Joe Lyons •
October 9, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In response to the unprovoked attack and invasion of Israel, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio.
The order will be in effect from sunrise October 10, 2023 until sunset on October 12, 2023.
Joe Lyons •
October 3, 2023
United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks Announcing Eight Indictments Against China-Based Chemical Manufacturing Companies and Employees
Remarks as Delivered
Good afternoon.
Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced. It is nearly 50 times more potent than heroin and is a nearly invisible poison. Just two milligrams of fentanyl – the amount that could fit at the tip of a pencil – is a potentially lethal dose.
I am joined today by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.
We are here today to announce a series of actions we are taking to target the trafficking of fentanyl at every stage and in every part of the world.
But more important, we are here today to deliver a message on behalf of the United States government:
We know who is responsible for poisoning the American people with fentanyl.
We know who is responsible for shattering families and communities across the United States with drug poisonings and overdoses.
We know that behind the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans is a cartel-driven fentanyl trafficking network that spans countries and continents.
We know that this network includes the cartels’ leaders, their drug traffickers, their money launderers, their clandestine lab operators, their security forces, their weapons suppliers, and their chemical suppliers.
And we know that this global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China.
Our agents and prosecutors are working every day to get fentanyl out of our communities and bring to justice those who put it there.
Recently, that work has included charging 23 Sinaloa Cartel members, associates, and leaders for their roles in running the largest, most violent, and most prolific fentanyl trafficking operation in the world.
And it has included the Department’s first-ever charges against chemical companies based in China for trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals directly into the United States.
Today, we are announcing several more actions we are taking across the government to disrupt every single aspect of the global fentanyl trafficking network.
First, in eight separate indictments in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the Justice Department charged eight companies based in China, and 12 of their executives, for crimes related to the production, distribution, and importation of fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, methamphetamines, and their precursor chemicals.
As detailed in the indictments unsealed today, the precursor chemicals used to make synthetic opioids like fentanyl are primarily manufactured and distributed by China-based chemical companies.
These companies advertise the sale of precursor chemicals online, using different websites and social media platforms.
They then ship the building blocks needed to create deadly drugs all over the world.
To evade detection by U.S. law enforcement, they use fake return addresses, include fraudulent invoices that mislabel the products, and disguise the chemicals in packaging such as dog food bags.
In just one example, one of the defendants, a pharmaceutical technology company located in China, advertised fentanyl precursor chemicals, as well as xylazine, for sale online.
Drug traffickers may combine xylazine, a horse tranquilizer also known as tranq, with drugs like fentanyl in order to enhance their effects and increase their value.
But, unlike opioids, the effects of xylazine cannot be reversed by Narcan. And people who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine can develop wounds that result in disfigurement or amputation.
As detailed in the indictment, after advertising the precursor chemicals, the pharmaceutical company then shipped them to both the United States and to Mexico, including to a drug trafficker affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel.
In one instance, a company executive specifically asked a customer, who was asking about the purchase of fentanyl precursors, “do they need fent?” – short for fentanyl.
The executive went on to recommend a specific fentanyl precursor to the customer, saying that “all Mexico customers” buy it. The executive told the customer the company would ship the precursor under a different chemical name to ensure “safe custom clearance.”
But in fact, the purported “customer” was an undercover DEA agent.
As alleged in the indictment, the company shipped 300 grams of xylazine and 43 kilograms of fentanyl precursors to the United States, where undercover DEA agents received them.
The precursor chemicals we received from this company – in just this one case – would have been enough to manufacture more than 72 kilograms of fentanyl. That amount could be used to make more than 15 million fentanyl pills – each one potentially fatal.
As the Deputy Attorney General will highlight shortly, the cases being unsealed today are part of a whole-of-government effort to attack every aspect of the trafficking of deadly fentanyl.
That effort includes not only Justice Department prosecutors and DEA [and FBI] agents, but also our partners at the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
In a moment, Secretary Mayorkas will discuss, among other things, additional seizures of fentanyl precursor chemicals made by the Department of Homeland Security alongside its DEA counterparts.
