Search Results for: matt platkin
Newark vet banned after pets die in filthy clinic
Essex County veterinarian faces consequences after neglecting animals
Newark, NJ – A veterinarian in Essex County has agreed to permanently surrender his license after allegations of gross negligence surfaced. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the resolution to the case on Wednesday.
Ehren Seth Yablon, who owned Newark Veterinary Hospital, reportedly failed to provide proper care for multiple animals resulting in their deaths. Allegations included treating pets in unsanitary conditions and the mishandling of parvovirus-positive puppies, two of which died while in his care.
The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners received a verified complaint in April detailing instances of Yablon’s alleged misconduct. Evidence suggested he kept three parvovirus-positive puppies in a kennel without food or water, leading to the death of one puppy, while another died two days later.
In additional reports, Yablon was accused of inappropriate treatment of a bulldog that ultimately died while under his care. The owner sought a second opinion that revealed no surgery had been performed, contrary to Yablon’s claims.
Investigators inspecting Yablon’s facility found numerous health violations, including unsanitary conditions and expired medications. The final consent order prohibits Yablon from practicing veterinary medicine in New Jersey and prevents him from any professional veterinary services in the state.
He also relinquished his New Jersey CDS Registration, which allowed him to prescribe controlled substances. Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber oversaw the state’s prosecution in this case, while Division of Consumer Affairs investigators conducted the inquiry.
Pet owners suspecting unethical treatment can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs.
State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution
State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution
Trenton, NJ – The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Robert Delagente, a Bergen County family practitioner. Delagente is currently serving a six-year federal prison sentence for illegally distributing prescription medications.
The Board’s decision follows allegations of gross negligence and professional misconduct. Delagente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances and obstruction of justice.
Delagente operated North Jersey Family Medicine in Oakland. He has been out of practice since June 2019 when a temporary suspension was initiated after his arrest.
Federal agents charged Delagente for unlawful prescribing practices, as he prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines without legitimate medical purposes. This included drugs such as oxycodone and alprazolam.
Delagente falsified medical records to cover his actions. A joint investigation by the FBI and the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor revealed he submitted over $32,000 in false claims to an insurance company.
The revocation of his medical license means he cannot reapply for future licensure in New Jersey. His CDS registration was similarly revoked.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that Delagente’s actions betrayed his professional oath and contributed to the opioid addiction crisis. Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, emphasized the need for accountability in the medical profession.
Patients who suspect inappropriate treatment can file complaints online.
Trenton attorney general vows to protect New Jersey voters ahead of elections
Trenton attorney general vows to protect New Jersey voters ahead of elections
Trenton, NJ – The Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced measures to ensure a fair election during the upcoming general election. The Department of Law and Public Safety aims to protect the right to vote and assist voters and election officials.
Early in-person voting will begin on Saturday, October 25. Divisions within the Department of Law and Public Safety will focus on maintaining free and fair elections in New Jersey.
Since 2022, the Voter Protection Initiative has addressed issues impacting voting access. The initiative seeks to remedy voting rights violations on Election Day and during early voting, according to New Jersey civil rights laws.
“The success of our democracy depends on elections that remain free and fair,” Platkin stated. He also emphasized the plan to ensure that New Jerseyans can vote without harassment or intimidation.
The Department of Law and Public Safety’s Voting Rights Resources webpage will assist residents with questions about their voting rights. This resource will also guide voters on reporting issues encountered during early voting and on Election Day.
Dedicated attorneys in the Division of Law will provide legal support to county election officials throughout early voting and on Election Day. Their role is to uphold election integrity in accordance with New Jersey’s election laws.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability will monitor allegations of voter intimidation, election fraud, and other violations. They will coordinate with law enforcement as necessary.
Updated Attorney General Guidance on the role of law enforcement in election activities has been issued to law enforcement officials statewide. This guidance clarifies laws protecting voters from harassment.
The guidance highlights that soliciting voters or electioneering within a designated “protective zone” around polling locations is a criminal offense. Under a new 2025 law, the protective zone around polling sites can extend up to 200 feet.
The Division on Civil Rights will have a team available to assist voters who experience discrimination or harassment during the elections. Voters can report issues via phone or through the online portal.
