Attorney General Todd Rokita speaks at U.S. Navy ceremony honoring crew 80 years after ship went down in 1945

USS Indianapolis was instrumental in securing victory for US in World War II

The sacrifice of the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Indianapolis when it sank 80 years ago continues — quite rightly — to be commemorated, Attorney General Todd Rokita said today. But some Americans, he added, may forget the pivotal role of that crew in securing victory for the United States in World War II. 

The vessel made famous in World War II was a heavy cruiser commissioned in 1932. It carried 1,196 sailors and Marines at the time of its sinking. About 300 crew members went down with the ship, leaving about 890 to try to survive in shark-infested waters. By the time rescuers arrived after four days and five nights, they were able to save 316 individuals.  

The crew of the USS Indianapolis delivered atomic bomb materials to Tinian Naval Base in the Pacific on July 26, 1945.  

“Those materials were immediately loaded onto two U.S. B-29 aircraft that proceeded to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” Attorney General Rokita said. “As we all know, those bombings effectively secured the end of the war. The USS Indianapolis played a huge role, then, in achieving victory for America over the forces of fascism and imperial aggression.” 

Attorney General Rokita spoke at a U.S. Navy ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida, commemorating the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945, when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. 

Four U.S. Navy ships have borne the name USS Indianapolis, and Friday’s ceremony was held aboard the current one — a Freedom-class littoral combat ship commissioned in 2019. 

“We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Attorney General Rokita said Friday, “and we honor those who survived.” 

He expressed gratitude for the continued service of military personnel in modern times. 

“You honor these past generations by following in their footsteps and — like they did — entering military service,” Attorney General Rokita said. “One of the best ways to honor our heroes of the past is to do the work necessary to ensure we win the future.” 

Civilians can honor the service of U.S. military personnel by considering the things for which they are willing to fight and die, he added, and dedicating themselves to finding ways to work to preserve those same things. 

“Going forward, we must fight for America to remain a beacon of liberty,” he said. “We must fight for America to remain safe and for America to remain strong.” 

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Trump’s rollback of Obama-era emissions rules will help turbocharge Hoosier economy, says Attorney General Todd Rokita

AG Rokita attends Indianapolis announcement featuring friend and former colleague EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright

By undoing a 2009 Obama-era policy, which imposed stringent restrictions on tailpipe emissions and set unrealistic fuel economy standards, the Trump administration is helping boost the performance of America’s economy, Attorney General Todd Rokita said.

“Finally, we have a president again who puts America First — and today’s announcement is yet another illustration of this fact,” said Attorney General Rokita. “It will be part of the proud legacy of President Trump that he undid damage caused to the American economy by 12 years of disastrous Democratic rule — both during four years of Biden and, as we witness here today, going back to the eight years of Obama.”

Attorney General Rokita attended an announcement of the policy rollback Tuesday in Indianapolis featuring Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Rokita thanked the federal officials “for coming here to Indiana — where the automotive and transportation industries are so deeply embedded in our culture and economy — to make this important announcement.”

Also attending the policy announcement were Gov. Mike Braun and U.S. Rep. Jim Baird.

“Over the last four years, conservative state attorneys general were the last line of defense in fighting back against the Biden administration’s federal overreach and green new scam agenda,” Attorney General Rokita said. “However, thanks to President Trump and patriots like Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Wright, we are now on the front lines helping to unleash American energy.”

 Attorney General Rokita’s previous actions include:

Suing the federal government along with 20 other states to challenge a rule that would have required state agencies to set declining carbon emissions standards for highways. (Kentucky v. Federal Highway Administration)

Challenged a federal rule announced under Biden requiring an increasing share of heavy-duty vehicles to be electric.  
 
Challenged the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rule for heavy-duty vehicles announced under Biden, which would regulate the average fuel consumption of a manufacturer’s fleet.  

“I’m grateful for the confidence we can have in the Trump administration to do the right things like putting forth commonsense policies that put us back on the path to prosperity,” Attorney General Rokita said.

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Statement from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita on the use of Camp Atterbury for illegal alien detention

Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement on the use of Camp Atterbury for illegal alien detention:

“I commend President Trump and agree with both him and Governor Braun on using Camp Atterbury to detain illegal aliens, as outlined in the recent announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and will fully support the state’s legal position. This action is a critical step toward restoring the rule of law and addressing the unfair crisis caused by unchecked illegal immigration. By expanding detention capacity in states throughout the country, President Trump is ensuring illegal aliens are detained while they await deportation—not set loose into our communities due to a lack of bed space.

For too long, Hoosier communities have borne the burden of open-border policies, facing increased crime, human trafficking, and strain on our schools, hospitals, and other taxpayer-funded resources. Using Camp Atterbury to securely detain illegal aliens pending immigration proceedings or deportation sends a clear message: Indiana will not tolerate lawlessness.

