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.
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 Conviction Integrity Unit (the “CIU”) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
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.
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) took effect January 1, 1977. In enacting the OMA, the Legislature promoted a new era in governmental accountability and fostered openness in government to enhance responsible decision making.1 Nothing in the OMA prohibits a public body from adopting an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that requires a greater degree of openness relative to public body meetings than the standards provided for in the OMA. 2
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December 12, 2019
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced her office is investigating two related Grand Rapids businesses — Blvck Pods, LLC and BlvckedPods, LLC, which sell wireless earphones (earbuds) online. These two Michigan companies have been the subject of numerous complaints from consumers around the world who believed they were buying “100% Custom and Unique” products produced and shipped from Grand Rapids. In reality, the companies’ operators are running a drop-shipping business by taking orders and relying on a Chinese company to fulfill the orders, which allegedly never arrived or arrived in a non-working condition. The businesses also allegedly failed to promptly refund their customers.
After reviewing complaints from the Better Business Bureau, information publicly available online, and media stories recounting consumers’ experiences, Nessel’s Corporate Oversight Division filed an ex parte petition for investigative subpoenas against the two companies in Kent County Circuit Court, seeking documents and testimony from the companies The Court issued an order granting the petition on December 4. Company owners were served this morning.
“Drop-shipping is a variation on the all-too-familiar theme of duping and bilking consumers,” Nessel said. “With this investigation, my office is taking the first step toward stamping out illegal activities in this new and growing online arena.”
The ex parte petition filed last week includes numerous factual allegations demonstrating that the Attorney General has probable cause to believe the companies have engaged and continue to engage in deceptive activities that violate Michigan’s Consumer Protection Act.
Drop-shipping businesses have become prevalent in recent years. Sellers set up a website and sell products they do not keep in stock. When an order is placed, the seller sends it to a third-party — the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler — who ships the goods directly to the buyer. Drop shipping is not itself unlawful in Michigan, but it creates much room for problems and abuse. Improperly operated drop-shipping businesses raise concerns under the MCPA.
In addition to the investigation opened by Nessel, her Consumer Protection team recently issued a Consumer Alert, “Drop-Shipping: What You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Online," to educate Michigan consumers on this business practice and how they can protect themselves.
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