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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March 05, 2020
LANSING – In response to a call for her to take action, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said today that any investigation into the alleged sexual assaults committed by the late Dr. Robert Anderson would require full cooperation by the accused’s former employer, the University of Michigan, and an appropriation by the Michigan Legislature to cover costs of the investigation.
Nessel hosted a roundtable with media this afternoon at her office in Lansing after a news conference was held earlier today in Ann Arbor by attorneys, victims’ advocates and survivors of reported sexual assault by Anderson, a former U of M doctor, as well as Larry Nassar, a former doctor at Michigan State University.
“I commend those who have come forward to speak out about Dr. Anderson’s abuses,” Nessel said at the roundtable. “Your courage inspires us all and shines a spotlight on the work we have left to do to ensure that sexual assault and abuse is taken as seriously in the halls of academia as it is in the halls of justice.”
Anderson passed away in 2008 and statute of limitations on his crimes have all likely run out.
Nessel said there cannot be a complete and thorough investigation unless and until the University of Michigan commits to complete transparency and full cooperation. For that to happen, the university would need to make a binding commitment to waive all privileges, including the attorney-client privilege, and fully cooperate in whatever law enforcement efforts there may be.
If the university were to waive privilege and fully cooperate, Nessel said the Attorney General’s office would still need an appropriation from the Legislature to fund investigatory efforts.
“When MSU called on this office to investigate the Nassar scandal, the Legislature responded by appropriating $1 million to fund our Department's investigatory efforts,” Nessel said. “In just over a year, our Department – in partnership with the Michigan State Police – interviewed nearly 400 witnesses and filed charges against three MSU officials – all while coming-in under budget.”
However, Nessel said MSU’s failure to waive the attorney-client privilege prevented her office from completing its investigation and has denied the survivors any sense of closure, while also wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Those actions cannot be repeated.
“The young men and women at our colleges and universities are entitled to a safe learning environment,” Nessel said. “We achieve that when we start holding those in charge of their safety accountable. Like MSU, history will judge U of M by its actions in the wake of this scandal. I hope it makes different – and better – choices.”
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