AG: New Jersey News

AG Sues EPA Over Mercury Emissions Standards Repeal

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 18 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the EPA's repeal of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for power plants. The coalition argues the EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis for the repeal and did not adequately consider advances in emission control technology. The states are asking the court to reverse the rule and restore protections against mercury, arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde emissions.

Ex-NJ Transit Manager Pleads Guilty to Theft and Tax Evasion

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced that Peejay Manila, former NJ Transit senior director, pleaded guilty to second-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third-degree Failure to Pay Taxes. Manila stole approximately 1,100 cellphones purchased with NJ Transit funds and resold them to buyback companies over multiple years, generating hundreds of thousands in criminal proceeds. Under the plea agreement, he will pay approximately $1.383 million in restitution and owes $56,000 in back taxes for 2021-2024.

AG Opposition to GSA DEI Certification Requirements for Federal Funding Recipients

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined 22 other AGs in filing a comment letter opposing a GSA proposal that would require federal funding recipients to certify compliance with undefined DEI restrictions. The coalition argues the proposal imposes unjustified burdens, violates federal law, and threatens recipients with civil and criminal penalties for lawful activities.

NJ Corrections Officer Indicted for Assault, False Reports, Framing Inmate

The New Jersey Attorney General announced a 12-count indictment against a suspended Department of Corrections Officer, Daniel Petoia, for alleged aggravated assault, filing false reports, and framing an inmate for weapon possession. The indictment stems from an incident on December 20, 2024, at New Jersey State Prison.

Grand Jury Declines to Charge Guttenberg Officer in Nov 2024 Incident

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced that a state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against a Guttenberg police officer involved in an incident on November 12, 2024. The investigation, conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, concluded that no criminal charges were warranted.

New Jersey AG Sues USDA Over Funding Conditions

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, joined by 21 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's USDA. The suit challenges the imposition of vague and unlawful conditions on over $2 billion in USDA grants, impacting programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP.

AG Investigates Civilian Death After Police Encounter

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office is investigating the death of Steven Fitzpatrick, 61, following a March 10, 2026, encounter with Franklin Township Police. Mr. Fitzpatrick suffered an apparent medical episode while being handcuffed and later died. The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) as required by state law.

New Jersey Sues ICE and DHS Over Warehouse Detention Facility Plans

New Jersey, Governor Sherrill, Attorney General Davenport, and Roxbury Township have filed a lawsuit against ICE and DHS to halt plans to convert a warehouse into a mass immigration detention facility. The suit alleges the federal agencies bypassed lawful processes, disregarded environmental impacts, and ignored state and local concerns regarding infrastructure and public safety.

New Jersey AG Releases Identities in Fatal Police Shooting

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has released the identities of the decedent and the officer involved in a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16, 2026, in Lacey Township. The investigation into the incident, which resulted in the death of Susanne Clarke, is ongoing.

New Jersey AG Investigating Fatal Evesham Crash

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision in Evesham, NJ. The incident involved a civilian vehicle that collided with a second civilian vehicle while an Evesham Township police officer was attempting a traffic stop. One civilian sustained fatal injuries.