ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG CALLS ON SHOPIFY TO CRACK DOWN ON E-CIGARETTE SALES

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong joined a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general and the City of New York in sending a letter to Shopify Inc., urging the company to take stronger action against merchants using the platform to sell illegal tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify describes itself as “a commerce platform that helps you sell online and in person” and explains that “[e]ntrepreneurs, retailers, and global brands use Shopify to make sales, run stores, and grow their businesses.” Despite Shopify’s policies that prohibit merchants from using its services for unlawful activities, merchants continue to use Shopify’s services to sell illegal e-cigarettes.

The letter is the latest action by Attorney General Tong to address sales of bootleg nicotine products. Flavored nicotine products are largely manufactured and imported illegally into the United States from China. The companies who manufacture and distribute these products have failed to participate in the FDA’s mandated marketing order process, and these products are considered adulterated and unlawful for sale. This has not stopped the proliferation of these products. Last January, Attorney General Tong announced an investigation into 12 Connecticut smoke shops and convenience stores and two wholesalers found selling highly potent, illegally imported disposable e-cigarettes flavored and designed to appeal to youth. That investigation is active and ongoing.

“These bootleg vapes are illegally imported, untested and unsafe, and legitimate businesses should not have any part in facilitating their sale,” said Attorney General Tong. “We’re going to keep doing everything we can to shutoff the supply and distribution of these illegal products.”

In today’s letter, the coalition identifies 29 illegal e-cigarette websites that are currently hosted on Shopify’s platform. California recently placed these websites on notice for operating in violation of federal and state laws. The letter encloses an exhibit identifying over 200 additional websites known to sell illegal tobacco products. This list is not exhaustive. The coalition offers to undertake some of the effort needed to further identify illegal sellers to Shopify.

Notably, the use of Shopify’s consumer delivery services to facilitate scofflaw distributors’ online sales of e-cigarettes violates newly enacted state legislation. Effective July 1, 2025, Connecticut’s existing ban on the delivery of traditional cigarettes directly to Connecticut consumers applies to e-cigarettes as well.

Joining Attorney General Tong in sending today’s letter to Shopify, which is co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the City of New York, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

A copy of the letter can be found here:
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA_NYC%20Letter%20to%20Shopify_FINAL.pdf

Assistant Attorneys General Amor Rosario and Heather Wilson, Deputy Section Chief for Tobacco Enforcement, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

Norwalk Man Arrested After Ramming Police Cruiser, Stolen Gun and Narcotics Recovered

A man wanted on an active arrest warrant is facing multiple firearm and drug charges following a violent confrontation with police in Norwalk. On November 23, 2025, at approximately 6:48 p.m., Norwalk Patrol Officers located and attempted to arrest Yahya Sonko in connection with a prior police pursuit that occurred on October 24.

Officers responded to the area of Quaker Road and observed Sonko leaving in a vehicle. As police attempted to block his exit, Sonko reversed his vehicle into a marked patrol cruiser, exited the car, and fled on foot. Officers pursued him and successfully apprehended him in the parking lot of 330 Connecticut Avenue.

During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a stolen Glock 19 handgun from beneath the driver’s seat. The firearm was equipped with a 33-round extended magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Police also seized narcotics from inside the vehicle, including 13 oxycodone pills (30mg), 59 oxycodone pills (10mg), and one MDMA pill.

Sonko now faces a long list of charges including stealing a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, multiple narcotics charges, possession with intent to sell, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, interfering with police, evading responsibility, and unsafe backing. Additional charges stem from the earlier October incident, including engaging police in pursuit and several motor vehicle violations. He is being held on a combined $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 8, 2025.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the Norwalk Police website or by texting NORWALKPD to TIP411 (847411).

The Happiest Place In Fairfield-Wonderland at Roseville Lights Up!

The holiday season officially began yesterday as Gene and Mary Halliwell celebrated the 26th anniversary of Wonderland at Roseville, their beloved holiday light display at 226 Roseville Terrace in Fairfield, Connecticut. The longtime community tradition was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by State Senator Tony Hwang, officially launching another year of festive cheer and giving back.

