Jamming the line: cutting off crime behind bars

Attorney General Todd Rokita combats contraband cell phones in prisons

Attorney General Todd Rokita announced today a bipartisan coalition effort to address the growing threat of contraband cell phones in prisons by advocating for the use of phone jamming technology. Joined by 30 attorneys general from across the nation, Attorney General Rokita is calling on the U.S. House and Senate to pass legislation to lift outdated restrictions and allow state and local correctional facilities to deploy jamming devices to halt illegal activities orchestrated from behind bars. 

“Hoosiers deserve to feel safe, and that means stopping criminals from running their operations from inside prison walls,” said Attorney General Rokita. “Contraband phones aren’t just a nuisance. They’re weapons, and we’re fighting to disarm inmates.” 

Contraband cell phones have become dangerous tools in the hands of incarcerated individuals, enabling them to coordinate crimes such as drug trafficking, gang violence, and even hits on law enforcement and civilians. In Indiana alone, the Department of Correction seizes hundreds of phones every year, and many more elude detection. Federal restrictions on the use of jamming technology exacerbate this problem. 

The coalition’s letter to Congress highlights how inmates exploit contraband phones to:  

• Direct drug trafficking operations  

• Orchestrate violence inside and outside prison walls 

• Run sophisticated fraud schemes preying on vulnerable citizens 

• Intimidate witnesses and terrorize victims’ families 

• Plot escape attempts endangering law enforcement and the public 

By disrupting illicit cell phone signals, jamming technology would sever the lifeline that inmates use to perpetrate crimes while preserving the safety of correctional officers, visitors and the public. A 2020 survey of 20 state corrections departments uncovered 25,840 contraband cell phones in a single year, a stark reminder of the scale of the problem. 

The letter is attached here.  

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Prisoners have no constitutional right to sex-change surgeries, Attorney General Todd Rokita tells court

Attorney General Rokita co-leads 24-state brief supporting Trump executive order

Federal and state authorities are operating well within the boundaries of the U.S. Constitution when they deny inmates’ requests for sex-change surgeries or hormone treatments, Attorney General Todd Rokita told a U.S. district court this week. 

“Across the country, medical professionals and policymakers are engaged in intense dialogue over how to address surging cases of gender dysphoria,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The Constitution leaves policy choices about best medical practices to politically accountable policymakers.” 

Attorney General Rokita is co-leading with Idaho a 24-state amicus brief defending an executive order by President Trump setting new guidelines affecting federal inmates claiming to experience gender dysphoria. 

The order — titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” — prohibits inmates in federal prisons and immigration detention centers from obtaining taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures and requires biological males to be housed in men’s correctional facilities. 

On behalf of several transgender inmates, the American Civil Liberties Union and Transgender Law Center have sued the Trump administration. They claim the executive order constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” in violation of the Eighth Amendment. 

“Nothing in the Eighth Amendment’s text or history allows prisoners to demand whatever medical interventions they desire,” Attorney General Rokita said.  

Attorney General Rokita is also continuing a legal battle in Indiana to defend the state’s own ban on using taxpayer funds to provide sex-change surgeries to prisoners. A federal judge has ordered that state officials must accommodate a convicted baby-killer’s desire to obtain such procedures in order to assume the identity of a woman. 

Attached is the brief in defense of President Trump’s executive order. 

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• ISO Defendants Amicus

$39.1 million settlement with Apotex moves forward as Indiana joins 50 states and territories in generic drug price-fixing case

Consumers should check their eligibility for settlement
money at AGGenericDrugs.com

Attorney General Todd Rokita is calling on all Hoosiers to check their eligibility for compensation for certain generic drug purchases as Indiana joins 50 states and territories in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with Apotex over conspiracy to inflate prices and limit competition.

Attorney General Rokita and the multistate coalition previously announced the settlement in principle with Apotex last fall along with a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. At the time of that announcement, the settlement with Apotex was conditioned on the signatures of all necessary states and territories. With those signatures now obtained, the coalition has filed the settlement in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. 

