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Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement investigates instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation where a person has committed potential violations of the criminal laws of Michigan. Law Enforcement’s main priorities are to protect Michigan residents by identifying and stopping criminal activity, and to hold offenders accountable by working with the prosecuting authority to seek criminal charges.
Law Enforcement:
- Responds to emergencies and other circumstances where there is an immediate danger to an individual or the public.
- Investigates crimes (including financial crimes), including execution of search warrants and service of subpoenas where applicable.
- Arrests suspect.
When making a mandatory report to Law Enforcement under MCL 451.2533, you should:
- State the type of crime you think has been committed against a vulnerable adult.
- Describe why you believe the victim of the crime is vulnerable.
- Describe the information that would provide evidence of the crime.
- Provide name and contact details of persons who would have more information.
Please note, while it is not mandatory to report a crime against a non-vulnerable adult, law enforcement will accept those reports.
Example 1:
Jane Doe’s son, John Doe, was added to Jane’s investment account on 10/1/2024. John appears to be stealing from Jane, as he withdrew $50,000 from her account within two weeks using an online account. Jane is 85 years old, and never used an online account until John was added to her account. Jane opened an account with the investment firm in 2020, and her account records show the sudden change in activity in the last three months. Jane’s daughter, Jill Doe, phone number 220-1234 can provide more information, and so can Bob Smith from the investment firm, phone number 330-5678.
Example 2:
Willie (75) has a history of mild cognitive impairment (diagnosed early-stage dementia) and mild depression. He manages most daily tasks independently but occasionally forgets appointments. He has no primary caregiver but has an adult daughter who checks in weekly. Willie banks with Credit Union One and has recently withdrawn $15,000 in cash and made several large electronic transfers to a new acquaintance who claims to need money for an emergency. Transactions are unusual for his normal spending patterns. When asked about the transfers, Willie says he “just wanted to help” but is vague on details and seems confused about the amounts.
Additional Tips to Improve Reports to Law Enforcement:
- Assume law enforcement has no experience with the securities industry unless told otherwise; try to avoid using industry terminology or abbreviations.
- If the victim of exploitation continues to be at immediate risk of harm or if you believe the matter is urgent, state that clearly in your initial complaint.
- At the beginning of your report, state succinctly what type of crime you believe was committed and who committed it, if known. “I believe Stephen’s daughter stole from him by using her power of attorney over his accounts to transfer the contents of his investment account to her own checking account.”
- Provide any supporting documents, like investment statements, in a well-organized manner, and explain what those documents show.