MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL

A proposed rule that would eliminate most non-compete clauses in employment contracts has the support of the Michigan’s top lawyer.

Incumbent Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has defeated Republican opponent Matt DePerno, securing a second term in office, the AP projects.

Here’s where you can find general election results for the Michigan Attorney General race between Dana Nessel and Matt DePerno on Nov. 8, 2022.

Michigan Democratic incumbents for two major statewide offices have growing leads over their Republican opponents, according to a new WDIV/Detroit News poll.

A federal grant is going to help Michigan evaluate more than 1,7000 cases where someone convicted of a crime proclaimed their innocence.

Democratic incumbents for the offices of Michigan Attorney General and Michigan Secretary of State continue to hold leads against their Republican opponents, according to a new WDIV/Detroit News poll.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News and Local 4+.

Beagles rescued from a research breeding facility were visited by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) on Tuesday.

Published reports say the Michigan Attorney General’s office is asking that a special prosecutor investigate whether the Republican candidate for state attorney general and others should be charged in connection with an effort to gain access to voting machines after the 2020 election.

If a staff member knows or has reason to believe that someone is taking financial advantage of a nursing home resident they now have a direct line to investigators.

A former Macomb County priest was sentenced to 15 years of prison after being convicted of sex abuse.

Michigan residents are highly motivated to vote in the state’s November gubernatorial election, and high-profile Democratic incumbents appear to be favored to win in three major races, according to a new WDIV/Detroit News poll.

A Warren man posted advertisements online and forced a girl to have commercial sex for several months so he could make money, officials said.

A woman has been sentenced after she created aliases for herself in order to become the fake heir to people who died so she could steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from Veterans Affairs and Michigan Treasury, officials said.

Michigan General Dana Nessel announced Monday that a former Macomb County priest is facing more than a decade in prison after being convicted of sexual abuse.

In exchange for turning two felony charges into one misdemeanor, the right-hand man of former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith has agreed to testify that Smith took drug forfeiture money that should have gone to the public and instead used it for parties, gifts for secretaries, and more.

Michigan officials are investigating reports of businesses unfairly raising prices of basic goods and services in the aftermath of last week’s tornado in Gaylord.

The Michigan attorney general’s office said it found no new evidence to support a claim of innocence by a man who was convicted of committing murder in 1986 in a Port Huron college parking lot.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made a second offer to the board of education at Oxford Community Schools to perform an independent investigation of the Oxford High School shooting. The board declined her offer.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined two multistate actions aimed at eliminating unnecessary fees from banks.

Even after five months since the tragic shooting, some students still don’t feel safe being back in the school. Parents of the students are pressuring the Oxford School District to change that.

A Monroe County major has been charged after he submitted overtime documents for shifts he didn’t work, state officials said.

“We will continue to pursue instances of police misconduct,” Nessel said in a release. “Those who violate their oath to protect and serve must be held accountable.”

Two brothers who were wrongfully convicted of an Oakland County murder spoke Tuesday, shortly after being released from a quarter-century in prison.

Here are some of the biggest scams you should be aware of right now.

Two brothers who were wrongfully convicted of an Oakland County murder spoke Tuesday, shortly after being released from a quarter-century in prison.

Two brothers who were wrongly convicted in an Oakland County murder case have been exonerated after spending the last 25 years in prison.

The “Home Warranty Replacement” postcards are part of a marketing scam to get individuals to call an out-of-state company, officials said.

Michigan’s attorney general issued a warning about price gouging to pharmacies that were charging $50 and $80 for at-home COVID tests that currently retail for under $20, she said.

The chairperson and secretary of a group of 16 Michigan Republicans who signed a false certificate claiming Donald Trump won Michigan’s electoral votes in the 2020 General Election have been subpoenaed by the U.S. House Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol.

Meshawn Maddock, the Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, was one of the 16 GOP electors who submitted false electoral college documents to the National Archive in an attempt to give former President Donald Trump a win after the fact in Michigan.

Meshawn Maddock, the Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, was one of the 16 GOP electors who submitted false electoral college documents to the National Archive in an attempt to give former President Donald Trump a win after the fact in Michigan.

Puppy scams are on the rise in Michigan.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she is disappointed that Oxford Community Schools turned down her offer to investigate the high school shooting. Instead, the school will use an outside firm to investigate what happened.

