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Investigation into Michigan State Rep. Neil Friske transfers to AG Dana Nessel's office following June incident involving allegations of sexual assault and weapons violations.
LANSING, Mich. -- The investigation into Michigan state Rep. Neil Friske has been transferred to the state Attorney General's office from Ingham County prosecutors, expanding the scope of the probe into allegations of sexual assault and weapons violations.
Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane announced the transfer, citing the Attorney General's broader jurisdictional authority as the reason for the move. The case stems from a June 20 incident where Lansing police responded to reports of gunfire.
"Given the statewide jurisdiction of the Attorney General, I believe their office is best situated to handle the case at this point," Dewane said in a statement.
Law enforcement found Friske, a Republican from Charlevoix, in the 2100 block of Forest Road in Lansing at approximately 2:45 a.m. During their investigation, police uncovered potential evidence of sexual assault, according to statements from Dewane's office.
The first-term representative, who serves portions of five northern Michigan counties, spent one night in jail. Police indicated he could face three felony charges related to sexual assault, weapons violations, and assault, though no formal charges have been filed.
Friske maintains his innocence. "What I can say is that the police were called, resulting in being detained due to false accusations," Friske said in a June statement. "However, upon initial investigation, no evidence was found to support the claims, and I was subsequently released with no charges. I am confident that this investigation will totally exonerate me."
The investigation's transfer to Attorney General Dana Nessel's office comes as Friske prepares to complete his final months in office. He lost his bid for reelection in August's Republican primary to Parker Fairbairn and will serve through December 31, 2024.
