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.
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April 15, 2026
LANSING – Ricky Lee Eschman, 64, of Oceana County, was sentenced to 3½ to 15 years’ incarceration on April 13 by Judge Susan Sniegowski in the 51st Circuit Court in Oceana County for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old child in 2018, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Eschman pled guilty to three counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in March.
The abuse repeatedly occurred during the summer of 2018 while the victim was visiting and staying at a relative’s Oceana County home during summer vacation. The crimes were initially reported in 2018, and Eschman was charged by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2019. However, police were unable to locate Eschman, and the case remained open until he was arrested in Oceana County in August 2025 as part of Operation Survivor Justice. The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local County Prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service, that works to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
“Sexual assaults that remain open for years take a tremendous toll on victims looking to see their abusers face justice and the community, which remains at risk while predators are free,” said Attorney General Nessel. “After years of waiting, I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the young survivor in this case. My office remains committed to working with our Operation Survivor Justice partners to ensure that fugitives cannot outrun accountability.”
Following a release from prison, Eschman will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and lifetime sex offender registration.
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