MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMAIL NEWSLETTER | | |
Dear Macomb County Residents, | |
As your Prosecutor, I am proud to share some of the recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, preventing crime, and fostering a strong, engaged community. Our office remains dedicated to upholding justice and ensuring a safer environment for everyone who calls Macomb County home.
Public safety is our top priority, and we are taking proactive steps to protect you and your loved ones. From stopping scams to preventing violence in schools, we are working tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging threats. I urge students, parents, and educators to remain vigilant in preventing bullying and violence. Reporting suspicious or violent activity through Michigan's anonymous tip line, OK2SAY, is crucial to keeping our schools safe.
With a rise in domestic violence cases, we’ve equipped our assistant prosecutors with specialized training, ensuring that we can effectively address these crimes. At the same time, we’re embracing new technology to keep crime victims informed about their cases through text message updates, making it easier for them to stay involved in the justice process.
Additionally, our office is committed to ensuring that children receive the financial support they need. We are actively addressing child support arrears across the county to help families thrive. And in our Warrant Unit, we’ve made remarkable progress—processing warrant requests for adult suspects more efficiently than ever before, despite the rising number of cases.
I thank you for your continued trust in the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office as we work together to create a safer, more secure community for all.
Sincerely,
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Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
In the Community
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Macomb County Prosecutor Offers Crime Prevention Presentations | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is offering free presentations to promote awareness and proactive steps to educate our communities in an effort to stop crime. This underscores the importance of public safety initiatives, crime prevention strategies, and community engagement to foster a safer environment for all residents of Macomb County.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office serves as the chief law enforcement agency for Macomb County, responsible for prosecuting all criminal cases in the county. The office works tirelessly to ensure justice is served, and the community remains safe through collaboration with law enforcement, and crime prevention efforts.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to implementing strategies aimed at both preventing crime and addressing its root causes. By working closely with law enforcement, schools, and community groups, Prosecutor Lucido and the entire staff of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office are prioritizing educational outreach, support services for victims, and coordinated crime-reduction efforts across the county.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in the criminal justice system. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “Our office is dedicated to ensuring that our residents have access to resources that can help them stay safe, protect their families, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. By focusing on education, outreach, and collaboration, we can make a meaningful impact in our community.”
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office provides education presentations to prevent crimes and keep Macomb County safe for everyone. If you would like to schedule any of these free presentations for your school, group or organization please contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or heather.esposito@macombgov.org. We will be happy to schedule a presentation for you.
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Stopping Violence in Schools Presentations Available: The Juvenile Unit gives free presentations to Macomb County students, focusing on the prevention of bullying, school violence and threats. These presentations educate students on the serious consequences of such actions, aims to keep teens out of the criminal justice system and discusses if you see something, say something and report potential threats confidentially through the OK2SAY program by texting 652729 or calling 8-555-OK2SAY. Parents and students can access the "Stopping Violence in Schools" guide at https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/units/juvenile-division
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Domestic Violence Prevention Presentations Available: The Domestic Violence Unit offers free presentations to Macomb County students, covering topics like the cycle of violence, reporting abuse, and the consequences of domestic violence and juvenile crimes. These sessions aim to educate students on the real-life impact of violence, help them avoid the criminal justice system, and protect them from toxic relationships. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge to recognize and prevent harmful behaviors. For more information on Domestic Violence and resources available visit https://www.macombgov.org/domesticviolence.
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Hate Crimes 101 Presentations Available: The Hate Crimes Unit has launched a Hate Crimes Awareness Program titled, “Hate Crimes 101”, which seeks to educate the public about the nature of hate crimes, their impact on victims and communities, and the importance of reporting such incidents to law enforcement. During the presentation, Hate Crime Unit Chief Patrick Coletta will discuss various aspects of hate crimes, including the definition and characteristics of hate crimes, examples of hate-motivated offenses, and procedures and resources available to victims. For more information on Hate Crimes please visit https://www.macombgov.org/hate-crimes.
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Crime Victim Services Available: The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office supports crime victims and their families through its Crime Victims Rights Unit. Professionally trained advocates assist victims throughout the justice process, offering services like help with Michigan Crime Victims Compensation, court attendance, and guidance on the criminal justice system. Victims can text “Victim” to (586) 250-4090 to request their rights and connect a Crime Victim Advocate. For more information visit https://macombgov.org/victimsrights.
