Michigan
Former police officer charged with allegedly falsifying salvage vehicle inspections
Former Lincoln Township Police Department Detective Lieutenant Johnathan Chase, 54, of Stevensville, was arraigned on October 22 by Judge Charles LaSata of the 5th District Court in St. Joseph on multiple felony charges for allegedly falsifying salvage vehicle inspections, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Chase has been charged with eight counts of False Certification, each a 1 to 5-year felony; two counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a 7-year felony; and One count of Misconduct in Office, a 5-year felony.
“Salvage vehicle inspections are vital to protecting residents from stolen or unsafe vehicles on our roads,” Nessel said. “When law enforcement officers abuse their authority and compromise that process, they not only betray public trust but also put innocent owners at risk. I appreciate the Michigan State Police for bringing this matter to our attention, and we will continue to hold those who misuse their positions accountable.”
Salvage vehicle inspections are conducted to ensure that vehicles extensively damaged or reconstructed with parts from other sources are safe and that their components are not traced to stolen vehicles. Officers performing these inspections must certify the origin of all parts. Chase, who was the sole officer responsible for salvage vehicle certifications within the Lincoln Township Police Department, reportedly submitted multiple falsified salvage inspection forms to the Michigan Department of State.
The Michigan State Police Southwest Commercial Auto Recovery Team (SCAR) investigated this matter and referred the case to the Department of Attorney General’s Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team.
Chase will next appear before the 5th District Court on October 31st.
The FORCE Team was 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 unit full time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The FORCE team 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.
Michigan
Man sentenced for committing child sexually abusive activity
Edward Eugene Smith, 35, formerly of Cadillac and most recently residing in Seattle, Wash., was sentenced Oct. 23 to 10-30 years’ incarceration by visiting Judge Bill Fagerman in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County for crimes committed in 2018 against a then-14-year-old victim, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Smith pled no contest in September to one count each of Child Sexually Abusive Activity, Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, and Using a Computer to Commit Child Sexually Abusive Activity.
In 2018, then-28-year-old Smith contrived a scenario to convince a 14-year-old high school student to pose partially nude while he photographed her in his apartment. A roommate discovered the photographs on a device owned by Smith and alerted authorities. Smith was charged criminally by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney in 2018, though Smith soon left the State of Michigan.
“The bravery of the victim and a roommate who reported this crime, combined with the dedicated work of the Cadillac Police Department, the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshall’s Office, and the Oasis Family Resource Center, ensured that this offender was held accountable and the victim received the support she needed,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to work with our partners to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse.”
Under Operation Survivor Justice, Smith was arrested in Seattle, Washington in February of this year and extradited to Michigan to face these charges. The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
Michigan
Warren police officer arraigned on charge of embezzlement
Jack Barnes, 29, a Warren police officer, was arraigned on an embezzlement charge related to on-duty conduct with the Police Explorer Program, a charitable organization dedicated to youth interested in law enforcement. Barnes was one of the associate advisors of the Explorer Post.
In July 2025, a senior command officer reported a financial discrepancy after the Police Explorer Post finalized a charity event. The Warren Police Department referred the matter to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office for investigation, leading to a warrant request on an embezzlement charge. Barnes is currently on administrative leave.
It is alleged that on or about Friday, July 4, 2025, Barnes misappropriated funds from the Police Explorer Program, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
On Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, Barnes was arraigned before Judge Joseph Craigen Oster at the 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores, MI and charged with Embezzlement, $200 or More but Less than $1,000 from a Non-Profit or Charitable Organization, a 5-year felony.
Judge Oster set a $5,000 personal bond for Barnes. Judge Oster included conditions of not leaving the state and no contact with the complaining witness. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the 40th District Court.
Michigan
Man pleads no contest to charges including assault with intent to murder
Steven Cole, 33, of Clinton Township, pled no contest to charges related to the shooting of his neighbor in April of 2024, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, Steven Cole appeared for a final pre-trial conference before Judge Julie Gatti at the Macomb County Circuit Court. At this hearing, he pled no contest to the following charges Assault with Intent to Murder, a life or any term of years felony; Weapons – Firearms – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony; Two counts of Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to main charge.
Cole is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. before Judge Gatti.
It is alleged that on April 25, 2024, Cole confronted his neighbor in the parking lot of the apartment building where Cole, his girlfriend and the neighbor lived. Cole believed the neighbor was involved with Cole’s girlfriend. Cole shot the neighbor two times in the thigh. The neighbor recovered from his injuries.
Michigan
Woman convicted of 2 felonies following guilty plea for embezzlement
In the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County before Judge James Jamo on Oct. 23, Anne Minard, 38, of Bath Township, pled guilty to two felony charges pursuant to a plea agreement, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Minard was charged in December of 2024 with multiple felonies, including conducting a criminal enterprise, for her role in allegedly misappropriating funds from three non-profit organizations and two political action committees tied to former Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield.
Minard pled guilty today to one count each of embezzlement — $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 — from a non-profit or charitable organization for embezzling funds from the Peninsula Fund, and filing a false tax return. As a condition of the plea agreement, Minard has agreed to provide truthful testimony in future hearings.
