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Great Lakes Wire

Sunday, May 5, 2024

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AG Nessel Urges Commission to Strike Down DTE Request for Ratepayer Reimbursement of Inflated Business-to-Business Costs

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has urged the Michigan Public Service Commission to disallow the recovery of nearly $18 million in excess natural gas costs billed by DTE Gas Company and DTE Electric Company to its customers. Nessel stated, "It has become increasingly clear that the phantom savings DTE promised its customers when it struck a deal with NEXUS are never going to happen." She emphasized the need to reconsider the practice of allowing ratepayer bailouts that only serve to enrich a former DTE affiliate.According to Nessel, DTE Gas and DTE Electric have...

By Great Lakes Wire | May 3, 2024

Local Government

Former ATF Investigator to Stand Trial for PPP Loan Fraud

May 3 2024LANSING – Tiesha Johnson, a former investigator for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, will stand trial in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County on charges of fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the federal government, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.Johnson, 56, waived her right to a preliminary examination earlier this week and was bound over for trial after being arrested in Dallas, TX, pursuant to warrants from the Department of Attorney...

By Great Lakes Wire | May 3, 2024

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Local Government

Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Human Trafficking

By Great Lakes Wire | May 3, 2024

LANSING – Today, James Madison-Cranford, 30, of Warren, pled guilty in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County to human trafficking a minor, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, "The exploitation of a minor is an extremely abhorrent act, and I am relieved that traffickers are being held accountable."Madison-Cranford admitted to various charges, including Human Trafficking of a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity, Accepting Earnings from Prostitution, Transporting a Person for the Purpose of Prostitution,...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Announces Findings in Plymouth Twp. Voter Intimidation Investigation

By Great Lakes Wire | May 2, 2024

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced the conclusion of the Department’s review of a Plymouth Township voter intimidation incident without issuing charges. The investigation stemmed from an incident reported during the February 2024 Primary Election.On February 16, 2024, the Plymouth Township Clerk’s Office raised concerns about alleged voter intimidation after discovering a solar light and a non-functional camera near a ballot box at a polling location. Subsequent investigations revealed that an election worker/inspector had placed the items to...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Urges Awareness of Human Trafficking Signs, Shares Resources After Latest Trafficking Charges

By Great Lakes Wire | May 2, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging awareness of the signs of human trafficking and sharing resources following the announcement of labor trafficking charges against three West Michigan small business operators. Nessel emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of human trafficking, stating, “Human trafficking is a horrific crime that persists across the United States, including right here in Michigan. Traffickers exploit men, women, and children, forcing them into labor, sex work, and domestic servitude. These victims are often subjected to coercion,...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Unpaid Toll Road Smishing Scam

By Great Lakes Wire | May 2, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning to consumers about a recent smishing scam targeting toll road users. Nessel emphasized the importance of being vigilant against deceptive messages aimed at stealing personal and financial information."Scammers craft these messages with links designed to steal consumers’ personal and financial information," Nessel stated. "It’s important for residents to recognize the signs of smishing texts so they aren’t duped out of their hard-earned money."The scam involves sending deceptive texts to consumers, claiming they...

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Local Government

Keeping Bicyclists Safe on Michigan Roadways: National Bicycle Safety Month

By Great Lakes Wire | May 1, 2024

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is actively addressing the concerning issue of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities on Michigan roads as the state enters National Bicycle Safety Month. Katie Bower, OHSP director, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about bicycle safety, stating, “We continue to see a rise in bicycle-involved crashes in many communities across the state.” Bower highlighted the shared responsibility of traffic safety and urged both motorists and bicyclists to be aware of and adhere to traffic laws to prevent accidents....

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Local Government

Detroit Man Sentenced in 2021 Murder

By Great Lakes Wire | May 1, 2024

LANSING – Yesterday, Riondre Griffin, 21, of Detroit, was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for a 2021 murder, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.Griffin was found guilty by a Wayne County jury of one count of Second-Degree Murder, one count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, and one count of Felony Firearm. Griffin also received a 2-to-5-year sentence for the Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Motor Vehicle charge. Both sentences will be served consecutively to a 2-year sentence for Felony Firearm.On November 7, 2021, the victim was driving...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Praises House Passage of SB 27, for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Parity

By Great Lakes Wire | May 1, 2024

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has commended the Michigan House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 27 by a vote of 93-12, which focuses on ensuring parity of coverage for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.Nessel emphasized the importance of legislation like Senate Bill 27, stating, “Michigan residents need legislation like Senate Bill 27 to require health insurers to provide parity in their coverage for substance use disorder and mental health treatments, the same as they cover similar medical benefits.” She further noted,...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Announces Labor Trafficking Charges in Three Rivers

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 30, 2024

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, in a press conference at the YWCA Kalamazoo, announced charges against three individuals involved in labor trafficking a woman from India. Nessel emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, "Labor trafficking is a hidden crime that often goes undetected."The defendants, Ikbahl Singh Machhal, Kartar Chand, and Shila Devi of Three Rivers, were charged with Human Trafficking – Forced Labor and Human Trafficking Enterprise. Nessel commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and community partners, saying,...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Concludes Financial Literacy Month with Re-issue of Reverse Mortgages Consumer Alert

