Search Results for: State
New AG directive mandates statewide law enforcement preparedness for active shooter
New directive mandates statewide law enforcement preparedness for active violent events
Trenton, NJ – A new directive issued by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin requires all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey to establish active violent event policies. The directive aims to promote uniform preparedness across the state in response to active shooter situations.
Effective immediately, the directive mandates agencies create policies that outline training and response procedures. Agencies must submit their policies to county prosecutor’s offices by January 9, 2026.
Each agency’s active shooter policy must outline priorities such as neutralizing threats and rescuing victims. Policies must also define protocols for on-scene coordination in line with the National Incident Management System.
The directive emphasizes family reunification protocols, including the identification of agencies responsible for coordinating reunification and establishing reunification sites.
All agencies are required to maintain a law enforcement training plan with mandatory active shooter incident management and tactical training courses for officers. County prosecutor’s offices must hold an annual active shooter training exercise involving participation from all relevant law enforcement agencies.
Special attention is placed on preparing responses to incidents in critical locations, including schools and government buildings. Agencies must devise access plans for educational institutions, collaborating with them to address specific resource needs.
The full directive is available online for review.
State’s attorney partners with business school to combat financial crimes
State’s attorney partners with business school to combat financial crimes
COLLEGE PARK, MD – State’s Attorney Charlie Smith has announced a partnership with Justice for Fraud Victims, Inc. to address financial crimes in Frederick. The nonprofit, which collaborates with the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, aims to support victims of economic crimes.
The Justice for Fraud Victims, directed by Samuel Handwerger, is composed of financial professionals and retired F.B.I. investigators. The organization has already partnered with the State’s Attorney for Prince Georges County and has produced numerous court exhibits in various cases.
The JFV offers free services that include fraud examination and detailed fraud reports on cases such as embezzlement and payroll fraud. Its team also performs tracing of stolen funds within public blockchain systems and conducts risk assessments for small businesses and nonprofits.
“Fraud victims are underserved due to the lack of necessary investigation and resources needed to make a case for prosecution,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. He emphasized the importance of forensic accounting reports in determining the criminal nature of a case.
In a recent jury case involving elder fraud, UMD student volunteers contributed to the production of a comprehensive 40-page report. The report included data analytics and visualizations, analyzing over a year’s worth of bank statements and recorded calls.
The partnership will allow the Smith School of Business to extend its forensic accounting training programs this fall. The initiative is part of a broader network involving several universities across the country that tackle similar issues in their regions.
Charlie Smith, a finance graduate from the University of Maryland, anticipates that this collaboration will enhance justice for fraud victims in Frederick.
In a significant move to address fraud, local leaders partner with academic professionals to bring justice to financial crime victims.
Flushing doctor charged with grand larceny for misusing state funds
Flushing doctor charged with grand larceny for misusing state funds
QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald have announced that Dr. QiLi Li faces charges for allegedly misusing nearly $300,000 in state grant money meant for expanding abortion services at her Flushing medical practice.
Dr. Li, 54, of Great Neck, was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, and falsifying business records in the first degree. She was arraigned on Wednesday and is set to return to court on January 12, 2026. If convicted, she could face five to 15 years in prison.
According to District Attorney Katz, Dr. Li applied for a state grant under the pretense of providing abortion care. Katz stated, “As alleged, this defendant applied for a state grant under the guise of using it for abortion care… The money went instead to expand her business by providing cosmetic procedures.”
Dr. Li filed an application for a grant from the New York State Department of Health on July 25, 2022, claiming she would offer abortion services for free at her practice located at 136-20 38th Avenue. The application included promises to extend her hours, purchase new equipment, and hire more staff.
Li received approval for $340,000 in grant funds and, in August 2023, submitted reimbursement vouchers for purported expenditures on surgical equipment and additional staff. She received two state payments totaling $287,941.
An investigation revealed that Dr. Li did not extend her practice hours and did not purchase surgical equipment. Despite claiming to employ two registered nurses, neither worked as an RN.
Investigators found that the office space, which was meant to serve the expanded practice, was actually operating as a medical spa, offering cosmetic procedures. Following the investigation, Dr. Li made restitution of $287,941 to the New York State Department of Health.
Dr. Li’s case was investigated by personnel from both the New York State Department of Health and the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The investigation and charges highlight ongoing efforts to ensure proper use of public funds designated for healthcare services.
Dr. Li’s alleged scheme raises serious questions about the integrity of funding meant to support abortion services in New York.