What Virginians Are Seeing: Attorney General Jay Jones Shares Weekly Roundup of Actions Taken

What Virginians Are Seeing: Attorney General Jay Jones Shares Weekly Roundup of Actions Taken Jay Jones Attorney General of Virginia Select Language English Spanish News Releases Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General Jay Jones Attorney General 202 North 9th Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-786-2071 FAX 804-786-1991 Virginia Relay Service 800-828-1120 For media inquiries only, contact: Rae Pickett RPickett@oag.state.va.us WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN Affirms commitment to protect ratepayers, secures landmark $2.25 million fair housing settlement, secures a settlement of  $845,500 from CashApp, and fights federal overreach RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jay Jones affirmed his commitment to protecting and acting on behalf of ratepayers in front of the State Corporation Commission (SCC), as NextEra Energy files a merger application with Dominion Energy. The Office of Civil Rights reached a landmark $2.25 million settlement in the fair housing case brought against a Hampton Roads landlord. Also, this week Attorney General Jones secured a major legal victory and settlement in the fight against fraud on CashApp, and continued working to protect the fundamental rights of Virginians by holding the Trump Administration accountable for its illegal actions. Representing Ratepayers in the NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy Merger Application Process On the heels of NextEra Energy’s filing of a merger application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), Attorney General Jay Jones released the following video and statement: PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jones Shares Statement on NextEra Dominion Energy Filing “Last night, NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy filed a merger application with the State Corporation Commission. The Commission now has 180 days to consider this merger. This proposal will undoubtedly impact Dominion Energy’s existing 2.7 million Virginia ratepayers’ and the Commonwealth’s economy as a whole. It would also potentially create the largest regulated energy utility in the world. The eyes of the nation are truly upon Virginia. The Virginia code charges my office with the responsibility to represent you, the ratepayer, in front of the State Corporation Commission as they consider cases that impact the interests of consumers, including this merger. In 1970, the General Assembly established within the Office of the Attorney General a Division of Consumer Counsel, that ‘shall represent the interest of the people as consumers…appearing before … the State Corporation Commission…to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers’ interests.’ And that is what I will do. Work on behalf of you to ensure that this merger does not unduly raise costs on Virginians when costs are far too high already. The last phrase of this mandate is critical here: on behalf of consumers’ interests. Over the next 180 days you will hear from many different parties–government and elected officials, advocates, corporations, and communities who are interested in many aspects of this merger, and we anticipate comments on a wide array of issues to be put before the State Corporation Commission for consideration. I want you to know that my office, as the statutorily designated voice for the consumer, will focus all of our energy on vigorously and aggressively representing you and your interests before the Commission. We will fight for transparency and accountability throughout this process, because at the end of the day it is consumers and ratepayers’ like you who will be expected to foot the bill long after the Commission renders its decision. We will aggressively advocate for what is in the ratepayer's best interests, not just for the next few years, but for the long term. We are prepared to fulfill our obligation under the law and we will fight for you every step of the way. Thank you.” The New York Times : NextEra and Dominion File to Form a Huge Power Company NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy filed petitions with state and federal regulators on Wednesday to combine their companies, a deal that would form the nation’s largest electric utility and power company. The two energy giants formally asked regulators in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina — where Dominion operates — and at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve the deal, after announcing their intentions in May. [...] More than any other utility in the world, Dominion has dealt with the massive data centers because Virginia is home to the world’s largest cluster of the facilities. Virginia is also among the Mid-Atlantic States where utility customers have complained about rising electricity bills, which have climbed in part because of the need for more power resources to support the data centers. Utilities in Virginia are regulated by the State Corporation Commission. The state’s attorney general, Jay Jones, on Wednesday promised a thorough review of the merger plan: “This office will put Virginians first and focus all our energy on vigorously and aggressively advocating for Virginians, fighting for transparency and accountability, and protecting ratepayers from being left to foot the bill long after the commission makes its decision.” WAVY: Dominion Energy seeks approval for