March 31, 2017
Friday, March 31, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of D.J. Hilson of Muskegon, Larry Stelma of Cedar Springs, Barbara Levine of Grand Ledge, and Andrew Verheek of Grand Rapids to the Criminal Justice Policy Commission.
The 17-member commission is responsible for reviewing current sentencing guidelines, exploring alternatives to incarceration, promoting rehabilitation programs, and making recommendations to the Legislature. The Commission includes representatives of the Legislature, the attorney general, and 12 members appointed by the Governor.
“I thank these individuals for their continued commitment and effort to improve our criminal justice system,” Snyder said.
Hilson is the Muskegon County Prosecutor and was previously a senior assistant prosecutor. He is president of the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore Board, president of the Child Abuse Council Board, and vice-chair of the Coalition for a Drug Free Muskegon. Hilson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics from Marquette University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will continue to represent prosecuting attorneys.
Levine is the associate director of the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending. She has 40 years of criminal justice experience including time spent as an attorney in private practice and as an administrator in the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System. Levine holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a law degree from the University of Michigan. She will continue to represent advocates of alternatives to incarceration.
Stelma is the Kent County Sheriff and has 45 years of law enforcement experience with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. Stelma attended Cornerstone University, the FBI National Academy, the National Sheriff’s Institute and Secret Service Dignitary Protection training. He will continue to represent county sheriffs.
Verheek is a planner with the Kent County Office of Community Corrections. He was previously a case manager for Kent County Friend of the Court, a team coordinator for Residential Treatment of West Michigan, and a co-facilitator of Women’s Aid Service. Verheek holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology and a master’s degree in sociology from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in sociology from Western Michigan University. He will continue to represent the Michigan Association of Community Corrections.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring March 1, 2021.
###
