Tennessee prosecutors end clash over opioids lawsuits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A clash has ended between the Tennessee attorney general and local prosecutors over lawsuits against drug companies for costs of the opioid epidemic.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports Attorney General Herbert Slatery stepped out of the district attorneys’ case Thursday in Campbell County Circuit Court. A representative of his office read a statement and handed Judge John McAfee an order in which he agreed to back down.

The statement said the order recognizes that state and local cooperation is essential amid the epidemic impacting Tennessee. Slatery had told the 14 district attorneys general in March that their lawsuits were impeding his ability to prosecute.

Slatery’s office is leading a 40-state coalition investigating opioid manufacturers and distributors.

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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com

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