LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Unions representing the rank and file of the Michigan State Police and Republican leaders are calling for the quick resignations of MSP’s prime two officers, Col. James Grady and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe.
These calls for his or her resignation come after two union surveys revealed that almost all of sworn MSP troopers and command don’t have any confidence within the management of Grady, who was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Brimacombe, who was appointed by Grady.
In Might, the Michigan State Police Troopers Affiliation despatched its practically 1200 members a single query: “Do you have confidence in the leadership of Col. James Brady and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe?”
Greater than 75% responded, with 98.48% – 1,167 of 1,185 troopers – saying that they had no confidence. Solely 20 troopers mentioned they accredited of management.
Then, greater than 90% of members within the Michigan State Police Command Officers Affiliation (MSPCOA) additionally forged “no confidence” ballots in opposition to the management.
Throughout a public listening to earlier than the Home Oversight Committee assembly July 1, Grady was confronted with nameless statements of worry over retaliation contained within the company’s personal Worker Satisfaction Survey. State Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) learn the quotes.
These surveys got here after union leaders filed ethics complaints in opposition to each Grady and Brimacombe had been elevated to their present posts.
Republican State Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), chair of the Michigan Republican Occasion, on June 22, “demanded” a felony investigation by the Michigan Division of Legal professional Common into accusations Brimacombe used her state-owned 2015 black Buick Regal for private enterprise from November 2020 by way of April 2021.
Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) (Courtesy Photograph Workplace of Sen. Jim Runestad)
A spokesperson for the Division of the Legal professional Common confirmed the letter had been obtained and was being reviewed.
Others complain that Grady misled investigators about his function in a promotions scandal in Flint and for a perceived rush to judgment in opposition to a trooper accused of involuntary manslaughter after he drove over a suspect throughout a pursuit with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Michigan State Police Col. James Grady. (WLNS)
Brimacombe has been accused of pushing for felony prices for using extreme drive by two troopers in Shiawassee County and for approving a payout to the sufferer in that case. The payout was simply $1 lower than the $1 million threshold that may require gubernatorial overview. The payout was to the sufferer within the alleged extreme drive case, and that sufferer was a household pal, a lawsuit filed by the 2 troopers alleged.
Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe (Courtesy photograph MSP)
Grady was appointed by Whitmer in 2023. He had labored for the division since 1998, rising by way of roles that included detective, assistant commander and commander. Colonel is the highest command place within the MSP.
In December 2023, Grady promoted Brimacombe from first lieutenant, overseeing the MSP’s Threat Administration Division, to lieutenant colonel and his chief deputy.
Since their promotions, each leaders have been cleared of moral and authorized wrongdoing by MSP investigators and state ethics officers.
Even earlier than Grady and Brimacombe assumed command, the MSP had been roiled with discontent for at the least 5 years as troopers had sued, alleging retaliation and discrimination.
For 10 months, the 6 Information Investigates Staff has been reviewing a case of alleged gender discrimination inside the MSP Lakeview Submit particularly and all through the sixth District normally.
However the civil rights lawsuit filed by former Trooper Megan Moryc, who has twice been fired by MSP regardless of being restored to responsibility by an arbitrator and the courts, isn’t the primary authorized struggle the company has confronted from troopers lately.
Moryc contends in her lawsuit, which is being delayed whereas she finds new counsel, that MSP systematically discriminated in opposition to her over a number of years primarily based on her gender. The case additionally alleges that MSP retaliated in opposition to her for submitting complaints of discrimination inside the company.
Megan Moryc, then married, in an interview with HOM-TV in 2016 throughout her Michigan State Police Coaching Academy. (Courtesy HOM-TV. WLNS)
Former Michigan State Police Trooper Megan Moryc throughout an interview with 6 Information Investigates in 2024. (WLNS)
Some claims are too late
Moryc v MSP register of actionsDownload
Moryc’s unique lawsuit was filed in Eaton County Circuit Court docket on June 28, 2024. On Oct. 2, Eaton County Circuit Decide Kelly E. Morton dismissed a lot of that grievance as a result of these points of the swimsuit addressed occasions that had been filed exterior the state’s statute of limitations, which stipulates the state have to be notified of a declare by way of the Michigan Court docket of Claims inside 6 months of the incident.
Morton did permit that Moryc’s claims of illegal retaliation for reporting discrimination primarily based on intercourse might proceed. However the allegations particular to the discrimination, courting again years, had been barred as a result of they exceeded the 6-month most.
