Commerce News & Announcements

The suit highlights allegations of sexual exploitation via the TikTok Live feature as Utah intensifies its efforts to protect minors from harmful practices. SALT LAKE CITY—In a significant legal victory for the state of Utah, Third District Court Judge Coral Sanchez has denied TikTok’s motion to dismiss the state’s lawsuit filed in June 2024. This marks the advancement of Utah’s...

Alpha investment scheme defrauded more than 500 victims in Utah and elsewhere SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah businessman pleaded guilty today to securities fraud and money laundering after admitting he lied to investors and fraudulently sold investment contracts, which are securities, through his company Alpha Influence, LLC for “Alpha Automated Stores.” Jeremiah Joseph Evans “The Bull,” 29, of...

Utah is expected to receive $57 million more to combat the state’s opioid epidemic  Salt Lake City, UT—Several states have announced an agreement in principle to settle lawsuits across the country over opioid harms and abate the injuries in our communities. The proposed agreement amounts to $7.4 billion from the Sacklers and their former company, Purdue Pharma. Utah, through the...

Happy 2025,  As we close the chapter on 2024, I want to take a moment to share with you some the remarkable accomplishments the Utah Department of Commerce achieved last past year. The department has undergone a transformative year of growth, innovation, and recognition. Here’s a comprehensive look at the year’s key highlights:  Artificial Intelligence Advancements Establishing the Office of...

Utah Department of Commerce’s Divisions of Professional Licensing and Consumer Protection warn consumers after uncovering deceptive sales tactics and unlicensed work. Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Divisions of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and Consumer Protection (DCP), represented by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, have initiated two legal proceedings demanding substantial fines, consumer redress, and the revocation of the professional...

January 15, 2025 The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Professional Licensure Review releases cosmetology licensing recommendations following periodic review, Finds Utah Cosmetology License Requires Millions of Excess Training Hours Salt Lake City, UT – The Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLR) has published an extensive report evaluating the state of cosmetology licensure in Utah, revealing critical insights aimed at...

An internal investigation called “Project Meramec” shows TikTok executives knew the company was profiting from children being sexually exploited on its platform. Salt Lake City, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protections, represented by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, announced today the release of previously redacted information related to its most recent complaint filed against TikTok Inc. (TikTok)....

Powerful Middlemen Substantially Contributed to Utah Opioid Deaths SALT LAKE CITY – As Utah leads national strategies to fight opioid overdoses, addiction, and destruction, Attorney General Sean Reyes on behalf of the State of Utah and Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection filed a complaint today in Summit County, Utah against two of the nation’s largest Pharmacy Benefit...

December 23, 2024 — Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities (Division) is pleased to announce that an additional $5.9 million has been distributed to victims of the Rust Rare Coins Ponzi scheme, as directed by the court-appointed receiver, Jonathan O. Hafen. This latest distribution brings the total restitution to nearly $30 million for...