Ex-prosecutor pleads guilty in prostitution probe

LANSING (AP) - A man who served as prosecutor in Michigan's capital for nearly 20 years pleaded guilty Tuesday to misconduct in office in a prostitution investigation that grew out of a human-trafficking probe and forced him to quit.

Stuart Dunnings III pleaded guilty to a felony as well as a misdemeanor, soliciting a prostitute, in a deal that dismisses 14 other charges in three counties.

"We are one step closer to accountability for (Dunnings), justice for victims, and a chance to restore the public trust tarnished by a public servant who only served himself," said Attorney General Bill Schuette, who will seek a prison sentence.

Dunnings, who was Ingham County's prosecutor, declined to comment after the court hearing in Jackson.

Authorities pursued Dunnings based on information first gathered during a human-trafficking investigation by the FBI. He was accused of hiring prostitutes in three counties and inducing a woman to become a prostitute.

Dunnings, 63, was arrested at a coffee shop in March. He subsequently took a paid medical leave, sought unspecified treatment in Tennessee and officially resigned in July.

Coincidentally, he pleaded guilty on the day of Michigan's primary election in which four Democrats and two Republicans are trying to advance to the fall election in the county prosecutor's race.

Published: Thu, Aug 04, 2016