“Hoosiers deserve fair pricing for their medications, and we will not tolerate illegal schemes that drive up costs and harm consumers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This settlement is a step toward making things right, and I encourage anyone who purchased these generic drugs to see if they’re eligible for compensation.” 

The settlement agreements resolve allegations that both Apotex and Heritage engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs. As part of the settlement agreements, both Apotex and Heritage have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have further agreed to a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. 

Indiana is among a coalition of nearly all states and territories filing three antitrust complaints, starting first in 2016. 

The cases all stem from a series of investigations built on evidence from several cooperating witnesses at the core of the different conspiracies, a massive document database of over 20 million documents, and a phone records database containing millions of call detail records and contact information for over 600 sales and pricing individuals in the generics industry.  

For any consumer who purchased a generic prescription drug listed here between 2010 and 2018, they may be eligible for compensation. To determine their eligibility, they can call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email  [email protected], or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com. 

View the settlement here. 

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General Motors sold Hoosier drivers on using OnStar - then sold their data to raise rates – now Attorney General Todd Rokita is driving right through this deceptive collection plan

General Motors LLC and its own subsidiary, OnStar LLC, engaged in widespread deceptive practices by secretly collecting and selling Indiana drivers’ personal data to third parties, including insurance companies, without their knowledge or consent, Attorney General Todd Rokita has alleged in a lawsuit filed by his office this week. 

Marketing their OnStar "Smart Driver” system as a way to “maximize vehicle performance, while reducing the rate of wear and tear,” General Motors instead turned around and sold customers’ driving data in order to raise insurance rates and collect their share of the deceptive dollars. 

The lawsuit, filed in Marion Superior Court, claims that General Motors and OnStar misrepresented their telematics system as a safety and convenience feature for consumers while using it to harvest detailed driving behavior and location data—such as speed, hard braking, and late-night driving habits—and selling it to data brokers for profit. These brokers then created risk profiles and driving scores, which were sold to insurers, resulting in higher premiums or canceled policies for unsuspecting Hoosiers. 

“Everyone deserves transparency and honesty from the companies they do business with, especially when it comes to having their data protected,” Attorney General Rokita said. “General Motors and OnStar turned a supposed safety feature into a way to make money, profiting off Indiana drivers without their knowledge. We’re taking action to hold them accountable and protect our consumers from these deceptive practices.”

The complaint alleges that for years, General Motors has used unfair, abusive, deceptive acts, and omissions to hide its data sharing practices from consumers. It asserts that General Motors coerced them into activating OnStar in their vehicles and enrolling in services as part of an “onboarding” process. General Motors then treated consumers’ enrollment as consent to collect and sell their driving data, without ever explicitly informing them of these practices. 

Attorney General Rokita said these practices violate the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and is seeking a permanent injunction to stop them and is also looking for civil penalties against the companies as well as consumer restitution and other relief. 

“Hoosiers were secretly misled and used,” Rokita added. “Their actions are unacceptable and we’re fighting back to ensure this type of behavior never happens again.” 

With this lawsuit, Attorney General Todd Rokita aims to protect Hoosiers against unfair business practices that mislead consumers into relinquishing their privacy rights. 

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General if they believe they have been impacted by these allegations. Consumers can file a complaint by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516. 

The lawsuit is attached here. 

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Consumer Alert: Hoosiers should consider deleting 23andMe accounts to protect personal data, Attorney General Todd Rokita warns

With the genetic testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, Hoosiers should consider deleting their accounts to protect their personal information, Attorney General Todd Rokita warned recently. 

“This is a company that holds very sensitive information pertaining to the individuals who use its services,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This data could be considered an asset to be sold or transferred as part of any potential bankruptcy proceeding. The best way for Hoosiers to protect their information is to delete their accounts now.” 

Currently, consumers wishing to delete their accounts can file a request at this link:    Requesting 23andMe Account Closure – 23andMe Customer Care.  

For more information on 23andMe's decision to file for bankruptcy, click here. 

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Spot the signs, stop the crime: Attorney General Todd Rokita urges Hoosiers to watch for signs of human trafficking during spring break 

Several resources are provided for travelers

As Hoosiers and visitors alike prepare for spring break travel and festivities, Attorney General Todd Rokita is calling on all Hoosiers to remain vigilant for signs of human trafficking. Spring break, a time often associated with relaxation and celebration, unfortunately provides opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly in areas with large crowds and tourist activity. 

“Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that thrives in the shadows, and spring break destinations can become prime targets for this evil enterprise,” said Attorney General Rokita. “Whether you’re traveling to a beach, a big city, or staying close to home, we need every Hoosier to be the eyes and ears in our fight to prevent human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.” 

Large gatherings and travel hubs, such as those common during spring break, are known to create increased demand for trafficked individuals forced into manual labor, commercial sex acts, or other exploitative services. People in certain roles—such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, transportation providers, and medical professionals—are especially likely to encounter trafficking victims and should stay alert. 

Signs of human trafficking to watch for include: 

• Individuals who appear fearful, submissive, or unable to speak for themselves. 

• People living in cramped or poor conditions, or with their employer. 

• Signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, or lack of personal freedom. 

• Answers that seem scripted or rehearsed when questioned. 

• Minors engaging in commercial sex acts, with or without overt signs of coercion. 

“Spring break should be a time of enjoyment, not exploitation,” Attorney General Rokita added. “Traffickers prey on the vulnerable, and it’s up to all of us to stop them. If you see something suspicious, report to local law enforcement immediately.” 

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact local law enforcement right away or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.  

Hoosiers are also encouraged to visit the US Department of State’s  Safe Traveler’s program and   Travel Advisory website. 

The Office of the Attorney General operates the  Address Confidentiality Program , which helps protect victims of certain crimes — including those who have been trafficked — by concealing their residential address from the public and thereby their victimizers. 

Learn more about the program at the Attorney General’s  website.  

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Illegal gambling website rolls the dice trying to mislead Hoosiers into thinking it’s affiliated with Indiana’s licensed casinos

Attorney General Todd Rokita and the Indiana Gaming Commission are alerting Hoosiers to an illegal gambling website and social media ads posing as licensed Indiana casino companies to deceive consumers. 

“Educating the public about this scheme is a critical step to preventing scammers who are taking their chances at hustling a profit off unsuspecting Hoosiers,” said Attorney General Rokita. “A little bit of awareness goes a long way toward enabling individuals to exercise good judgment and to steer clear of fraudsters.” 

Not only does the website violate Indiana law, but it also lacks required consumer protections that are in place for authorized and state regulated online gaming. These protections include ensuring that patrons have access to their funds, that minors cannot participate, and that responsible gaming measures are in place. 

Ads identified on the social media platform Facebook, owned by Meta, are using the names and branding of various Indiana casinos without authorization to trick Hoosiers into thinking that it is a legitimate online gaming site and includes those protections. 

The Office of the Attorney General and Indiana Gaming Commission are seeking action against the entities responsible for the deceptive ads identified on the social media platform Facebook, owned by Meta. 

In Indiana, the only online gambling that is currently authorized and regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission is sports wagering. Consumers should follow these simple steps before providing any personal or payment information.  

• Confirm the company is licensed and authorized to conduct sports wagering activities online at the Indiana Gaming Commission’s public website:  https://www.in.gov/igc/sports-wagering-and-paid-fantasy-sports/  

• Before clicking on a social media ad, view “About the advertiser” and confirm the profile name matches the company name. Click here to view example

• Watch out for ads running under generic names like “Online Games.” 

• Make sure online ads link to the company’s official website URL. You can always go directly to the company’s website if you are unsure. 

