East Michigan News

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Minority Vice Chair Jim Runestad has declared his intent to introduce legislation that will penalize individuals who send unsolicited sexually explicit content through text or electronic messages following a lawsuit against a Michigan State Police detective.

"Recent events have brought to light a disturbing breach of trust within our esteemed Michigan State Police force," expressed Runestad. "In the state of Michigan, it is not a crime to send unsolicited nude photos to others, but I will soon be introducing a bill that will change that. This legislation is long overdue."

The announcement from Runestad comes in the aftermath of a lawsuit filed by a Southeast Michigan woman against an MSP detective. The woman alleges that the detective sent her unsolicited nude photos and videos after being assigned to interview her following her husband's suicide in 2020. The woman, who remained silent out of fear of potential retaliation, has been joined by four other women with similar accounts.

Regarding the detective's current status, MSP First District Headquarters Public Information Officer Lt. Rene Gonzalez stated, "We will not comment on pending litigation. We can confirm that this matter was fully investigated when it was initially brought to our attention and the employee was disciplined."

Runestad emphasized that the proposed legislation aims to equip agencies like the MSP with tools to address internal investigations and disciplinary procedures more effectively. "We cannot allow the actions of a few bad actors to tarnish the reputation of the many outstanding officers who serve within the Michigan State Police with honor and a profound sense of duty," Runestad stressed.

By demanding accountability, answers, and transparency, Runestad believes that the integrity of law enforcement agencies can be upheld, maintaining the trust of the communities they serve.