“Disheartening,” says Michigan’s attorney general.
“A betrayal,” says the Ingham County sheriff.
They are talking about a laundry list of criminal charges filed today against a long-time county prosecutor.
Stuart Dunnings lll has been Ingham County’s prosecutor for nearly 20 years.
He now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Dunnings was arrested at a Lansing-area coffee shop this morning. He’s been charged with multiple prostitution-related charges, including soliciting and pandering. He’s also charged with neglect of office.
Attorney General Bill Schuette says an investigation into human trafficking uncovered that the long-time prosecutor allegedly hired prostitutes and even convinced one woman to engage in prostitution.
“He not only failed to report a crime, but worse yet, (Dunnings) committed crimes as well,” Schuette told reporters.
For much of his tenure as county prosecutor, Dunnings has worked with Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth.
Wriggelsworth appeared almost to be at a loss for words. He says the charges show a "betrayal” by Dunnings to the community.
But Wriggelsworth says the situation may not have come as a total surprise to local law enforcement.
“There has been chatter over the years … but never any proof until several months ago,” says Wriggelsworth.
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Dunnings should resign.
No comment yet from Stuart Dunnings on the charges.
