WILKES-BARRE — Attorney General Michelle Henry this week announced the filing of a complaint against resort developer Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC (and its parent company and co-subsidiaries) regarding their use of “inflated and inaccurate values to sell undeveloped lots of land.”
Eagle Rock, which owns and operates a resort in Hazleton, advertises and sells real estate on its resort to consumers from Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
The lawsuit alleges that Eagle Rock misrepresents the value of undeveloped lots by using misleading comparisons about the lots and their potential to grow in value.
The lawsuit seeks to recover money for consumers who purchased undeveloped lots, and to stop Eagle Rock from misrepresenting its properties to consumers.
“Eagle Rock allegedly led consumers to believe they were making sound real estate investments, when in reality, consumers bought overpriced properties with very little resale value,” AG Henry said. “This civil action seeks restitution for consumers who were duped, and to prevent Eagle Rock from selling any more properties based on lies.”
Any consumers who believe they may have been a victim of Eagle Rock or its co-subsidiaries business practices are urged to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by calling 1-800-441-2555, or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
According to the lawsuit, Eagle Rock used false comparisons and other misleading tactics to sell the undeveloped lots at such high prices that virtually no consumers could ever resell and break even — unless they built a house on the property.
Eagle Rock generally charges between $30,000 and $100,000 for a lot — the AG said the resale value for those properties is far lower.
Contrary to Eagle Rock’s promises during the sales process, undeveloped lots selling on the secondary market often net only $5,000 to $20,000, if they sell at all, according to the lawsuit.
PA awards $300,000 to expand opportunities for veteran farmers
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week announced the recipients of $300,000 in Veterans in Agriculture Grants that will help military veterans succeed in farming.
Brig. Gen. Mark A. Goodwill, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs director of joint staff, joined Redding to make the announcement during Military Appreciation Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Funding for Veterans in Agriculture Grants has seen a 50% increase during the Shapiro Administration. Grants of $200,000 were awarded to PA Veteran Farming Network, a statewide organization, and $100,000 to Community Partnership Inc., serving Butler County, to provide funding to military veterans to establish or expand farming operations and make them more profitable and sustainable.
“Two percent of Americans feed us, and two percent of Americans protect us,” said Secretary Redding.
Rep. Meuser supports legislation to strengthen immigration enforcement
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week voted in favor of HR-29 — the Laken Riley Act — legislation aimed to increase the tools available to local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detaining and deporting criminal illegal immigrants.
The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant on the University of Georgia’s campus in February 2024.
Specifically, Meuser said HR-29 mandates ICE to issue detainers and take custody of illegal immigrants who commit theft-related crimes, including shoplifting, as defined by state and local laws.
Additionally, it empowers state attorneys general to hold the Secretary of Homeland Security accountable through legal action if immigration enforcement failures jeopardize public safety or harm citizens in their states.
Meuser said the bill addresses a critical failure in the case of Laken Riley’s murderer, Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant previously cited for shoplifting by Athens, Georgia Police. Had ICE been contacted and issued a detainer, Meuser said Ibarra could have been removed before committing such a violent crime.
“Laken Riley’s tragic death was entirely preventable,” Meuser said. “House Republicans have upheld our commitment to securing the border, addressing illegal immigration, and protecting American lives by passing H.R. 29. The Laken Riley Act ensures that illegal immigrants who commit crimes like theft, burglary, and shoplifting — just as Laken Riley’s killer did — are detained and deported before they can escalate to more violent acts. Unfortunately, Laken’s murder was not an isolated incident, and we must take action to ensure no more American lives are lost because of illegal immigrants. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this critical legislation. By doing so, we take a crucial step toward creating safer communities and preventing similar tragedies in the future.”
The Laken Riley Act passed the House 264-159 with bipartisan support and advanced in the Senate 84-9, as 31 Democrats joined all voting Republicans to meet the 60-vote threshold for debate.
DMVA assists veterans with more than $1B in claims for 2024
For the second year in a row, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) helped veterans secure more than $1 billion in compensation and pension benefits earned through their service.
Benefits have expanded in recent years, including the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, making it even more important for veterans to connect with DMVA and receive the benefits they have earned while in uniform.
“With the passing of the PACT law two years ago, reaching and signing up eligible veterans for their benefits has been a top priority,” said Keith Graham, executive director of Veterans Programs.
The PACT, which expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances is a prime example of a recently passed law that changed eligibility for thousands of veterans in Pennsylvania.
Graham said that DMVA could not have assisted so many veterans if their military paperwork was not in order.