The Michigan Department of Attorney General utilizes the services of Special Assistant Attorneys General from time to time when the unique circumstances of a particular case create the need for specialized services not currently available within the department.
The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
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The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort.
The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
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September 24, 2019
LANSING – The third defendant to plead guilty in a Coldwater child sex abuse conspiracy ring was sentenced Monday before Branch County Circuit Court Judge P. William O’Grady, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today.
Jamie LaPoint, 20, of Athens, pleaded guilty in July to one felony count of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping and one felony count of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC). She was sentenced to 51 months to 25 years for the Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping charge and 25 years to life for the Conspiracy to Commit First Degree CSC charge – both to be served concurrently. LaPoint is also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life.
In May 2018, the Michigan State Police received a complaint from a witness that claimed two of LaPoint’s co-defendants, 33-year-old Matthew Toole and 33-year-old Talia Furman, both of Battle Creek, had Child Sexually Abusive Material on their phones and had plans to abuse and murder a young girl.
Upon further investigation by MSP and the Michigan Department of Attorney General, it was discovered that several messages were exchanged with LaPoint’s live-in boyfriend – the fourth defendant in the case – David Bailey, 37, of Kalamazoo, detailing the same plans to abuse and kill a young girl. Evidence retrieved from LaPoint's phone revealed she had engaged in these conspiracies with Toole and Furman. The four met for pizza at Bailey’s home and laid out the plot to kidnap a child from the county fair, rape and then murder that child.
“This sentencing makes it clear that when it comes to the safety and welfare of our children and residents, my office will use every resource available to hold dangerous individuals accountable,” said Nessel. “I appreciate the Court’s decision and commitment to ensuring justice in this case was served. And I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by the Michigan State Police and our career prosecutors who intercepted the plot to carry out heinous crimes and prevented Michigan children from being harmed.”
A trial for Toole – the only defendant who did not plead – begins Tuesday, Oct. 22. Furman and Bailey were both sentenced in late August.
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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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