The Michigan Department of Attorney General (DAG) works tirelessly to protect and serve the people of Michigan. The DAG handles a wide range of legal matters from civil and criminal cases, to providing legal counsel to state agencies and officers, to advocating for crime victims.
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 (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.
Elder abuse happens when someone hurts, ignores, or takes advantage of an older adult. This may be someone who is of advanced age or is vulnerable and unable to protect themselves due to a mental or physical issues.
An expungement is a way to remove past offenses from your public record. Expansions under the “Clean Slate” laws include eligibility for up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors, excluding certain assault or weapons offenses and felonies that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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 workers enjoy a wide variety of legal protections regarding issues at work. There are a number of state and federal statutes that protect their wages, safety, and well-being.
Opioid addiction knows no social or economic barriers; it doesn’t care about race or gender. It claims young and old alike. The Michigan Department of Attorney General is committed to fighting this crisis.
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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November 03, 2025
LANSING – Former Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility Corrections Officer Joshua Lee, 22, of Wyandotte, was arraigned on October 30 before Magistrate Odetalla M. Odetalla in the 14A-2 District Court in Ypsilanti on four counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (State Prisoner), each a 15- year felony, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. It is alleged that Lee engaged in multiple sexual acts with several prisoners while working at the prison. This matter was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan State Police.
“I want to thank both the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan State Police for their swift action in investigating these allegations,” Nessel said. “Everyone deserves protection from sexual abuse, and Michigan has laws in place to keep people safe in our correctional facilities. My office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to use their positions of authority to abuse those under their care.”
The allegations in this matter include acts of sexual penetration. Michigan law currently criminalizes sexual contact by corrections officers, but there is no statute specifically addressing sexual penetration. As a result, officers can be charged under Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct for contact and penetration offenses in the same way. Attorney General Nessel hopes the Michigan Legislature updates the law so that First and Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct statutes explicitly cover sexual penetration by corrections staff to better protect inmates and reflect the seriousness of these crimes.
“Our laws should match the severity of the crime, and this type of alleged sexual misconduct by corrections staff is a serious violation,” Nessel continued. “Updating these statutes will strengthen protections for inmates and ensure that penalties appropriately match the offense.”
Lee will next appear before Judge J. Cedric Simpson in the 14A-1 District Court on November 6, 2025.
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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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