Posts in In the News
Madigan sues state vendor for misuse of more than $8 million in state grant funds

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) has filed suit against a former state vendor alleging he illegally misspent more than $8 million in taxpayer grant funding intended for at-risk children and their families, including on personal expenses such as travel, tickets to concerts and professional sporting events, and cash payments.

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Statement on the Passing of Former South African President Nelson Mandela

“Twenty-five years ago, amidst the struggle against Apartheid, I volunteered as a teacher at an all-girls high school in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was still in prison, and black South Africans were still denied the right to vote. I taught English, math, history and science to my students, but I knew my true work was in educating the next generation of black South African women to be ready to lead in a new South Africa. Mandela’s unrelenting strength and courage made this dream a reality for my students and their families.

Today, with his passing, we lost one of the greatest moral leaders of our time. Mandela's legacy of struggle and leadership will be remembered along with those of Gandhi and King as among the most important toward ending government-sponsored racism throughout the world.

My heart goes out to my South African friends and all those around the world who helped bring an end to Apartheid. May we all continue to find inspiration for fighting injustice from Mandela’s dedication to freedom, equality, and forgiveness.”

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Attorney General Madigan Warns Residents to Remain Alert for ‘Storm Chasers’ After Sunday’s Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Madigan warned of home repair scammers who follow media accounts and quickly move into affected areas to take advantage of people. Madigan noted that these “storm chasers” use the opportunity to pressure people into making impulsive, often expensive, decisions about cleanup and construction work. Madigan encouraged local residents and business owners to call local law enforcement agencies and her office’s Consumer Fraud Hotline (1-800-386-5438) to report any suspicious activity. Investigators with her office, who already have been assisting local authorities in Washington, Ill., since Sunday, will look into complaints received about contractors.

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Attorney General Madigan: Be Wary of Scams Tied to Relief Efforts in Philippines

“In the wake of such massive destruction, people understandably want to do what they can to help others in need,” Madigan said. “Unfortunately, scam artists try to take advantage of this goodwill. I urge Illinois residents who want to make charitable contributions to research organizations before making a donation to ensure it will directly benefit the victims in the Philippines.”

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Attorney General Madigan Sues Bloomington Auto Parts Site for Allegedly Defrauding Consumers

Madigan filed the lawsuit in McLean County Circuit Court against Partz Now Inc. and owner Allen Carter, of Bloomington. Carter has operated Partz Now online since 2009, selling used auto parts to consumers nationwide. Madigan’s lawsuit alleges consumers never received their orders from www.partznow.com, or in some cases, received the wrong part and were not refunded.

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Madigan Warns Public of Scams Related to Temporary Driver's Licenses

Attorney General Lisa Madigan today advised Illinois residents to be on the lookout for scams related to the rollout of the Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL) program by the Illinois Secretary of State. Starting today, non-U.S. citizens who are ineligible to obtain Social Security cards may apply for Illinois driver’s licenses under the new program.

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Attorney General Madigan’s Office to Host Resource Fair to Assist Veterans on Friday, November 8

“Veterans and military service members are entitled to certain benefits under the law for their service and sacrifice to our country,” Madigan said. “We’re hosting this event to raise awareness about the resources and assistance available to veterans and their families so they can rightfully claim what they are due and learn how to steer clear of scams that brazenly target their access to these benefits.”

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Illinois Files Suit Against Online Adoption Agency

The Adoption Network Law Center is based in California, but when someone in Illinois searches "adoption" on the Web, up it pops, right near the top.

"They're very specific in directing their advertising and marketing to people in Illinois," says Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, even though they're not licensed in the state. Illinois prohibits for-profit adoption agencies.

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Illinois files 'historic' lawsuit against for-profit adoption agency

A simple online search for adoption turns up dozens of ads by for-profit agencies promising "a beautiful newborn" and a process that is "easier than you think."

But such ventures are illegal in Illinois, and on Monday, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit that experts said will help keep money out of adoption and weed out operators that circumvent state requirements that protect children and prospective parents.

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