Peter F. Kilmartin ATTORNEY GENERAL
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT EY GEN RN E O R T A T L A S T D A N T A E L O S F I RHODE Peter F. Kilmartin ATTORNEY GENERAL 150 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 274-4400 www.riag.ri.gov EY GEN RN E O R T A T L A S T D A N T A E L O S F I RHODE The Attorney General of Rhode Island is the attorney and advocate for the people of Rhode Island. Whether prosecuting a criminal case, defending the state in a civil forum, representing the public in a regulatory function, or serving as advisor, the Office exerts every effort to serve justice and the public interest within the confines of our adversary system. All employees discharge the privilege and honor of public service in this Office by: • upholding the Constitution and laws of the United States and of Rhode Island; • treating all persons with dignity, respect and fairness; • serving the people of this State with excellence and integrity; and • protecting the public interest and safety. Greetings; As Attorney General, it remains my first and top priority to uphold the laws of this state and protect each and every citizen, no matter race, religion, or economic background. To that end, the Office of Attorney General accomplished a great deal last year in meeting its obligations to the citizens of Rhode Island. In the past year, we continued to aggressively prosecute violent offenders in our communities, stepped up efforts to root out fraud and abuse in our social service safety net programs, and took steps to address the heroin and opioid crisis in our state. In partnership with Providence Police and several federal law enforcement agencies, we arrested and prosecuted more than two dozen known gang members who trafficked cocaine and heroin in Providence and surrounding communities. In addition, we indicted an individual for murder for knowingly selling fentanyl-laced heroin that killed a young woman battling addiction. With the US Attorney’s Office, we successfully prosecuted elected officials who violated the public’s trust and abused the office which they were elected to serve, and have teamed up to target sex traffickers and those who forcefully enslave others, especially young women, in the commercial sex trade. Recognizing the importance of educating our young people on safe and smart behaviors, we continued the very successful “It Can Wait” public service campaign teaching young drivers the dangers of distracted driving and expanded the “TakeCharge of Online Bullying” program to several middle schools across the state. Our Office continued to serve as a steward of our environment and as a strong proponent of national guidelines for greenhouse gas emission reductions, which are necessary to maximize both emissions reductions and incentives for development of cleaner energy sources. Our accomplishments would not be possible without the dedicated staff that works with great pride at the Office of Attorney General. It is the more than 230 men and women – attorneys, victim advocates, support staff, and investigators – who make the Office of Attorney General a government agency that the public can be proud of. Moving forward, it remains my priority to provide each citizen of Rhode Island with the opportunity to live and work in a safe and secure community, to serve with honor and integrity, and to uphold the laws of this great State without fear, favor, or ill will. Sincerely, Peter F. Kilmartin EY GEN RN E O R T A T L A S T D A N T A E L O S F I RHODE Table of Contents History and Major Responsibilities 2015 Highlights . Executive and Administrative . Divisions. 2 Bureau of Criminal Identification . 3 Civil Division . 34 . 36 . 40 Antitrust Unit . 40 Charitable Trust Unit . 40 Civil Rights Advocate . 41 Consumer Protection Unit . 42 Environmental Advocacy . .Unit . 42 Health Care Advocate . 44 Insurance Advocacy Unit . 45 Legal Counsel to the Contractors’ . Registration . .and . Licensing. Board . 46 Open Government Unit . 47 CriminalPublic Utilities Division Regulatory Unit . 47 Tobacco Enforcement . Unit . 48 . 50 Adult Diversion Unit . 55 Adult Drug Court . 55 Appellate Unit . 56 Child Abuse Unit . 57 District Court (Providence County) . 58 Domestic Violence . and. Sexual . Assault . Unit. 59 Elder Abuse Unit . 60 Intake Unit (Providence County) . 61 Juvenile Prosecution . .Unit . 61 Kent County Office . 63 Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit . 65 Narcotics and Organized . Crime . .Unit . 65 Newport County Office . 67 Traffic Safety Resource . Prosecutor. 68 Victim Services Unit . 69 AppendixWashington of County Significant Office Civil and Criminal Cases . 70 SuperiorWhite Collar Court Crime Case and Statistics Public Corruption (2015) Unit . 71 . 73 96 EY GEN RN E O R T A T L A S T D A N T A E L O S F I RHODE History The Office of Attorney General was first created in Rhode Island in May 1650. Since its inception, the Office has been an elected position, except for a brief period from 1740 to 1742 when the charter allowed for the appointment of a KinG’s attorney for each county. In 1842 the Rhode Island Constitution formally adopted the Office of Attorney General. The Office, established under the Rhode Island Constitution, is one of the five general officers.