News Releases

(MANSFIELD, Ohio) -- Attorney General Mike DeWine said today that his request for a temporary restraining order against Ministry In Marketing and its founder/president Gary Nicholas Bias, of Richland County, was granted on Tuesday. Additionally, DeWine also filed a 37-count complaint against Ministry In Marketing and Bias for violations of Ohio's Charitable Trust Act and Charitable Organizations Act. The complaint alleges that Bias pocketed thousands of dollars of donations intended for charities and failed to provide to charities the full amount due to them for the sale and distribution of coupon books by Bias and his organization on their behalf.

"Even when charities are vigilant and monitor agreements they have with solicitors in order to ensure they get all of the proceeds their groups deserve, there are too many people willing to cash in on the good name of charities and take advantage of the generosity of Ohioans," DeWine said. "We will go after those who try to benefit by harming charities and their donors."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recently filed lawsuits seeking restitution for consumers harmed by two companies: IX Creations, of Columbus, and owner/operator George Ellish Jr.; and Roger Conrad Jr., doing business as C&R Concrete, of Sugar Grove.

"Suppliers of goods and services have to deliver to customers - not only is it the right thing to do, it's the law," said Attorney General DeWine.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that Mary Gallagher, executive vice president and chief of staff at the Ohio Hospital Association, and Joyce Garver Keller, executive director of Ohio Jewish Communities, were elected this week to serve as chair and co-chair of the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council. The council provides the Charitable Law Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office with feedback and suggestions on training needs within the sector or trends among charities operating in the state.

"The council is a valuable asset in our work to protect donors and charities," said Attorney General DeWine. "I am grateful for the efforts of the council members and look forward to their insights."

DeWine announced plans for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy's (OPOTA) "Active Shooter Training Response for Educators Course" last month.

Last year, members of the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Commission made strides to gauge the human trafficking problem in Ohio and strengthen Ohio legislation addressing human trafficking.

(CLEVELAND) – Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against Christopher Sydlo, of Cleveland, and his business, Bear Transmission Inc. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General charges the Newburgh Heights business and its owner with failure to deliver and seeks restitution for consumers.

“It’s unacceptable for businesses to take consumers’ money and fail to deliver the goods or  to give refunds,” DeWine said. “By filing this lawsuit, our primary goal is to recover money for consumers harmed by this business. We also want to stop the owner from taking advantage of other Ohio consumers.”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today praised the extension of tax relief to distressed homeowners who receive relief from the National Mortgage Settlement. The tax provisions, requested by DeWine and 38 other Attorneys General, were passed and signed into law on January 1st as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that forensic scientists working at the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) are now processing DNA cases in a record turnaround time of 20 days, despite a 34-percent increase in DNA submissions from law enforcement from December 2010 to today.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –Attorney General Mike DeWine today reminded consumers to read the fine print before joining a gym or a health club in the New Year.

"Many Ohioans will be resolving to lose weight or get healthy in 2013," DeWine said. "Those are great goals, but it's important not to get caught up in the hype and forget to read the fine print of a contract. You don't want to be surprised months later when you're paying more than expected for your membership or you can't cancel when you want."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Hamilton County man has been arrested for Compelling Prostitution involving a juvenile victim, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s (BCI) Crimes Against Children Unit and the Harrison Police Department.