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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.
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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.
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March 24, 2026
LANSING – The Michigan Court of Appeals recently affirmed the conviction and sentence of Marshawn James Curtis, 32, who currently resides in the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility for a 2012 sexual assault, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane. Curtis was sentenced in February 2024 to 17.5 - 80 years’ incarceration after being convicted by an Ingham County jury of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
The investigation and prosecution of Curtis were conducted by the Ingham/Jackson Regional Sexual Assault Team. The State’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) was established in 2016 to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults related to previously untested sexual assault evidence kits. The SAKI project provides sexual assault victims with the opportunity to have their cases re-investigated in a comprehensive, trauma-informed manner.
“Our state’s SAKI units do a tremendous job prosecuting challenging cases and securing convictions for sexual assault survivors, and this case was no exception,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am relieved that the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence of Mr. Curtis. Through this initiative, we will continue to support victims and help keep our communities safe.”
“The Court of Appeals’ decision reinforces that this conviction was both fair and supported by the evidence,” said Prosecutor Dewane. “We will continue to work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and to pursue justice for survivors in every case we handle.”
On appeal, Curtis argued that the trial court’s admission of other-acts evidence, hearsay, and expert testimony was improper. He also challenged the admission of a prosecution witness’ testimony that he feared reprisal for testifying, claimed he was denied a fair trial and the right to present a defense when a defense witness was not permitted to testify by videoconference, and contended that his sentence at the top of the guidelines range was disproportionate. The Court of Appeals rejected these arguments and affirmed the conviction and sentence.
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