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Help Collect Back Child Support or Get Back on Track with Your Child Support: The Prosecutor’s Office Family Division, in collaboration with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, focuses on enforcing financial responsibility and addressing felony child support warrants. This initiative is about accountability and compassion. By providing parents an opportunity to meet their obligations without immediately resorting to prosecution. Under Michigan law, individuals owing more than $5,000 in child support, missing three consecutive payments, and having the ability to pay may face criminal charges. To avoid possible prosecution and arrange a payment plan, individuals can contact the Family Division at (586) 493-4488 or email pafamilysupport@macombgov.org. More information is available at https://macombgov.org/childsupport.
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SCAMS Presentations Available: Prosecutor Lucido and the Senior Crime Unit offers presentations and provides an informational booklet, "S.C.A.M.S. Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors," (available at https://macombgov.org/prosecutor) detailing scams like identity theft, telemarketing, and caregiver fraud. Prosecutor Lucido aims to protect seniors by equipping them with the knowledge to avoid falling victim. Free SCAMS presentations are held throughout Macomb County, offering guidance and resources to seniors. For more information, please visit: https://macombgov.org/scams.
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The Macomb County Prosecutors' Office is Proud to Announce the Following Accomplishments | |
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- Auto Theft Unit Achieves Milestone - The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Auto Theft Unit has achieved a milestone by reducing all pending auto-related warrant requests to zero, despite handling an increased number of complex Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) cases. The Unit's progress is especially significant given the rise in CCE cases, which require more resources and involve numerous underlying crimes.
- Warrant Unit Process Faster Than Ever Before -The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Warrant Unit has significantly improved the efficiency of processing adult warrant requests, reducing the number of pending requests to record lows, despite an increase in police submissions. The Warrant Unit focuses on expediting cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies like armed robbery and assault with intent to murder.
- Record Efficiency in Drug Unit - The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Drug Unit has reduced pending drug warrant requests to a record low of just one. The swift processing of drug cases balances public safety with rehabilitation efforts like drug courts for low-level offenders and supports the fight against the opioid crisis enhancing community safety.
- Child Protection Unit Agressively Reduced Warrants -The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Child Protection Unit has reduced pending warrant requests to 15, the lowest all year, despite a rise in sexual assault cases. This unit’s efficiency and dedication, ensures quicker case resolutions for victims while holding offenders accountable.
- Child Support Collections Increased: The Family Division intensified efforts to collect child support from parents who owe $5,000 or more, successfully collecting $1.3 million for Macomb County children since last year under this new initiative, with most collections done while avoiding criminal prosecution.
- Macomb County Prosecutor Shatters Glass Ceiling: Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido hired a record number of women as assistant prosecuting attorneys, with women filling 70% of new positions in the past three years. A majority of all assistant prosecuting attorneys handling cases in the county are now women. Lucido also promoted a record number of women to lead special units within the prosecutor’s office. After implementing an objective hiring process, and a commitment to build a diverse and inclusive team to prosecute crimes and reflect the community we serve, Lucido successfully filled all assistant prosecutor positions despite a national shortage, a rarity for an office this size.
- Record Set for Fast Domestic Violence Warrant Processing: The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is processing domestic violence warrant requests more efficiently than ever, a significant improvement compared to the years before Lucido took office when warrant requests seeking domestic violence charges for out-of-custody defendants could accumulate.
- Victim services improved 67%: More Macomb County crime victims get more help. The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office increased by ⅔ the percentage of crime victims receiving crucial support services compared to 2020, the year before Lucido took office. More victims now receive victim rights services, including but not limited to assigned victim advocates, help getting restitution, hearing notices or other kinds of support.
- Criminal charge requests for juveniles reviewed faster than ever: The Juvenile Unit is now authorizing or denying petitions at an unprecedented speed, with the number of pending requests reduced to the lowest levels in recent memory, supporting the broader goal of rehabilitating young offenders and protecting vulnerable children.
- Mental Health Assessments for Gun Crime Defendants: Prosecutor Lucido started a first-in-Michigan policy requiring mental health assessments as part of bond conditions in all gun crime cases, using existing resources to provide an opportunity for mental health services before a suspect gets a chance to commit another crime with a gun.
- Hate Crimes Unit Launched: Prosecutor Lucido created a Hate Crimes Unit, securing a vital U.S. Department of Justice grant paying 100% of all its costs, a distinction granted to only 16 organizations nationwide last year. Appointed Michigan's first and only solely-dedicated hate crimes prosecutor at a county level, ensuring robust enforcement and community education.
- Conviction Integrity Unit Exoneration: Prosecutor Lucido started this unit to investigate claims of innocence as a result of clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense, and to review claims of factual innocence based on new evidence such as DNA. This unit secured an exoneration.