Individuals who suspect illegal gambling activity are encouraged to report it to the Indiana Gaming Commission via its confidential hotline at 1(866) 610-TIPS or online at  https://www.in.gov/igc/tip-line/ 

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General about any suspected scams or scam attempts. Consumers can file a complaint by visiting  indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516. 

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Jasper-based travel company and Mexican nationals deceived consumers with bogus timeshare deals, Attorney General Todd Rokita alleges in lawsuit

A travel company based in Jasper engaged in illegal deceptive practices, including identity theft and fraudulent timeshare transactions, Attorney General Todd Rokita has alleged in a lawsuit. 

GoGo Travel Consulting LLC falsely represented itself by using the identity of an Indiana-licensed real estate broker without his knowledge or consent, the lawsuit alleges, as part of a scheme to hoodwink consumers into believing they were engaging with a legitimate travel consulting service attempting to broker timeshare rental or purchase agreements. 

“As we work to protect Hoosiers, we will continue holding accountable those who engage in these kinds of illegal shakedowns,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of timeshare fraud to contact our office immediately." 

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to timeshare scams, which often involve high-pressure sales tactics that include bogus claims of having ready buyers for timeshare properties. Victims are typically asked to pay upfront fees for supposed taxes or closing costs, only to find that the promised transactions never occur.  

Attorney General Rokita filed the lawsuit through his Homeowner Protection Unit (HPU), which is part of the office’s Consumer Protection Division. 

HPU’s investigation revealed that the phone number utilized by GoGo Travel, which was spoofed to appear as a number originating from southern Indiana, was ultimately linked to two Mexican nationals living in Puerto Vallarta who are alleged to be conspirators in the fraudulent scheme.     

In conjunction with this legal action, the Attorney General's office is raising awareness about the broader issue of timeshare fraud, which is often linked to organized crime. According to a joint notice by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), timeshare fraud schemes are frequently perpetrated by Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations. These organizations use the proceeds from such fraud to fund other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. 

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General about any suspected scams or scam attempts. Consumers may file a complaint by visiting  indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.  

The lawsuit is attached here. 

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Evansville physician accused of sexually touching women will remain without medical license

Attorney General Todd Rokita’s team protects patients by notching court victory

An Indiana physician accused of sexually touching five women during their appointments will remain without his medical license following the reversal of a lower court’s decision to restore it. 

Attorney General Todd Rokita’s team first brought charges against the medical license of Dr. James Jenison, who practiced in Evansville, in 2022. 

“From the moment we saw the evidence, we fought for the revocation of this doctor’s license,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Dr. Jenison’s actions violated a sacred trust, and our office stood up for Hoosier women by working to prevent him from having the opportunity to assault more patients in the future.” 

In February 2023, the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana revoked Dr. Jenison’s medical license following a hearing, which concluded that he had inappropriately touched five women while providing them with medical services. 

The board also found that Dr. Jenison prescribed controlled substances without an active controlled substances registration and committed fraud or material deception in order to obtain a license to practice medicine.  

In May 2024, a trial court found that the State had not met the burden required to result in the revocation of Dr. Jenison’s license, but the Indiana Court of Appeals corrected this error on Feb. 26, 2025, by ordering that the trial court’s decision be reversed. 

The Court of Appeals held that “the State presented substantial evidence to support its findings that Dr. Jenison had engaged in lewd or immoral conduct in connection with the delivery of services. In concluding otherwise, the trial court improperly reweighed the evidence and judged the credibility of witnesses.” 

The appeals court also upheld the State’s findings pertaining to prescribing controlled substances and engaging in fraud. 

Attorney General Rokita thanked staff members from three of his office’s sections for their collaborative work on this case — Administrative and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation, Civil Appeals and Licensing Enforcement. 

The Medical Licensing Board’s decision is linked here. 

The Court of Appeals decision is linked here. 

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Lake County Sheriff’s Department now cooperating with ICE following warning from Attorney General Todd Rokita

Attorney General Todd Rokita has concluded that the Lake County Sheriff’s Department has reversed course and is now cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, as required by state law. This is due in large part to on-going consultations with federal immigration authorities and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

Attorney General Rokita sent two letters in recent months to the Lake County sheriff warning that a lawsuit would ensue if the Department continued defying state law by limiting its officers’ cooperation with ICE officials.