Minard is additionally required to pay full restitution for amounts owed to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Minard will next appear before the 30th Circuit Court for sentencing on December 3.
Tennessee
Ex-state rep sentenced to 8 months in prison in corruption case
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former state lawmaker whose testimony under a plea deal about a taxpayer-funded mail business scheme helped prosecutors land the conviction of a former Tennessee House speaker has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
Former state Rep. Robin Smith, a Republican who had pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud more than 3 1/2 years ago, said during her sentencing hearing that she had “failed the trust of the public,” the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.
“My mom and dad raised me to be much better than this,” Smith, 62, said Friday in Nashville federal court before U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson. “I ask for the forgiveness of the public.”
Smith must report to prison by Jan. 5.
As part of her March 2022 plea, Smith agreed to the “full, complete and truthful” cooperation with the federal government, the newspaper said. She testified earlier this year at the public corruption trial of former Speaker Rep. Glen Casada and his onetime chief of staff, Cade Cothren.
A jury in May found Casada guilty of 17 of 19 charges while Cothren was found guilty of all 19 counts against him. In September, Richardson acquitted Casada and Cothren of three of those counts each but let stand 14 for Casada and 16 for Cothren.
The judge then sentenced Casada to three years in prison and Cothren to 2 1/2 years.
The corruption trial involved activities after Casada resigned as speaker in 2019 following a no-confidence vote by fellow Republicans due to swirling scandals, but while he was still a lawmaker. Cothren had stepped down in 2019 from his job amid allegations.
Government prosecutors said that Cothren launched a company called Phoenix Solutions with the knowledge and support of Casada and Smith that the three claimed was run by a “Matthew Phoenix,” and companies controlled by Casada and Smith received roughly $52,000 in taxpayer money in 2020 from a mailer program for lawmakers.
A “Matthew Phoenix” signature ended up on an IRS tax document. A purported associate of that fictitious person was portrayed by Casada’s then-girlfriend, prosecutors said. The goal was to use the state-funded assignments to launch into more lucrative business, according to prosecutors.
Smith testified at this year’s trial that the goal of the scheme was to hide who was behind Phoenix Solutions due to the “radioactive” scandal that pushed Casada and Cothren out of power.
During the trial, defense attorneys tried to portray Smith as untrustworthy and driven by hopes for a lenient sentence.
Richardson said Friday that Smith was more involved than Casada in propping up the company, pressuring public officials and “spinning a web of fabrications,” the Times Free Press reported.
“We have these public officials,” the judge said. “We elect them to do the right thing.”
Former police officer charged with allegedly falsifying salvage vehicle inspections
Former Lincoln Township Police Department Detective Lieutenant Johnathan Chase, 54, of Stevensville, was arraigned on October 22 by Judge Charles LaSata of the 5th District Court in St. Joseph on multiple felony charges for allegedly falsifying salvage vehicle inspections, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Chase has been charged with eight counts of False Certification, each a 1 to 5-year felony; two counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a 7-year felony; and One count of Misconduct in Office, a 5-year felony.
“Salvage vehicle inspections are vital to protecting residents from stolen or unsafe vehicles on our roads,” Nessel said. “When law enforcement officers abuse their authority and compromise that process, they not only betray public trust but also put innocent owners at risk. I appreciate the Michigan State Police for bringing this matter to our attention, and we will continue to hold those who misuse their positions accountable.”
Salvage vehicle inspections are conducted to ensure that vehicles extensively damaged or reconstructed with parts from other sources are safe and that their components are not traced to stolen vehicles. Officers performing these inspections must certify the origin of all parts. Chase, who was the sole officer responsible for salvage vehicle certifications within the Lincoln Township Police Department, reportedly submitted multiple falsified salvage inspection forms to the Michigan Department of State.
The Michigan State Police Southwest Commercial Auto Recovery Team (SCAR) investigated this matter and referred the case to the Department of Attorney General’s Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team.
Chase will next appear before the 5th District Court on October 31st.
The FORCE Team was 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 unit full time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The FORCE team 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.
Michigan
Man sentenced for committing child sexually abusive activity
Edward Eugene Smith, 35, formerly of Cadillac and most recently residing in Seattle, Wash., was sentenced Oct. 23 to 10-30 years’ incarceration by visiting Judge Bill Fagerman in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County for crimes committed in 2018 against a then-14-year-old victim, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Smith pled no contest in September to one count each of Child Sexually Abusive Activity, Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, and Using a Computer to Commit Child Sexually Abusive Activity.
In 2018, then-28-year-old Smith contrived a scenario to convince a 14-year-old high school student to pose partially nude while he photographed her in his apartment. A roommate discovered the photographs on a device owned by Smith and alerted authorities. Smith was charged criminally by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney in 2018, though Smith soon left the State of Michigan.
“The bravery of the victim and a roommate who reported this crime, combined with the dedicated work of the Cadillac Police Department, the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshall’s Office, and the Oasis Family Resource Center, ensured that this offender was held accountable and the victim received the support she needed,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to work with our partners to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse.”