Our office stands ready to support federal efforts to enforce immigration laws and protect Hoosiers, ensuring our state remains a safe and prosperous place for those who respect our laws and enter our country legally.”

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Attorney General Todd Rokita slams management firm with lawsuit over deceptive lease practices

Attorney General Todd Rokita announced a lawsuit against IBIN Management, LLC, a property management company based in Crown Point, Indiana, for engaging in unfair, abusive, and deceptive practices in violation of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act. The lawsuit, filed in Lake County Superior/Circuit Court, seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, civil penalties, and costs to protect Indiana tenants from misleading lease terms.   

“Hoosiers deserve fair and transparent treatment when renting their homes,” said Attorney General Rokita. “This lawsuit sends a clear message: we will hold accountable those who exploit tenants with deceptive lease agreements that misrepresent their rights and obligations. Protecting Indiana consumers is a top priority for our office.”   

The State of Indiana alleges that IBIN Management, LLC, which manages properties in Lake County, included lease provisions in their leases that violate Indiana law by misrepresenting tenants’ rights and the company’s legal obligations. Specifically, the lawsuit identifies at least seven deceptive lease provisions, including:   

• Misrepresenting the timeframe for returning security deposits, in violation of Indiana’s clear 45-day itemization requirement.   

• Absolving the company of responsibility to deliver rental properties in a timely, safe, and habitable condition, contrary to Indiana law.   

• Denying obligations to enforce lease terms against tenants whose actions disrupt others’ quiet enjoyment, which would adversely impact tenant quiet enjoyment of their leased property.   

• Attempting to waive tenants’ rights to seek damages for the company’s failure to provide essential services, such as heat, water, or electricity, which is explicitly disallowed by statute.   

• Imposing unlawful service fees for repairs that are the landlord’s responsibility.   

• Allowing property access without proper notice to tenants.   

• Requiring tenants to indemnify the company for claims, including those caused by the company’s own negligence.   

These provisions, found in leases for properties in East Chicago and Hammond, Indiana, violate the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (Ind. Code § 24-5-0.5). The State seeks to permanently enjoin IBIN Management, LLC from engaging in these practices, as well as restitution for affected tenants, civil penalties, and investigative costs.   

“We are committed to ensuring that landlords and property managers play by the rules,” Attorney General Rokita added. “We will continue to stand up for Hoosiers and fight against deceptive practices that harm our communities.”  

The lawsuit highlights specific leases signed by tenants Keely Valentine, Ronica Stewart, and Joshua Guerrin for properties managed by IBIN Management, LLC in Hammond and East Chicago. The State believes additional affected consumers may be identified through further investigation.   

Hoosiers can 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.  

The lawsuit is attached here.

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Beware of scam callers impersonating local police, warns Attorney General Todd Rokita

Fraudsters impersonating local police are calling would-be victims to demand payment of supposed “fines,” according to Attorney General Todd Rokita, and they are threatening arrest if the supposed fines are not paid immediately. Further, these perpetrators are tricking caller ID into displaying phone numbers actually associated with local law enforcement. 

“Scammers are always getting increasingly more sophisticated in their techniques,” Attorney General Rokita said. “They might use the names of actual officers or police departments in their attempts to make you think they’re in law enforcement, but it’s all a ruse. Just remember that real officers wouldn’t call you on the phone and threaten to arrest you if you hang up without paying.” 

This scam is occurring not just in Indiana but nationwide. Advancements in technology allow scammers inside and outside of the country to target essentially anyone. That is why staying vigilant is so important.   

As the Federal Trade Commission recently noted, some of these scam callers say they’ve confiscated a package with your name on it. They might say it’s filled with money, illegal drugs or weapons. To avoid being arrested, they might say, you must send cash, deposit money at a Bitcoin ATM, buy gift cards and give them the numbers, or send money over a payment app like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo. 

When would-be victims pause long enough to think about the oddity of such demands, they realize that real law enforcement officers would not operate in this manner. Sometimes, though, panic and manufactured pressure overrides rational thought. 

Anyone receiving these kinds of calls should simply hang up. 

If you can’t help wondering whether the call is legitimate, then contact the local police agency using a website or phone number you know belongs to them. 

You may report these scam attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

If you have already provided personal information or money, file a consumer complaint immediately online at indianaconsumer.com or call 317-232-6330.    

For more information on avoiding scams, visit the Indiana Attorney General’s website at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral.   

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Attorney General Todd Rokita seeks to suspend Indiana physician’s-controlled substance registration over dangerous prescribing practices and incompetent medical care 

Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a petition to summarily suspend the Controlled Substance Registration (C.S.R.) of Dr. Patrick Sheets, a physician practicing in Rensselaer, Indiana, due to allegations of unsafe prescribing practices and serious violations of medical standards that present a clear and immediate danger to public health and safety. 

