Attorney General Moody's Week In Review
Five innocent women were ruthlessly murdered in Sebring this week, after a 21-year-old gunman opened fire inside a bank and barricaded himself inside. First responders rushed to the scene where a negotiation team attempted to persuade the gunman to surrender.
After negotiation attempts failed, a Highlands County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team burst into the bank and arrested the suspect. The suspect is facing five counts of first-degree murder in connection to the mass shooting.
Once news of the attack broke, I called Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund, Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and State Attorney Brian Haas to offer any and all support our office could provide. We immediately sent victim advocates to the scene—and the director of our Division of Victim Services and I headed to Sebring to help coordinate services for the families of the shooting victims.
The Division of Victim Services provides assistance and benefits to crime victims and their families. Services provided through the division include grief counseling, assistance with medical bills and covering loss of life expenses.
Grieving with the family members hours after they learned that their loved ones were not coming home, broke my heart. My heart still breaks for them. My focus is on helping these family members receive the support they need in this extremely difficult time, and we will continue to provide support through the Division of Victims Services.
My office also stands ready to assist the 10th Judicial Circuit as they deliberate and prepare for the prosecution of this case.
Please continue to pray for everyone affected by this attack, the first responders who rushed to the scene and the entire Sebring community.
Protecting Floridians
Refunds for Consumers Misled About Toll Fees
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office obtained a court enforceable agreement with Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., a holding company that owns the Dollar and Thrifty car rental companies. The settlement agreement resolves an investigation regarding Dollar Thrifty’s practices involving add-on fees for cashless tolls in Florida and other related add-on charges.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Companies owe it to their consumers to be upfront about all of their services and the prices and fees that accompany them. This case not only affected Floridians, but people visiting Florida from all over the country. I am hopeful that this settlement will provide relief to consumers harmed by the company’s actions and prevent future harm.” More.
Multistate Action to Protect Floridians Seeking Hip Replacements
Attorney General Ashley Moody and 45 other attorneys general reached a $120 million nationwide consent judgment to protect people seeking hip replacements. The settlement is with Johnson & Johnson and Medical Device Business Services, Inc. f/k/a DePuy Inc., DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., and DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. to resolve allegations that DePuy unlawfully promoted its metal-on-metal hip implant devices, the ASR XL and the Pinnacle Ultamet.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Protecting Floridians from deceptive and unfair trade practices is one of my top priorities. Misinformation about health care is especially concerning and can cause long-lasting damage to a consumer’s wellbeing. It is vital that Florida consumers, especially our seniors, receive accurate information to make informed choices about their health care. This settlement is just one example of how I will work with my counterparts across the country to protect Floridians and consumers nationwide.” More.
Attorney General Moody’s Statement on the Approval of Rep. Danny Burgess to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Attorney General Ashley Moody released the following statement on the approval of Representative Danny Burgess as Executive Director for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
“Representative Burgess will be a great leader for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. I know firsthand Representative Burgess’s passionate commitment to our veterans. During his time in the legislature, Representative Burgess was a strong advocate for our veterans and I know he will approach leadership of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with the same enthusiasm.” More.
Attorney General Moody’s Statement on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Attorney General Ashley Moody released the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
“Today we recognize a great leader in our nation’s history. Martin Luther King, Jr. showed how to boldly pursue justice with passion and civility. As a former judge, I believe justice is a defining principle of our great country. Fairness in our judicial system enables us to trust our government and without it, we certainly would fail. As your Attorney General, I promise I will always seek fairness and justice for all Floridians. These are values Dr. King ultimately gave his life for. His dream directs all public servants to continue perfecting this experiment we call the United States of America—and I am continuously inspired by the life he led.”
Events
Attorney General Ashley Moody celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Lynn Haven this week. Pictured with Attorney General Moody is former Lynn Haven Mayor Sharon Sheffield and Lynn Haven Chief of Police Matthew Riemer.
Attorney General Moody speaking at the 2019 Florida Sheriffs Association Winter Conference in Miramar Beach.
Attorney General Moody joining Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez inside the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee as they prepare to announce the newest addition to the Florida Supreme Court.
Attorney General Moody attending the announcement that Justice Carlos Muniz will serve on the Florida Supreme Court. To read Attorney General Moody’s statement on Governor Ron DeSantis’s appointment of Justice Carlos Muniz, click here.
Attorney General Moody meeting with Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri in the Attorney General’s Capitol Office to discuss school safety.
Attorney General Moody gathering with members of the Florida Health Care Association inside the Attorney General’s Office in Tallahassee.