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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
May 28, 2025
LANSING – Today, Chief Judge Hala Y. Jarbou of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, citing the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, dismissed the criminal charges against former Michigan State Police (MSP) Detective Sergeant Brian Keely related to the death of Samuel Sterling. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Keely in May 2024 with one count of Second-Degree Murder or alternatively one count of Involuntary Manslaughter. She issued the following statement in response to today’s dismissal of the charges:
“My Department issued these charges based on the facts and evidence in this case. After a thorough review of the extensive evidence before a state district court, this case was bound over for trial based on a judge’s finding of probable cause that Keely illegally ended the life of Samuel Sterling. I stand by our arguments in that court, as well as those before the federal judge, that Keely was not acting reasonably under the circumstances, nor as a federal officer in a manner consistent with federal immunity from state prosecution.
“I am disappointed that the case’s transfer to federal court ultimately resulted in its dismissal and am deeply concerned with the precedent it sets—that individuals deemed federal officers by federal authorities can commit lethal crimes against Michigan residents with impunity. Such a precedent is dangerous and fundamentally undermines the principles of justice and accountability our legal system is meant to uphold. Regrettably, the circumstances of the killing of Samuel Sterling were never presented to a jury. No one should be above the law, and my office remains committed to ensuring those who break it are held accountable.
“I am grateful for the determined, persistent work of my team on this difficult case and my heart breaks for the loved ones left behind by Mr. Sterling and the community who mourns him. This outcome is nothing short of a miscarriage of justice and my Department is considering our next steps.”
The Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution provides immunity to federal officers from state criminal prosecution so long as their actions were no more than were necessary and proper. The case was moved to federal court when Judge Jarbou ruled Keely was operating as a federal officer under the command of the U.S. Marshals Service at the time of Sterling’s death. The Attorney General, while acknowledging Keely was operating that day as a member of a Marshals Service task force, argued Keely was not entitled to federal officer status and remained at all times a state officer employed by MSP.
On April 21st, a hearing on Keely’s motion to dismiss based on the Supremacy Clause was held before Judge Jarbou, where the Attorney General presented testimony in support of her arguments against the dismissal of charges. At that hearing, an expert for the state prosecution testified the use of force was excessive and the use of the vehicle improper.
The Department of Attorney General is currently exploring appellate options in this matter.
###
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.
Media Contact: