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.
Michigan Identity Theft Support
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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November 15, 2022
LANSING – A former Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy will never be a law enforcement officer again after pleading guilty to misconduct in office, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today.
Todd Barkley, 46, of Brownstown Township, pled guilty to one count of misconduct in office and will be sentenced to three years’ probation, in addition to the prohibition on him serving as law enforcement.
Barkley arrested a woman on multiple occasions and then exploited his position with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office to coerce the female suspect into a sexual relationship. While off duty, Barkley drove to Fulton, Kentucky where the woman was being treated for substance abuse and used his badge to take the woman out of the facility for the day for the purposes of engaging in sex. Barkley also engaged in sex with the woman in Michigan. He has since been fired from the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office.
“We hold our law enforcement officers to the highest level of honesty and integrity and it’s unfortunate when the public’s trust is violated,” said Nessel. “The Department of Attorney General holds accountable anyone who breaks the law and is a haven for those who have been victimized and exploited.”
A sentencing date is scheduled for December 14 at 8:30 a.m. before Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Beebe Jordan.
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