“Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

“Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 7, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Advises Consumers To “Slam the Scam” During National Consumer Protection Week

LANSING – As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging residents to “Slam the Scam” on March 7.

“Slam the Scam” Day was initiated five years ago by the Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General to educate the public on how to recognize government imposter scams, especially Social Security-related imposter scams, which are the most common type of imposter scams reported to the FTC.

According to the FTC, government imposter scams resulted in over $617 million in consumer losses in 2023 alone. To combat this alarming trend, Nessel urges residents to join the effort on March 7 by sharing information about scams on social media platforms using #SlamTheScam.

Scammers know that calls, emails, text messages, social media posts, and U.S. mail from government officials are more likely to be opened, read, and obeyed, helping them achieve their number one goal: to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. When bad actors impersonate government entities, they typically offer grants and special medication prices, or request updated personal information. In more confrontational forms of the scam, the imposter will demand money and threaten arrest for nonpayment.

The Attorney General’s Government Imposter Scams alert advises consumers who have received communications from imposters to protect themselves from these scams by:

  • Blocking the text, email, or calls;
  • Not clicking links or opening attachments;
  • Reporting the text or email as spam; and
  • Deleting the text or email from their device.

“I encourage everyone to ‘Slam the Scam’ and hang up if you think you are on the phone with a scam caller,” said Nessel. “My department has resources online that everyone should avail themselves to so that they can identify a scam before they become a victim.”

The Attorney General’s alert also reminds consumers that government agencies will not:

  • Promise to increase benefits or fix an issue if a fee is paid;
  • Threaten arrest or legal action unless money is sent immediately; or
  • Demand payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash sent by mail.

Scammers may also attempt to win trust by presenting fictitious documents or by using the name of a real government official. Just last month, Nessel issued a warning about an IRS scam being perpetrated in her name using a similar tactic.

Consumers can Slam the Scam by simply hanging up the phone on predators and deleting suspicious emails or text messages without responding. A response only lets the scammers know their information is accurate and they may try again.

The Department of Attorney General provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 6, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Residents to Beware of Obituary Pirates after Death of Loved One

LANSING – During National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents of the latest frontier for scammers: death. As a recent article on the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website cautions, posting online death notices heavy with personal information about the deceased could put that person, as well as their survivors, on the radar of fraudsters and opportunists.

In an obituary scam, the victim is targeted by scammers because they are either deceased or emotionally vulnerable from the grief of losing a loved one. In either case, the individuals are unlikely to be monitoring their accounts for unauthorized activity.

The details about a lost loved one that family and friends share online can be easily gathered by criminals to purchase even more personal data – like the deceased person’s address and social security number – from the dark web. Armed with that information, criminals can open bank accounts, obtain loans, secure health insurance, or file false tax returns in the deceased person’s name.

“It is almost beyond belief that there are people who are so unethical that they would exploit another’s loss for profit,” Nessel said. “Because these individuals do exist, we need to be mindful that the impulse to share special traits about a deceased loved one online can open up avenues for deception and scams. My office is prepared to prosecute fraudsters and offer helpful resources to their victims.”

Additionally, a grieving person can be more susceptible to manipulation from scammers masquerading as representatives of government agencies, collection agencies, or insurance companies. Scammers may also pose as long-lost friends, relatives, or romantic partners who contact the deceased’s survivors out of the blue to reminisce. But this is yet another tactic to acquire personal information to use for nefarious purposes. Some criminals might call the funeral home to stealthily obtain financial information about the deceased person or their family.

As the AARP article advises, to avoid a loved one becoming the subject of a scam, or becoming a victim of an obituary scam yourself, survivors should be on the lookout for red flags like:

  • Bills or credit card activity for expenses accrued after your loved one’s death.
  • Calls from government agency imposters, debt collectors, or insurance brokers about outstanding taxes, unpaid bills, or unfinished business supposedly left by the deceased.
  • Callers who pressure you to pay immediately by wire transfer, gift card, or reloadable cash card.

Family members may be contacted by the deceased person’s legitimate creditors, subject to limitations on who and for what purpose. Loved ones should look to the Federal Trade Commission’s article, Debts and Deceased Relatives, for advice on responding to these queries.

Another twist on the obituary scam has “obituary pirates” scouring newspapers and websites for details about the deaths of strangers, fabricating additional details, and posting the fake obituaries as clickbait on blogs or video sites to generate views and ad revenue. In some cases, the pirates simply record themselves reading a summary of the obituary and then upload it to their chosen social media platform. Each click earns income for the poster. If the online obituary site has a donation link, those funds may not reach their intended destination but could end up in the hands of a fraudster.

Obituary pirates prey on the vulnerability of grieving families, exploiting personal information for their own gain. Though generally not illegal, obituary piracy can lead to the frauds and scams mentioned above. Michigan residents are advised to share loved ones’ obituaries as soon as possible to avoid having a fake one confused with the real thing. Families are also urged to remain wary of suspicious online activities related to a loved one’s passing.

By remaining vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of online obituaries and donation requests, individuals can protect themselves and their families from falling victim to these scams.

Michigan residents whose deceased loved one has been the target of obituary pirates or fraud can contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Regional News

County Executive Coulter Hails the New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2024

Post Date:03/05/2024 10:17 AM
  • This is the 12th class spotlighting talented young professionals living and working in Oakland County.
  • Their work and service to the community align with County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together vision for the future.
  • Information about the Class of 2024 is available at oakgov.com/40Under40.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced today the new members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, which includes a Michigan Supreme Court justice and the star of Bassquatch Hunter, a popular fishing and adventure show which airs on Discovery Channel.

The 12th Oakland Together 40 Under 40 class honors young professionals who live and/or work in Oakland County. These individuals exemplify Oakland Together, Coulter’s vision for a community working together to leverage its strengths, address its challenges, and find value in working with regional partners.

“I am thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals selected for the 2024 class of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40,” Coulter said. “This diverse group of young leaders embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community engagement. Their contributions are shaping the future of our region, and I am proud to celebrate their accomplishments and commitment to making a positive difference in our county.”

More than 290 candidates, born after Dec. 31, 1983, applied for the recognition. A panel of independent judges selected the new class which includes a teacher, mental health professionals, physicians, non-profit leaders, university professors, lawyers, diversity consultants, and automotive supplier employees:

Among the members are:

Kyra Harris Bolden

Bolden, 35, of Farmington Hills, is the first woman of color to serve as a Michigan Supreme Court justice. Prior to her appointment to the high court, she served as a state representative in the Michigan House of Representatives where she advocated for criminal justice reform and crafted and passed bipartisan legislation to protect survivors of sexual violence. She is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Association, Straker Bar Association, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, National Congress of Black Women-Oakland County, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Mike McKinstry

McKinstry, a 39-year-old West Bloomfield resident, produces and hosts Bassquatch Hunter on Discovery Channel. His website says he quit his career seven years ago to follow his passion for fishing and inspiring others to take a risk and try new things to find a career that makes them happy. In each episode, he takes out guests that usually are brand new to kayaks and fishing. The only thing the guests and he have in common is that they both do what makes them happy for a career and want to inspire others to do new things and take risks to find their happiness.

Donovan Jackson

Jackson, 29, of Royal Oak Township, is the director of parks and recreation for his hometown and coach of the Ferndale High School football team, his alma mater. A former Division 1 football player at Morgan State University, he serves as vice president of the Semaj Morgan Foundation, which connects players at University of Michigan to kids in the community who look up to them. The non-profit has a variety of programs which include reading literacy, math development, and sport camps.

Yuliya Malayev

Malayev, 37, of West Bloomfield, is no ordinary obstetrician-gynecologist. She has improved access to lifesaving procedures to improve the quality of life of women suffering from chronic pain and endometriosis. She advocates for maternal health before and after pregnancy, pushing for better support within the community for breastfeeding, anxiety, depression, and child well-being. She also engages in projects and initiatives to reduce maternal death rates.

Below is a complete list of the members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. They will be honored at a reception preceding Coulter’s State of the County address on April 4. For more information, click on oakgov.com/40Under40:

  • William Aldridge Jr, 35, of Wixom, detective for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Joe Bamberger, 36, of Bloomfield Hills, managing partner of Emerge
  • Jared M Barnett, 31, of Auburn Hills, community health worker at Honor Community Health
  • Kyra Harris Bolden, 35, of Farmington Hills, Michigan Supreme Court justice
  • Tequion M. Brookins, 33, of Southfield, CEO and founder of TeQuionBrookins LLC
  • Myka S. Burley, 34, of Southfield, associate director, skills at Michigan Central
  • Ernesto Chavez, 38, of Waterford, CEO and co-founder of Founder of Bright Loritos
  • Jun Chen, 38, of Novi, assistant professor at Oakland University
  • Jessica Cortez, 36, of Bloomfield Hills, licensed Master of Social Work and founder of Bloomfield Child & Family
  • Mike Cousins, 38, of Farmington Hills, partner & GIS practice leader for OHM Advisors
  • Caress A. Dean, 35, of Clinton Township, associate professor, Master of Public Health program director, and chair of the Department of Public and
  • Environmental Wellness at Oakland University
  • Peggy Du, 35, of Farmington Hills, executive director and accounting manager of the Association of Chinese Americans
  • Na’Jeray Elam, 29, of Pontiac, lead fourth grade teacher at University Prep Academy-Ellen Thompson Campus
  • Jose L. Flores, 34, of Rochester Hills, CEO of Ancor Automotive
  • Michelle Foster, 39, of Ferndale, executive director of National Association of State and Local Equity Funds
  • Sairy Garcia, 35, of Royal Oak, business forward consultant at Oakland Thrive
  • Angela Gill, 34, of Oxford, emergency foods program manager at Lighthouse
  • Eric W. Gregory, 37, of Troy, partner at Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Alan Hejl, 33, of Ferndale, founder of Spark Access
  • Ashley A. Hinton, 32, of Southfield, eligibility coordinator for Oakland County
  • Donovan Jackson, 29, of Royal Oak Township, director of parks & recreation at Royal Oak Township
  • Emily Karlichek, 36, of Farmington Hills, senior product marketing manager for Snap One
  • Joshua Lumsden, 29, of Waterford, investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Yuliya Malayev, 37, of West Bloomfield, physician for Metro OB-GYN
  • Randall Mansour, 38, of Troy, partner at Disability Law Group
  • Mike McKinstry, 39, of West Bloomfield, executive producer and host of Bassquatch Productions LLC
  • Lydia Michael, 36, of West Bloomfield, founder and owner of Blended Collective
  • Jon Ong, 38, of Bloomfield Township, director of transportation operations at RXO
  • Dev M. Oza, 34, of West Bloomfield, associate dentist at Royal Dental Center
  • Tim Paré, 38, of Southfield, CEO and artistic director of Michigan Stage
  • Jeffrey Polkowski, 34, of Waterford, director of development services for Waterford Township
  • Erin Quetell, 33, of Farmington Hills, chief sustainability officer for Oakland County
  • Ashley Sansom 30, of Waterford, licensed Master of Social Work and youth mental health liaison for Oakland Community Health Network
  • Brooke Scott, 25, of Oxford, analyst for compliance and economic development at Magna
  • Christopher Sim, 33, of Auburn Hills, program manager, diversity supplier development at Stellantis
  • Jaclyn Sivers, 36, of Clarkston, senior assistant prosecuting attorney, Juvenile Justice Division of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Daniel Snyder, 32, of Royal Oak, senior strategic buyer for AGC Automotive Americas
  • Hemanth Tadepalli, 22, of Troy, cybersecurity compliance engineer at May Mobility
  • Marissa Antonio Wiesen, 37, of Birmingham, assistant attorney general at Michigan Department of Attorney General
  • Christian J. Williams, 31, of Farmington Hills, owner of CJW Consulting Group LLC and professional development consultant & supplier diversity consultant at Henry Ford Health
Delivering free books to elementary school students

