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 23, 2025
LANSING – Vincent Allen Payne, 60, of Valrico, Florida, was arraigned Wednesday in the 2-B District Court in Hillsdale for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor relative in 2007, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Payne was extradited to Hillsdale County earlier this month by the U.S. Marshals Service to face one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct as part of Operation Survivor Justice.
Payne is alleged to have sexually assaulted his 13-year-old minor relative in November 2007 while he was living in the same home in the city of Hillsdale. He was charged by the Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in January 2010.
“Sexual assaults are serious crimes that leave lasting trauma, and it takes tremendous courage for survivors to come forward, especially after so many years,” Nessel said. “I remain committed to working with the U.S. Marshalls Service, the Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and other county prosecutors across the state to ensure that those charged with criminal sexual conduct offenses face their allegations in court.”
Extraditions through Operation Survivor Justice were funded last year by a $1 million state appropriation. The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
Payne is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference on May 28, 2025, in the 2-B District Court.
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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.
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