And Deputy Secretary Adeyemo will discuss sanctions the Treasury Department is imposing today on a set of individuals and entities involved in fentanyl trafficking. That includes all of the China-based companies and individuals being charged in the Southern District of Florida today.
Tomorrow, Secretary Mayorkas, Secretary Blinken, and I will be traveling to Mexico City to meet with our government and law enforcement counterparts to discuss the most emergent, urgent threats facing our countries. Disrupting the violent cartels manufacturing and trafficking fentanyl will be at the top of the list.
In this vein, just three weeks ago, we extradited from Mexico Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, and a son of the infamous El Chapo. He is one of more than a dozen cartel leaders we have indicted and extradited to the United States. He will not be the last. The United States government is focused on breaking apart every link in the global fentanyl chain.
That includes holding accountable the chemical companies that we know are fueling the fentanyl epidemic.
It is critical that the PRC government stops the unchecked flow of precursor chemicals that are coming from China.
I want to thank the U.S. Attorneys for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, and their incredible teams, for their work on these cases. I want to thank the DEA and FBI for their tireless efforts in making the actions we announce today possible.
And I want to thank our terrific partners from across the government.
Finally, I want to express my continued gratitude to some of the most powerful advocates I have ever met: the families who have lost loved ones to a drug poisoning or overdose.
Last week, Administrator Milgram and I spent the morning with people from across the country, who came to Washington for DEA’s second annual family summit.
They came here because each had lost a loved one to a drug poisoning or overdose.
And they came here because they wanted to do everything in their power to prevent that from happening to another family.
They remind us why we fight, and why the battle is so urgent.
We will remember the victims of the fentanyl epidemic. We will pursue justice for them. And we will hold accountable those responsible for these tragedies.
Thank you.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks Announcing Eight Indictments Against China-Based Chemical Manufacturing Companies and Employees
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
Last April, we announced charges and sanctions against every element of the Sinaloa Cartel’s deadly fentanyl trafficking network, led by the notorious Chapitos brothers.
At that time, we pledged to attack the global networks that fuel the fentanyl crisis, from every angle, at every stage of the supply chain, using every tool available.
Today, we are making good on that pledge – with indictments of 8 Chinese companies and 12 Chinese nationals – for trying to ship into the United States gallon after gallon of chemicals used to make fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other deadly drugs.
No community is off limits for the fentanyl traffickers who profit at the expense of American lives. And no technique is too brazen if it means access to the American market.
As alleged in today’s indictments, the defendants used a range of trafficking tactics to ply their deadly trade and cover their tracks — from blatant online advertising and encrypted messaging apps to fake shipping schemes and bitcoin payments.
As we learned from prior campaigns against terrorists and cyber criminals, we must be relentless, we must be agile and innovative, and we must use every tool of national power to disrupt the global production and trafficking of fentanyl.
That means combining traditional tools with novel approaches. And that means capitalizing on the partnerships we have built, at home and overseas.
To bring today’s cases, our agents and prosecutors combined old-school techniques like officers going undercover with cutting-edge tools like cryptocurrency tracing.
Today’s cases reflect the hard work and tenacity of dozens of agents, analysts, and prosecutors at the Department of Justice – but it also reflects teamwork from across the Federal government. For example:
Undercover DEA agents posed as drug traffickers to identify those shipping precursor poisons to our shores;
Partners at DHS surged resources to stop the lethal shipments and trace their origin;
Postal Inspectors exposed a scheme to exploit the mails to deliver the deadly ingredients;
FBI and IRS agents followed the blockchain to track crypto payments;
Partners at Treasury assembled the evidence for today’s raft of sanctions; and
Justice Department prosecutors from the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida coordinated with investigative partners to bring the criminal charges we announce today.
This was a whole-of-government effort. When we work together – sharing information, combining resources, and relentlessly pursuing justice – we can have a tremendous impact on those who would do us harm.
But even with this cross-agency team, we cannot win the battle without additional partners.
Today, we are grateful for the efforts of Mexican prosecutors and officers who worked hand-in-hand with U.S. partners to track shipments of precursor chemicals.
But we must do more.
We need every country across the globe to join with us in the fight against fentanyl.
