News Releases

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Attorney General Mike DeWine on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Making Home Affordable of Costa Mesa, Calif. The suit alleges that the loan modification business charged significant fees and did little or no work for consumers. Making Home Affordable's mail and telephone solicitations gave consumers the false impression that it was affiliated with the federal Housing and Urban Development agency.

"Deceiving homeowners into thinking they are going to get a break on their mortgages, and charging them for this so-called help, is very disturbing," said Attorney General DeWine. "We won't tolerate it."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine thanked the Ohio House of Representatives for its passage today of HB 605. The bill, which would establish strict limits on sweepstakes gaming at internet cafes, passed by a vote of 63-30.

The legislation includes a provision that toughens current laws banning synthetic drugs and prevents chemists from altering a drug's components in an effort to bypass the law.

At the request of local authorities, BCI took the lead in investigating the case as part of a special investigative team that also includes detectives with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office and the East Cleveland Police Department.

(DAYTON, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Dayton City Manager Tim Riordan today announced that they have filed a lawsuit against a property owner whose property was damaged by fire in March of 2010 and subsequently demolished by the city of Dayton. The lawsuit seeks to reimburse the city for costs associated with the property on 1509-1511 Viola Avenue.

"The Ohio Attorney General's Office has designated significant resources from the National Mortgage Settlement to combat the blight of abandoned houses across Ohio," said Attorney General DeWine. "However, not all abandoned properties are the result of the housing crisis or banking practices. There are occasionally egregious cases where negligent property owners have contributed to this problem and should be held liable for the demolition costs, instead of their neighbors and fellow taxpayers.  We want to help cities recoup these costs and will help them go after these negligent owners in any way we can."

(CLEVELAND) - Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit today against Weather Guard Exteriors, a roof installation and home repair company, and owner/operator Justin R. Ward, of Canton. The complaint alleges that Ward accepted payment from consumers but failed to deliver any materials or services and did not provide refunds.

"It's vital that consumers get what they pay for," said Attorney General DeWine. "This is especially important when it is a matter of families trying to care for their homes and giving their loved ones a safe place to live."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Newark Mayor Jeff Hall, and Newark Law Director Douglas Sassen today announced that lawsuits have been filed against two property owners whose homes fell into disrepair and were subsequently demolished by the City of Newark. The lawsuit seeks to reimburse the City for costs associated with three properties on Elmwood Street which were recently demolished.

(CLEVELAND) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against Phillip J. Pierce, a Cleveland man who ran a website called Automeds.com. The lawsuit accuses Pierce of taking money for auto parts he never delivered.

"Dozens of consumers nationwide have reported problems with this business," DeWine said. "We are taking action to seek justice for the consumers who have been harmed and to prevent others from being harmed in the future."

This morning, Jackson County Common Pleas Judge Leonard Holzapfel sentenced Christopher Haines, 31, to nearly five years in prison for the death of 10-year-old Angel McGinnis.

Jennifer Burgette and Curtis Francis were murdered nearly six years ago on December 9, 2006.