In that listening to, Morton dominated that “there are sufficient allegations in the complaint to proceed on retaliation claim,” and that “ a genuine issue of material fact as to what constitutes an adverse employment action and as to causal connection.”
Among the many claims Morton allowed to proceed are claims of a perjury allegation, investigation and suspension, in addition to termination, which had been all a part of a retaliation in opposition to Moryc over allegations of sexual harassment whereas on the MSP Submit in Lakeview.
Moryc had been represented by Patrick O’Keefe of the O’Keefe Legislation Agency in Delta Township, however final month he withdrew as counsel, arguing there had been an irreparable breakdown within the attorney-client relationship. Moryc has till July 11 to rent a brand new legal professional or proceed with the case representing herself.
She advised 6 Information this week she has retained civil rights legal professional Liz Abdnour, though an look by the legal professional has not but been filed in court docket.
Over the approaching days, the 6 Information Investigates Staff will reveal a collection of studies concerning the sexualized nature of the Lakeview Submit and Moryc’s battle with the state’s prime legislation enforcement company, internally and externally.
Present and former MSP officers, legislation enforcement officers who labored intently with the company, legal professionals, and politicians, have mentioned Moryc’s battle is a microcosm of the turbulence contained in the company.
“It’s pretty clear the Professional Standards Section has indeed been weaponized against members who seem to be targeted for reasons other than the crimes or policy violations they’re accused of,” retired MSP Inspector Mike Hahn wrote in an electronic mail to six Information. Hahn was second accountable for the seventh District and served below retired MSP Capt. Michael Caldwell. Each males sued MSP for racial discrimination and retaliation in federal court docket. These circumstances had been dismissed.
“Based on what I know about her case it would certainly appear so, especially in light of similar cases over the last six years. It’s pretty clear the Professional Standards Section has indeed been weaponized against members who seem to be targeted for reasons other than the crimes or policy violations they’re accused of. It certainly reminds me of Lavrentiy Beria’s phrase, ‘Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime.’This atmosphere began when Governor Whitmer’s DEI policies were forced upon the department via Ret. Col. Joseph Gasper in 2020. Double-standards and corresponding demotions and firings began then and may have actually increased under this administration, which in my opinion, is the most non-transparent in department history. Merit and trust have gone out the window at MSP and troopers are unhappy and rightfully afraid. That sentiment was clearly evidenced in a recent MSPTA/COA opinion poll. When troopers feel afraid of their leaders, they feel afraid to do their jobs, and that endangers the public.”
Insp. Mike Hahn (ret.) Asst. Commander, seventh Dist.
For his half, Caldwell, who can also be retired, declined a full interview with the 6 Information Investigates Staff, however he did share the next assertion concerning the allegations of Moryc’s alleged perjury:
“This latest case is one more instance of the MSP weaponizing administrative and felony processes in opposition to its personal members to suppress dissent inside their ranks and advance political agendas that align with their most popular narratives.“Despite a long and growing list of their actions being overturned by the courts, they persist because the process itself is the punishment. Without significant leadership changes at the top and to the organizational structure of the agency, trooper morale and support will remain at virtually zero.”
Capt. Mike Caldwell (Ret.)Former Captain of the MSP seventh District
GOP leaders demand motion
The resignation calls for for Grady and Brimacombe come after the high-profile felony prosecutions of Grand Rapids Police Officer Chris Schurr and Det. Sgt. Brian Keely.
Schurr was charged with second-degree homicide within the capturing dying of motorist Patrick Lyoya in Grand Rapids in 2022.
However on Might 8, a jury deadlocked, and a mistrial was referred to as. Prosecutors introduced they might not pursue a brand new trial.
Keely was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he struck and killed a suspect along with his unmarked automobile whereas serving as a part of a federal activity drive searching for fugitives. The case was moved to federal court docket, and the fees had been dismissed.
Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) has been main a year-long inquiry into faltering morale within the division, a information launch from his workplace studies. That inquiry has included interviews with troopers.
“An overwhelming majority of our troopers have made their voices loud and clear,” Mueller mentioned in response to the surveys. “They don’t have any confidence within the present management.
“It is corrupt, dishonest, and doesn’t keep the best interest of its own troopers in mind. If they have any shame, Grady and Brimacombe should resign right now.”
Gongwer Information reported on Tuesday that MSP officers are difficult subpoenas issued to numerous troopers by the Home Oversight Committee.
A letter from Assistant Legal professional Common Eric Jamison challenges the subpoenas by the committee on a number of fronts. The subscription e-newsletter focuses on reporting on state authorities operations and affairs. The legal professional argued the subpoenas didn’t present the themes with due course of, nor sufficient data to know what, if any, confidential or protected data these being deposed could also be requested about.