Oxford Community Schools have declined Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s offer to conduct a third-party review of the shooting that left four students dead and injured four other people.

Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday, you’re bound to run into a few scams while you shop online.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is joining a coalition of attorneys general from across the U.S. as they launch an investigation into the impact Instagram has on young people.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is apologizing for drinking too much alcohol ahead of the big Michigan vs. Michigan State college football game last month.

Ahead of the Detroit Pistons game Friday, dozens of Detroiters had their records expunged at Little Caesars Arena.

After nearly 40 years, there’s been an arrest in the disappearance and presumed death of a baby girl in Ann Arbor.

A man has been charged with murder of his infant daughter who was last seen in 1982.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel held a news conference Thursday morning to discuss charges in two high-profile cases: The 2014 death of McKenzie Cochran and the 1982 case of missing Ann Arbor infant Olisa Williams.

Michigan residents who have been affected by expansive power outages this month are being asked to share feedback with the state.

Michigan residents who were affected by expansive power outages this month are being asked to share feedback with the state.

A judge has ruled that a Washtenaw County deputy accused of and charged with assaulting an inmate will stand trial.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants Michigan residents to watch out for scammers and price-gougers will try to take advantage of vehicle owners impacted by flooding.

A towing bill from Goch and Sons left the owner of GM Freight in shock.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants Michigan residents to watch out for scammers and price-gougers will try to take advantage of homeowners and vehicle owners impacted by flooding.

State officials are revealing new information about the bodies and remains inside a Ypsilanti crematory that is under investigation.

As victims continue to file civil suits against the Boy Scouts of America, saying they were sexually assaulted, the state of Michigan continues to come up as the location of where the abuse took place.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is once again asking the public to report any sexual abuse carried out by members of the Boy Scouts of America amid an ongoing investigation.

Michigan’s attorney general said Friday she would not file charges against a county commissioner who displayed a rifle during a livestreamed meeting, an incident some described as illustrating racial and cultural tensions in the Lake Michigan resort area.

A Michigan man has pleaded guilty to threatening Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel.

On Friday, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) ordered a Ypsilanti crematory to immediately stop operations.

Authorities said the owner, O’Neil Swanson, had his mortuary license taken away due to violations at Swanson’s Funeral Home in Flint and is not legally allowed to own a cemetery or crematory.

The Boy Scouts of America are under investigation in Michigan following reports of alleged sexual abuse.

A former Michigan State University police captain has been charged after she was arrested in February for drunk driving, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants people to beware of emails from someone attempting to impersonate her with a fake account.

It’s been seven years since the water switch that took lives, impacted the health of thousands and exposed dangerous government flaws.

Two women are accused of creating aliases for themselves and becoming fake heirs to people who died so they could steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from Veterans Affairs and Michigan Treasury, officials said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has cleared Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his administration of any wrongdoing connected to the Make Your Date investigation.

The Flint water case is moving forward even as former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and his team continue to insist the case should be dropped.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is once again taking the lead on domestic terrorism across the country. The Homeland Security subcommittee on terrorism -- led by former CIA analyst and Department of Defense official Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin -- argued the U.S. should shift its focus from foreign terrorism to domestic. “While external threats remain, the single greatest threat to our country right now is the threat of domestic terrorism and the tensions and polarization between us,” Slotkin said. AdSlotkin cited a new Homeland Security threat assessment that detailed that 2020 was a perfect storm for radical domestic groups. “Our government must send its own message back by labeling extremist violence as domestic terrorism.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents about vaccine scams and offering tips to help recognize the scams. “You should never have to pay to get a COVID-19 vaccine,” Nessel said. “They’ll ask for people’s personal information like their social security number,” Nessel said. “You don’t have to provide your social security number to get the vaccine. If someone’s trying to obtain your social security number, it’s a scam.

LANSING, Mich. – An Ypsilanti man has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $100,000 from a 91-year-old man, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s office. Officials said 59-year-old Calium Turnage pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of a vulnerable adult over $100,000, which is a 20-year felony. As part of a deal, Turnage is ordered to pay $140,000 in restitution and additional charges were dropped. “The evidence clearly demonstrates that the defendant personally benefited from the victim’s vulnerable position, and in doing so violated Michigan law,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. Turnage has been driving the 91-year-old man to various places and completing tasks for him.

The Michigan Attorney General's office is considering whether charges should be filed against a county commissioner who displayed a rifle at a livestreamed public meeting.

The Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline offers anonymous assistance and support without judgement. John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with 24 felonies. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfGeddert would have faced multiple counts of human trafficking, some involving minors. AdNessel announced the 24 felony charges against the former gymnastics coach at a press conference Thursday afternoon. We later found out he did not turn himself in.”AdThe statement went on to say that having Geddert turn himself in was standard procedure and “We had no indication that Geddert intended to flee or hurt himself or others.

John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with multiple felonies. AdREAD: Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himselfWho was John Geddert? Court documents outline numerous allegations of verbal, physical, emotional abuse that young women and girls endured because of Geddert. Officials said one survivor reported that between 2010 and 2013, Geddert verbally abused her and controlled what she ate. According to the documents, a survivor told investigators that she was sexually abused by Geddert in the locker room after practice when she was 14 years old.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents of scammers posing as law enforcement agencies or other companies, demanding payment for warrants or services via gift cards. “Make sure to be aware that no law enforcement agency will ever contact you by phone demanding that you pay, regardless of payment method, for your warrant to disappear. Spoofing allows scammers to disguise their actual phone numbers and instead show a local phone number on the caller ID. “The framework of these scams – whether it’s a law enforcement, grandparent, or tech support scam – are always the same. AdTo report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team online or by calling 877-765-8388.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)LANSING, Mich. – Democratic Michigan officials are taking action against attorneys who supported former President Donald Trump and his campaign in their effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Nessel filed a motion for sanctions against Michigan attorneys Greg Rohl, Scott Hagerstrom and Stefanie Junttila and Texas attorney Sidney Powell -- a close Trump ally. Filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the motion seeks to recover attorneys fees of about $11,000. Now-President Joe Biden won the 2020 election with 306 electoral votes, beating Trump’s 232. AdClick here to view the motion for sanctions filed on behalf of Whitmer and Benson on Thursday, or read it in the document below.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said stimulus payments being delivered to residents via prepaid debit card is not a scam. According to a press release from the Attorney General’s Office, the debit cards will have a Visa logo on the front and issuing bank name, MetaBank, N.A., on the back. “Mailed stimulus payments will arrive in a white envelope with the U.S. Department of Treasury seal. For additional information on how to use the preloaded Visa debit card, or to confirm the status of a stimulus payment, visit the IRS website. “I still believe that bill is absolutely necessary.”While many Michiganders recently received $600 stimulus checks, some believe that isn’t enough for those in need to get by.

W/O metal detectors, the law enf agencies charged with security are virtually helpless to prevent such an incident. The Michigan AG alluded Friday that the lack of metal detectors may be due to beliefs that they “infringe” upon people’s rights. “The Capitol is not safe.”Just after the insurrection in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, Michigan’s Capitol Building was closed due to a threat. pic.twitter.com/AgA7uJvl54 — Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) January 7, 2021The Michigan State Capitol is once again closed due to an outside threat. — Darrin Camilleri (@darrincamilleri) January 7, 2021Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is urging everyone to avoid the Downtown area as expected protests loom this weekend.

FILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)FLINT, Mich. – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced a preliminary $600 million settlement in lawsuits related to the Flint Water Crisis on Thursday, more than six years after the crisis started. Past contributions include a settlement agreement whereby $97 million was made available to replace all of the city’s lead service lines in its water system. To date, the state has spent more than $409 million in response to the Flint water emergency. Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels.

LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 07: Armed Trump supporters take part in a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol building on November 07, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan. I repeat-the Michigan Capitol is not safe,” Nessel’s tweet series concluded. After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.

