Mar. 12, 2025 By Kirstyn Brendlen Attorney General Letitia James is suing a woman her office says has fraudulently taken over a low-income housing co-op in Williamsburg for her own financial gain. In a 19-page lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday, James said Florida resident Jessica Vargas falsely claimed ownership of the…
Feb. 13, 2025 By Adam Daly The owner of an unlicensed cannabis store in Bay Ridge has been ordered to pay $6 million in penalties for operating illegally and ignoring repeated warnings from authorities, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday. Big Chief Smoke Shop, located at the corner of 74th Street and…
Jan. 20, 2025 By Adam Daly New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit last week accusing a Midwood-based online furniture retailer of deceptive practices that defrauded hundreds of consumers. The lawsuit against Payless Furniture, Inc., operating as 1StopBedrooms, alleges the retailer charged exorbitant cancellation fees, falsely promoted “hassle-free” 30-day returns, and failed…
Dec. 17, 2024 By Adam Daly Tenants of one of Brooklyn’s biggest landlords are set to receive $2.9 million in restitution after an investigation found “repeated and egregious” violations of housing maintenance codes, including issues with lead paint, mold and pest infestations. On Friday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a $6.5 million…
Dec. 12, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen & Adam Daly How much is that doggie in the window? The state says it’s not for sale. Brooklyn’s pet store owners, known for selling furry friends, are hoping legal intervention will halt the incoming statewide ban, which they say will be detrimental to business in the lead-up…
Oct. 10, 2024 By Anna Bradley-Smith In a rare case of the state blocking a property sale over questionable dealings, a judge has sided with the attorney general in a long running drama that has pitted locals and preservationists against a developer and a nonprofit in Bed-Stuy. In a dramatic development, a Kings County…