“Individual employees are not authorized to unilaterally decide for MSP what privileges or other statutory protections, if any, may be invoked or waived or, relatedly, what information is otherwise protected from disclosure by applicable law on behalf of MSP,” the letter says. “The method outlined by the Home guidelines locations MSP staff within the untenable place of being pressured to make selections about disclosures they might not be licensed or legally in a position to make.
The Home Oversight Committee has been conducting investigations into morale and moral points inside the MSP’s prime management. It is also been investigating election coaching supplies and data, resulting in a subpoena battle with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat.
“An astounding majority of over 1,000 of Michigan’s finest have said that they have no confidence in their leaders. It has become alarmingly clear that Col. Grady and Lt. Col. Brimacombe’s failed leadership has disparaged the reputation of the Michigan State Police,” Sen. Runestad said in a statement sent to 6 News. “I demand they step down immediately and urge the governor to relieve them of their duties if they do not resign voluntarily.”
Runestad was joined by Republican Senate Chief Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), a Republican candidate for governor.
“The MSP troopers’ vote is a damning indictment of the present administration. It’s simple that this is absolutely the worst management our state police has ever seen and utterly unacceptable for the troopers and public they serve.
“There needs to be a change at the top and that change needs to happen immediately. Col. Grady must step down or the governor must relieve him of his duties.”
Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), emailed assertion
Help for leaders
Throughout all of this, representatives for Whitmer and the MSP advised 6 Information Investigates they stand behind the division’s leaders.
Shanon Banner, spokesperson for MSP, despatched 6 Information the next assertion: “Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. James F. Grady II and his management group present unwavering assist to division members and are pleased with the general public security providers delivered on daily basis to the general public and our legislation enforcement companions throughout the state.
Michigan State Police Communications Director Shanon Banner. (Courtesy Photograph, MSP. WLNS)
“It has been a priority for Colonel Grady to conduct in-person visits to MSP worksites to listen to member feedback. During these visits, he’s engaged in meaningful conversations, including seeking input from the membership about morale and opportunities for areas of improvement. “Under Colonel Grady’s leadership, the department has continued to invest in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment and improved technology. Further, dozens of new troopers joined the ranks last month and this year’s proposed budget includes pay raises for troopers and sergeants.“Colonel Grady remains committed to supporting the dedicated, hardworking men and women of the MSP and is focused on moving the department forward while maintaining the department’s proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity and courtesy.”
Shanon Banner, MSP spokesperson, assertion
And from the workplace of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, there was this assertion of assist: Stacey LaRouche of the governor’s press workplace:
“Colonel Grady has demonstrated strong and steady leadership at the helm of the Michigan State Police. He has worked his way up through the ranks over 25 years, putting public safety first and keeping our communities safe. Thanks to the work of Colonel Grady and troopers across the state, in partnership with local law enforcement, Michigan has seen major drops in violent crime recently. He’s also had troopers’ backs by fighting for pay raises for the men and women who risk their life every day to keep our state safe. We have full confidence in Colonel Grady to continue getting the job done.”
Stacey LaRouche, emailed assertion from the workplace of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Not the one case
Moryc’s case isn’t the one authorized problem 6 Information Investigates encountered. 6 Information was the primary to report that seven MSP troopers had been suing the state for allegations of state and federal civil rights violations in August 2024. These claims come up from a promotion scandal on the Flint Submit.
O’Keefe individually is suing Brimacombe on behalf of two different troopers. On Sept. 23, 2024, Troopers Cody Lukas and Justin Simpson allege that Brimacombe, whereas heading the company’s danger administration part, coerced Shiawassee County Prosecutor Scott Koerner into submitting prices in opposition to them for an incident involving a pal of Brimacombe’s household.
Lukas was charged with a felony, misconduct in workplace, and a misdemeanor assault and battery. Simpson was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.
The felony circumstances had been subsequently dismissed by Koerner after the district court docket dominated there was not possible trigger to maneuver ahead on the misconduct in workplace felony. Koerner dismissed the 2 misdemeanor prices.
Then the person who accused the 2 troopers of utilizing extreme drive filed a civil swimsuit in opposition to the division. As the top of Threat Administration on the time, Brimacombe determined which circumstances obtained settlement provides and the way a lot these provides had been for.
