MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMAIL NEWSLETTER | | |
Dear Macomb County Residents, | |
As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for entrusting me with the honor of serving as your Macomb County Prosecutor for a second term. Your support is humbling, and I remain committed to upholding your trust in me and my dedicated team.
This year, our office has achieved significant milestones in ensuring justice, protecting victims, and enhancing public safety across Macomb County. From implementing innovative diversion programs, using modern technology to prosecute modern crimes, strengthening support services for victims of crime, we are making strides in fostering a safer and more just community.
Looking ahead, our goals remain ambitious. Our focus will remain on combating violent crime, and expanding outreach efforts. A top priority is the expansion of crime prevention programs in partnership with schools and community organizations. These initiatives aim to reduce juvenile crimes, tackle the root causes of crime, and lower recidivism rates before they become adults. Together, we can build on our successes and create a brighter tomorrow for Macomb County.
As we celebrate this season of joy and togetherness, I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. May the coming year bring peace and prosperity to you and our community.
Thank you for your unwavering support. It is truly a privilege to serve you.
Sincerely,
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido with a Holiday Message | |
Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours | |
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido Sworn In for Second Term | |
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido was officially sworn in for his second term as Prosecutor on Monday, November 25, 2024. The oath of office was administered by Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge James Biernat, Jr., in a ceremony held at the Macomb County Circuit Court.
Prosecutor Lucido, who was re-elected by Macomb County voters in November, will serve another four-year term. He expressed gratitude to the community for their continued trust and pledged to uphold justice with integrity and fairness.
“I am deeply honored to serve the people of Macomb County for another term,” said Prosecutor Lucido. “Our office remains committed to protecting our community, seeking justice for victims, and ensuring fairness for all under the law. Together, we will continue to build a safer and stronger Macomb County.”
During his first term, Prosecutor Lucido spearheaded initiatives to improve public safety, increase transparency, and ensure justice for all residents. He established modern units for modern crimes including the Conviction Integrity Unit which exonerated an innocent man in 2023, the Hate Crimes Unit to address offenses committed against individuals or groups due to their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics, a Major Crimes Unit who reviews and prosecutes serious offenses such as homicides, and other violent crimes, and a Warrant Review Unit that provides crime victims an opportunity for a second review of denied warrant requests.
As he begins his second term in January, Prosecutor Lucido plans to expand programs focused on crime prevention by enhancing partnerships with schools, and community organizations to implement initiatives aimed at reducing youth involvement in criminal activities, addressing the root causes of crime and reducing recidivism.
In the area of restorative justice, Lucido is committed to prioritizing healing for victims, accountability for offenders, and repairing harm to the community through proven diversion programs and specialty courts. By incorporating such practices, the Prosecutor’s Office aims to reduce recidivism and offer meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.
To foster stronger community engagement, Lucido intends to increase transparency and dialogue with residents through telephone town hall events, educational events and community outreach. These efforts will ensure that the Prosecutor’s Office remains accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of Macomb County citizens while building trust and cooperation between the public and the justice system.
At the core of these initiatives is a continued dedication to prosecutorial excellence and accountability. This involves the use of advanced technology to streamline the processing of digital evidence, improve communication with police agencies and courts and a commitment to fair and impartial application of the law. Through these efforts, Prosecutor Lucido aims to ensure that justice is served effectively and equitably for all members of the Macomb County community.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is dedicated to upholding the laws of the State of Michigan, protecting the rights of all citizens, and pursuing justice in every case.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido on the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Accomplishments | |
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Launches Informative TV Show, “Need to Know with Peter J. Lucido” | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to announce the debut of its new television program, Need to Know with Peter J. Lucido. Hosted by Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, the series aims to provide residents with a comprehensive look at the inner workings of the Prosecutor’s Office and the broader criminal justice system.
The show spotlights various specialized units within the Prosecutor’s Office, offering an in-depth exploration of their roles, achievements, and contributions to public safety in Macomb County. From tackling hate crimes, addressing domestic violence to explaining the consequences of juvenile crimes, Need to Know will provide valuable resources and guidance for residents affected by these and other crimes. The first two episodes are airing now and focuses on the new Hate Crimes Unit and the Domestic Violence Unit. View here.
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“Our mission with Need to Know is to increase transparency and foster trust within our community,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “By shedding light on how our office operates and the support we provide, we hope to empower Macomb County residents with the information they need to feel safe and confident in their justice system.”
In addition to educational content, the show aims to build stronger connections with the community by demonstrating the Prosecutor’s Office’s dedication to serving and protecting Macomb County residents.
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The series is available to view on city cable stations, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Facebook Account, YouTube Channel, website or see below. Residents are encouraged to tune in to gain a clearer understanding of how the Prosecutor’s Office works for them. Together, through awareness and education, we can create a safer, more informed community.
For additional information about Need to Know with Peter J. Lucido or the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, please visit https://macombgov.org/prosecutor.
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“Need to Know with Peter J. Lucido: Hate Crimes" | |
"Need to Know With Peter J. Lucido: Domestic Violence" | |
Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Conviction Integrity Unit Reflects on Healing Justice Training and Commitment to Remedying Wrongful Convictions | |
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) attorneys recently participated in an in-depth training with Healing Justice, a specialized organization that address the individual and systemic impact of wrongful convictions.