- Major Crimes Unit Launched: Prosecutor Lucido organized the top-ranked assistant prosecutors to focus on major crimes, and train more assistant prosecutors to handle these types of cases.
- Warrant Appeals Unit Launched: Prosecutor Lucido established the state’s first formal prosecutor’s office unit allowing domestic violence victims (and all other crime victims) and law enforcement officials to have a second review of warrant requests where charges were denied.
- Digital Evidence Management Platform Implemented: With over 800,000 pieces of digital evidence, police agencies can now upload digital evidence, which the Prosecutor’s Office reviews, and defense lawyers can download directly, resulting in “discovery” information faster than it’s ever been provided.
- Increased Internships: Our office hosted over 200 law school and college interns. Court rules permit law student interns to handle court hearings under supervision, which helps the office serve victims and expedite cases.
- Paperless Crime Victim Rights: Our office implemented the county’s first paperless system for crime victims to request rights and notifications via text message or online.
- Police Training Provided: Regular training sessions by assistant prosecutors are conducted for every police agency in Macomb County, including updates on recent court cases.
- Enhanced Auto Theft Unit: Addressed a surge in attacks on car dealerships and manufacturing plants, prosecuting more continuing criminal enterprise cases in the past two years than in the previous decade, resulting in over $800,000 in restitution.
- Record number of national good government awards received: The National Association of Counties (NaCO) presented 26 awards to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office during Lucido’s tenure. The 12 awards received in 2024 is the highest (record) number of awards the organization has ever presented in one year.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Says If You See Something,
Say Something During Bullying Prevention Month
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is urging students, parents, and educators to remain vigilant in preventing bullying and violence during Bullying Prevention Month. With a strong emphasis on the importance of reporting suspicious and violent activity, Lucido encourages the community to utilize Michigan’s anonymous tip line, OK2SAY, to help ensure schools remain safe environments for all.
Prosecutor Lucido is committed to the safety of Macomb County students by his zero tolerance policy when it comes to school threats, bullying, and weapons in schools. In 2023, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office filed 102 charges related to school threats including but not limited to Communicating a Threat of Terrorism, a 20 year felony, and Calling in a Bomb Threat, a four year felony. From January 1, 2024 to September 25, 2024, 65 charges related to school threats have been filed, with these numbers expected to rise as the school year continues.
In the last 12 months, the Juvenile Unit has seen a substantial increase in the speed of petition processing. This enhanced efficiency supports the goal of rehabilitating young offenders and protecting vulnerable children.
“Preventing school violence starts with speaking up,” said Prosecutor Lucido. “We need everyone—students, parents, and educators—to take an active role in protecting our community. If you see something, say something. By reporting potential threats early, we can stop harmful behaviors before they escalate.”
OK2SAY, a confidential safety program, allows individuals to report potential threats against schools, students, or staff anonymously. Tips can be submitted by texting 652729 or calling 8-555-OK2SAY. The program ensures that tips are shared with the appropriate authorities, including school officials, law enforcement, and mental health services, so that potential dangers can be addressed quickly and effectively.
In addition to reporting threats, Lucido emphasized the critical role of mental health resources. “If you know of a student in crisis, please reach out for help. Contact the child’s school, a mental health professional, or Macomb County Community Mental Health at 586-307-9100. In emergencies, call 911 immediately.”
Prosecutor Lucido encourages the community to remain proactive, report suspicious activities through OK2SAY, and take advantage of the mental health resources available to support students and prevent violence in schools.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido on the Office Being Fully Staffed with Assistant Prosecutors During a Prosecutor Shortage | |
Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Partners with Michigan Department of Corrections to Expand Access to Conviction Integrity Unit Via Email System | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) asked the MDOC (Michigan Department of Corrections) if it could use the MDOC email system (JPAY) accessed by inmates to explain that Macomb County has a Conviction Integrity Unit, and was accepting applications regarding post-conviction review of cases if certain criteria were met.
The purpose of the JPAY project is to inform inmates in an email that the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office CIU are accepting applications for post conviction review. To apply to the Unit, the inmates must request an application from the county where they were convicted, not be on appeal, and have a claim of innocence that can be supported by new evidence. The CIU will review the application to determine if the criteria is met, and then determine a course of action. The MDOC sent the JPAY email to all inmates on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The CIU's had a willing partner and advocate in the MDOC which was instrumental in getting the JPAY email to all inmates.
