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
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October 08, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, Phillip Lee Sprague, 62, of Farwell, pled no contest to three counts of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult $20,000-$50,000 in the 55th Circuit Court in Clare County, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Pursuant to a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, Sprague paid $150,000 restitution, agreed to the entry of a restitution order of an additional $250,000, and agreed to the entry of a court order prohibiting his handling of other people’s money or serving as a caregiver for any adults.
Sprague was charged in March of this year, and bound over to stand trial in September, for embezzling from an 82-year-old victim who had sustained a traumatic brain injury. Sprague illegally obtained more than $400,000 of assets from the victim. Of that, more than $300,000 was reportedly obtained through changes the victim made to his Will and Trust to benefit Sprague instead of the victim’s children and grandchildren.
“With this conviction, we've secured significant restitution to the family of the victim,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Michigan’s elderly, and especially those reliant on others to manage their household needs or finances, deserve our attention and our vigilant protection. My office will continue to hold accountable those who target and exploit vulnerable adults.”
Sprague is scheduled to be sentenced in the 55th Circuit Court on December 15th.
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