AG Nessel Hails Work of Elder Abuse Task Force

by orionontv | May 1, 2025 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Hails Work of Elder Abuse Task Force as Michigan’s Uniform Securities Act Administrative Rules Take Effect

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Elder Abuse Task Force are celebrating the implementation of critical amendments to Michigan’s Uniform Securities Act. These changes designate securities brokers, dealers, and investment advisors as mandatory reporters of suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December 2023, the statute officially went into effect in March 2024. The corresponding administrative rules were enacted earlier this week (PDF). The securities industry is now legally required to alert law enforcement or Adult Protective Services when they suspect a vulnerable adult is being financially exploited.

“By requiring securities brokers, dealers, and investment advisors to report suspected financial exploitation, the Uniform Securities Act closes a dangerous loophole that previously helped enable bad actors to drain the investment accounts of vulnerable residents,” Nessel said. “I am proud of the important work the Elder Abuse Task Force has done and continues to do to protect the life savings of our seniors and to ensure they can age with dignity, security, and peace of mind.”

This statute is one of the major accomplishments of the Elder Abuse Task Force. Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – all working together to combat elder abuse. The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives (PDF), including requiring certification and training for professional guardians. Other achievements include the following:

The adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form for investigation by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings;
The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (FEPA), which was signed into law in 2021 to ensure mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation; and
The Uniform Power of Attorney Act, which was passed and became effective July 1, 2024, to make powers of attorney more accessible with a standard form in the statute. Attorney General Nessel recently released a public service announcement explaining the new law.

More than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. They experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.

Chilean National Convicted in Home Invasions

by orionontv | Apr 30, 2025 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 30, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Chilean National Convicted in Oakland County Home Invasions

LANSING – Yesterday, a Chilean national was convicted by an Oakland County jury in the 6th Circuit Court for committing a string of home invasions targeting affluent homes throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Kent Counties, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was found guilty of one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony, and three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Home Invasion, a 15-year felony, for his role in home invasions taking place in February of 2023 in Ada Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester, and Rochester Hills.

The widely publicized and highly orchestrated home invasions Saldias participated in typically occurred when the homes were vacant, utilized techniques to thwart alarm systems, and employed extensive precautions to avoid personal identification on home security camera systems and by forensic analyses of crime scenes. Losses from similar break-ins in recent years fitting this pattern measure in the millions of dollars, as money, jewelry, other high-value items, and safes have been stolen from affected properties.

“These home invasions were not random – they were deliberate, highly organized, and had a significant impact on the families and communities involved,” Nessel said. “I am grateful to the jury, as well as the FORCE Team and task force who made this conviction possible. We will continue to work together to protect Michigan residents and hold accountable any individuals connected to these sophisticated criminal enterprises.”

Ruiz-Saldias was charged while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was convicted on separate home invasion-related charges.

Home invasions connected to this alleged crime ring continue throughout Southeast Michigan and the Department of Attorney General’s investigation, in partnership with law enforcement partners throughout the State, remains ongoing. The investigation that ultimately led to this conviction of Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias was conducted by a task force established by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and specifically, in addition to the Attorney General’s FORCE Team, the police departments of Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Shelbyville (Indiana), Carmel (IN), the Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.

Sentencing for Ruiz-Saldias is scheduled for June 16th.

Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

by orionontv | Apr 30, 2025 | Regional News

County Executive Coulter Announces Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Post Date:04/30/2025 1:10 PM

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced the 2025 class of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40, recognizing young professionals under 40 for their impact in public service, innovation and leadership across diverse industries.
The 2025 class includes influential leaders such as Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli, WXYZ-TV Sports Director Brad Galli, Restaurateur Ryan Eli Salter, Motown Museum Curator Drew Schultz and 52-3 District Court Judge Laura Polizzi, each noted for their contributions to justice, media, the culinary and entertainment industry, the arts and community development.
This marks the 13th year of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program, with honorees selected by a panel of leaders and celebrated throughout the year at county events.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, with a team of previous honorees, announced today the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. They are a diverse and dynamic group of changemakers shaping the future of Oakland County. Now in its 13th year, the program highlights young professionals under 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their communities through innovation, leadership and service.

This year’s class features leaders from across industries and communities, including Michigan’s lottery commissioner, a television sports anchor, a restaurateur, a Motown Museum curator and a district court judge.

“This program continues to highlight the people who are transforming Oakland County for the better,” Coulter said. “Each year, I’m inspired by their dedication and the energy they bring to public service, the arts, education, and business. These 40 individuals embody the Oakland Together vision.”

The Class of 2025 was selected by a committee of county leaders and community members and includes entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, public servants and innovators. Members of the class will be honored throughout the year and will participate in key county events.

Here are some highlighted class members:

Suzanna Shkreli, commissioner of the Michigan Lottery and resident of Birmingham, has long been a champion for vulnerable children and justice reform in Michigan. Prior to her appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2024, she served as director of juvenile justice reform at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, tackling systemic issues in youth justice. Shkreli’s public service record also includes time as Michigan’s Children’s Ombudsman and assistant prosecutor in Macomb County. She brings a global perspective to her work, having trained law enforcement on victims’ rights in Albania through the U.S. Department of Justice. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Shkreli’s continues to shape policies that support children, families and fairness across the state.

Brad Galli brings his storytelling talent and love for the game to living rooms across Metro Detroit as sports director at WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Since joining the station in 2011, he’s reported from locker rooms and sidelines at nearly every level of sport, from the World Series and Stanley Cup Playoffs to the PGA Tour and NCAA championships. Named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year twice and honored with multiple Emmy Awards, Galli’s deep community ties and commitment to uplifting Detroit’s athletic legacy continue to earn him fans both on and off the air. A Brother Rice and Marquette University alum, Galli lives in Birmingham with his wife and children.

Ryan Eli Salter of Royal Oak is the founder of Salt + Ko, a popular restaurant and lounge in Southfield, and Breadless, a pioneering fast-casual concept specializing in flavorful, gluten-free dining. He also leads Atrium Events Center, curating dynamic private and corporate events that help shape Southfield’s vibrant social and business community. A dedicated community leader, he serves on the Minority Business Council for the Southfield Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. His passion for mentorship, experiential hospitality and brand innovation continues to make him a standout figure in Metro Detroit’s hospitality scene.

Drew Schultz of Clawson represents the soul of Detroit’s music scene. At just 19, he began performing with Motown legends the Four Tops, and his career has since included collaborations with the late Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Questlove. As digital media curator at the Motown Museum, Schultz works to preserve and amplify the legacy of one of the most influential musical movements in history. Through his philanthropic “Back To Class” project, he channels proceeds from original recordings – featuring legends like Dennis Coffey and the Funk Brothers – back into Detroit Public Schools music programs. An educator, writer, engineer and performer, Schultz’s work blends creativity with a deep commitment to youth, arts education and Detroit’s cultural heritage.

Judge Laura E. Polizzi of Rochester Hills brings a wealth of legal experience and community service to the bench of 52-3 District Court, where she was appointed in May 2024 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and won election in the fall. A former attorney handling a wide range of complex legal matters, Judge Polizzi has been named a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2018. A bilingual advocate for justice, she’s represented numerous Spanish-speaking clients. She serves on the Character and Fitness Committee and is a member of both the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals and the Rochester Bar Association. A graduate of Oakland University and Cooley Law School, Judge Polizzi’s commitment to justice and equity embodies the best of public service in Oakland County.

For more information about Oakland Together 40 Under 40, click on oakgov.com/40Under40. A complete list of the Class of 2025 is below:

Dr. Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Ph.D., of Novi, works at Nissan as the Principal Scientist
Dr. Ashlee Barnes, of Beverly Hills, works at the University of Detroit Mercy as an Assistant Professor
Kendal Bowman of Farmington Hills is Principal of Arcos Studio, LLC and Project Architect/Manager at Lott3Metz Crutcher
Ashley Chambers, of Shelby Township, works at Chief Financial Credit Union as Vice President of Business Development
Kiesha Colson, of Southfield, works at Planned Parenthood of Michigan as Director of Patient Care Operations
Sarah Cook-Maylen, of Milford, works at Oakland County Parks and Recreation as Chief of Natural Resources and Environment
Nathan J. Fink, of West Bloomfield Township, Partner at Fink Bressack
Doug Furgason, of Clawson, works at Rocket as Procurement Category Manager
Brad Galli, of Birmingham, works at WXYZ-TV Channel 7 as Sports Director
Michael Greco, of Waterford Township, works at Voyage Advisory & Greco Career Consulting LLC as Project Management Consultant, Career Consultant
Russell L. Harris Jr., of Pontiac, Founder and CEO of Warrior Academy
Dr. Tia Harvey, of Pontiac, Education Director at Accent Pontiac
Dorian A. Hooker, of Southfield, works at AAA – The Auto Club Group as Sr. Corporate Governance Administrator
Sgt. Sam James, of Waterford, works at Oakland County Sheriff’s Office as Sergeant
Christelle Keefer, of Rochester Hills, works at ABB Inc. as Global Business Development Manager for Robotics Education
Shane Robert Kolo, of West Bloomfield, works at Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Shelby Kuhlman, of Lake Orion, works at Stellantis as North America Quality and Warranty Financial Controller
Brandon Lee, of Royal Oak, works at United Way for Southeastern Michigan as Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice-President
Shane P. Lewis, of Clawson, works at Oakland University as Director of Admissions
Luke Londo, of Hazel Park, works at Siren as Senior Account Executive
Mara Magyarosi-Laytner, of Hazel Park, works at Mara Magyarosi-Laytner | Artist as Artist, Educator, Curator
Oluwatosin Martins, of Plymouth, works at Center for Employment Opportunities as Regional Director
Elizabeth McGregor, of Waterford, works at Volkswagen Group of America as Associate Engineer Sr. – Emissions Certification
Enida Metaj, of Royal Oak, works at Rockwell Automation as Governance, Risk and Compliance Auditor
Carolina Noguez, of Troy, works at Oakland Thrive as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach
Lizz Parkinson, of Madison Heights, works at Cranbrook Institute of Science as Head of the Freshwater Forum
Ryan A. Particka, of Royal Oak, works at United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan as Deputy Chief for Health Care Fraud – White Collar Crime Unit
Tejaskumar Mangal Balgonda Patil of Troy, works at Qualcomm as Staff Engineer
Samantha Pickering of Ferndale works at Michigan Environmental Council as Public Environmental Health Policy Manager
Hon. Laura E. Polizzi, of Rochester Hills, works at 52-3 District Court as District Court Judge
Dr. Kathryn Rougeau, of Troy, works at Oakland University as an Assistant Professor
David A. Sahli, of Franklin, works at Rocket Mortgage as Senior Corporate Counsel
Ryan Eli Salter, of Royal Oak, Co-founder of Breadless
Drew Schultz, of Clawson, works at Motown Museum as Digital Media Curator and Historian
Hassan B. Sheikh, of West Bloomfield, works at Wayne County as Director of Economic Development
Suzanna Shkreli, of Birmingham, works at Michigan Lottery as Commissioner
Jen Skridulis, of Clawson, works at Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office as Medical Examiner Investigator
Sarah Whitt, of Royal Oak, works at Detroit Zoological Society as Director of Security
Melissa (Ann) Williams-Bowman, of Sylvan Lake, works at Oakland County Health Division as an Epidemiologist
Andrew D. Zaccagnini, CEM, PEM, of Rochester Hills, works at Oakland County Emergency Management as Emergency Management Specialist and the Rochester Fire Department

Lawsuit Against Roku for violating Children’s Data Privacy Laws

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 29, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Files Lawsuit Against Roku for Allegedly Violating Children’s Data Privacy Laws

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit (PDF) against Roku, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleging that the television platform violates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit accuses Roku of collecting, and allowing third parties to collect the personal information of children without the required notice or without obtaining parental consent.

Nearly half of American households, including millions in Michigan, utilize the Roku television platform. The platform delivers streaming services, ad-supported programming, and live television to viewers of all ages, including children. Unlike its competitors, Roku does not offer parents the option to create children’s profiles, subjecting both parents and children to many of the same data collection practices.

The lawsuit alleges that Roku systematically collects, processes, and discloses the personal information of children, including their locations, voice recordings, IP addresses, and persistent identifiers that track children’s browsing histories on Roku and across the internet. All of these are categories of personal information protected under COPPA. The Attorney General further alleges that Roku enables third-party channels to collect children’s personal information to attract content providers to its platform and increase advertising revenue. Roku also allegedly enhances its collection and monetization of children’s personal information through partnerships with third-party web trackers and data brokers, some of which have been sued by the Federal Trade Commission for tracking individuals’ locations.

COPPA also places strict limits on the collection of children’s voice data, limits Roku allegedly disregards. The lawsuit also claims Roku actively misleads parents about its collection of their children’s personal information and their rights to protect that data.

“Roku has blatantly violated children’s privacy laws, illegally exposing kids across Michigan to invasive data collection practices,” Nessel said. “We cannot allow companies to jeopardize the security of our children’s personal information. My office remains committed to holding accountable companies that violate the rights of Michigan families and seek to profit at the expense of children’s safety and privacy.”

The Attorney General seeks to stop Roku’s alleged illegal data collection and disclosure practices, to require Roku to comply with federal and state law, and to recover damages, restitution, and civil penalties for Roku’s years of alleged misconduct.

Football Storylines Around the League to watch this summer

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Football Storylines Around the League to watch this summer.

Written Sunday April 20th at 12:03 PM

Happy Easter OAA Nation. Here are several OAA Football storylines heading into this fall.

Any takers to Ford Field???

There should be plenty of OAA representation that are serious contenders to get back to Ford Field. Adams in Division One when healthy is a very dangerous team especially with the system they run in the veer offense and with Ryland Waters coming back at quarterback which should allow Nolan Farris to move back to wide receiver. The Highlanders could be a team when healthy could make another deep postseason run. Harper Woods is the other serious contender in Division Four, the Pioneers are loaded with proven experience on both sides of the football and wants to get back after a really tough loss to Goodrich in the State Semifinals last season. Other teams that could get to Ford Field include Stoney Creek, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, and Lake Orion in Division One while Groves, Oak Park, North Farmington, Farmington, and Seaholm are possible teams to watch in Division Two.

Groves is the most interesting to keep an eye on.

The Falcons had Ford Field in their grasp but very questionable play calling and coaching decisions cost them in their stunning 28-27 overtime loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Division Two State Semifinals last season. Groves lost a ton of proven talent from last season. They will have a new quarterback in LaVelle Shannon taking over and proven lines on both sides of the football. The White will be much improved with Stoney Creek and Harper Woods looking to be the top teams with Rochester not too far behind while Southfield Arts and Tech should be improved. Coach Brendan Flaherty will have some big challenges ahead of him.

New Coaches:

The OAA has several new coaches coming into the league this fall. Scott Merchant (Bloomfield Hills,) James Carlisle (Avondale,) Donovan Jackson (Ferndale,) and Trevor Potts (Oxford) are the new coaches in the league. Merchant comes to Bloomfield Hills from Lawrence Tech (College Football) and was at Chippewa Valley for a long time and his son is in the program. Carlisle comes to Auburn Hills from the thumb area (Vassar) and was at Imlay City. Jackson was on the staff at Detroit Cass Tech and played at Ferndale so he’s really familiar with the city. Potts was the defensive coordinator under Coach Zach Line at Oxford. He was also an assistant at Adams under Coach Tony Patritto. Every coach is going to have different challenges to adjust to this season.

Weaknesses:

Every team in the OAA has glaring weaknesses heading into the season that they will need to address. It should be really interesting to see how each team addresses their weaknesses this summer before each team heads into their week one matchups. My goal this summer is to talk to every coach including the Waterford Schools and see how everyone is doing heading into the season on my podcast.

Waterford Schools lurking:

Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott will join the OAA this winter while North Farmington and Farmington will depart the OAA joining the Lakes Valley Conference next season. The Waterford schools will have one more fall in the Lakes Valley Conference before coming into the league. Waterford Mott will have a new football coach in Tra’Jan Seay taking over the program for Chris Fahr who is the defensive coordinator at Davison. Seay was an assistant at Orchard Lake St. Marys last season so he brings that to Waterford. He will have an transition period which has to happen during the season. The Corsairs did not make the postseason going 3-5 and has a ton of questions in the Lakes Valley Conference this season. Waterford Kettering went 3-6 but was one win away from making the postseason for first year coach Brian Barnes. Barnes has done a really good job with the Captains in his second season with the program. The postseason is within reach for Waterford Kettering but getting there will be the challenge especially in Division Three.

Divisions:

Here are the divisions heading into this season in the league, not in any particular order.

Red: Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Adams, West Bloomfield.

White: Stoney Creek, Harper Woods, Groves, Rochester, Southfield Arts and Tech.

Blue: Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Seaholm, North Farmington, Farmington, Troy, Troy Athens.

Gold: Pontiac, Ferndale, Avondale, Berkley, Royal Oak

Basketball Top Storylines Around the League this offseason

by orionontv | Apr 29, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top Storylines Around the League this offseason.

Written Sunday April 20th at 11:08 AM

Happy Easter OAA Nation. We are officially in the offseason for girls and boys basketball and AAU season is underway. Here are the top storylines heading into next season for both girls and boys basketball.

Will the OAA be represented at Breslin next season???

This question could be answered in June when the MHSAA releases the basketball districts. The league in girls has a ton of solid teams heading into next season but it comes down to proximity that could create the best path if anyone has a shot at getting to the Breslin Center next season. In the boys there really isn’t a dominant team and it was really disastrous for the league with only three teams getting out of the districts last season. Could this be Ferndale’s best chance to make it back to East Lansing after two dominating years by Warren Lincoln??? They fell to Detroit Pershing in the district semifinals but the Eagles might have the league’s best chance to get back to Breslin. As mentioned the question could be answered when the MHSAA releases the districts in June.

Coaching vacancies.

There has been several vacancies to watch this offseason. The changeover surrounding Stoney Creek has been really fascinating. The Cougars recently let go boys basketball coach Jeff Olind which who takes over the job will be their third coach in four years. There is talent and proven experience but whoever takes the job is going to have a daunting task ahead of them and behind the scenes has been a complete mess. Coaches Joe Sermo and Terrance Porter has stepped down at their respective schools (Berkley, Southfield Arts and Tech.) Both schools are really appeasing when it comes to talent and program strength. In the girls, the Ferndale girls basketball job is open but whoever takes that job will have a huge challenge ahead of them when it comes to building program strength.

Coming and Going.

Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott are reentering into the league for the first time since 2008 this winter. Waterford Kettering has a new coach in Rex Walters with an very experienced team coming back and could be the early favorite in the Gold this season. Waterford Mott made it to the regional finals under Coach Jeff Jayson but they will have to replace several players from last season’s team. Waterford in the girls will be really interesting to keep an eye on led by returning guard Savannah Sartorius for Coach Andrew Wellman. On the flip side it will be the Farmington schools (North Farmington and Farmington) final year in the OAA as they will depart for the Lakes Valley Conference in 2026-2027. Farmington and North Farmington are loaded with proven talent and experience in the boys and they are in the Red. In the girls Farmington and North Farmington should be much improved after having rough seasons.

Divisions for 2025-2026 season.

Here are the divisions for the 2025-2026 season, not in any particular order.

Boys:

Red: Clarkston, Avondale, Groves, North Farmington, Farmington, Ferndale, West Bloomfield.

White: Lake Orion, Oxford, Adams, Rochester, Stoney Creek, Waterford Mott.

Blue: Troy, Troy Athens, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac.

Gold: Berkley, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park, Harper Woods, Ferndale University, Waterford Kettering.

Girls:

Red: Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Stoney Creek, West Bloomfield, Rochester.

White: Groves, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Avondale, Berkley.

Blue: Troy, Troy Athens, Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, Harper Woods, Ferndale.

Gold: Oak Park, Ferndale University, Farmington, North Farmington, Pontiac, Waterford.

Stay tuned to the blog and OAA Now for updates.

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