And we need the private sector’s help as well. As in our fight against cyber criminals and terrorists, we need social media companies and marketplaces to police their platforms to avert catastrophic harm.
Our nation’s common carriers and freight forwarders must up their game to prevent traffickers from using their services to ship poison to our communities.
It must be all hands on deck.
Today, we renew the Justice Department’s pledge – a pledge to every American community and to the families of hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning:
We will bring every tool of national power to the fight against fentanyl;
We will foster public-private collaboration;
We will find common cause with – and demand action from – foreign governments; and
We will not rest until we have rid our communities of this poison.
The women and men involved in these cases represent the very best of government service, and I’m proud to stand with them.
I will now turn the podium over to Deputy Secretary Adeyemo to talk more about the Treasury Department actions today.
Joe Lyons •
September 30, 2023
ERIE TOWNSHIP – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor injury plane crash that occurred on September 30, 2023, at approximately 4:13 P.M. The plane crashed into the Portage River near 4640 W. Harbor Rd in Ottawa County.
Pilot: James Raymond Lenardson, age 72, of Bonita Springs, Florida was operating a 2003 Cessna 206 seaplane. Mr. Lenardson sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported by Port Clinton EMS to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Passenger: Leo Joseph Eggert Jr, age 67, of Perrysburg, Ohio was a passenger in the plane. Mr. Eggert sustained minor injuries and was transported by Port Clinton EMS from the scene to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Details of Crash: Mr. Lenardson was traveling eastbound on the Portage River attempting to take off. As Mr. Lenardson began his initial accent, he struck a power line. The plane lost control and crashed into the Portage River. Both Mr. Lenardson and Mr. Eggert were able to exit the plane as it began to sink. Mr. Lenardson and Mr. Eggert were able to get to shore. An Ohio Edison high voltage power line was knocked down with part laying in the river and another across a cottage at The Resort at Erie Landing. Ohio Edison responded to the scene to de-energize the power line. Rescue Marine was contacted to retrieve the plane from the river.
Alcohol and/or drug use are not believed to be a factor at this time. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Erie Township Fire, Port Clinton EMS, Ohio Edison, FAA, and the NTSB.
Joe Lyons •
September 30, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the possibility of a federal government shut down at midnight tonight and its potential effect on Ohioans.
“Today many Ohioans are anxious about the potential of a federal government shut down and what it may mean to them.
“I want to assure Ohioans that we have been monitoring the situation closely, and have been working to prepare for a potential shut down. We have made contingency plans to ensure that our state programs that receive significant federal funding will operate as normal for the coming weeks. This includes benefit programs such as WIC, SNAP, and TANF that provide food and other resources for Ohio families. Ohioans will have the benefits that they rely on.
“However, as I said earlier in the week, I encourage the U.S. Congress to work toward a swift resolution.”
Joe Lyons •
September 27, 2023
Free evidence analysis and investigative support now available for Central Ohio law enforcement agencies.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined state, local, and federal leaders in Columbus to unveil the new Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC).
Housed within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Central Ohio CGIC is operated in partnership between the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This centralized law enforcement hub, which focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence, combines the expertise of firearm evidence examiners, intelligence analysts, and investigators under one roof to rapidly collect, analyze, and share information about guns used in violent crimes.
“The new Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center represents the next generation in intelligence-based policing, and it is unlike anything that has ever been done in Central Ohio before,” said Governor DeWine. “The teams taking part in this large-scale and long-term collaboration are sharing everything from intelligence and investigative leads to technology and manpower so that they can zero in on the people who are shooting and killing others without remorse. Gun violence is about to become much, much harder to get away with in Central Ohio.”
The centerpiece of the Central Ohio CGIC is the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which was developed by the ATF to help law enforcement connect gun crimes nationwide. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is dedicating two NIBIN machines to the CGIC that will create digital images of shell casings connected to criminal investigations and compare them to firearm evidence from other crimes. A match indicates that the same firearm may have been used in multiple shootings, and law enforcement can use this information as an investigative lead.
“As ATF Director Steve Dettelbach and I announced in January, the Crime Gun Intelligence Center is precisely what we need to further empower our officers to capture and prosecute those responsible for perpetrating gun violence in our communities,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This is about tapping into the power of collaboration to strengthen accountability and secure justice – using our combined resources to connect the guns being used to kill, maim, and commit crimes with the individuals who wield or peddle them in the first place.”
The Central Ohio CGIC began operations in July and is available to assist law enforcement agencies throughout the region free of charge. Since its initial launch, teams have connected numerous guns to crimes that were committed both recently and several years ago.
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers around the country use data, science, and crime gun evidence to support the investigation and prosecution of violent criminals,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to expand existing efforts in Central Ohio to use these resources to make our communities safer through targeting and prosecuting the users and the sources of crime guns.”
“Crime Gun Intelligence Centers succeed when NIBIN technology is leveraged by law enforcement agencies working together to pinpoint and stop criminals who illegally use guns on our streets,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “This is a path forward all political parties can agree will reduce gun violence in our communities.”
Additional agencies that will support the Central Ohio CGIC include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
“The center represents a crucial step forward in our efforts to combat gun violence in our community. With this ground-breaking technology and collaboration with local agencies, we’ll be able to make a real impact in reducing gun crime and help victims and their families find justice,” said Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin “Concentrated, collaborative efforts like this CGIC can have a real impact on reducing the level of violence in our cities,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Federal firearms laws can be punished by up to 10 years in prison. We will not hesitate to use those laws when appropriate to hold accountable those who use firearms to commit acts of violence in our communities.”
The Central Ohio CGIC is now the second full-scale crime gun intelligence center in the state, joining the center operated by the Cincinnati Police Department. The two new NIBIN machines dedicated to the Central Ohio CGIC were funded as part of Governor DeWine’s Ohio Ballistics Testing Initiative, which was announced in March 2022. A total of $10.5 million was awarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to increase the number of NIBIN units in Ohio from seven to 16.
Other assistance for first responders developed by the DeWine-Husted Administration includes the creation of the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio School Safety Center, Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment, Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness, Ohio Prisoner Extradition Reimbursement Program, Ohio Body-Worn Camera Program, Ohio Crime Lab Efficiency Program, Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Program, Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, Ohio Court Backlog Reduction Program, Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, and the new eWarrant database.
Joe Lyons •
September 27, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced details of a new program to help victim service agencies meet the needs of survivors of human trafficking.
The new Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program was created by Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly as part of Ohio’s new operating budget. A total of $4 million in funding is now available for nonprofit organizations to help them adequately serve the growing number of sex and labor trafficking victims in need of support.
“As awareness of human trafficking grows, the number of identified victims also increases, so it is absolutely critical that our local service programs have enough resources,” said Governor DeWine. “This infusion of grant funding will help ensure that support for trafficking victims is widely available.”
The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) opened the application period for the grant program today. Direct services that are eligible for funding include but are not limited to mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, education and employment support, and residential placement. Awards are expected to be announced in January 2024.
In total, $9 million in funding was dedicated to combating human trafficking in Ohio’s new operating budget. This historic investment will also be used toward additional local and statewide projects and to expand the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, which prioritizes a holistic approach to responding to human trafficking by identifying gaps in prevention, victim services, and prosecution.
“We appreciate Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for recognizing the need for expanded victim services throughout the state,” said Maria Busch, state anti-trafficking coordinator for the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task force. “Those who’ve been subject to human trafficking have unique needs and often require several levels of support to move forward, and this investment will make a significant difference in helping survivors take back control of their lives.”
Nonprofit organizations that provide direct support to victims of trafficking and/or those considered at high risk of trafficking will be eligible for grant funding. Priority consideration will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate evidence-based and survivor-informed programming.
Applicants must submit proposals online through the Online Grants Management System by 5 p.m. EST on Nov. 8.
A bidders training webinar for potential applicants will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m. The training is not mandatory but will provide helpful information on both the application preparation and review process. Nonprofit organizations with questions should contact the State Anti-Trafficking Coordinator at SAHTC@info.dps.ohio.gov.
Joe Lyons •
September 27, 2023
Leticia Gallarzo used the identity of a real nurse to obtain employment as a registered nurse
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Leticia Gallarzo, 48, of Allegan County, with wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of making false statements in medical records affecting health care benefit programs, and production of a false identification document, all charges relating to her scheme to defraud employers by posing as a registered nurse.
“These allegations that Ms. Gallarzo faked her qualifications as a licensed medical professional are highly concerning and potentially put innocent patients at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office takes this threat to the public very seriously and thanks our law enforcement partners for their investigative work in this case.”
If convicted, Gallarzo faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and two years mandatory imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutively to the underlying sentence.
According to allegations in the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, Gallarzo used the Michigan licensing number and the name of a person licensed as a nurse to obtain employment as a registered nurse at two different locations: an area nursing home and a hospice facility.
Gallarzo did not possess a valid nursing license and represented that she earned a master’s degree in nursing from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Davenport University, despite not having a degree of any kind in nursing. Gallarzo produced a counterfeit Michigan nursing license that was also used to obtain employment with the hospice facility.
The hospice facility learned that Gallarzo was a nurse impostor when her fingerprints matched the fingerprints on record due to her previous state and federal convictions for practicing nursing without a license in Texas in 2015 and 2016. The Michigan State Police arrested Gallarzo shortly thereafter.
“As alleged in this case, the defendant recklessly and willingly put the lives of innocent patients at risk,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains committed to ensuring identity theft cases like this one are thoroughly investigated. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Michigan State Police for their outstanding work and support throughout this case.”
“The defendant’s alleged actions demonstrate blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of those under her purported care,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “To ensure that patients receive appropriately qualified services, HHS-OIG will steadfastly pursue those who misrepresent their medical qualifications.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Grand Rapids Field Office and U.S. Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting the case.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Joe Lyons •
September 27, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following reprieve of execution:
Scott Group, who was scheduled to be executed on January 10, 2024. The new date of execution has been moved to February, 2027.
Governor DeWine is issuing this reprieve due to ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), pursuant to DRC protocol, without endangering other Ohioans.
Joe Lyons •
September 25, 2023
Peru Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is currently investigating a one vehicle, fatal crash that occurred today, September 25, 2023 at approximately 4:21 P.M. The crash occurred on Snyder Road west of State Route 61, Peru Township, Huron County.
Shirley McQuillen, age 81, from Willard, Ohio was driving a 2016 red, Ford Escape east on Snyder Road. Ms. McQuillen traveled off the right side of the roadway striking fence posts and a tree before overturning.
Ms. McQuillen was not wearing her seatbelt and was trapped inside the vehicle. She was extricated by non-mechanical means by the Huron River Joint Fire District. Ms. McQuillen sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
Drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Huron River Joint Fire District, North Central EMS, Huron County Coroner, Metro LifeFlight, and Interstate Towing.
Joe Lyons •
September 20, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block the Biden administration from censoring protected speech on social media.
“The federal government doesn’t get to play referee on the field of public discourse,” Yost said. “If you let them decide what speech is OK, one day yours might not be.”
In the filing, Yost asks the Supreme Court to deny the federal government’s request to pause a U.S. District Court injunction prohibiting certain Biden administration officials from pressuring social media platforms into deleting user content protected by the First Amendment.
The brief argues that halting the injunction would enable the executive branch to resume its troubling practice of silencing individuals and groups with views opposing those of the current administration — a federal overreach that was on full display following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
During the pandemic, the White House closely monitored social media platforms, flagging accounts and posts with dissenting views for the platforms to delete. Officials also kept tabs on the platforms’ monitoring activities and pressured the companies to adopt permanent policy changes aligned with the federal government’s goals. Similar steps were taken by the Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.
Missouri and Louisiana sued last year, arguing in Missouri v. Biden that the federal government’s censorship of social media content violated the First Amendment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed, ruling against the federal government earlier this month and partly upholding an injunction granted by a U.S. District Court in Louisiana.
Yost writes in support of the plaintiffs, saying, “The facts underlying this case reflect the federal government’s tendency to wield its power to target people and speech specially disfavored by those in power.”
A copy of the amicus brief is available on the attorney general’s website.