She “consulted” on a settlement with the person accredited by the division for one greenback lower than $1 million threshold that required a overview and approval from the governor’s workplace. An MSP Skilled Requirements investigation, the division’s inner affairs division, cleared Brimacombe of any wrongdoing, however the lawsuit in opposition to her was transferred on Oct. 10 to the Michigan Court docket of Claims.
One other perjury case
The allegations in opposition to Brimacombe usually are not the primary time she has been on the heart of a authorized controversy.
Caldwell sued MSP, alleging he was discriminated in opposition to as a result of he was white and expressed issues concerning the division’s variety objectives.
The lawsuit, filed Sept. 21, 2021, in Livingston County, alleged that Brimacombe filed a perjury grievance in opposition to Caldwell with the division’s Skilled Requirements Part, WLNS media associate WHMI reported at the moment.
That investigation resulted in a request to the Livingston County Prosecutor, Ashley Williams, to cost Caldwell with the felony. That request was denied, and MSP settled Caldwell’s lawsuit in late December 2023, The Alpena Information reported.
In 2018, First Lt. Twana Powell sued MSP, accusing the division of violating the Whistleblowers’ Safety Act in addition to discrimination primarily based on race, gender, age and incapacity.
Powell had served as the top of the division’s Inner Affairs division, which has since grow to be the Skilled Requirements Part. She alleged that when investigations into troopers’ alleged racial discrimination emerged, she obtained pushback.
In Might 2020, MSP and Powell settled the lawsuit, and she or he obtained $2 million.
Coincidentally, it was Powell who in 2017 signed off on the investigation in opposition to former Trooper Trevin Antcliff, which advisable Antcliff be suspended for 5 days for an incident of home violence in opposition to his then-wife, Nina. The 2 had been within the midst of a contentious divorce.
Moryc’s relationship with Antcliff, a former supervisor turned lover, is the thread that has led to her complaints in opposition to the division and to the division’s purpose for firing her the second time: alleged perjury in his divorce from Nina Antcliff.
Screenshot of a digital copy of the signed affidavit of Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe claiming to don’t have any “first-hand or unique knowledge” concerning the perjury investigation or Megan Moryc and allegations of retaliation by her. (WLNS)
Draft inner investigation of Moryc’s grievance accusing the MSP of retaliation by instituting a perjury investigation. (WLNS)
Screenshot of the e-mail from MSP Human Sources Director Stephanie Horton to MSP management, together with Brimacombe of the retaliation grievance. (WLNS) 
The conclusions of the inner investigation of Moryc’s retaliation grievance. (WLNS)
Nonetheless, Brimacombe filed an affidavit – a authorized doc sworn below oath with a penalty of perjury – she had no “first-hand or unique knowledge” about allegations by Moryc that the perjury investigation was an act of retaliation.
Movement-to-Quash-Subpoeanas-3.18.25Download
Emails obtained by Moryc by way of the Freedom of Data Act might elevate questions on her declare.
Brimacombe-InvolvementDownload
Moryc has alleged that the felony perjury investigation by MSP was retaliation in opposition to Moryc for having filed different complaints.
Grievance-1st-Amended-SIGNEDDownload
On January 15, 2024, Lt. Col. Brimacombe was notified by electronic mail from Stephanie Horton, Human Sources Director for the MSP, of the grievance by Moryc. The topic line was “FWD: Complaint Against Command Staff.” Horton wrote in that electronic mail, which contained Moryc’s grievance in opposition to First Lt. Nicole Bock, an investigator for the Skilled Requirements Part, this two-word physique: “For discussion.”
Bock had initiated the perjury investigation of each Moryc and Antcliff.
A subsequent report by the Skilled Requirements Part, despatched by electronic mail to commanders at MSP three days later, begins with the commentary that Capt. Cameron Henke, who reviewed the allegations, was contacted by Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe “to review an allegation against F/Lt. Nicole Bock.”
Two months later, on March 16, emails revealed that Moryc’s grievance was deemed unfounded and closed.
Banner, the spokesperson for the MSP, was requested about this data by electronic mail.
“Surface-level awareness of a matter learned through a third party does not constitute first-hand or unique knowledge,” she wrote in an electronic mail to six Information Investigates Wednesday morning.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
In the event you or somebody you understand is experiencing home or sexual violence there’s assist.
If you’re in quick hazard, name 911 or your native legislation enforcement company.
For assist associated to home violence name: 1-800-799-7233
For assist associated to sexual assault name: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
6 Information Digital Producers Shajaka Shelton, Trevor King and 6 Information Digital Content material Supervisor Duncan Phenix contributed to this report.