President Donald Trump has once again taken aim at Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Twitter early Sunday morning -- and she was not having it. https://t.co/9OXZOujVtE — Dana Nessel (@dananessel) December 27, 2020“A patriot is a person who vigorously defends their country against its enemies and detractors. You’re not our type.”Nessel followed up with another tweet Sunday, saying she doesn’t expect this behavior from President-elect Joe Biden come his inauguration in January. “We’d be asking there be action taken against her law license including potentially disbarment.”In one of the latest filings, the attorney for Wayne County, Robert Davis, called on the federal judge in Michigan’s Eastern District to sanction the lawyers for six Michigan Trump supporters who are suing Gov. With no credible legal options remaining and the Electoral College having confirmed Biden’s victory earlier this month, Trump is turning his attention to Jan. 6.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents to watch out for imposter scams related to DTE Energy. DTE Energy reported that it has received complaints about calls that were made to customers by someone claiming to be a DTE Energy employee. It was an attempt to get personal information and cash. Some common scams to watch out for include IRS scams, social security scams, telephone scams, charity scams, romance scams and investment scams. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask you for personal information.

The delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the state of Michigan is exciting and promising news for millions, but it’s also a call for scammers to try to capitalize on the moment. Scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine have the attention of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses are rolling out to Michigan hospitals and clinics this week, and scammers know that. That’s now how distribution of the vaccine will work, medical officials said. Anyone who has questions about the vaccine or any suspicious contact about the distribution should contact a trusted medical professional.

Attorneys general in several states including Michigan have to respond to a lawsuit in U.S. Supreme Court filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel believes Paxton has a personal motive and is seeking a pardon by President Trump. And I will say this to General Paxton, if he’s watching, you know who voted for you in Michigan, General Paxton? Don’t come to mine.”“You know who voted for you in Michigan, General Paxton? The lawsuit repeats numerous false, disproven and unsupported claims of illegal mail-in balloting and voting in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Michigan officials are warning residents of an email scam that is attempting to retrieve personal information from individuals collecting unemployment benefits. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, an email is being sent to claimants seeking personal information. Michigan residents are being warned of an email scam targeting individuals who collect unemployment benefits. (Michigan Department of Attorney General)Officials say the UIA would never ask a claimant to reply to an email with personal information. “Bad actors are increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to deceive people into giving away personal information,” Nessel said.

DETROIT – As ballots continue to be counted across the country, day two after Election Day has been filled with legal challenges -- including in Michigan. Donald Trump’s campaign filed a lawsuit in Michigan Wednesday to stop counting ballots over a claim that a poll challenger was denied access to view ballots being counted. “These are frivolous filings, and Judge Stephens, I think, seemed to appreciate that and summarily disposed of this case,” Nessel said. More: Michigan judge denies Trump campaign request to stop counting ballotsNessel is also urging the public not to believe everything they see online, as people allege wrongdoing occurred in the ballot-counting process in Michigan and beyond. Related: Trump and allies spread falsehoods to cast doubt on electionThe Trump campaign has the ability to appeal Jude Stephens' decision, but nothing has been filed officially as of Thursday afternoon.

DETROIT – A U.S. district court judge has ordered the United States Postal Service (USPS) to speed up its delivery of ballots in Detroit in order to be counted in the presidential election. Delivery of ballots in the USPS' Detroit district has dipped as low as 57% over the past week, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office said Saturday. In fact, the USPS’ Detroit district is considered to have the slowest mail delivery in the nation, according to data released by the USPS. The data shows that mail delivery in the Detroit region was about 15% slower than the national average during the first week of October. The national average mail delivery time has also dropped from 91% of on-time delivery to 86% in October.

Nessel took to Twitter Wednesday to debunk election security myths and encourage Michigan residents to vote in the 2020 presidential election -- with a timely, spooky twist, of course. Michigan voters can be assured that the claims made in the robocalls are false, and that their information will not be made public. Though Election Day is officially November 3, voting in the 2020 presidential election is already underway in Michigan and throughout the U.S. with early in-person voting and mail-in voting. If you would like to vote in person, but still want to do so before Election Day, visit your local clerk’s office. Click here to find the location and contact information for your local clerk’s office in Michigan.

DETROIT – A Detroit investment advisor took $90,000 from two of his clients and spent the money for himself, according to officials. Lawrence Roberson, 74, of Detroit, defrauded the victims through his company, Wealth Management Group, authorities said. READ: Officials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. WhitmerRoberson offered to “invest” money for two of his clients at a high rate of return, but spent the money through large ATM withdrawals after depositing their checks, officials said. Roberson is charged with two counts of embezzlement, two counts of securities fraud and one count of failure to file a tax return.