"Expanding access to the Conviction Integrity Units through the MDOC’s JPAY system is a critical step in ensuring that every inmate with a valid claim of innocence has the opportunity to be heard. We are making it clear that justice doesn’t stop at conviction. Thank you to the Michigan Department of Corrections for supporting this project. It shows our commitment to reviewing cases thoroughly, ensuring fairness, and correcting any miscarriages of justice where new evidence proves innocence,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Since its creation in 2022 by Prosecutor Lucido, the CIU has had one exoneration and remains steadfast in its commitment to reviewing claims of innocence, holding the correct perpetrators accountable, and ensuring justice is served for all involved. For more information on the CIU, visit https://www.macombgov.org/CIU.
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Rise in Domestic Violence Crimes:
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Responds
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The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office is seeing a significant increase in domestic violence crimes, as highlighted by the recent surge in warrant requests. The Domestic Violence Unit adapted to this increase by implementing new technology, providing training, educating students to stop the cycle of violence and providing victim services.
The increase in domestic violence crimes, as evidenced by a surge in warrant requests between January and July 2024 where local law enforcement agencies referred 2,105 domestic violence-related warrant requests to the office. This follows a total of 2,650 referrals in 2023, a significant rise from 1,982 in 2022 and 1,919 in 2021. These figures represent a stark shift from previous years, with 1,834 referrals in 2020 and 1,977 in 2019.
The Domestic Violence Unit, staffed by three dedicated assistant prosecuting attorneys, prosecutes misdemeanors carrying penalties of up to 93 days in jail to murder charges. Victim advocacy services also provide domestic violence victims essential support throughout the legal process.
"Domestic violence is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. Our office is dedicated to prosecuting offenders while providing essential support to survivors,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The office has streamlined its processes, with new technology allowing for the paperless handling of warrant requests and the rapid review of body camera footage and other digital evidence. These advancements have reduced the backlog of pending requests to historic lows, enhancing the efficiency of the Domestic Violence Unit.
In addition to prosecuting offenders, the Prosecutor’s Office achieved a 67% increase in the percentage of crime victims receiving crucial support services, reflecting its dedication to victims’ rights and comprehensive care for those impacted by domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Unit is taking proactive steps to address domestic violence and violence in schools by offering free presentations to students. These sessions cover topics like the cycle of violence, how to report abuse, and the consequences of domestic violence. By educating students on the real-life impact of such behavior, the office aims to prevent violence, keep teens out of the criminal justice system, and equip them with tools to avoid toxic relationships.
In a further effort to enhance the expertise of the Domestic Violence Unit, a assistant prosecutor in the Unit recently attended the PAAM Violence Against Women SANE Sexual Assault and Strangulation training, expanding her knowledge and skills in these critical areas.
For more information on domestic violence and resources available in Macomb County, please visit the Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Unit webpage at https://www.macombgov.org/domesticviolence.
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Surge in Arson Cases Prompts Specialized Training for Macomb County Assistant Prosecutors | |
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Arson cases in Macomb County increased from 19 cases in 2021, 21 in 2022, and a sharp spike to 39 cases in 2023. So far, 26 arson cases have already been charged in 2024, signaling a need for more effective handling and prosecution of these serious crimes. In response to this rise, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is taking proactive steps by equipping its assistant prosecutors with specialized training in arson prosecution.
Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Petrides and Maria Panchenko, attended the Michigan State Police (MSP) Arson Investigation School. The program, which pairs prosecutors with fire investigators in training, is a comprehensive and immersive experience designed to build expertise in handling arson cases. Panchenko described the experience as “exhilarating, informational, and overwhelmingly educational.”
"Arson cases present unique challenges, from the intricate fire investigations to the necessity of expert testimony in court. This training sharpens our prosecutors’ skills and ensures we can navigate these complexities with confidence, bringing about strong and successful prosecutions,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Arson Prosecution School works in tandem with the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation School, ensuring that both prosecutors and investigators receive hands-on experience with the scientific and legal aspects of arson cases. The training culminates in a mock trial where prosecutors refine their direct and cross-examination of fire investigation experts, using cases developed throughout the week. This collaboration gives prosecutors the tools they need to successfully introduce fire investigation evidence and certify expert witnesses in court.
“The training I received was wholly immersive and interactive. I am better equipped than I ever have been to authorize arson charges, work with fire investigators and detectives, and conduct jury trials in arson cases. The program allowed us to witness firsthand how fire investigators apply the scientific method to determine the origin and cause of a suspicious fire. We practiced handling mock cases that involved controlled burns, and we worked side-by-side with investigators as they became certified in fire investigation,” said Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Panchenko.
