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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March 17, 2026
LANSING – Josiah Capetillo, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced on March 13 by Judge Sarah Lincoln in the 37th District Court to 3-20 years’ incarceration for his role in a criminal organization responsible for the thefts of vehicles across Michigan, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Capetillo pled guilty to Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in December 2025. A co-defendant, Brendan McClure, 24, of Jackson, also pled guilty on January 29 to one count of Operating a Chop Shop and two counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
In the summer of 2023, Capetillo participated in seven vehicle thefts from the Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, the Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, and a number of dealerships in Rockford, Bay City, Schoolcraft Township, and Wyoming. Capetillo would sell stolen vehicles for profit. McClure operated a chop shop in a large barn located in Marshall, where he would dismantle stolen vehicles and sell their parts.
Capetillo was initially charged by the Department of Attorney General in April 2025 with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and seven counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle. McClure was also initially charged in April 2025 with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, one count of Operating a Chop Shop and four counts of Receiving/Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle. This matter was investigated by the Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and the Michigan State Police South West Auto Theft Team (SCAR).
“Organized criminal networks that carry out vehicle thefts not only have an impact on the victims but also on the overall safety of our state,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am proud of the work my FORCE Team and Michigan State Police do day in and day out to keep our communities safe and will continue working to dismantle these operations and hold those who participate in these criminal enterprises accountable.”
McClure will be sentenced on April 17 in the 37th District Court.
The FORCE Team was established in January 2023 by the Attorney General to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit. Two assistant attorneys general serve the unit full time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The FORCE team also partners with the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force and the Postal Inspection Service. This is a first-in-the-nation unit, unique in the 50 states as being the first such unit with embedded, dedicated staff from the Department of Attorney General.
The FORCE Team is dedicated to working collaboratively with retailers and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime. Recent corporate partners on investigations have included Sam’s Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, and Lowe’s.
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