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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February 12, 2025
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation (PDF) into Ryan Thompson, the owner of the dog-breeding business Fallen Timbers in Morenci, for allegedly falsifying veterinarian records for at least three dogs sold to Michigan consumers.
In November 2024, a consumer filed a complaint with the Department of Attorney General alleging that she adopted a four-month-old boxer puppy from Fallen Timbers for $1,500 after finding the business through its Facebook page. She was provided with a health guarantee in the sales contract assuring her that the puppy had been “immunized,” “wormed,” and was in “good health.” She also received veterinarian records purportedly from Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic. However, when the consumer picked up the puppy, it appeared to be in poor health. A subsequent vet visit confirmed the puppy had a respiratory infection and tested positive for coccidiosis, giardia, and cryptosporidiosis. The Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic told the Department they never examined the puppy.
Another consumer reported a similar experience after adopting an English bulldog puppy from Thompson in 2022 for $3,000. She also received a “health guarantee” and veterinarian records; this time purportedly from Fieldstone Veterinary Care. However, the puppy had a congenital defect, and the records were allegedly fraudulent. It is alleged that Thompson falsified records from Fieldstone Veterinary Care on at least one other occasion.
“Puppy scams are becoming more common and sophisticated, putting both Michigan animal lovers and animal welfare at risk,” Nessel said. “When adopting, especially online, research the breeder, never purchase a puppy without seeing it in person, and keep all documents and communications. My office will continue to pursue bad actors who deceive consumers looking to adopt a pet.”
Attorney General Nessel settled an investigation into a different alleged fraudulent pet adoption scheme last month. The Attorney General is reissuing her consumer alert on puppy scams to provide Michiganders with tips to avoid being scammed when purchasing dogs online. Attorney General Nessel also encourages any consumer who believes they may have been provided falsified paperwork in purchasing a pet from Thompson or his business to contact the Department’s Consumer Protection Team. 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
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