Delivering free books to elementary school students

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Michigan Education Trust partners with Lansing TV station, Scripps Howard Fund to deliver free books to elementary school students

Giveaway reinforces MET’s message that it’s never too early  to prepare for your child’s educational future

LANSING — In keeping with its mission to help prepare children for their educational futures, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) joined WYSM Fox 47 and the Scripps Howard Fund Monday in delivering free books to a Lansing elementary school.

The books were delivered during a book fair at Vivian Riddle Elementary School, 221 Huron St., in Lansing, as part of a book donation effort that began last fall. The school currently also houses students from Willow Elementary while a new school is under construction.

At the book fair, which coincided with National Reading Month in March, each student received five free books from the Scripps Howard Fund and its partnership with MET and WYSM.

MET Marketing Manager Heather Barthelmes, who attended the event with MET’s mascot, Whoodini, congratulated the Scripps Howard Fund for its work and for reaching a milestone last year in its “If you give a child a book” campaign by distributing its 1 millionth book.

“Michigan Education Trust has been a proud sponsor of this campaign with WYSM and Scripps Howard,” Barthelmes said. “We look forward to helping the Scripps Howard Fund team lean into distributing another million books moving forward.”

MET Deputy Director Megan Patino called the partnership a “perfect pairing with MET’s underlying mission, which is to prepare children for their future educational needs.”

“Having books on the shelves in your home lays the groundwork for your child’s educational future in the same way that saving money for school does,” Patino said.

For 35 years, MET has been providing families peace of mind as they work, plan and save to help provide their children with a debt-free start to pursue their dreams by letting people purchase future educational needs at today’s prices.

MET, the nation’s first 529 prepaid tuition plan, has helped tens of thousands of families since 1988 with an affordable way to save for their education by prepurchasing tomorrow’s tuition at today’s rates. Signed into law in December 1986, it was the first prepaid tuition program in the nation.

Patino noted that anyone can contribute to a child’s tuition savings plan, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and others. Once a plan is opened, contributions can be as low as $25.

“MET has many flexible options and — just like with books — there is a MET plan for everyone,” Patino said. “We encourage all Michiganders to open a book and open a MET account to unlock the potential of our children now and throughout their lives.”

More information about MET can be found at SETwithMET.com or by calling 800-MET-4-KID.

Contributions to an existing account can be made at any time during the year through MET’s secure online pay site. MET gift declarations also allow contributors to print out certificates of their contributions designed for holidays, birthdays, graduations and more that can be put in a card or gift wrapped.

# # #

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Michigan Department of Treasury.Lansing, Michigan 48922 | 517-335-7508 | Contact Us

 Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Bookmark and Share

Manage your Subscriptions or Unsubscribe

 

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote.

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Treasury · Lansing, MI 48922 · 517-335-7508

…

[Message clipped]  View entire message

Businesses Impacted by Lack of Snow can Apply for Funding 

Businesses Impacted by Lack of Snow can Apply for Funding 

by | Mar 5, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 4, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Urges Small Businesses Impacted by Lack of Snow to Apply for Available Federal Funding

Amid the warmest winter on record, businesses in federally designated areas can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans

LANSING, Mich. — As Michigan continues to face record high winter temperatures, Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged Michigan small businesses impacted by lack of snow to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Amid the warmest winter on record, with days in February and March topping 60 degrees, federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available because of ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 42 Michigan counties.

 

“Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this year’s record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardships for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow,” said Governor Whitmer. “I know how hard this winter has been on families and communities who rely on winter tourism revenue and all the associated business that comes with it—hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fortunately, businesses in these 42 counties in the UP and the Northern Lower Peninsula can apply for support right now. A drought is a drought—whether we’re talking about rain or snow. Businesses impacted by low snow in these 42 counties can apply for support right now, and I’ll continue to push our federal government for more solutions. We’ll get through this warm winter together.”

 

Record-Breaking Winter

 

“It’s all hands on deck to ensure our small businesses affected by the unseasonable lack of snow across the First District are able to make it through this tough winter,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “Working together with the Governor, business owners, and local leaders, we will continue to take every step possible to extend necessary resources and assistance to help our communities thrive through this unprecedented winter.”

 

“The many great businesses that depend on a winter wonderland need this chance to access relief funds,” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “Winter will be back next year, and we want these shops to be open and ready to serve the visitors who come to the UP.”

 

“This winter has been especially hard on our businesses that rely on snow. From ski hills to hotels and restaurants, many businesses I’ve spoken to are concerned whether they can even make it to the summer,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Thank you to all who took the time to meet with us and to the Governor for working with the Small Business Administration to help make special low-interest EIDL loans available. I encourage all of our businesses to move quickly to secure this critical support.”

 

“The lack of snow this winter has had a profound impact on our local seasonal economies and the people who depend on them, especially in the U.P.,” said state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “I appreciate the governor encouraging Michigan’s small businesses to take advantage of the aid that’s available. We all want to ensure our communities remain resilient in the face of these unexpected challenges.”

 

“Michiganders up north know that getting through the winter means pulling together. That’s true during unusually warm winters, too,” said state Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “This unseasonably warm winter has created unique challenges, especially for those businesses that rely on snow for a strong tourist season. So, I certainly echo Governor Whitmer’s call for small businesses to apply for SBA funds in the face of these unpredictable and difficult times.”

 

Drought Designation

42 Michigan counties are covered by a disaster designation for drought from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through SBA declarations related to those designations, businesses in these counties may be eligible for emergency loans that offset their business losses if the loss is related to the drought.

 

There are the 42 counties covered by four different SBA drought declarations. Where two declarations cover one county, businesses can apply under either declaration. Applicable SBA declarations and relevant deadlines are as follows:

 

  1. Alcona – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  2. Alger – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  3. Alpena – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  4. Antrim – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  5. Arenac – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  6. Bay – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  7. Benzie – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  8. Charlevoix – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  9. Cheboygan – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  10. Clare – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  11. Crawford – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  12. Delta – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  13. Dickinson – Drought Declaration #20209, Deadline 11/27/24
  14. Emmet – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  15. Gladwin – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  16. Gogebic – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024
  17. Grand Traverse – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  18. Gratiot – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  19. Iosco – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  20. Iron – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024
  21. Isabella – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  22. Kalkaska – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  23. Leelanau – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  24. Luce – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  25. Mackinac – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  26. Manistee – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  27. Marquette – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  28. Mecosta – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  29. Menominee – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  30. Midland – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  31. Missaukee – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  32. Montmorency – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  33. Ogemaw – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  34. Ontonagon – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024
  35. Osceola – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  36. Oscoda – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  37. Otsego – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  38. Presque Isle – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  39. Schoolcraft – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
  40. Roscommon – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  41. Saginaw – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024
  42. Wexford – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024

 

“The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is very appreciative of the work by the Governor’s office, the Small Business Administration and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to provide disaster relief funding, which will help many Michigan ski areas that are vital job providers and assets to our communities but suffered critical visitation and revenue losses due to weather, with reduced staffing and limited operations during key visitation times,” said Mickey MacWilliams, president and executive director of MSIA.  “This has been a challenging winter all across the state but we will persevere, and even with the mild temperatures, many Michigan ski areas are still open to welcome guests.”

 

“This year’s El Nino weather pattern and unusually mild winter have severely affected our snow-dependent industries,” said Warren Call, President & CEO of Traverse Connect and member of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. “The loans available through this initiative are a much-needed support effort for northern Michigan’s small business employees and owners that rely heavily on winter recreation for their livelihood.”

 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are designed to help businesses through disaster situations that have impacted their economic well-being. Loans are up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period. Businesses must apply by the application deadline for their county.

 

Submit applications and find additional disaster assistance information at https://lending.sba.gov. Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech-related disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Applicants may also contact the Michigan Small Business Development Center at 1-833-522-0025 or email [email protected].

NECC Owner Pleads to 11 Counts of Manslaughter

NECC Owner Pleads to 11 Counts of Manslaughter

by | Mar 5, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 5, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

NECC Owner Barry Cadden, Responsible for Deadly 2012 Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak, Pleads to 11 Counts of Manslaughter

LANSING – Yesterday, in the 44th Circuit Court in Livingston County, Barry Cadden, former owner of New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Massachusetts, pled no contest to 11 counts of involuntary manslaughter for his actions leading to the 2012 deaths of 11 Michigan residents, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The plea accompanies a sentencing agreement of 10-15 years’ incarceration.

In 2012, a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak resulted in 64 deaths, 11 the result of injection treatments at the Michigan Pain Specialists Clinic (MPS) in Livingston County. Patients at the clinic were given epidural injections of the steroid methylprednisolone, which was compounded and produced at Cadden’s NECC in Massachusetts and shipped to MPS. Donna Kruzich, Paula Brent, Lyn Laperriere, Mary Plettl, Gayle Gipson, Patricia Malafouris, Emma Todd, Jennie Barth, Ruth Madouse, Salley Roe, and Karina Baxter died as a result of being injected with the contaminated drug.

“Cadden ran his pharmaceutical lab with a shocking and abhorrent disregard for basic safety rules and practices, and in doing so he tragically killed eleven Michigan patients,” said Nessel. “Wherever you are in this country, if your greed harms and kills Michigan residents, my office will make every effort to enforce the fullest extent of the law. Patients must be able to trust their medications are safe, and doctors must be assured they aren’t administering deadly poison. My office has worked closely with the families of these victims, and we’ve ensured that this plea fits their desire for closure and justice.”

Cadden disregarded sterility procedures in the compounding of sterile medications and ran his business in an egregiously unsafe manner, endorsing laboratory directives wherein cleaning records and scientific testing results were regularly forged and fabricated. The Department of Attorney General began investigative action against Cadden in 2013 and charged him with 11 counts of Second-Degree Murder in 2018. In 2017, he was found guilty in a federal court of 57 criminal charges, and would eventually be sentenced to 14.5 years’ incarceration. The sentencing to follow yesterday’s pleas of no contest will be served concurrently to the federal sentence.

Though investigative efforts of the Department of Attorney General began in 2013 and a Michigan grand jury was seated in June of that year, then-Attorney General Bill Schuette acquiesced to a request from federal prosecutors to freeze the state case until the eventual federal trial was resolved. U.S. Attorneys for the District of Massachusetts indicted Cadden in December of 2014 following their own grand jury proceedings, and the 9-week trial did not begin until 2017.

In 2015, a $200 million dollar settlement agreement was reached between NECC and several affiliated companies, and the victims and their families nationwide. $10.5 million was designated for Michigan victims or their families.

The Michigan grand jury process was allowed to resume in 2018 after the conclusion of the federal trial. The grand jury was not reconvened, however, and in December of that year 11 charges of Second-Degree Murder were filed against Barry Cadden. Preliminary examination in the matter began in late 2019 and concluded in December 2020, with Cadden bound over to stand trial. This result was appealed by Cadden all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court, which remanded the case back to the 44th Circuit Court in Livingston County, upholding the original ruling to bind the matter over for trial, in April of 2022. Since then, for 22 months, the parties have appeared before the Court to file and argue motions shaping a future jury trial.

A majority of families representing the 11 victims expressed support to the Department of Attorney General for resolving these criminal charges with a plea deal. Surviving parents, spouses, and adult children of the deceased victims told victim advocates with the department they hoped to find solace in resolution, anticipation for the matter to finally be concluded, and that the sentencing agreement was acceptable to their want for justice.

Sentencing for Barry Cadden is scheduled for April 18th, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. in the 44th Circuit Court before Judge Michael P. Hatty.