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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.
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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.
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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.
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January 16, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, a Hillsdale County jury convicted Vincent Allen Payne, 60, of Valrico, Florida, of one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct for sexually assaulting a minor relative in 2004-2008, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Payne was extradited to Hillsdale County last year by the U.S. Marshals Service as part of Operation Survivor Justice. Operation Survivor Justice 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 sexually assaulted his minor relative, when the victim was under the age of 15, from 2004-2008 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.
“My office, and prosecutors across the State, are able to secure accountability for sexual predators across state lines and decades, by our continued efforts under Operation Survivor Justice,” Nessel said. “I am grateful for the tireless work of the U.S. Marshalls Service, the Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the dedicated prosecutors in my office that brought about justice for this victim, so many years after her assault.”
Payne is scheduled to appear for sentencing on March 2.
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