Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against drug companies over the opioid epidemic. Many of them by cities like Warren, which have been hit hard by the damage the drugs have caused.

As the drug companies consider settlements, Ohio's Attorney General wants his office to control how much money will go to local communities.   Not the cities in line for the money. 

But does that pave the way to play politics with the settlement money? In this 21 News Watchdog Report, Trumbull County officials fear it could.

The cities of Youngstown and Warren, along with Mahoning and Trumbull counties have filed lawsuits against the major pharmaceutical companies.

But Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is backing drafted legislation that could give his office exclusive control over the funds gained from local lawsuits.

Trumbull County and Warren leaders are not happy.  Warren Law Director Greg Hicks says, "For those of us who have been involved for this length of time, that have put the effort, and the finances, and everything involved in it, yes, it is a little disheartening that he would come in now.  Especially when you're finally starting to see some of these large pharmaceutical companies starting to settle, it's almost a little Johnny come lately and let me take over."

Warren and Trumbull County officials say if they win a settlement, or the court case with the drug companies, it's essential to keep the money here because this is where the need is.

"I would hate to think that perhaps politics would somehow play into the divvying up.  A highly Democratic area, a Republican 
Attorney General.  And I pray that it wouldn't be the case, and I think he's an honorable man.  But those are always issues that are in the back of your mind," Hicks said.

Trumbull County was among the first to file a lawsuit, and Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa feels the county has been hit so hard by the opioid epidemic. The money is needed to go back into the services that combat addiction. "I guess there's always that worry that Trumbull would get left out obviously, and how we fix that is giving the control back."

Attorney General Dave Yost says in a statement:
"From the start, each and every Ohio county should have equitable access to money from a settlement or a jury verdict, but that money should come in a single action by the state on behalf of all its people."

Governor Mike DeWine has been vocal, saying that local communities should have control of the dollars that come in.