AG Nessel appoints Cezil new Criminal Justice bureau chief

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday announced Children and Youth Services Division Chief Veneshia Cezil is being appointed as bureau chief in charge of the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau. The Criminal Justice Bureau includes the Department’s Children and Youth Services Division, Criminal Appellate Division, Criminal Division, and Financial Crimes Division.

“Veneshia is a tenacious and fearless leader and brings a wealth of experience that will continue to strengthen our Department and the protections it provides to Michigan residents,” Nessel said. “It is important that we have the best of the best serving the residents of our state and Veneshia is among the most impressive attorneys I’ve ever worked with.”

Cezil joined the Department in 2015 and became the Children and Youth Services Division Chief in April. During her time with the Department, she has given hundreds of children a voice by representing the Department of Health and Human Services in child abuse and neglect cases. Prior to joining the Department, Cezil worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in its General Trials Division where she prosecuted cases from assaultive crimes and larcenies, to drug crimes, armed robberies and sexual assault crimes.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to serve in this new role,” Cezil said. “The people of Michigan deserve an Attorney General’s Office that works to protect them and their rights, and that sacred responsibility is what guides our work every day. We have a talented team and I’m excited to be part of it.”

The Thomas M. Cooley Law School graduate will retain her role as Division Chief and will assume her new responsibilities as Bureau Chief on Monday, August 12.