Under Operation Survivor Justice, Smith was arrested in Seattle, Washington in February of this year and extradited to Michigan to face these charges. The Operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
Michigan
Warren police officer arraigned on charge of embezzlement
Jack Barnes, 29, a Warren police officer, was arraigned on an embezzlement charge related to on-duty conduct with the Police Explorer Program, a charitable organization dedicated to youth interested in law enforcement. Barnes was one of the associate advisors of the Explorer Post.
In July 2025, a senior command officer reported a financial discrepancy after the Police Explorer Post finalized a charity event. The Warren Police Department referred the matter to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office for investigation, leading to a warrant request on an embezzlement charge. Barnes is currently on administrative leave.
It is alleged that on or about Friday, July 4, 2025, Barnes misappropriated funds from the Police Explorer Program, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
On Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, Barnes was arraigned before Judge Joseph Craigen Oster at the 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores, MI and charged with Embezzlement, $200 or More but Less than $1,000 from a Non-Profit or Charitable Organization, a 5-year felony.
Judge Oster set a $5,000 personal bond for Barnes. Judge Oster included conditions of not leaving the state and no contact with the complaining witness. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the 40th District Court.
Michigan
Man pleads no contest to charges including assault with intent to murder
Steven Cole, 33, of Clinton Township, pled no contest to charges related to the shooting of his neighbor in April of 2024, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, Steven Cole appeared for a final pre-trial conference before Judge Julie Gatti at the Macomb County Circuit Court. At this hearing, he pled no contest to the following charges Assault with Intent to Murder, a life or any term of years felony; Weapons – Firearms – Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony; Two counts of Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to main charge.
Cole is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. before Judge Gatti.
It is alleged that on April 25, 2024, Cole confronted his neighbor in the parking lot of the apartment building where Cole, his girlfriend and the neighbor lived. Cole believed the neighbor was involved with Cole’s girlfriend. Cole shot the neighbor two times in the thigh. The neighbor recovered from his injuries.
Michigan
Woman convicted of 2 felonies following guilty plea for embezzlement
In the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County before Judge James Jamo on Oct. 23, Anne Minard, 38, of Bath Township, pled guilty to two felony charges pursuant to a plea agreement, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Minard was charged in December of 2024 with multiple felonies, including conducting a criminal enterprise, for her role in allegedly misappropriating funds from three non-profit organizations and two political action committees tied to former Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield.
Minard pled guilty today to one count each of embezzlement — $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 — from a non-profit or charitable organization for embezzling funds from the Peninsula Fund, and filing a false tax return. As a condition of the plea agreement, Minard has agreed to provide truthful testimony in future hearings.
Minard is additionally required to pay full restitution for amounts owed to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Minard will next appear before the 30th Circuit Court for sentencing on December 3.
Tennessee
Ex-state rep sentenced to 8 months in prison in corruption case
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former state lawmaker whose testimony under a plea deal about a taxpayer-funded mail business scheme helped prosecutors land the conviction of a former Tennessee House speaker has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
Former state Rep. Robin Smith, a Republican who had pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud more than 3 1/2 years ago, said during her sentencing hearing that she had “failed the trust of the public,” the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.
“My mom and dad raised me to be much better than this,” Smith, 62, said Friday in Nashville federal court before U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson. “I ask for the forgiveness of the public.”
Smith must report to prison by Jan. 5.
As part of her March 2022 plea, Smith agreed to the “full, complete and truthful” cooperation with the federal government, the newspaper said. She testified earlier this year at the public corruption trial of former Speaker Rep. Glen Casada and his onetime chief of staff, Cade Cothren.
A jury in May found Casada guilty of 17 of 19 charges while Cothren was found guilty of all 19 counts against him. In September, Richardson acquitted Casada and Cothren of three of those counts each but let stand 14 for Casada and 16 for Cothren.
The judge then sentenced Casada to three years in prison and Cothren to 2 1/2 years.
The corruption trial involved activities after Casada resigned as speaker in 2019 following a no-confidence vote by fellow Republicans due to swirling scandals, but while he was still a lawmaker. Cothren had stepped down in 2019 from his job amid allegations.
Government prosecutors said that Cothren launched a company called Phoenix Solutions with the knowledge and support of Casada and Smith that the three claimed was run by a “Matthew Phoenix,” and companies controlled by Casada and Smith received roughly $52,000 in taxpayer money in 2020 from a mailer program for lawmakers.
A “Matthew Phoenix” signature ended up on an IRS tax document. A purported associate of that fictitious person was portrayed by Casada’s then-girlfriend, prosecutors said. The goal was to use the state-funded assignments to launch into more lucrative business, according to prosecutors.
Smith testified at this year’s trial that the goal of the scheme was to hide who was behind Phoenix Solutions due to the “radioactive” scandal that pushed Casada and Cothren out of power.
During the trial, defense attorneys tried to portray Smith as untrustworthy and driven by hopes for a lenient sentence.
Richardson said Friday that Smith was more involved than Casada in propping up the company, pressuring public officials and “spinning a web of fabrications,” the Times Free Press reported.
“We have these public officials,” the judge said. “We elect them to do the right thing.”
