The Michigan Department of Attorney General utilizes the services of Special Assistant Attorneys General from time to time when the unique circumstances of a particular case create the need for specialized services not currently available within the department.
The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (the “CIU”) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
The 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 laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort.
The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that requesters can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request.
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) took effect January 1, 1977. In enacting the OMA, the Legislature promoted a new era in governmental accountability and fostered openness in government to enhance responsible decision making.1 Nothing in the OMA prohibits a public body from adopting an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that requires a greater degree of openness relative to public body meetings than the standards provided for in the OMA. 2
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January 23, 2025
LANSING – Today, Kirk Lanam, 52, of Hartland, was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Marie Soma in the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills on five felony charges for allegedly financially exploiting a vulnerable adult for the enrichment of himself and his non-profit organization, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Lanam’s bond was set at $150,000 cash/surety.
It is alleged that Lanam fraudulently obtained from the 87-year-old victim legal power of attorney in March of 2024, knowing the man to be a vulnerable or incapacitated adult with a court-appointed guardian, and that he embezzled significant funds from the man. Lanam is accused of diverting more than $400,000 from the victim toward his own personal benefit and to the benefit of the purported non-profit he controlled, Veteran’s Service Dog Organization based in Howell.
"Exploiting unsuspecting victims or those who rely on others for support for personal gain is unacceptable," Nessel said. "My Department takes reports of elder abuse very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate allegations of wrongdoing against our vulnerable adult population and prosecute those who prey on them."
Kirk Lanam is charged with four counts of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult, $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony, and one count of Fraudulently Obtaining a Signature, a 10-year felony. A pre-exam conference is set for February 3, 2025, and a preliminary examination is set for February 10, 2025.
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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.
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