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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September 02, 2025
LANSING – Today, Shelley Letzer, 68, of West Bloomfield, and Kirk Lanam, 53, of Hartland, were bound over to stand trial in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County for allegedly financially exploiting a vulnerable adult, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. It is alleged that Lanam and Letzer fraudulently obtained from the 87-year-old victim legal power of attorney in March of 2024, knowing the man to be a vulnerable or incapacitated adult with a court-appointed guardian and embezzled significant funds from the victim.
Letzer is accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from the victim and attempting to embezzle at least another $200,000 from him. Lanam allegedly embezzled more than $500,000 from the victim toward his own personal benefit and to the benefit of the purported non-profit he controlled, Veteran’s Service Dog Organization based in Howell.
"Exploiting unsuspecting victims or those who rely on others for support for personal gain is unacceptable," said Nessel at the time of Lanam’s arraignment. "My Department takes reports of elder abuse very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate allegations of wrongdoing against our vulnerable adult population and prosecute those who prey on them."
Letzer, who was charged in January, was bound over to stand trial on six counts of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony, one count of Fraudulently Obtaining a Signature, a 10-year felony, and one count of Motor Vehicle Code – Intent to Pass False Title, a 10-year felony. Lanam, who was charged in January, was bound over to stand trial on five counts of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult, $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony, and one count of Fraudulently Obtaining a Signature, a 10-year felony.
A pretrial date has not yet been set.
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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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