Michigan AG announces first charges in Boy Scouts of America investigation
Michigan’s attorney general on Wednesday announced the first criminal charges in connection with an investigation into the Boy Scouts of America after thousands of people filed claims of child sex abuse against the organization.
Ferndale pastor accused of trying to kill deputies with car faces criminal charges including attempted murder
David Jones, 57, is facing criminal charges including attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit deputies with a vehicle believed to have been driven while the pastor was under the influence.
Man faces charges after bank robbery, crash on US-23 in Ann Arbor during police chase
ANN ARBOR – Ken Kenyatta Wilson was charged on Friday with a slew of felonies by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. Wilson fled police officers on Tuesday afternoon after robbing the Chase Bank at 4101 E. Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township, leading to a chase when the suspect crashed his vehicle in the area of US-23 and Washtenaw Ave. Wilson was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital with serious injuries, but was reported to be in stable condition. (Pittsfield Charter Township Department of Public Safety)Officers recovered stolen money, several firearms and ammunition from inside his vehicle and the scene of the crash. Investigations at both the bank and the crash site were conducted by detectives, Pittsfield officers and evidence technicians.
Those opposed to the decriminalization of sex work in Washtenaw County voice concerns
WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office will no longer pursue charges against those who work consensually in the sex industry. They said that when sex work is legal, sex trafficking tended to increase and not decrease. Indeed the criminalization of sex work actually increases the risk of sex work adjacent harm. Accordingly, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office will henceforth decline to bring charges related to consensual sex work per se. READ: Human trafficking survivor takes fight for change to LansingChrissy Hemphill is an advocate for human trafficking survivors.
51-year-old man charged in deadly machete attack in Pontiac, deputies say
PONTIAC, Mich. – A 51-year-old Independence Township man accused of killing a man and injuring another with a machete and steak knife has been charged with first-degree murder, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said Todd Szyszkowski is also charged with assault with intent to murder and armed robbery. A 59-year-old Pontiac man, who authorities said was injured in the attack, fled the scene to a nearby gas station to report the incident. Deputies said the 59-year-old man had severe lacerations to his head but is in stable condition. AdOfficials said a machete and broken steak knife were found, believing to be the weapons used in the attack.
Washtenaw County prosecutor announces office will no longer pursue charges for consensual sex work
WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office will no longer pursue charges against those who work consensually in the sex industry. “We are focused on crime that really harms the community,” said Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit. Charges will not be filed against consensual sex workers, officials said. The prosecutor will still work cases against human traffickers and those who may be holding people against their will. READ: Washtenaw County Prosecutor no longer pursuing charges for consensual sex work
Washtenaw County Prosecutor no longer pursuing charges for consensual sex work
ANN ARBOR – Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit announced Thursday that his office will no longer press criminal charges in consensual sex work cases. Savit said that his office will continue to “vigorously pursue” sex work crimes, including sexual and physical assault, human trafficking and crimes involving children. “The criminalization of sex work actually increases the risk of sex work-adjacent harm,” reads the 8-page policy directive issued to Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys. Furthermore, research papers in the world’s leading independent medical journal, The Lancet, conclude that decriminalizing sex work can reduce new HIV infections. “Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the American Civil Liberties Union have all called for the decriminalization of sex work,” reads the directive.
DOJ, FBI share update on criminal charges related to deadly Capitol siege
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin and FBI Washington Field Office ADIC Steven D’Antuono discussed charges and arrests made in connection with the pro-Trump riot that shook the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. On Friday, Jan. 8, the DOJ announced that more than 50 people had been charged in connection to the deadly siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6. The FBI issued at least one other bulletin — they go out to law enforcement nationwide on the topic — before the riots last week.
WATCH: Michigan AG, FBI discuss foiled militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and individuals from other agencies across the state spoke regarding an alleged militia plan to kidnap Gov. More: 6 accused in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayMichigan State Police Col. Joseph Casper is expected to be in attendance. So is Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan and Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Watch in the video player above
Traverse City man charged with criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13
LONG LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. A 57-year-old man is facing criminal sexual conduct charges after allegedly assaulting a minor in Long Lake Township. Ricky Alan Byard of Traverse City has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree with a person under 13 years old. At the time, Byard was dating someone in close connection with the victim, Michigan State Police say. The victim reportedly disclosed multiple incidents of sexual assault to a family member, who then contacted police. Byard is being held at the Grand Traverse County Jail on a $50,000 bond, police say.