NextEra merger filing Dominion Energy filed paperwork with the State Corporation Commission to begin a proposed merger with NextEra. According to a statement Wednesday, the merger is designed to preserve Dominion Energy’s local strengths with NextEra Energy’s added resources, balance sheet strength, supply chain expertise, construction experience and operating capabilities to help meet that demand reliably and affordably over the long term. [...] Attorney General Jay Jones issued a statement following the filing of a merger application: “Over the next 180 days you will hear from many different parties–government and elected officials, advocates, corporations, and communities who are interested in many aspects of this merger, and we anticipate comments on a wide array of issues to be put before the State Corporation Commission for consideration. I want you to know that my office, as the statutorily designated voice for the consumer, will focus all of our energy on vigorously and aggressively representing you and your interests before the Commission.” Virginia Mercury: Clock starts for state regulators to review proposed Dominion-NextEra merger Dominion Energy on Wednesday submitted their official arguments to the State Corporation Commission to allow the utility to merge with the Florida-based NextEra. The utilities plan to combine, creating an East Coast energy titan. [...] Attorney General Jay Jones on Thursday weighed in on the situation, pledging to prioritize the interest of Virginia residents. “The Virginia Code charges my office with representing Virginia ratepayers before the State Corporation Commission as it considers this merger. This office will put Virginians first and focus all our energy on vigorously and aggressively advocating for Virginians, fighting for transparency and accountability, and protecting ratepayers from being left to foot the bill long after the Commission makes its decision,” Jones said in a statement. Secures Landmark Fair Housing Settlement The OAG’s Office of Civil Rights reached a landmark fair housing settlement this week, in the case brought against David Merryman, a notorious landlord in Newport News and Norfolk. The court found that for years, Merryman harassed and abused his tenants by calling them racist, sexist, and homophobic epithets, refusing to complete basic repairs to make their homes habitable, evicting tenants who requested those basic repairs, and, in some cases, even threatening violence to tenants who simply requested that Merryman fulfill his legal duties as a landlord. The terms of the settlement are sweeping and demand that, among other terms, Merryman never be a landlord in the Commonwealth again. PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Landmark Settlement Against Discriminatory Landlord “Our friends, neighbors, communities, and families have the right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout the housing process, as guaranteed by the Virginia Fair Housing Law and the Fair Housing Act. Anyone found in violation of these laws will be held accountable by this office and justice will be achieved for tenants who face discrimination,” said Attorney General Jones. “We are in a new era of civil rights enforcement in the Commonwealth. Returning this office to the people, means returning energy and talent to the cases that went neglected far too long. The attorneys who first brought this case to court under my predecessor, former Attorney General Mark Herring — Helen Hardiman and Palmer Heenan — are back in this office leading efforts to safeguard the civil rights of all Virginians. Discriminatory harassment has no place in our Commonwealth and will play no role in the future we are creating for those who come after us.” 13NewsNow: Virginia secures $2.25M settlement against former Hampton Roads landlord accused of discriminating against tenants Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones announced a $2.25 million settlement against former Hampton Roads landlord David Merryman, permanently banning him from renting property in Virginia and providing compensation for tenants who experienced years of discrimination and abuse. The settlement resolves a civil fair housing lawsuit against Merryman, who owned rental properties in Newport News and Norfolk. It comes about two years after Merryman was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and race-based interference with housing and employment. The Office of the Attorney General alleged Merryman harassed tenants for years by using racist, sexist, and homophobic slurs, refusing to make basic repairs, evicting tenants who requested those repairs, and in some cases, threatening violence. [...] "Our friends, neighbors, communities, and families have the right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout the housing process, as guaranteed by the Virginia Fair Housing Law and the Fair Housing Act," Jones said in a statement. "Anyone found in violation of these laws will be held accountable by this office and justice will be achieved for tenants who face discrimination." Deputy Attorney General Helen Hardiman, who helped launch the case in 2021 before returning to the attorney general's office under Jones, said she still remembers interviewing Merryman's tenants. "I still viscerally remember the horror stories of Merryman's tenants who we interviewed when we first opened this case in 2021," Hardiman said. "I hope they finally feel vindicated." Section Chief Palmer Heenan said the agreement requires Merryman to admit he discriminated against and abused tenants. "Today's settlement holds Merryman accountable," Heenan said. "Justice has come. He can never again harm a tenant in the Commonwealth." WTKR: $2.25M settlement secured to compensate victims of convicted Hampton landlord's discriminatory behavior A multi-million-dollar settlement was secured against a landlord who was sentenced for racially harassing and evicting tenants from his homes, according to a press release sent by Attorney General Jay Jones' office on Thursday. David Merryman was sentenced to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and race-based interference with housing and employment back in 2024. [...] The 62 properties owned by Merryman were located in low-income neighborhoods in Hampton and Newport News. He primarily rented to Black tenants who prosecutors describe as underprivileged with limited credit and housing options. Court documents previously obtained by News 3 say Merryman made threats of force to Black tenants. One former tenant recounted her experience with Merryman in an interview with News 3 back in 2024. "It was a nightmare," Samantha Feeley, a former tenant of Merryman, said. "He was the slumlord from hell." Protecting Consumers Last week, a multistate settlement was reached with Block Inc., the parent company of Cash App. Attorney General Jay Jones remains committed to protecting consumers from deceptive practices and plans to use the $845,500 received from the settlement for consumer protection efforts. Additionally, AG Jones met with WDBJ7’s Kate Capadonno to discuss cracking down on bad actors in the vape and tobacco industries. Press Release: Attorney General Jay Jones Announces $45 Million Multistate Settlement with Block Inc. Over Deceptive Practices on Cash App “Virginians deserve to trust that the companies they do business with are acting legally and with integrity, and when a company acts outside the law or unethically, this office will hold them accountable,” said Attorney General Jones. “When companies strategically omit information and foster fraudulent practices, it hurts consumers and shakes confidence in our institutions. I want to assure Virginians throughout the Commonwealth that the OAG is using all available tools to protect them.” Virginia Mercury: Cash App parent company to pay $45 million in multistate fraud settlement, Va. AG says Cash App’s parent company will pay $45 million and overhaul its fraud prevention and customer service practices under a multistate settlement, resolving allegations that the popular payment app failed to protect users from scams while misleading them about the security of customers’ money. Virginia is among 46 participating states in the settlement with Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App. The commonwealth will receive about $845,500, Attorney General Jay Jones announced Monday, which his office can use for consumer protection efforts or other purposes permitted under state law. The investigation, led by Oregon and Texas, concluded that Block rapidly expanded Cash App’s user base even as fraud became a growing problem, leaving many customers unable to get meaningful help after their accounts were compromised or money disappeared. [...] Under the settlement, Block agreed to make a series of changes aimed at reducing fraud and improving customer service. The company must maintain customer support capable of resolving fraud complaints, account lockouts and similar problems. It also agreed to provide live assistance around the clock, including access to a human representative by phone for at least 13.5 hours each day and through live chat for at least 18 hours daily. WRIC: Virginia to receive part of $45 million Cash App fraud settlement Virginia will receive a portion of a $45 million settlement from the company behind Cash App following allegations that it failed to protect consumers from fraud. On Monday, July 13, the Office of the Virginia Attorney General announced a $45 million multi-state settlement with Block, Inc., which owns the peer-to-peer payment platform Cash App. [...] According to the office, Block not only did little to stop this fraud, but it also “made it easier.” Examples of this include requiring minimal identity verification on signup and offering no phone support for years. [...] This lawsuit involved 46 states, which will share the $45 million settlement. Virginia will receive $845,500 of that amount, which the Office of the Attorney General “can use for other efforts to protect consumers or other purposes permitted by state law,” according to the release. Augusta Free Press : State AGs win settlement with Block Inc. over its skeezy Cash App Block Inc., the company behind the popular Cash App, has agreed to a $45 million settlement to resolve allegations that the company misled consumers about the app’s safety and didn’t provide fraud protection. As a result of the settlement, Virginia will receive a $845,500 settlement payment, which the attorney general’s office can use for other efforts to protect consumers or other purposes permitted by state law. [...] The multistate settlement announced on Monday reaffirms Block’s commitment to distribute between $75 million and $120 million to compensate consumers nationwide as part of a previous settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Virginia Business: Virginia to receive part of $45M multistate settlement with Cash App owner Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones announced Monday that a multistate coalition including Virginia reached a $45 million settlement with Block Inc. over allegedly deceptive practices on its peer-to-peer payments app, Cash App. Virginia will receive a $845,500 settlement payout as one of 46 participating states in the action. [...] Per the news release, Block promoted direct depositing paychecks and government benefits into Cash App, specifically targeting people without bank accounts who would then rely on Cash App as their primary financial account, making them “especially vulnerable to fraud.” The state coalition alleged that Block practices, including a “fast and frictionless” sign-up process with minimal identity verification, made it easy for fraudsters to create accounts and take advantage of vulnerable customers. WDBJ7: Roanoke targets smoke shops with new zoning rules, state enforcement Roanoke City has enacted new zoning restrictions on vape and tobacco stores, and Virginia’s Attorney General is backing a new state law giving his office more power to hold businesses accountable for illegal sales. The moves come as local and state leaders say it is too easy for children to access vape and tobacco products. [...] “If you are pushing a product that is illegal, we are going to step in and we are going to hold you accountable. If you are breaking the law, we are going to hold you accountable. That’s what we are going to do,” Jones said. Jones said the state views zoning efforts by localities as part of a broader partnership. “We certainly want to see localities lead. And we know that they know their communities best,” Jones said. “This is a state and local partnership at its core.” Fighting Federal Overreach Attorney General Jay Jones joined a suit this week to fight against the Trump Administration’s attempt to politicize the HUD and block funding to address homelessness. He also commended the court’s decision to block the federal government’s attempts to access Virginia’s voter rolls. Press Release: Virginia Joins Suit to Stop Trump Administration from Blocking Funding Addressing Homelessness “Access to safe and affordable housing is the foundation of any successful family, because where you live impacts your health, education, employment, and access to opportunity,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “The Trump Administration’s continued politicization of HUD is detrimental to our communities and family stability. My office is committed to fighting all forms of federal overreach in order to uphold equality of opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.” Press Release: Statement from Attorney General Jones After Federal Judge Tosses the DOJ’s Dangerous Voter Roll Lawsuit “Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, and Harmeet Dhillon tried to seize Virginians’ voter data through what we successfully argued was a contrived demand with no basis in law. The court saw through the ploy and rejected their attempt to attack our electoral system. We are proud of the secure, professional way elections are run in Virginia, and grateful to the attorneys in the Office of the Attorney General whose work stopped Trump’s partisan operatives from dragging our system into their campaign of chaos and distrust.” ALXNow: Judge dismisses DOJ’s lawsuit seeking Virginia’s voter rolls A U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit seeking Virginia to hand over its voter rolls to the federal government has been tossed out by a federal judge. The ruling yesterday (Tuesday) came from Judge Roderick Young, who President Donald Trump nominated in 2020 at the recommendation of Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. The ruling found that the Civil Rights Act does not require Virginia to provide the federal government with unredacted voter rolls. Attorney General Jay Jones said the Trump administration’s demand for Virginia’s voter data had “no basis in law.” [...] The Trump administration’s DOJ has sued 30 states over not handing over voter registration records to the federal government. Of the cases with rulings so far, the DOJ has lost 15. Another 16 states have provided or committed to providing the feds with their voter rolls. Engaging in the Community Attorney General Jay Jones attended the unveiling of plans to build the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Pavilion as part of the Shockoe Project. This pavilion would serve as a 21,000 square foot archeological and educational center. Richmond BizSense: City unveils plans for Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Pavilion, second phase of Shockoe Project The next phase in the ongoing plan for a slavery memorial campus in Shockoe Bottom is getting underway. Members of the Shockoe Legacy Foundation and city and state officials gathered at Main Street Station on Wednesday to unveil plans for the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Pavilion, a 21,000-square-foot archaeological and educational center. It would be the second phase of the larger Shockoe Project, which aims to transform 10 acres of Shockoe Bottom into a campus that reckons with Richmond’s history of slavery. [...] “Richmond cannot celebrate its growth without acknowledging the people whose labor, whose innovation and perseverance help make it all possible,” added Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones. “Honoring black history is not just about revisiting the past with guilt. It is about embracing truth with integrity.” Published on: July 17, 2026 ###