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.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) reviews cases where someone is saying they did not commit the crime(s) of which they were convicted. There must be new evidence that shows they did not commit the crime. This new evidence must rise to the legal standard of "clear and convincing" evidence of innocence.
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.
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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
June 15, 2026
LANSING – On Friday, Douglas Environmental and its president, Brian Powell, 57, of Brighton, pled to falsifying water safety and water discharge tests for private water systems serving mobile home communities across the state, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Douglas Environmental pled no contest to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and six counts of Forgery. As part of the plea, Douglas Environmental has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. Powell pled guilty to three counts of Forgery.
Douglas Environmental provided private water services to mobile home communities throughout Michigan. Private water service providers are required to submit regular water testing to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). If contaminant levels exceed maximum contaminant levels set by statute and administrative rule, providers are required to immediately notify EGLE. Powell was solely responsible for reporting Douglas Environmental test results to EGLE.
On at least six occasions in 2023, Douglas Environmental, by and through Powell, falsified water test results in water systems serving Moon Lake Mobile Home Park in Shiawassee County, Thornapple Lake Estates in Barry County, and Fenton Harbor Condominiums in Genesee County. Powell also failed to report water tests that exceeded maximum contaminant levels between 2020 and 2023 at Hickory Hills Mobile Homes in Calhoun County, Green Brook Estates in Livingston County, North Bay Mobile Home Park in Genesee County, Fenton Harbor in Genesee County, Vicinia Gardens in Genesee County, and Western Pines of Genesee County.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division and the Environmental Crime Unit following an EGLE administrative review that found data discrepancies between what was reported and what they had received from Douglas Environmental. Based on testing by EGLE, the public was not harmed in this scheme. Douglas Environmental and Powell were charged in April.
“Falsifying water safety and discharge tests can jeopardize public health,” said Attorney General Nessel. “While thankfully residents were not harmed in this particular instance, EGLE relies on accurate data to identify problems before they become threats to communities. My office will continue working with them to protect Michiganders and hold accountable those whose actions could compromise our water.”
“Ensuring the safety of Michigan’s drinking water depends on accurate reporting, and when that trust is broken, it puts public health at-risk,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “This resolution underscores that falsifying water-quality data carries real consequences. Michiganders deserve complete confidence in the safety of their drinking water.”
Powell will be sentenced in the 44th Circuit Court in Livingston County before Judge Matthew J. McGiveny on July 9.
###
Media Contact: