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.
Public Information
The MDOC’s Public Information Office is committed to providing timely and accurate information about the department to the media.
MDOC Media Contact
Phone: Mon - Thu, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 517-241-0363
Email: Riehlej2@Michigan.govMDOC Press Statements
Lawsuit: MDOC Employee, Former MDOC Employee Gautz
On June 3, 2023, Chris Gautz informed MDOC for the first time that he was involved in a sexual relationship with his subordinate employee. MDOC took prompt, remedial steps to protect the subordinate employee and immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the disclosure.
The same day that Gautz informed the department, he requested a federally protected leave of absence. Gautz resigned while on leave before the investigation concluded and before the department could take any action against him. The department denies any claims of retaliation made by the subordinate employee.
MDOC maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment at any level and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees against sexual harassment.
In the 100+ years state corrections records have been kept, there have been 14 staff members killed in the line of duty. These are their stories.