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.
August 28, 2025
LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges against Michigan Department of Corrections inmates Vincent Smothers, 44, and Shannon Anderson, 46, for allegedly conspiring to present false testimony to a court. Smothers and Anderson are each charged in the 41B District Court in Macomb County with one count of Obstruction of Justice, a 5-year felony. Smothers has also been charged in the 60th District Court in Muskegon County with one count of Possession of a Cell Phone in a Correctional Facility, a 5-year felony. Both men have been charged as fourth-offense habitual offenders.
Anderson allegedly recruited Smothers to provide false testimony regarding a 2007 shooting in which Anderson was convicted. Smothers then reportedly agreed to sign a false affidavit in May 2019, attesting to details of the shooting. In February 2020, Anderson’s attorney filed a motion seeking a new trial based on Smothers’ false affidavit. The motion was ultimately denied by the 16th Circuit Court.
“Fabricating testimony or evidence in order to defraud the courts drives a stake into the heart of our criminal justice system,” Nessel said. “Exposing such conduct and ensuring that false evidence is not submitted to or accepted by our courts is vital to the safety and wellbeing of Michigan residents.”
In May 2025, it is alleged a contraband cell phone was discovered in Smothers’ possession, which led to further search of his prison cell, wherein written communications were discovered that support today’s charges.
The charges were announced at a press conference today in Detroit. The Attorney General was joined by Michigan Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Director Shawn Brewer.
This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation. Smothers and Anderson will be arraigned in the respective district courts where charges have been filed. Arraignment dates have not yet been set.
###
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: