Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the State Teacher Tenure Commission, Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology, Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, State Building Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council, and Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission.

 

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

State Teacher Tenure Commission

Kevin Polston, of Grand Haven, has served as superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools since 2021. His previous superintendent experience included four years at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming.  Prior to becoming a superintendent, he served as a teacher, coach, principal, and curriculum leader at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 15 years. Polston had previously been appointed to the Return to School Advisory Council and the Student Recovery Advisory Council. Polston holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State University, a master’s in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and he is currently a doctoral candidate studying educational leadership at Central Michigan University. Kevin Polston is appointed to represent a superintendent of schools for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring August 31, 2028. Polston succeeds Andrea Tuttle, who has resigned.

 

The State Teacher Tenure Commission acts as a board of review for all cases appealed from the decision of a controlling board involving decisions on teacher tenure matters. Cases are first handled by an internal MDE body and may be appealed to the State Teacher Tenure Commission.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology

Ahlam Issa, of Ann Arbor, is the founder and owner of Issa Speech Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science and master’s in communication sciences and disorders from Eastern Michigan University. Issa has also earned a license as a Speech-Language Pathologist and a certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Ahlam Issa is appointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Ahlam Issa succeeds Michael Dunn whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of speech pathologists in this state. The Public Health Code defines the practice of speech-language pathology as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers 

Darryl Conway, of Dundee, is the senior associate athletic director and chief health and welfare officer for the University of Michigan. He holds a Master of Arts in Physical Education from Adelphi University. Conway is reappointed to represent athletic trainers for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual’s injury or illness.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers 

Dr. Jumana Judeh, of Livonia, is the president of Judeh & Associates. She earned her Bachelor of Science in management from Purdue University and her master’s in industrial relations and a doctorate in sustainable urban redevelopment from Wayne State University. Dr. Judeh also holds a certificate as a certified general appraiser. Dr. Jumana Judeh is reappointed to represent certified real estate appraisers for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons 

Aaron Fox, of Grand Ledge, is the Broker and Owner of Century 21 Affiliated in Lansing. He has previously worked as a broker and owner of Century 21 Looking Glass. Aaron holds both a real estate principal associate broker license and a real estate non-principal associate broker license. Aaron has received a State Certified Fair Housing Instructor Certification from Michigan Realtors, and a New Agent and Broker Eligibility from Holloway’s Real Estate Institue. Aaron Fox is appointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. Fox succeeds Natalie Rowe, whose term has expired.

 

Maggie LaHaie, of Cheboygan, is the owner of Legend Bookkeeping. LaHaie earned an Associate of Arts from Grand Rapids Community College. She also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and international business from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in international economics from the Krakow University of Economics. Mrs. LaHaie is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons oversees the practice of real estate salespersons, associate real estate brokers, real estate brokers, and branch offices.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Andrea Ciaravino, of Bloomfield Hills, is a physician’s assistant and specializes in podiatric medicine, sports medicine, and orthopedics. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. She currently works in the Henry Ford Health System. Ciaravino is reappointed to represent physicians’ assistants for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027.

 

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

State Building Authority Board of Directors

Michael Barnwell, of Ira, is the president of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Barnwell trained at the Millwright Institute of Technology in Warren and is a journeyman millwright and 30-year member of the MRCC. He currently serves as co-chair of the Michigan State Building Authority Board of Directors. Michael Barnwell is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring August 21, 2028.

 

The State Building Authority was created to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, and renovate buildings and equipment for the use of the state, including public universities and community colleges. The Authority is authorized to issue and sell bonds and notes for acquisition and construction of facilities and state equipment.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Mark Evenson, of South Lyon, is the chief financial officer at Diversified Members Credit Union. Evenson received a bachelor’s degree in management from Eastern Michigan University, and a master’s degree in corporate finance from Walsh College. He previously served on the board of directors of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and as vice chair of the board of the Novi Educational Foundation. Mark Evenson is appointed to represent Republicans for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Robert Anthony, who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. The Board provides Detroit commercial casinos gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council

Cody Dorland, of Clare, is an emergency services technician with Dow Chemical, a lieutenant at the Coleman Community Fire Department, and the Midland County Fire Training Coordinator. Dorland holds an Emergency Management certificate from the Michigan State Police, a Fire Inspector I certification from the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services and holds numerous other certificates in emergency management. Cody Dorland is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Aimee Barajas, who has resigned.

 

The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission 

William Runco, of Dearborn, has been serving on the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, he served as 19th District Court Chief Judge and a Michigan State Representative for the 31st District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. William Runco is reappointed to serve on the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission as an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan courts for five years or more for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring July 31, 2028.

 

The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan’s employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Patriot Day

Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Patriot Day

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Patriot Day

 

LANSING, Mich. –  Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 to honor and remember the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others, including first responders who showed bravery in responding to the attacks and aiding the victims.

 

“On Patriot Day, we remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11, honor those who serve, and recommit ourselves to standing up for our values,” said Governor Whitmer. “I encourage all Michiganders to come together in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. local time and participate in local community service or charitable giving. This day reminds us to cherish the fundamental, American values we all love—freedom and opportunity—and offers us an opportunity to build a brighter future where we stand together.”

 

“On Patriot Day, we come together as Michiganders to honor and remember the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who stepped up for their fellow citizens on 9/11,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “They cared for the wounded, ran towards danger, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, let us take time to reflect on their courage and commitment and rededicate ourselves to honoring their memory.”

 

The State of Michigan remembers and honors the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff on September 12, 2024.

 

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

Image
Hi there,

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so I wanted to share a reminder to check in on your friends, family, and neighbors.

It’s important that we all take steps to make sure our loved ones are doing OK, especially if they are a member of a high-risk group like veterans who bravely served our country.

And if you’re struggling or know someone who is, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, 24/7 support.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a variety of helpful resources and programs, which you can learn more about here.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin

Voter Preregistration Week, mock election resources for schools

Voter Preregistration Week, mock election resources for schools

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Secretary Benson celebrates Michigan’s first-ever Voter Preregistration Week, launching an online portal with mock election resources for schools

Comprehensive digital toolkit now available to promote voting knowledge, civic engagement in K-12 education

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Today at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the launch of a new online mock elections portal, a resource for K-12 schools, educators, and youth organizations to encourage civic engagement by hosting their own mock elections for students. The announcement marks the start of Michigan Voter Preregistration Week, which was designated as Sept. 8-14 this year by an official proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

 

“As we kick off the state’s first-ever Voter Preregistration week, my message to young people is that Michigan needs your voice, your engagement, and your participation in our democratic process,” said Secretary Benson. “If you’re 16 or 17, get preregistered to vote and if you’re 18 or older, make sure you’re registered. Even if you’re not old enough to cast a ballot yet, understanding the system and the power of one vote is important. Our new online mock election resource will help students across the state get valuable knowledge and experience with voting, so they are well-prepared to be informed, active, and engaged citizens in the future.”

 

“Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities in a democracy,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We appreciate working with Secretary Benson and the Secretary of State team to educate high school students about how they can participate in the democratic process. It’s an important real-life lesson.”

 

“Even if we are not old enough to vote, we can still be a part of the electoral process,” said Crestwood senior and National Honor Society president Hala Komaiha, who spoke at today’s press conference. “For those of us who are 18 years old, registering to vote and participating in every election is crucial. And for 16- and 17-year-olds, preregistering now prepares you for the future. The decisions that shape our everyday lives are being made constantly and voting is one of the most powerful ways we can influence those decisions. By staying informed and getting involved early, we contribute to a more engaged and represented society. This is especially true for young people. Our voices matter. We bring fresh perspectives that drive change on issues directly affecting our future. By getting registered and educated about elections, we empower ourselves and ensure our generation has a say in shaping the direction of our communities and country.”

 

“Our democracy depends on our youngest citizens developing informed and healthy civic identities,” said Ellen Zwarensteyn, executive director of the Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE). “Educators need tools and professional learning to equip students with the knowledge and opportunities to practice democratic skills. In addition to the new Department of State mock elections resource, MCCE’s MiVoice MiVote Toolkit provides educators and students the materials and opportunities to realize PA 258 and advance more dynamic voting and elections education. MCCE celebrates the Michigan Department of State for acknowledging the importance that schools and educators play in developing opportunities for a lifetime of civic education and engagement.”

 

Throughout 2024, Secretary Benson has been hosting mock elections at various Michigan schools to promote democracy and engage students in the elections process. With the mock elections portal, schools will now have all the tools they need to host a mock election and help students get familiar with voting and election procedures.

 

During a mock election, students are selected as a secretary of state, election clerk, poll workers, and election observers – with each of the roles explained to them and then demonstrated. Students decide on a topic for the election, nominate candidates, and then vote. Students will learn about the process of counting the ballots in Michigan and eventually announce a “winner” to the group. The full toolkit can be viewed online at Michigan.gov/MockElections.

 

The launch is in coordination with the start of Voter Preregistration Week, which highlights the opportunity for youth, between the ages of 16 and 17.5, to legally preregister to vote. Legislation passed and signed into law in 2023 allows 16 and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote if they are a Michigan resident, a U.S. citizen, and not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Once preregistered, Michigan teens will be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.

 

Under the new law, 16 and 17-year-olds who obtain a driver’s license or state ID at a Secretary of State office will be automatically preregistered to vote unless they opt out. Young people who preregister can vote by absentee ballot or in person at an early voting site as long as they will be 18 on or before Election Day. Learn more about preregistration online.

 

All Michigan citizens can register to vote, update their registration online, or learn about the safe and secure ways to cast a ballot in the upcoming November presidential election by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

# # #

Mock Election Portal LaunchSecretary Benson spoke at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights to launch the mock election portal, a tool to encourage civic engagement in education.

 


Mock Election Portal LaunchStudents at Crestwood High School participated in the mock election with Secretary Benson.

 


Mock Election Portal LaunchDuring a mock election, students decide on a topic for the election, nominate candidates, and then vote.

 


Mock Election Portal LaunchCrestwood senior and National Honor Society president Hala Komaiha spoke at the press conference announcing the mock election portal. From L: Crestwood High School teacher Lina Abbas; Secretary Benson; Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Crestwood School District superintendent, Roni Abdulhadi, Crestwood High School principal.

 


Mock Election Portal LaunchThe Michigan Department of State launched the mock election portal to encourage civic engagement and teach students about the state’s safe and secure election process.

Funding for Lowering Energy Costs for Michiganders

Funding for Lowering Energy Costs for Michiganders

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES 

September 5, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Applauds Biden-Harris Announcement Delivering Funding for Lowering Energy Costs for Michiganders, Supporting Efforts to Restart Palisades

Wolverine Power Cooperative Announced as Winner of Inflation Reduction Act Investment

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement of a grant to Wolverine Power Cooperative (Wolverine). The grant made available through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will reduce the cost of clean and reliable wholesale electricity generated by the Palisades Nuclear Plant, supporting more than 300,000 homes, businesses, and farms across Michigan.

 

“The Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Wolverine Power Cooperative and their ongoing commitment to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant will drive down energy costs, help us make more clean, reliable energy right here in Michigan, and set us up to compete and win transformational economic development projects in the future,” said Governor Whitmer. “Because of our effective collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Holtec, and Wolverine, this project has the potential to pass these savings and provide clean, reliable electricity for more than 300,000 homes, businesses, and farms in rural communities across the state. This is another critical step in our collaboration with the administration to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, protecting 600 union jobs and supporting 1,100 more in the community. We are showing the world that Michigan will continue to lead the future of clean energy. Let’s keep getting it done.”

 

In May, the State of Michigan wrote Secretary Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the grant application of Wolverine under the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. The New ERA program helps rural Americans transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy and in doing so, reduces air and water pollution, improves health outcomes, and lowers energy costs for people in rural communities. The program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and represents the largest investment in rural electrification since President Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936.

 

Wolverine is a Michigan-based generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale electricity to its member distribution cooperatives and serves retail customers throughout predominantly rural and agricultural portions of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

 

Today’s announcement is another step in the state’s collaborative efforts to restoring the generation of electricity at Palisades Nuclear Plant, protecting more than 600 good-paying local jobs, shoring up Michigan’s energy needs, and supporting the goals of MI Healthy Climate Plan, the state’s climate action roadmap. The New ERA grant will drive economic growth and provide rural Michiganders and businesses with reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity for decades to come.

 

Saving Palisades

Palisades is a nuclear plant in Southwest Michigan that employed 600 workers making an average of $117,845 while the plant was in operation, supported over 1,100 local jobs, generated $363 million in regional economic development every year, and produced more than 800 megawatts of reliable, clean power—enough to power 800,000 homes. The Palisades plant was shut down on May 20, 2022. The plant was sold to Holtec in June 2022.

 

In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a decision to issue a conditional commitment for an up to $1.52 billion loan to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Governor and the Michigan legislature also secured $300 million to support critical reopening activities including infrastructure upgrades, fuel purchases, workforce development, and more.

 

Biden-Harris Administration’s Clean Energy Investments in Michigan

President Biden’s IRA made the single largest investment in climate and clean energy in American history. Nearly two years after passage, the IRA has already led to 62 new clean energy projects in Michigan ranging from solar and electric vehicles to hydrogen and battery storage, the most across any state in the nation. These projects have spurred more than $26 billion in investment, creating or moving forward more than 21,000 jobs.

 

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is helping Michigan fix the damn roads, bridges, pipes, internet, and so much more. The BIL’s clean energy investments are modernizing our power grid, investing in energy efficiency improvements, and helping deploy more clean energy—including nuclear energy.

 

Michigan’s Clean Energy Leadership

In November 2023, the Governor signed historic clean energy laws, making Michigan a national leader in the fight against climate change. The bills will lower household utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect Michigan’s precious air, water, and public health.

 

Michigan leads the Midwest in the number of clean energy workers, with nearly 124,000 clean energy workers. The 2023 Clean Jobs America Report stated that clean energy businesses in Michigan added more than 5,400 workers in 2022, growing almost twice the rate of the overall economy.

Man Sentenced to 5-20 Years for Mass Cyber mPerks Theft

Man Sentenced to 5-20 Years for Mass Cyber mPerks Theft

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 6, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Grand Haven Man Sentenced to 5-20 Years for Mass mPerks Cyber Theft

LANSING – Yesterday, Nicholas Mui, 22, of Grand Haven, was sentenced to 5-20 years’ incarceration for the systemic theft and sale of account access information tied to mPerks accounts, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Mui, who pled guilty to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise in July, also forfeited his computer tower and approximately $611,000 in frozen cryptocurrency and cash.

mPerks is the loyalty and rewards incentive program offered by the Meijer grocery chain wherein customers accrue store-credit points into their individual accounts by making purchases at the grocer. The points accrued can be used as cash-value towards purchases. Customers establish their own individual accounts to participate in the loyalty program and these are maintained by Meijer.

Meijer customers and mPerks account holders had their mPerks accounts compromised, with login credentials sold online, and their accrued purchase points stolen and used fraudulently. Mui obtained login credentials from a separate data breach, cross referenced those credentials for access success with the mPerks infrastructure, and then sold those login credentials on the internet for the wrongful use of buyers. The purchasers of the login credentials then used the points balance to fund their own purchases from Meijer, with incidents documented for both online and in-store purchases.

Meijer was alerted to these thefts by consumer complaints to the company in April and May of 2023. The customers complained of vanishing points on their accounts, prompting Meijer to contact the Fraud Investigation Section of the Michigan State Police. A joint investigation commenced, comprised of Meijer corporate investigators, the Michigan State Police Fraud Investigation Section, and the FORCE Team. Mui was arrested and arraigned in January following the investigation.

“The tireless efforts of the FORCE team, Michigan State Police, and Meijer have not only secured a significant sentence and restitution but may have also prevented further harm to businesses and consumers across our state,” Nessel said. “My FORCE Team remains dedicated to working with retail partners to hold accountable those who commit organized retail crimes and creating an overall safer shopping experience.”

Meijer has reinstated the full previous balance of accrued points to affected customers suffering verified thefts, at a corporate loss currently calculated to exceed $1,000,000.

The FORCE Team and the Organized Retail Crime Unit were established in January 2023 by the Attorney General to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit. Two assistant attorneys general serve the FORCE Team full-time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The unit also partners with the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force and the Postal Inspection Service. This is a first-in-the-nation unit, unique in the 50 states as being the first such unit with embedded, dedicated staff from the Department of Attorney General.

The FORCE Team is dedicated to working collaboratively with retailers and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime. FORCE is an acronym that stands for Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement. Recent corporate partners on investigations have included Sam’s Club/WalmartMeijerTargetHome Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta BeautyAmazon, and Lowe’s.

Local law enforcement agencies or retailers with evidence of organized retail fraud are encouraged to email the FORCE Team.