“With the Lake County Sheriff’s Department now honoring ICE detainers, criminal aliens will be deported rather than just simply being released back into our communities,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Eliminating another sanctuary jurisdiction from our state is a major win for the rule of law and for Hoosier taxpayers. We will continue our ongoing conversations with ICE and Lake County to ensure they are compliant with Indiana law. We do reserve our right at all times to enforce state law, even when it comes to the County Sheriff.”

Last year, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law authorizing the attorney general to file lawsuits against any Indiana colleges, universities, or units of local government that do not comply with Indiana’s ban on sanctuary jurisdictions— entities that deliberately and intentionally restrict and obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

Attorney General Rokita recently sued the Monroe Country Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department over their persistent practice of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. He says he will continue to evaluate units of local government and will take action as warranted to ensure compliance with state law.

Attached are the two letters sent to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, ICE letter, and ICE detainer tracker.

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• LCSD October Letter
• LCSD December Letter
• ICE Letter
• ICE Detainer Acceptance Tracker

Attorney General Todd Rokita continues battle against robocallers during National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week is March 2 to March 8

To kick off National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Todd Rokita is reiterating his commitment to protecting Hoosier consumers, urging them to protect themselves from robocalls and report scams and fraudulent activities to his office’s Consumer Protection Division.  

"Quite often, these robocalls are part of criminal schemes aimed at stealing Hoosiers' identity and taking your hard-earned money,” Attorney General Rokita said. “These annoying and illegal calls are the work of professional scammers looking to prey on unsuspecting victims. Make sure to take steps to protect yourself when robocallers try to disturb your peace.”

While technology is flourishing and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, here are some tips on how to protect yourself from unwanted robocallers:

Blocking unwanted calls

Attorney General Todd Rokita has joined other attorneys general urging telephone companies to make more call-blocking services available to consumers.

Below is a non-exhaustive guide to services available today. You can find more information on the FCC’s website: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-calls-and-texts.

Landline phones

Some carriers allow you to block a limited quantity of numbers or block anonymous callers. Fees vary, depending on your plan. Contact your service provider for details. Call-blocking gadgets or devices are available for purchase online. Be cautious when dealing with unknown sellers and look at customer reviews and return policies. Most work with landlines, VoIP, DSL and digital voice services. Most require caller ID and/or an internet connection to work.

Smart phones

CTIA-The Wireless Association® has compiled a list of call-blocking apps available on iOS and Android smart phones. The list is available at: https://www.ctia.org/consumer-resources/how-to-stop-robocalls . Before you download any app, read the description and customer reviews.

 Also, check your device manual to learn about built-in blocking features.

Services available through your telephone provider

Most telephone service providers have some form of blocking services for customers. Call your provider or visit their website for information about available services and fees.

File a complaint with the FTC

If you encounter an impostor scam, let the FTC know. File a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more.

The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General

If your number is registered on the Indiana Do Not Call list, you can file a Do Not Call complaint about an unwanted text message or call by visiting our website, www.IndianaConsumer.com, click on File A Complaint then on Do Not Call/Text Complaint. If you do not have internet access, you may call (888) 834-9969 to request a complaint form. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission at: (888) 225-5322 or  www.FCC.gov.

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Love was in the February air, but cut ties with these 44 not-so-lovely monthly recalls

Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers to important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in February. The office is encouraging consumers to take advantage of opportunities available to them to return, fix, dispose, or replace a purchased recalled item that could be harmful to their families.     

“Hoosiers that are buying gifts for loved ones deserve protection from products that are faulty,” Attorney General Rokita said. “If you have one of the recalled products, stop using it immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer.”  

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, click here  to see the following consumer products were recalled in February.

If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.         

To view recalls issued prior to February visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission website.             

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