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) 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 removes a conviction from public view. Most employers, landlords, and background checks will not see it. Law enforcement and some licensing agencies may still access it. This page will help explain who qualifies, how the process works, and where to get help.
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
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.
September 22, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, Alec Heuer, 26, of Coldwater, was sentenced in the 15th Circuit Court in Branch County to 15-22 ½ years’ incarceration for criminal sexual conduct perpetrated against three minor children and consecutive 10-15 years and 5-15 years sentences on charges involving aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Heuer was additionally ordered to comply with the Sex Offender Registration Act, and the Court ordered lifetime electronic monitoring, should Heuer be discharged from prison after completion of his sentences.
Heuer assaulted two minor children, 6 and 4 years of age, in 2026 and previously another minor child, then under 5 years of age, in 2023. Following Heuer’s arrest, law enforcement officers discovered child sexually abusive material on Heuer’s electronic devices. In July, Heuer pled guilty to three counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct as an habitual offender, one count of Aggravated Possession of Child Sexual Abusive Material (CSAM), also as an habitual offender, and one count of Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime.
“I appreciate the efforts of investigators and prosecutors on this case, which resulted in significant prison terms for each of these very serious convictions, as well as the bravery of three very young victims who reported these crimes” said Attorney General Nessel. “I know this significant sentence makes our communities safer, and I hope this measure of justice may help these children to heal and understand as they grow older.”
This case was investigated by Michigan State Police. The Michigan Department of Attorney General prosecuted the case following a vacancy in the Branch County Prosecutor’s office, when the elected local prosecutor was appointed to serve on the 15th Circuit Court bench.
###
Media Contact: