Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

Yesterday, alongside the United States Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 29 state AGs, my office filed a lawsuit against Live Nation for creating an anticompetitive monopoly over the live entertainment industry that has illegally increased ticket prices for District residents and concertgoers nationwide. Home to 20+ music venues, the District has a vibrant and thriving live entertainment scene that is vital to our local economy and culture. Live Nation controls almost every important part of the live entertainment industry at District venues—most notably ticketing and artists. Live Nation owns Ticketmaster, which is the exclusive ticketer to nearly all sizable venues in DC. Its monopoly over concert promotions has eliminated competition and choice for venues and artists, allowing it to impose higher fees on District fans who want to enjoy live shows. Live Nation's monopoly not only raises costs for concertgoers but has harmed every part of the fan ticketing experience—from buying a ticket to showtimes—because the industry is not competitive. My office will always fight to hold companies accountable for anticompetitive and illegal conduct, and to ensure a fair market that promotes innovation and choice in every industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewYsGmRQ

NEW: Yesterday, I introduced the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight and Accountability for DYRS Act - the “ROAD” Act, to hold DYRS – the DC agency responsible for overseeing young people who commit the most serious offenses – accountable for better public safety outcomes in the juvenile justice system.      According to the most recent and comprehensive data from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, 92.7% of young people committed to DYRS are re-arrested. These outcomes are unacceptable.    For the most serious offenses, after my office successfully prosecutes a case, DYRS takes over and has sole authority over a young person’s level of supervision and rehabilitation, including whether they are securely detained or placed back in community.    Since taking office last year, I have become increasingly concerned about whether DYRS is providing sufficient intervention to ensure that committed young people do not re-offend.     The ROAD Act will help get DYRS back on track, and create a roadmap towards effective intervention, oversight and accountability, and improved public safety.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDyS2wKC 

ICYMI: Rodgers Brothers Custodial Services — a Ward 5 trash transfer facility— illegally and repeatedly discharged dangerous pollutants into the District’s waterways. We sued to stop this harmful activity—now they’ll pay financial penalties and reform their environmental protection practices.    All District residents are entitled to clean air and water. This judgment sends a strong message to companies and their executives: if you flout our environmental laws and threaten the health and safety of our residents, we will hold you accountable.    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eNhFHRqE 

NEW: Our office secured a $1.8 million judgement from the owners of the long vacant property at 1000 C St NE for evading the District's vacant property tax for over a decade.    Blighted and vacant properties pose public safety, health, and quality of life risks for surrounding neighbors, in addition to reducing the amount of available housing available in the District's already tight housing market.    The owners, George Papageorge and his entity, 10th & C Streets Associates, LLC allowed the vacant house to fall into disrepair while lying to the District, claiming it was occupied to avoid the higher property taxes imposed on vacant properties.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUAqcKmj 

We recently announced that we’re awarding 11 “Leaders of Tomorrow” youth violence prevention grants to local, high-impact nonprofits working to support DC kids. Our initial investment led to a partnership with The Greater Washington Community Foundation, resulting in a total of $1.5 million in new prevention funding. Our office will continue prosecuting cases and ensuring that kids who break the law are held accountable. But preventive approaches that stop crime before it happens are necessary complements to effective policing and prosecution that will make us safer now and in the long-term. We received over 200 applications, demonstrating the District’s deep need and desire for proactive interventions that support healthy and positive youth development and help keep young people from becoming involved in the justice system.    The grant recipients are doing invaluable work to ensure that young people have the skills necessary for long-term success, including providing services to young victims of crime, tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, and bridging the gap between law enforcement and young people. Read more about the 11 grant recipients here: https://lnkd.in/eYXA_qet

Today, we’re releasing our 2023 Impact Report, highlighting the many ways in which our office made a real and measurable difference in District resident’s lives last year. In total, OAG delivered $610+ million in savings and benefits to the District – over 4x our annual budget. Our work is far from done. Public safety remains our number one priority, as last year’s spike in gun violence, carjackings, and other violent crimes is unacceptable. We are aggressively and strategically using every tool available to address and reduce crime. At the same time, we defend the rights of consumers, workers, and seniors; fight for environmental justice; ensure that businesses compete on a level playing field; work to preserve your tax dollars; fight for affordable housing; and prioritize support for children and families. I’m looking forward to building on these efforts in the months and years ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office using the contact info on the report’s last page. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eGpUZ568

JOB POSTING: OAG is seeking a Digital Director! In this unique role, you will have the opportunity to work with legal experts and senior leaders to grow OAG's digital presence, reach new audiences, help tell compelling stories about OAG's work and priorities, and more. For more information, click the link below: https://lnkd.in/eCE9Qnme 

NEW: Arise, a gig economy customer service company, will pay $3,000,000 to workers and the District for denying hundreds of employees minimum wages, overtime, and sick leave. Our office will always fight to protect workers and level the playing field for law-abiding businesses.

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Day in and day out, I get to work alongside some of the best and brightest women in the city. Each make OAG the best agency we can be, and it’s an honor to celebrate them today and everyday.

Non-profit funds must be used for non-profit operations, not private gain. OAG will enforce DC’s non-profit laws to the fullest extent and hold accountable anyone who attempts to enrich themselves with non-profit dollars.