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.
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 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.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that requesters can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request.
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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May 15, 2025
LANSING – Today, Michael Sepulveda, 51, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced to 10 to 30 years’ incarceration before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court after pleading guilty to Second Degree Murder in August of 2024 in connection to the 1997 cold-case homicide of “John Doe,” announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
On November 19, 1997, police were dispatched to Blissfield Township in response to the discovery of human remains in a cornfield owned and farmed by the caller. When police arrived to examine the remains, they observed the body of an unidentified, unclothed male that was missing the head and both hands. The hands appeared to have been cut from just above the wrist. Officers also observed what appeared to be saw striations on the ends of the bones. The homicide is believed to be connected to international drug trafficking activities.
In January of 2023, Attorney General Nessel charged Michael Sepulveda and co-defendant Richardo Sepulveda, 53, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in connection with the homicide. Richardo Sepulveda was found guilty by a Lenawee County jury of multiple felonies in April.
“I am grateful for the tireless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in my office for securing this sentence,” Nessel said. “My Department remains committed to delivering justice for crime victims and holding violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes.”
To date, John Doe’s identity is still unknown, but he is believed to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christie/McAllen, Texas area. The investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has information, please contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.
Richardo Sepulveda is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court.
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