December 19,  2005

            LANSING -- Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that he has appointed former Chippewa County Prosecutor Patrick M. Shannon as Special Assistant Attorney General and Independent Counsel to continue and complete the investigation into alleged campaign finance irregularities stemming from a donation of $457,000 to fund a television ad campaign aimed at defeating a Michigan Supreme Court Justice.

            "While there is no statutory or ethical basis to require the appointment of a Special Assistant Attorney General and Independent Counsel in this matter, I have voluntarily taken this step in order to ensure public confidence in whatever result the investigation yields," Cox said.

            The new independent counsel will have total discretion and authority in all matters relating to this investigation.

            "From October, I have been consulting with retired judges, state bar presidents and county prosecutors.  Throughout that process, it has become apparent to me that no County Prosecutor's office has the resources to handle this type of case, not because of the complexity of the case, but rather because of the collateral civil actions that have been brought, and may continue to be brought.

            "Recently, our office was contacted by Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney Stuart Dunnings on behalf of four other sitting county prosecutors: Mike Thomas, Saginaw County Prosecuting Attorney;  Brian Mackie, Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney;  Brian Peppler, Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney; and, Gary Walker, Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney. 

            All five prosecutors are past presidents of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.  Mr. Shannon is also a past president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.

            "They submitted a recommendation.  Their unanimous recommendation was Patrick Shannon, former Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney.  As a result of that unanimous recommendation by this group of prosecuting attorneys, I am appointing Patrick M. Shannon as Special Assistant Attorney General and Independent Counsel," Cox announced.

            Mr. Shannon has already been sworn in as Special Assistant Attorney General, with all the powers of the Attorney General's office to investigate a criminal matter, as well as the power to determine charges, if any, stemming from the investigation, and to conduct any criminal trial, if appropriate.

            The special prosecutor has requested to be paid $1.00, which he intends to donate to the State of Michigan for his services.  His contract will cover travel, expenses and other costs related to his investigation.

            "Here is the key:  Patrick Shannon is totally independent.  He will pick his personnel to assist in the investigation.  He will have full control.  He is free to pursue this matter without favor or prejudice, wherever the investigation may lead." Cox concluded.

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