Florida is litigating one of the most comprehensive state opioid cases in the country. Our case seeks to hold the nation’s largest opioid distributors, manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies responsible for their roles in fueling the opioid crisis.
This week, a Pasco County judge ruled in favor of our motion to access Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Database in this case. This key legal victory marks another step forward in our fight to hold these defendants accountable.
This ruling would not have been possible without the Florida Legislature’s hard work last session when lawmakers voted to allow my office access to relevant PDMP data under protective order in certain situations.
I want to thank House Speaker José Oliva and Senate President Bill Galvano for the work and effort that they, their chambers and their staffs put into passing this important legislation. I want to also thank our bill sponsors, Senator Tom Lee and Representative Amber Mariano, and special thanks to Speaker-Designate Chris Sprowls who helped usher this legislation through the Florida House.
In the face of continued legal maneuvering by the defendants, I am grateful to our team of attorneys who took over this fight after session. It is because of their strategic legal work following the passage of the legislation that the state will now have access to the relevant information needed to help bolster our case and hold these major corporations responsible.
Please join us in the fight to end the opioid crisis by visiting DoseofRealityFL.com to learn how you can help stop opioid abuse. By working together, we can end the opioid crisis, and build a stronger, safer Florida.
This week, a Pasco County judge ruled in favor of our motion to access Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Database in this case. This key legal victory marks another step forward in our fight to hold these defendants accountable.
This ruling would not have been possible without the Florida Legislature’s hard work last session when lawmakers voted to allow my office access to relevant PDMP data under protective order in certain situations.
I want to thank House Speaker José Oliva and Senate President Bill Galvano for the work and effort that they, their chambers and their staffs put into passing this important legislation. I want to also thank our bill sponsors, Senator Tom Lee and Representative Amber Mariano, and special thanks to Speaker-Designate Chris Sprowls who helped usher this legislation through the Florida House.
In the face of continued legal maneuvering by the defendants, I am grateful to our team of attorneys who took over this fight after session. It is because of their strategic legal work following the passage of the legislation that the state will now have access to the relevant information needed to help bolster our case and hold these major corporations responsible.
Please join us in the fight to end the opioid crisis by visiting DoseofRealityFL.com to learn how you can help stop opioid abuse. By working together, we can end the opioid crisis, and build a stronger, safer Florida.
In The News
Judge Rules in Favor of Moody Gaining Access to Drug Monitoring Database, Fernandina Beach News Leader
New statewide legal helpline in place to help protect veterans, service members, WFLA Tampa
New program to offer free legal advice to Florida veterans, WTXL Tallahassee
Tampa nonprofit leading efforts to help military veterans statewide, ABC Action News
He was imprisoned in Georgia. He still ran a drug ring in Florida, cops say., Miami Herald
Millions available for victims of tech support scams, TBN Weekly
FHP trooper honored for rescuing potential sex trafficking victim, WJXT Jacksonville
Jacksonville FHP trooper recognized for helping teen sex trafficking victim, Action News Jax
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Recognizes Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant for Rescuing a Potential Sex Trafficking Victim
Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to a Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant for his persistent efforts to safeguard a potential sex trafficking victim. Sergeant Roger Thomas responded to a vehicle and pedestrian crash in Duval County where a 17-year-old female sustained critical injuries. Due to the victim’s condition, authorities were unable to determine her identity; however, Sgt. Thomas worked beyond his midnight shift to identify the victim and reunite her with family. While verifying the victim’s identity, Sgt. Thomas discovered that the victim might be involved in a sex trafficking ring. The Trooper then made it his mission to protect the female while in the hospital and coordinated correspondence between investigating authorities looking into the criminals that exploited the victim.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Sgt. Roger Thomas’ dedication to the citizens he serves is moving. He could have responded to this accident and let others finish the investigative work after his shift concluded, but Sgt. Thomas is a true public servant. He was a guardian and protector of this young woman and I am so thankful to have a Trooper like him serve our State, help us fight human trafficking and rescue victims.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Leads State Attorney General Efforts Urging Congress to Pass the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act
Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading a bipartisan effort of 44 attorneys general in urging Congress to further support Veteran Treatment Courts by passing the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019. Veteran Treatment Courts are diversionary court processes, similar to drug and mental health courts, used for minor, non-violent offenses. These courts pair veterans with mentors to address substance abuse and mental health issues, and assist veterans with obtaining U.S. Veterans Administration benefits that can help them with treatment and employment. There are currently more than 450 Veteran Treatment Courts in 40 states and U.S. territories.Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “When our veterans serve our country, and fight to protect us here at home, many have experiences that scar them inside and out. Post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness lead many to abuse substances. Tragically 16 veterans a day commit suicide. This legislation, if enacted by Congress, will help veterans in the criminal justice system get the treatment they need. We see too many cases in our court system where veterans commit a minor or non-violent criminal offense that can be attributed to a service-related injury and we must get better at identifying them and pairing them with those that can assist in their recovery.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Roger Thomas in Jacksonville. Sgt. Thomas responded to a vehicle and pedestrian accident in Duval County and discovered that a teenager involved in the accident might be a victim of human trafficking. Sgt. Thomas worked past his midnight shift to help the teenager.
Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. For more information about Back the Blue and how to nominate someone for an award, click here.
November is Military Family Appreciation Month and Attorney General Moody thanks all military families for the sacrificies they and their loved ones make in service to our country.