Over a period of several months, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received multiple consumer complaints alleging that Dr. Sheets engaged in dangerous prescribing habits, including prescribing controlled substances such as alprazolam to a patient with known substance abuse issues without proper evaluations, improperly securing a controlled substance key fob, and falsifying medical records.  
One complainant, a family member of a patient, reported that Dr. Sheets continued prescribing addictive medications to their mother despite being informed of her addiction and alcoholism, contributing to her arrests and repeated rehabilitation stays.

Another complainant, a former patient, alleged that Dr. Sheets coerced them into illegal activities to maintain access to prescribed medications and engaged in inappropriate relationships with patients and staff while prescribing controlled substances to them. 

“Protecting Hoosiers from unsafe medical practices is a top priority,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “The allegations against Dr. Sheets, if substantiated, indicate a pattern of reckless behavior that endangers patients and undermines public trust in healthcare. We are taking swift action to hold this doctor accountable.” 
 
According to the OAG’s petition, in mid-June 2025, the FBI and DEA raided Dr. Sheets’ offices and other locations, and the Jasper County Health Department closed his practice due to the lack of running water, working sewage, or electricity. 
 
“While my office works alongside our federal partners and will continue to do so, licensing at its core is a state issue, which impacts Hoosiers where they live and obtain healthcare,” said Attorney General Rokita. 

The OAG will present its Petition for Summary Suspension at the Indiana Board of Pharmacy meeting on July 14, 2025, seeking to suspend Dr. Sheets’ C.S.R. for up to 90 days while further investigations and proceedings continue.  

The public is encouraged to report any additional concerns about Dr. Sheets’ practices to the Consumer Protection Division at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 317-232-6330. 
 
The OAG’s petition is available here. 

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Changing birth certificates for desired genders is falsifying records, Attorney General Todd Rokita declares

Attorney General Todd Rokita is filing motions to intervene in cases in which Indiana trial courts have ordered the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to change the designation of sex on birth certificates to reflect preferred gender identities. 

“We’re taking a stand not only for the rule of law but also for common sense,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Indiana law requires birth certificates to reflect the historical, immutable fact of a child’s sex. One should have no more ability to change the listed sex on a birth certificate years after the fact than to change the newborn’s listed length or weight.” 

In dozens of instances, trial courts have ordered IDOH to change the historical record of a newborn’s sex.

The State of Indiana was not made a party to any of these cases, but according to Attorney General Rokita, the state has a clear interest in protecting the integrity of its own processes of issuing birth certificates. 

Beyond existing state laws already providing clarity on these matters, Governor Mike Braun has issued an executive order instructing state agencies to interpret and apply “sex” to mean “an individual human being’s immutable biological classification as either male or female” as determined at conception. 

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Step right up and claim what’s yours!

Attorney General Todd Rokita invites Hoosiers to "Claim Your Prize" at the Indiana State Fair with Unclaimed Property

Attorney General Todd Rokita is serving up more than fried Oreos and Ferris wheel rides at this year’s Indiana State Fair - he’s bringing indianaunclaimed.gov to the Midway and helping Hoosiers search for their unclaimed property.  

The Indiana State Fair runs from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 17th and is closed on Mondays. Attorney General Rokita’s booth is located in the Mercantile Building and will be staffed from 9:00 a.m. ET to 9:00 p.m. ET each day.    

"Most Hoosiers don’t realize they could have money sitting out there waiting to be claimed - and we're making it easier than ever to find it," Attorney General Rokita said. "So, while you're enjoying lemon shake-ups and prize pigs, come meet with our team, learn about our office, and reunite with your unclaimed property." 

Recovering your unclaimed property is safe, secure and simple. Attorney General Rokita recommends Hoosiers visit indianaunclaimed.gov and check for these types of property: 

• Unclaimed wages or commissions       

• Money orders       

• Safety deposit box contents       

• Savings and checking accounts   

• Refunds   

• Overpayments such as:        

• Credit card balances        

• Cell phone bills       

• DMV payments     

Representatives from the office will be available to assist Hoosiers with unclaimed property and provide information to help consumers protect themselves and their family from ID theft and other clever scams. Copies of Attorney General publications like the Parents’ Bill of Rights, Gun Owners Bill of Rights, and Indiana Constitution will also be available.  

Attorney General Rokita’s office has returned over $62,000,000 so far this year and much more is ready to be claimed.  With more than $2 million returned to Hoosiers every week, don’t miss out on your chance to be next!  

Come one, come all - Attorney General Todd Rokita and his Unclaimed Property team are ready to make this year’s State Fair a winning experience for every Hoosier! Check IndianaUnclaimed.gov today and claim your prize! 

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