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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.
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September 15, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, Michael Joseph Caillouet, 48, of Cadillac, was sentenced to serve at least 38.3 years’ incarceration for sexually abusing a minor child starting at the age of 5 between 2018 and 2019, announced Michigan Attorney General Nessel. Caillouet was sentenced by Judge Jason Elmore in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County to 30-50 years’ incarceration for First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. He will also serve a consecutive sentence of 8.3-15 years’ incarceration for Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. He was convicted of three counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and three counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct by a Wexford County jury in July.
Caillouet was charged by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in September 2025 after the crimes were reported earlier that year. In November 2025, Caillouet was extradited to Wexford County by the U.S. Marshals Service from Butler County, Kansas, under Operation Survivor Justice. The Operation 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.
“It takes immense courage for survivors, especially at such a young age, to come forward and confront their abusers,” said Attorney General Nessel at the time of the conviction. “Operation Survivor Justice was created to honor that courage and deliver the justice and closure this victim and others deserve. It continues to demonstrate how vital this partnership is in bringing these fugitives back to Michigan to face accountability.”
The victim’s mother in this matter provided a victim impact statement to the Court that read in part, “The court process brought both additional pain and some healing. Having to repeatedly tell her story was exhausting and emotionally draining. She was terrified of testifying and often felt overwhelmed by having to relive her trauma. At the same time, being heard, believed, and ultimately seeing a guilty verdict helped her find some courage. It showed her that the truth mattered and that her voice was important... I am proud that she survived, that she spoke up, and that she continues to move forward despite the enormous burden she carries. I look forward to watching her grow into the strong, independent woman she is meant to be.”
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the Michigan State Police, and support for the victim was provided by Department of Attorney General advocates and by the Oasis Family Resource Center in Cadillac and Traverse City Child Advocacy Center throughout the proceedings.
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