosecutions of organized criminal enterprises which span multiple jurisdictions. This includes cases of public corruption and organized crime activity such as drug dealing and trafficking in prescription drugs.