The New Jersey Division of Elections offers a list of county election office contacts and additional election-related information for the public. Voters can call the State’s Voter Information and Assistance line with any concerns about their voting rights.
AG settles with online retailer over misleading membership fees
AG settles with online retailer over misleading membership fees
TRENTON, NJ
A settlement has been reached with TFG Holding, Inc., addressing deceptive practices in its VIP Membership Program. The multistate coalition secured a $1 million settlement aimed at rectifying misleading membership charges imposed on consumers.
Seventy-six New Jersey consumers are expected to receive an average refund of $2,463. The settlement stems from claims that TFG Holding marketed its membership program misleadingly and complicated the cancellation process for consumers.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that the company prioritized profits over transparency. He emphasized the need for consumers to trust the deals they receive in the marketplace.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, reinforced consumers’ rights to be fully informed about their purchasing commitments. TFG Holding offered discounts to consumers who enrolled in its VIP Membership Program, which carried a monthly fee of $49.95 unless specific actions were taken by the 6th of each month.
This practice resulted in some consumers incurring hundreds to thousands of dollars in membership fees. Those who enrolled before May 31, 2016, and only made an initial purchase without further engagement will automatically receive refunds.
The settlement outlines multiple violations of state consumer protection laws, including misleading pricing and unauthorized enrollment in membership programs. TFG Holding will now be required to comply with various legal mandates, including transparent disclosure of membership terms and obtaining explicit consent for enrollment.
The Attorney General’s office intends to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that deceptive practices are addressed. TFG Holding will also face restrictions against using tactics that create false urgency in sales.
As part of this agreement, the company must create an online cancellation mechanism for its VIP Membership Program and address consumer refund requests promptly.
The settlement negotiations included participation from several states in addition to New Jersey, including Texas, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Deputy Attorney General Amanda McElfresh led the efforts on behalf of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section.
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.
Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000
Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000
TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Joseph A. Manzi, a former officer at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking. The charge comes after allegations that Manzi embezzled over $500,000 from the church.
Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is accused of using church funds for personal purchases. Attorney General Platkin stated that the defendant is alleged to have “used his position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.”
The complaint details that Manzi’s actions were not for basic needs but for a “more lavish lifestyle.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, emphasized that church members who donated funds expected their contributions to be used appropriately.
Manzi served as the director of finance, operations, and development at St. Leo until his employment ended on approximately June 26. The review of the church’s credit card statements revealed unauthorized charges linked to Manzi.
Investigators discovered that he allegedly utilized the church’s credit accounts for more than $300,000 in unauthorized purchases. Additionally, he is accused of diverting over $200,000 in cash from the church for personal use between January 2019 and May 2025.
Items purchased with the stolen funds reportedly include luxury clothing, vehicle repairs, and tickets to sports events. Manzi allegedly maintained sole control of the church’s credit cards, which were in his name.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette. Charges of this nature are serious, with second-degree theft carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison.
Manzi faces legal consequences for his alleged actions, leaving church members in disbelief.
New Jersey AG celebrates as court rules against Glock in landmark case
Court rules against Glock in landmark case
TRENTON, NJ – In a recent decision, the New Jersey Superior Court ruled against Glock in a case charging the company with designing and selling firearms that can be converted into illegal machine guns. The court rejected Glock’s motion to dismiss the case, allowing New Jersey to continue its legal efforts to hold the company accountable.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated, “Today, we won a major victory in our landmark case against Glock.” He expressed that the court’s ruling reflects their commitment to fighting against the illegal firearm industry and acknowledges the harm their practices inflict on civilians and law enforcement.
The case, initiated in December, highlights concerns over the design of Glock firearms, specifically regarding a plastic component that could facilitate conversion to machine guns. Platkin emphasized, “These lawsuits are a central component of our comprehensive and tireless approach to ending the gun violence epidemic.”
The AG’s office has maintained that the gun company has attempted to evade responsibility for its role in contributing to gun violence. The ongoing lawsuit is part of a broader strategy to address the issue of firearms-related crime in New Jersey. The state has experienced the lowest levels of gun violence in history for three consecutive years.
For further information, the official report can be accessed online. The case continues as New Jersey seeks to hold firearm manufacturers accountable for laws infringed.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the state’s fight against gun-related issues, aiming for continued legal accountability in the firearms industry.