“As your State Senator and a huge fan, I want to thank the Halliwell family for their tireless effort in creating this magical experience year after year,” Hwang said at the ceremony. “Tonight’s donations will support Shriners Children’s Hospital, providing crucial care for children in need.”

Wonderland at Roseville began decades ago as a modest family project and has grown into one of Fairfield’s most cherished holiday attractions. Gene Halliwell reflected on its humble beginnings, recalling how he and his father once hand-cut Santa and his reindeer from plywood and lit them with simple floodlights. What started as a small display has since evolved into a dazzling holiday tradition enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

A Shriner for more than 40 years, Gene Halliwell also emphasized the mission behind the lights. “Being a Shriner means being part of a global mission to care for children,” he said. “This display is our way of giving back, and every donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital makes a difference. We hope to light up the season with joy and purpose.”

Now open for the season, Wonderland at Roseville will continue welcoming visitors throughout the holidays, inviting families to enjoy the festive spectacle while supporting a meaningful cause. The Halliwell family closed the evening by wishing the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

For the past 17 years, the family has collected donations at the display for Shriners Children’s Hospital. Those who wish to donate online can still do so directly through the hospital at:
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/wonderland

Ring in the Holidays with Stratford’s Tree Lighting and First Holiday Market this Friday, November 28, 2025

STRATFORD– Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick invites residents to participate in Stratford’s first Holiday Market. Over 28 organizations will be present representing vendors, artisans and community partners. Come do some holiday shopping!

Mayor Hoydick noted, “I’m thrilled to invite everyone to join us on Friday, November 28th for Stratford’s first-ever Holiday Market on the Town Hall Green, held in conjunction with our annual tree lighting and a special meet and greet with Santa. This brings the very best of our community, with local vendors, families, friends, and neighbors kicking off the season together! I look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Highlights of the day will include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where each family will receive a complimentary printed photo. Complimentary children’s activities will also be available including cookie decorating, ornament making, and letter writing to Santa.

2:00 pm will be a performance by Stratford Sister Cities Choir and the Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 pm.

*Photos with Santa will be held from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The line for photos with Santa will begin at the handicap entrance to Town Hall, on North Parade Street. To avoid disrupting the professional photographer’s equipment, please do not enter through the front doors.*

For additional information, please visit www.CelebrateStratford.com.

Westport Ulta Theft Case Ends in $50K Bond Arrest

Police say a months-old shoplifting case at Ulta Beauty in Westport has now resulted in an arrest after surveillance video helped identify a suspect. Store management reported the theft on November 3, after discovering the incident during a routine review of security footage from September 6.

According to investigators, two individuals entered the store together, with one intentionally creating a distraction while the second suspect, later identified as Peggy Inesti, allegedly removed multiple bottles of fragrance and testers from store shelves and placed them into a tote bag. Both suspects then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. The total loss was reported at $1,726.

Through information sharing with other law enforcement agencies investigating similar thefts in their jurisdictions, Inesti was developed as a suspect in this case. A warrant was issued for her arrest in connection with the investigation.

On November 24, Inesti turned herself in at police headquarters and was formally charged with Larceny Fourth Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Fourth Degree. Her bond was set at $50,000, which she posted prior to being released. She is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on December 8.

Home for the Brave Celebrates Major Expansion With Ribbon Cutting in Bridgeport

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week at Home for the Brave in Bridgeport, celebrating the completion of a major multi-million-dollar renovation aimed at expanding veteran housing and services. The approximately $3.7 million project added 11 new private veteran suites, a new elevator for full ADA accessibility, updated medical and counseling rooms, and a new outdoor courtyard and gathering space designed for therapeutic use and community events.

Local and state officials joined staff, supporters, and veterans for the ceremony, praising the nonprofit’s continued commitment to helping formerly homeless veterans transition into stable, independent lives. The expansion allows Home for the Brave to serve more veterans at a time when housing insecurity remains a critical issue across Greater Bridgeport.

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