DETROIT – Two right-wing political operatives accused of voter intimidation in Michigan have turned themselves in to authorities in Detroit, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday. Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl appeared virtually for arraignment on multiple felony charges in the 36th District Court in Detroit. Burkman’s probable cause conference is scheduled for Oct. 15 and his preliminary exam is scheduled for Oct. 21 in front of Judge Roberta Archer. Wohl’s probable cause conference is scheduled for Oct. 15 and his preliminary exam is scheduled for Oct. 20 in front of Judge Kenneth King. Arraignments begin at 10:30 a.m., but Burkman and Wohl will be called to appear in order of the court’s established list of cases.

LANSING, Mich. – Two Michigan police officers were charged with misconduct in separate incidents involving allegations of excessive force and an illegal search, authorities said Tuesday. Former Saginaw Officer Adam Collier was charged with misconduct in office, a felony. He's accused of striking a handcuffed woman with his fist while she was under arrest for an alleged assault in July. In Jackson County, Blackman-Leoni Township Officer David Lubahn was charged with perjury and misconduct in office. “Law enforcement officers take an oath of office and we fully expect them to uphold that promise,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

DETROIT The Michigan Department of State and the Attorney Generals office are working to find the source of a robocall received by a Detroit resident that used racially-charged stereotypes to deter voting by mail. Officials are warning residents to be vigilant against misinformation, which is expected to become more prevalent in the coming weeks. READ: Identity thieves are targeting absentee votersThis is an unconscionable, indefensible, blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote, said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. This is an unfortunate, but perfect example of just how low people will go to undermine this election, Nessel said. This robocall is fraught with scare tactics designed to intimidate Black voters and we are already working hard to find the bad actors behind this effort.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. A Grand Traverse County jail administrator was arrested Thursday, charged with multiple felonies, including criminal sexual conduct and embezzlement. The arrest and charges come after an investigation by the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office. According to a press release, 48-year-old Todd Ritter, of Lake Ann, is charged with embezzlement by a public official over $50, larceny in a building, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, common law offenses - misconduct in office and willful neglect on duty. Reports of Ritters unprofessional conduct were initially examined in April 2019 by the county sheriffs office, placing him on administrative leave. Michigan State Police conducted an investigation following the county and the case was reviewed by the Attorney Generals office in April 2020Ritter is scheduled for an arraignment Friday.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. A Macomb County couple has been charged with filing false tax returns and possession of an automated sales suppression device after it was determined the couple allegedly failed to report more than $165,000 in sales tax since 2013, the Michigan Attorney Generals office announced Thursday. According to a news release, 73-year-old Ki Yon Ahn and 62-year-old Seo Jong Yoo, along with their business Ki Wa Jip Inc. d/b/a Chung Ki Wa in Sterling Heights, was charged with six counts of filing a false sales tax return. which is a five-year felony, as well as one count of possession of an automated sales suppression device, also a five-year felony. The suppression device, or a zapper, is software which retailers can use to alter the point of sale (POS) database. According to the Michigan AGs office, the Michigan Department of Treasury inspected the business sales after receiving information that the couple likely used a zapper.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United Sates are warning consumers about puppy scams as people try to purchase or adopt dogs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nessel has reported a surge in complaints of internet scammers trying to exploit people who want to adopt a dog. My office continues to prioritize protecting residents from predatory and deceptive business practices, and these puppy scams will ultimately result in heartbreak and financial loss. Always do your homework before making any purchase online to avoid being taken advantage of.Scammers will also charge high fees to take advantage of victims. Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has received nearly 50 complaints of alleged puppy scams - 26 of these complaints came in 2020.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan officials are warning of fake face mask exempt cards that have been circulated by some groups in an effort to bypass wearing face coverings in businesses and locations where they are required amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These groups are trying to spread misinformation about the use of face coverings, and the unfortunate outcome is that they are also endangering the lives of many people, Nessel said. COVID-19 cases have been increasing at a more rapid rate than previous weeks in Michigan and across the country. The chart shows a high risk of COVID-19 transmission when no face coverings are worn, and the least risk of transmission when coverings are worn by both parties. (MDHHS)Click here to learn more about face coverings and their effectiveness for slowing the spread of COVID-19 from the CDC.