News & Press Releases 2010

Attorney General announces $173 million multistate antitrust settlement with computer chip manufacturers -- 06/24/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has joined with 32 other attorneys general to settle allegations that numerous computer chip manufacturers colluded to artificially raise the prices of their products.

According to the lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, the manufacturers of Dynamic Random Access Memory computer chips, a previously common form of memory chip used in desktop computers and electronic devices, “devised an elaborate scheme to raise prices” to the detriment of consumers, businesses and government agencies.

Attorney General warns consumers about fraudulent collection calls likely originating from overseas -- 06/22/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers warned consumers today that his office has received reports of fraudulent and threatening debt-collection calls. The calls often involve a supposed payday loan debt consumers have allegedly incurred. The callers, who resort to threatening tactics, use a variety of business names and have even invoked the Office of the Attorney General or the name of the Attorney General to swindle consumers.

Attorney General announces 53-year sentence for Grand Junction man involved in auto-salvage scam -- 06/22/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that a Mesa County judge has sentenced Camden P. Fortney III (DOB: 5/27/1942) to 53 years in prison for his involvement in a scheme to sell salvage vehicles to unsuspecting consumers. The judge also ordered Fortney to pay $584,000 in restitution to his victims.

Attorney General announces settlement with Pueblo West duo engaged in deceptive trade practices -- 06/22/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has reached a settlement with Colorado Springs-based Independence Planning, dba Alternative Lending of Colorado, and two of its top employees. Under the settlement, approved by a Fremont County District Court judge, the company and its managing general partner, James W. Dale III (DOB: 4/4/1945), and top loan originator, April A. Bigler (DOB: 10/15/1980), have been ordered to pay more than $78,000 in fines and restitution.

Attorney General announces 20-year sentence for Evergreen man involved in securities fraud scheme -- 06/17/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that a Jefferson County District Court judge has sentenced Kenneth Gerald Berry (DOB: 11/20/1943) to 20 years in prison for his part in defrauding investors in an investment scam. Berry also was ordered to pay more than $116,000 in restitution to his victims

Attorney General announces actions taken against companies preying on Colorado borrowers -- 06/17/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has taken action against three firms engaged in fraudulent business practices in Colorado as part of his office’s efforts to crack down on mortgage and foreclosure fraud.

Attorney General announces new pamphlet aimed at helping businesses secure consumer data -- 06/16/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has produced a new pamphlet in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission to better equip Colorado businesses to protect their customers’ sensitive personal and financial information.

Attorney General announces settlements in Lowry Landfill Superfund Site natural resource damages case -- 06/07/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that the state has reached settlement of its natural resources damages claims related to the Lowry Landfill Superfund Site. Settling parties include the site owner, operator and parties who sent waste materials for disposal at the Lowry Landfill Superfund Site. The settlement, lodged with the U.S.

Attorney General announces indictment in major Metro-area insurance fraud, staged-accident fraud ring -- 06/04/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has obtained an indictment from the Statewide Grand Jury against a dozen individuals involved in a highly organized insurance-fraud scam.

“Insurance fraud artificially drives up rates for all consumers,” Suthers said. “This complex fraud ring could have cost Colorado consumers millions of dollars in higher insurance rates if we had not shut them down. Breaking up this crime ring is a victory for Colorado auto insurance consumers.”

Attorney General praises Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey as a distinguished public servant -- 06/03/2010

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers released the following statement today about Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey’s announcement that she will step down from the Colorado Supreme Court.