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 29, 2024

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel marked the conclusion of Financial Literacy Month by re-issuing a consumer alert on reverse mortgages, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks and benefits associated with this financial option. Nessel highlighted that while reverse mortgages can offer financial relief, they also carry significant risks and obligations.Nessel emphasized, "While reverse mortgages can provide financial relief for some, they also come with significant risks and obligations." She urged homeowners considering this type of loan to seek...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Warns Seniors Against Financial Exploitation After FinCEN Analysis

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 29, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a stark warning against financial exploitation of seniors following a recent analysis by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The analysis revealed that financial institutions reported approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation between 2022 and 2023.In response to the concerning findings, Nessel emphasized the importance of protecting the elderly and vulnerable populations, stating, "While alarming, these findings reiterate the need for a group of experts like the...

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Local Government

Former Corrections Officer Pleads to Assault of Inmate

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 26, 2024

Former corrections officer Christopher Cluley, 48, of Mount Pleasant, pled guilty to one count each of Aggravated Assault and Willful Neglect of Duty for assaulting an inmate in the Isabella County Jail, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nessel emphasized the importance of holding officers accountable, stating, "Corrections officers have a sworn obligation to protect those in their custody and must be held accountable when they break their oaths."The incident took place in April 2020 when Cluley was overseeing a cell transfer following a verbal...

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AG Nessel Calls on Congress to Expand Access to Reproductive Health Services

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 26, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has called on Congress to pass the Access to Family Building Act, a federal legislation aimed at ensuring access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) nationwide. In a joint effort, the attorneys general are advocating for the protection of reproductive rights and the expansion of access to essential services like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).In response to recent challenges faced by reproductive health services, Nessel highlighted the importance of the Access to Family Building...

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Local Government

Official Statement: Fatal Officer-Involved Incident in Kentwood

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 26, 2024

Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), addressed the public regarding the recent fatal officer-involved incident in Kentwood. Grady stated, "The Michigan State Police (MSP) places the highest priority on protecting Michiganders’ lives and remain steadfast in our commitment to the pursuit of justice." He assured that the MSP is actively working on the case, mentioning, "The MSP continues to move expeditiously to conduct a complete and thorough investigation."In light of the gravity of the situation, Grady revealed, "The MSP member involved was...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Announces Appointment of Berrien County Public Administrator

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 26, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the recent appointment of Charles A. Grandy as Berrien County Public Administrator. Nessel expressed her confidence in Grandy, stating, “With his extensive background in estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration, I know he will serve the Berrien County community well."State Public Administrator Randi M. Merchant also praised Grandy's appointment, highlighting the importance of county public administrators in Michigan's Probate Court system. Merchant stated, “I am confident that County Public...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Urges UnitedHealth Group to Help Patients and Providers Harmed by Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 26, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a bipartisan coalition of 22 attorneys general, has urged UnitedHealth Group to take more meaningful action in assisting providers and patients affected by the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. Nessel emphasized the importance of protecting patients and providers in the wake of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector, stating, "It is the duty of organizations that hold our most personal and sensitive data to vigorously defend against cyberattacks."The cyberattack on Change Healthcare by ALPHV/Blackcat on February 21,...

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Local Government

AG Nessel Rejects Call from Conspiracist Legislators for Renewed 2020 Election Investigation

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 25, 2024

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has rejected a call from Michigan State Representatives Neil Friske, James DeSana, and Steve Carra to open a criminal investigation into Dominion Voting Systems CEO John Poulos’ testimony before the Senate Oversight Committee in December 2020.In her response to the legislators, Nessel stated, "Based on a thorough review of all relevant material, it is clear a criminal investigation is not warranted, and I respectfully decline your request."Nessel also pointed out that the evidence provided by the representatives...

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Local Government

Michigan State Police Continues Investigations into Officer-Involved Fatal Incident in Kentwood

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 25, 2024

Michigan State Police (MSP) is continuing its investigation into the officer-involved fatal incident that took place in Kentwood on April 17, which resulted in the death of Samuel Sterling. The incident occurred when a member of the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Team was attempting to take Sterling into custody on outstanding warrants.According to Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, "When I spoke with Mr. Sterling’s family last week, I assured them the Michigan State Police is committed to the pursuit of justice and will conduct an impartial and thorough...

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Local Government

Empowering Congregations to Help Protect Peace

By Great Lakes Wire | Apr 25, 2024

The Michigan State Police (MSP) has expanded its Security in Places of Worship training program to enhance safety measures in various places of worship across the state. The training, led by instructors like D/Sgt. David Williams, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and resources to ensure the security and resilience of their places of worship.Williams, assigned to the Grand Rapids Post, emphasized the importance of the training, stating, “We want them to be comfortable, confident and prepared should a security incident happen at their venue. We even work...