Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has been in office for 100 days, and she is focused on her commitment to making Missouri safe and accountable. In a statement obtained by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, Hanaway said, "In my first 100 days in Office, we have gone after violent criminals, fraudsters who try to cheat hardworking Missourians, and those who exploit children and families. We have stood up for the Constitution and everything it represents."
Hanaway's beginning months as Attorney General included meetings with law enforcement across Missouri — from St. Louis to Kansas City, and Springfield to Cape Girardeau. She discussed a range of issues such as violent crime, drug trafficking, and the needs of local law enforcement, resulting in her office securing convictions and commitments of multiple predators and violent criminals. The Missouri Attorney General's Office is handling over 100 active cases defending law enforcement officers, including approximately 75 cases involving St. Louis area officers.
On the subject of narcotics, Hanaway's office is cracking down on the drug epidemic, especially concerning fentanyl, synthetic THC, and drugs masquerading as consumer products. As of now, the office has issued 17 Civil Investigative Demands to parties associated with distributing potentially unlawful substances under Missouri's consumer protection laws. Their investigations are particularly attentive to protecting children from products misleadingly packaged and sold in locations like vape shops.
In consumer protection achievements, Hanaway's team has procured judgments and restitution totalling significant amounts of money, and filed felony charges against several individuals engaged in fraudulent schemes. They've also launched Phase 2 of an initiative known as Operation Robocall Roundup, aiming to combat telecom-enabled scams. Moreover, the Missouri Attorney General's Office has initiated actions to implement AI software to increase efficiency and consumer protection efforts.
Another of Hanaway's focal points is the protection of children in an increasingly digital age. The office's new rule, pursuant to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, requires pornographic websites to adopt stringent age-verification to prevent minor access, prompting notable online platforms to respond to these regulations. Moreover, Hanaway's office is taking a stand for constitutional rights over issues ranging from redistricting to abortion drug regulation.
With a clear intention to persist in her role as a guardian of Missouri's safety and legal integrity, Attorney General Hanaway's first 100 days set a precedent that will be the measure of her tenure. She concludes by expressing pride in her team and reiterated her commitment to the state: "We remain committed to Missouri and will continue fighting to keep Missourians safe," as per the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
