New York Attorney General Letitia James marked another victory within the last week as she revealed a $100,000 settlement from a landscaping supply company.
This week, James achieved successes in two separate cases. James, who gained fame for her civil fraud suit against former President Donald Trump, made significant progress.
On Friday, the attorney general took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and expressed his concerns regarding the actions of Stephen Affatato and his company, Affa Organics. According to the attorney general, they have been involved in the unlawful destruction of sections within the Pine Barrens. These protected areas are of utmost importance, as they play a crucial role in Long Island’s drinking water supply and overall environmental well-being.
James and the Pine Barrens Commission have reached a settlement with Affatato and his company. As part of the agreement, Affatato will be responsible for paying a civil penalty of $100,000. Furthermore, it is mandatory for him to fully restore the areas of the Pine Barrens in Long Island, New York, that were damaged as a result of his actions. Failure to complete the restoration will result in an additional fine of $200,000.
In a press release on Friday, James emphasized the significance of Long Island’s Pine Barrens as one of New York’s invaluable natural resources. “Stephen Affatato’s actions, in disregard of the law, resulted in the destruction of protected land for personal gain,” James stated. “Consequently, he is now obligated to rectify the damage caused and undertake the necessary steps to restore the affected area.”
In a recent post on Tuesday, James made a significant announcement, stating that conservative activists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman would be held accountable for their racist and dangerous voter intimidation campaign, targeting Black voters. The consequences for their actions could amount to a hefty fine of up to $1.25 million.
In May 2021, James filed a civil case accusing Wohl and Burkman of targeting Black New York voters. In March 2023, a federal judge found them liable for transmitting false and threatening messages to discourage these voters from voting by mail in the 2020 election.
“The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of our democratic system, and it is a right that should be upheld for all individuals. We will not tolerate any attempts to undermine or threaten this right,” expressed James in a press release on Tuesday. She further stated that Wohl and Burkman will be held accountable for their actions by paying a sum of up to $1.25 million. This amount will be distributed to my office, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and the individuals who were adversely affected by their scheme. It is our commitment to continuously protect and defend the right to vote.”
In February, James celebrated a significant win when New York Judge Arthur Engoron held Trump accountable for financial fraud. As a result, Trump, the presumed 2024 GOP presidential nominee, was ordered to pay $355 million, along with interest. Additionally, he was banned from conducting business in New York for three years. This ruling came as a result of a civil suit brought against him by James.
“Today, justice has been served,” stated James in an X post following the release of Engoron’s judgment. “No one, regardless of their size, wealth, or influence, is exempt from the law. This includes Donald Trump.”
In a lawsuit filed in September 2022, the attorney general has accused the former president, The Trump Organization, and company executives of fraudulently overvaluing assets. The purpose behind this alleged fraud was to obtain more favorable bank loans and taxation deals.
Trump has appealed Engoron’s decision, asserting his innocence and alleging that the case is politically motivated against him.
