Attorney General Steven Rowe today announced the sales tax fraud conviction and sentencing of Scott Mitchell of New Milford, Connecticut, the former owner of Performance Power Boats, a Saco boat dealership. On September 27, 2005, the York County Superior Court sentenced Mitchell to serve 70 days in jail following his guilty plea to theft of State sales tax funds (class B). Mitchell admitted to failing to turn over to the State Tax Assessor over $97,000 of sales tax money that he collected from customers of boat sales from May 1998 through August 2002.

Attorney General Steven Rowe, AARP Maine and TRIAD joined together today to warn senior consumers about potential fraud and identity theft by scam artists hoping to take advantage of the new Medicare-Part D Prescription Drug Benefit.

Attorney General Steve Rowe today called on gas stations to pass lower wholesale gas prices through to consumers right away.

A coalition of 15 states and the City of New York today sued the federal Department of Energy for violating the federal law that requires it to adopt stronger energy-saving standards for 22 common appliances that use large amounts of electricity, natural gas and oil by clearly specified deadlines stated in the law.

The standards sought by the lawsuit, according to the federal government's own numbers, would generate substantial savings for consumers and reduce air pollution and global warming emissions from power plants.

Attorney General Steve Rowe today provided information about his office's actions in response to high gas prices and offered advice on how all Mainers can help to contain further increases. Rowe has spoken with the Governor, met with representatives of the Governor's Office, and is speaking with legislative leaders, other state attorneys general, and federal authorities to ensure that consumer protection and antitrust laws are being scrupulously observed, and enforcement options fully explored as market participants respond to supply challenges.

Augusta, ME. At a press conference today, Attorney General Rowe, Education Commissioner Sue Gendron and Public Safety Commissioner Michael Cantara announced that the NetSmartz Internet Child Safety Program is now available to all Maine educators, students and parents for free.

Attorney General Steve Rowe and the Attorneys General of 39 other states and the District of Columbia today announced an agreement under which 7-Eleven will implement new policies and procedures to reduce tobacco sales to minors in 7-Eleven stores throughout the nation, including all 11 stores licensed by 7-Eleven and 2 company-owned stores in Maine.

Attorney General Steve Rowe announced today that the State will appeal Superior Court Justice Roland Cole's decision to dismiss criminal tax evasion charges against Michael Falcone and James Jannetti. Justice Cole's decision was based on his finding that the term "domicile" was not adequately defined in the Maine Tax Code or case law for tax enforcement purposes for years 1997-2002.

Rowe explained, "The Maine Law Court should have the opportunity to review and decide this important issue of statutory interpretation."

Attorney General Steven Rowe announced that Maine is supporting a Vermont lawsuit filed today against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company ("RJRT"). The suit alleges that RJRT's claims that its "Eclipse" cigarettes cause less cancer and disease than other cigarettes are false and misleading. The scientific evidence simply does not support RJRT's claim that "Eclipse" cigarettes cause less cancer or other disease in humans. In fact, RJRT's own data establishes that "Eclipse" cigarettes actually increase the amount of carbon monoxide delivered to an "Eclipse" smoker.

Attorney General Steve Rowe announced today that he has appealed a May 27 federal court decision that invalidated a significant portion of the state law aimed at preventing youth access to tobacco from Internet and mail-order sales. The 2003 law requires tobacco retailers to be licensed by the State in order to have tobacco delivered to Mainers. It also prohibits delivery services like UPS from shipping tobacco products from unlicensed sellers to Mainers and requires them to check the identification and age of Mainers to whom tobacco is delivered.