Officials announced the recent arrest of a former Madison County Department of Human Resources senior social worker for charges of first-degree theft, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and an ethics law violation. Stephanie Harris Bell, 53, of Hampton Cove, was arrested on December 16 and released on bond December 20.

Alabama Attorney [...]]]>

Officials announced the recent arrest of a former Madison County Department of Human Resources senior social worker for charges of first-degree theft, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and an ethics law violation. Stephanie Harris Bell, 53, of Hampton Cove, was arrested on December 16 and released on bond December 20.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange’s Special Prosecutions Division presented evidence to a Madison County grand jury, resulting in Bell’s indictment* on November 30. Specifically, the indictment charges her with first-degree theft of more than $2,500 from the Madison County Department of Human Resources/Alabama Department of Human Resources; second-degree possession of a forged instrument, specifically a travel reimbursement request; and intentionally using her official position as a senior social worker for the Madison County Department of Human Resources for her personal gain.

If convicted, Bell faces a maximum penalty of 2 to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the theft and ethics charges, which are Class B felonies, and 1 year and 1 day to 10 years’ imprisonment for second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, which is a Class C felony.

Attorney General Strange thanked the special agents of the Alabama Ethics Commission for their assistance.

(MONTGOMERY) – For the second time this year, the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that electronic bingo is illegal within the state of Alabama, Attorney General Luther Strange announced Friday.

In the case State of Alabama v. 825 Electronic Gambling Devices et al (Greenetrack), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled [...]]]>

McGregor at Victoryland (APR)

(MONTGOMERY) – For the second time this year, the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that electronic bingo is illegal within the state of Alabama, Attorney General Luther Strange announced Friday.

In the case State of Alabama v. 825 Electronic Gambling Devices et al (Greenetrack), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in favor of the State, reversing a lower court judgment siding with the casino. As a result, the State of Alabama is allowed to destroy the electronic bingo machines it seized from Greenetrack.

In its 29-page ruling released Friday, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its March 31, 2016 ruling in a similar case involving the legality of electronic bingo machines.

“There is no longer any room for uncertainty, nor justification for continuing dispute, as to the meaning of [the term ‘bingo’]. And certainly the need for any further expenditure of judicial resources, including the resources of this Court, to examine this issue is at an end. All that is left is for the law of this State to be enforced,” the Supreme Court said.

In a separate case (Macon County Greyhound Park, Inc., d/b/a Victoryland v Marie Hoffman), the Supreme Court ruled that individuals have a right to sue illegal gambling institutions.

“Because the ‘contracts’ containing the arbitration provisions in these cases were based on gambling consideration, they were based solely on criminal conduct, and are therefore void. Consequently, the provisions of those ‘contracts,’ including arbitration provisions are void and unenforceable,” the Supreme Court ruled.

Attorney General Strange emphasized that these rulings, combined with the Supreme Court’s March 31, 2016 ruling against Victoryland, remove any doubt that electronic bingo in all its forms is illegal in Alabama and that local law enforcement should do their duty to enforce the law.

“Local sheriffs and police officers in most parts of the State are enforcing our gambling laws. The sheriffs in Greene and Macon counties must uphold their sworn duty to enforce the law as interpreted by the Supreme Court and not continue to sanction this illegal activity. As I have previously stated, my office stands ready to render any required assistance to enable them to carry out their legal duties.”

Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General John Kachelman of the Criminal Trials Division, as well as agents in his Investigations Division and all law enforcement officers who assisted with the Greenetrack case, including former agents Mike Reese and William Carson for their dedicated work.

(MONTGOMERY) –– Attorney General Luther Strange joined 35 other Attorneys General recently in filing an antitrust lawsuit against the makers of Suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction. The complaint alleges that the companies engaged in a scheme to block generic competitors and cause purchasers to pay artificially high prices.

Reckitt Benckiser [...]]]>

(MONTGOMERY) –– Attorney General Luther Strange joined 35 other Attorneys General recently in filing an antitrust lawsuit against the makers of Suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction. The complaint alleges that the companies engaged in a scheme to block generic competitors and cause purchasers to pay artificially high prices.

Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, now known as Indivior, is accused of conspiring with MonoSol Rx to switch Suboxone from a tablet version to a film (that dissolves in the mouth) in order to prevent or delay generic alternatives and maintain monopoly profits.