Healing Justice is a unique national nonprofit organization that utilizes restorative justice and justice reform to provide healing to individuals and families harmed by wrongful convictions, while preventing future harm. The organization was founded by Jennifer Thompson, a crime survivor, whose case was overturned more than a decade after the trial and conviction when DNA evidence proved the wrong man had been convicted. Her experience led to the formation of this important group. Much of the work of the organization is to facilitate healing of the wrongfully convicted and the original victim of the underlying crime. To learn more about Healing Justice and its work, visit https://healingjusticeproject.org.
The training by Healing Justice is vital to wrongful conviction/innocence work. The exoneree and victim have both been traumatized and need support at the time of exoneration and afterward. The Healing Justice training provided the CIU a better foundation to understand the complex psychological dynamics of the exoneree and victim when an exoneration occurs. After the training, the CIU is better prepared to apply a trauma informed and victim-centered approach to its work.
"I established the Conviction Integrity Unit to ensure that justice is served for everyone involved, not just the exoneree," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "Wrongful convictions harm countless lives, from the innocent individual to their loved ones, victims, and the community. By carefully reviewing claims of innocence and understanding the broader impact, we are committed to remedying these injustices."
The Macomb County's CIU's mission is to investigate claims of factual innocence and determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence that a convicted individual played no role in the crime. The Unit was started by Prosecutor Lucido in 2022 and has had one exoneration. For more information on the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit, visit https://www.macombgov.org/CIU.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Marks One Year of Case Management System, Aiming to Modernize Justice | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of a new case management system that has streamlined its operations, making justice more accessible and efficient for the communities it serves. The Prosecutor by Karpel system, implemented in August 2023, has transformed how cases are processed, facilitating real-time communication and reducing delays.
"Implementing this new case management system has been a game changer for our office and the communities we serve," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "It allows us to process cases more efficiently, provide real-time support to crime victims, and improve communication across agencies. This is about making justice more accessible, responsive, and streamlined."
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office was among Michigan's first counties to adopt this system, joining a growing list of now 40 counties statewide, with more expected to implement the system. This system enables detectives to submit warrant requests and share police reports electronically, a shift that has accelerated the process of warrant reviews across various units, including the Auto Unit, General Warrant Unit, Drug Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, and Child Protection Unit. The office is now processing warrants at record speeds.
Detectives can electronically submit warrant requests, retrieve court packets for filing and see all of their upcoming court hearings. Subpoenas are now available to detectives through an eSubpoena portal within 24 hours of a district court notifying the Prosecutor’s Office. Discovery is provided to defense attorneys faster than ever before.
Lucido underscored that the new system has "increased efficiency and reduced reliance on outdated, paper-based methods." The system also enhances coordination with other law enforcement and court entities, aligning resources to ensure swift, transparent service for all parties involved.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Senior Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit Sets Record for Number of Cases Authorized | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Senior Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit has achieved exceptional efficiency in processing warrant requests and prosecuting those who prey on our seniors with schemes and financial crimes.
On November 7, 2024, the Senior Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit had only five pending warrant requests, a remarkable improvement from previous years when requests for senior and consumer charges often accumulated before Lucido took office.
"Thanks to the relentless dedication of our Senior Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit, we’ve achieved a level of efficiency that is truly unprecedented. We’re ensuring that seniors and those suffering from consumer crimes get the justice they deserve without delay. These are some of our most vulnerable community members, and we’re committed to standing up for them, holding offenders accountable, and bringing them the peace of mind they deserve," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Senior Crimes and Consumer Protection Unit, staffed by two dedicated assistant prosecuting attorneys, handles a wide range of cases. These include misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail, as well as serious felonies such as Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult of $100,000 or more, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
From January to October 2024, the Unit authorized 298 charges, continuing an upward trend in the number of warrant requests approved. This follows 309 charges authorized in 2023, a significant increase from 85 in 2022, 55 in 2021 and only 40 in 2020.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has also launched a proactive initiative to protect seniors from scams. Prosecutor Lucido and his team are providing seniors with the critical information and resources they need to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. The initiative includes in-person presentations by Prosecutor Lucido and the "S.C.A.M.S. Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors" booklet.
For more information about SCAM awareness presentations and details on upcoming events, please visit https://macombgov.org/scams.
If you would like to schedule a Senior S.C.A.M.S. awareness presentation for your group or organization, please contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or at heather.esposito@macombgov.org.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido Highlights the Family Division's Efforts in Collecting Back Child Support for Macomb County Children | |
Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors (SCAMS) | |
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is urging seniors to stay alert to the rise in scams targeting them. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has established a dedicated senior crime unit to safeguard older adults, and Prosecutor Lucido regularly hosts presentations aimed at educating seniors on how to avoid falling victim to scams.
If you are interested in hosting a Senior SCAMS presentation for your group or at your location, please contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or via email at heather.esposito@macombgov.org. Presentations can be scheduled at your convenience. More information on SCAMS.
View a Video of Prosecutor Lucido Conducting a SCAMS Presentation
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Therapy dog, Peanut the Prosecutor, comes from the Canine Advocacy Program in connection with CARE House to help survivors of trauma participate in the Criminal Justice System. Canine Advocacy Program (CAP) helps child survivors of trauma and abuse alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress associated with being involved in the criminal justice system. Thanks to the donation by Leader Dogs For the Blind and training provided by Canine Advocates Program funding does not come from tax dollars. | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Click here for a full list of press releases and news. | |
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We Want to Hear From You! | |
What do you think the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office should be doing or doing better? Contact Dawn Fraylick at (586) 586-469-5737 or Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org and give us your thoughts. | |
If you would like Prosecutor Lucido to attend a special occasion or speak at a special event, please contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or Heather.Esposito@macombgov.org | | | | |