The companies are accused of violating state laws and federal antitrust laws.

“Antitrust laws exist to protect consumers from unscrupulous trade practices that stifle fair competition,” said Attorney General Strange. “This lawsuit seeks to stop Indivior from doing so, and to provide relief for consumers who were harmed.”

Suboxone is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat heroin addiction and other opioid addictions by easing addiction cravings. No generic alternative is currently available.

“The proliferation of opioid addictions is a tragedy in America and particularly in Alabama,” noted Attorney General Strange. “I have been committed as Attorney General to combat drug abuse through such programs as Prescription Drug Take Back and in Congress where I advocated a new law to expand prevention and education efforts throughout the nation. It is imperative that we make the best use of our resources to be effective in fighting this important battle. ”

According to yesterday’s lawsuit, when Reckitt introduced Suboxone in 2002 (in tablet form), it had exclusivity protection that lasted for seven years, meaning no generic version could enter the market during that time. Before that period ended, however, Reckitt worked with MonoSol to create a new version of Suboxone – a dissolvable film, similar in size to a breath strip. Over time, Reckitt allegedly converted the market away from the tablet to the film through marketing, price adjustments, and other methods. Ultimately, after the majority of Suboxone prescriptions were written for the film, Reckitt removed the tablet from the U.S. market.

The Attorneys General allege that this conduct was illegal “product hopping,” where a company makes modest changes to its product to extend patent protections so other companies can’t enter the market and offer cheaper generic alternatives. According to the suit, the Suboxone film provided no real benefit over the tablet and Reckitt continued to sell the tablets in other countries even after removing them from the U.S. market. Reckitt also allegedly expressed unfounded safety concerns about the tablet version and intentionally delayed FDA approval of generic versions of Suboxone.

As a result, the Attorneys General allege, consumers and purchasers have paid artificially high monopoly prices since late 2009, when generic alternatives of Suboxone might otherwise have become available. During that time, annual sales of Suboxone topped $1 billion.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Pennsylvania, accuses the companies of violating the federal Sherman Act and state laws. Counts include conspiracy to monopolize and illegal restraint of trade. In the suit, the Attorneys General ask the court to stop the companies from engaging in anticompetitive conduct, to restore competition, and to order appropriate relief for consumers and the states, plus costs and fees.

The Attorneys General of the following jurisdictions joined in the lawsuit: States of Wisconsin, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Training Focuses on Violent Crime Investigations

Attorney General Luther Strange, in conjunction with a coalition of Alabama sheriffs, police chiefs, and district attorneys,has been holding a series of training sessions across the state to bring local law enforcement up to date on the latest practices in investigating and solving crimes. The fourth [...]]]>  

Training Focuses on Violent Crime Investigations

Attorney General Luther Strange, in conjunction with a coalition of Alabama sheriffs, police chiefs, and district attorneys,has been holding a series of training sessions across the state to bring local law enforcement up to date on the latest practices in investigating and solving crimes. The fourth in this series of events was held yesterday in Florence.

“I’m pleased to announce that my office, working with local sheriffs, chiefs of police and district attorneys, is providing free training to law enforcement to enhance their crime-solving skills,” said Attorney General Strange.

“While my office hosts an annual Law Enforcement Summit in Montgomery, I believe local law enforcement could further benefit from additional training events closer to their communities. These new training sessions are bringing the latest in crime solving methods to locations nearer to many local police and sheriff offices where they can immediately benefit.”

The Lauderdale County training session was cosponsored by Sheriff Rick Singleton, Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler and University of North Alabama Police Chief Kevin Gillilan.

“The focus of the first round of law enforcement training centers on violent crime investigations,” added Attorney General Strange. “The training covers the investigation process from start to finish, notably how to secure a crime scene and collect evidence, including digital evidence. The course also covers search and seizure laws to include writing of search warrants for electronic data. The class ultimately concludes with best practices in keeping and maintaining evidence for cold case investigations.”

Previous training sessions have been held in Montgomery, Houston and Baldwin counties. The Attorney General’s Office is currently working with law enforcement officials around the state to host similar training sessions for all regions of the state in the near future. Law enforcement officers who wish to inquire or register for future classes may call (334) 242-7300 and ask for the General Investigations Division.

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