The program also offers an in-depth review of Michigan’s arson statutes and the latest updates to Michigan law, equipping prosecutors with the most effective strategies to handle these cases from start to finish. Participants benefit from the mentorship of seasoned professionals, including senior prosecutors, fire marshals, veteran fire investigators, arson K9 handlers, and MSP lab forensic scientists.
“The skills this training provided are invaluable and they have real-world applications to the everyday work of an assistant prosecutor. This training has real world applications in the work we do here in Macomb County. Expert testimony can come in and be a significant factor in many cases, not just arsons. The admission of DNA, the results of drug analyses, and even firearm examinations all require the direct examination and qualification of expert witnesses. A very different type of situation compared to examining fact witnesses,” said Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Petrides.
In October 2023, Petrides returned to the Arson Investigation School as an instructor, sharing his knowledge and experience with a new class of prosecutors. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office continues to prioritize the specialized training of its team, ensuring that Macomb County remains ready to combat the rising arson cases.
"Working alongside fire investigators and seeing their methods firsthand gives our prosecutors an invaluable perspective. It’s not just about understanding the law, but about understanding the science behind fire investigations—making us better prepared to serve the people of Macomb County,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Text Notification Service Helps Crime Victims and Witnesses | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is helping crime victims stay informed about their cases by using text message technology. The technology also sends court hearing reminders and AI-generated videos, ensuring victims and witnesses receive timely updates on cases.
Assistant prosecutors and law enforcement want to give as much notice as possible to crime victims of upcoming court hearings. This is even more challenging when courts make changes to published dockets. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Victims Unit now sends victims text messages shortly after new criminal cases are filed, containing vital details such as contact information for the Victim Rights Unit, a link to request victim rights, and instructions on how to opt out of notifications. Each text also includes a 30-second AI-generated video from Prosecutor Lucido explaining the next steps. Crime victims and witnesses can also ask questions regarding their case and get prompt answers.
Additionally, within 24 hours of a district court clerk scheduling a new court hearing, victims and witnesses receive another text message notifying them of preliminary examination hearings and trials.
"We know that timely and clear communication is crucial for crime victims," Lucido emphasized. "By using text messages and AI-generated videos, we are giving victims the tools they need to stay informed and prepared. This innovative approach ensures victims have the support and information necessary to participate fully in the legal process, helping us achieve justice more effectively."
For more information about victim rights services, please contact the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office at 586-469-5675, email crimevictims@macombgov.org, or visit our website at https://macombgov.org/victimsrights.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido Continues Aggressive Efforts to Address Child Support Arrears | |
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is committed to ensuring children receive the financial support they need by addressing child support arrears throughout the county. Under his leadership, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Family Division has prioritized enforcing financial responsibility to support the well-being of children. In 2022, Prosecutor Lucido launched an initiative focused on helping noncustodial parents catch up on child support payments rather than solely pursuing prosecution. Since its inception, and with bipartisan support from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the program has collected over $1.3 million in child support for Macomb County children. Currently, 202 parents are consistently making payments, and 147 have been charged for failing to comply despite having the ability to pay.
"This initiative is about accountability and compassion. By providing parents an opportunity to meet their obligations without immediately resorting to prosecution, we've been able to collect over $1.3 million for our children. It's a win for families, and we're proud of the progress we're making,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
In a significant step toward this goal, the Prosecutor's Office held a “Back to School Child Support Telephone Town Hall” on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Hosted by Prosecutor Lucido and Family Division Unit Chief Kymberly Shinneman, this event provided families with vital resources and information regarding child support matters. During the session, attendees learned how to initiate child support cases, explore methods for collecting overdue payments, and receive guidance on how to fulfill their obligations. A Q&A segment allowed participants to voice concerns and receive tailored advice from the experts. The event saw impressive participation, with 11,929 people listening in.
Beyond events like the Town Hall, the Family Division continues its collaboration with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department to address felony child support warrants. Under Michigan law, individuals who owe more than $5,000 in child support, have missed payments for three consecutive months, and have the ability to pay may face criminal charges. The division’s goal is to encourage compliance and secure financial support for children, rather than immediately pursuing felony charges.
"Our top priority is ensuring that Macomb County children receive the financial support they deserve. By focusing on helping noncustodial parents get back on track with their payments, we are not only enforcing the law but also supporting the well-being and future of our children," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
To avoid prosecution and arrange a payment plan, individuals can contact the Family Division at (586) 493-4488 or email pafamilysupport@macombgov.org.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Warrant Unit Sets Record for Prompt Warrant Review | |
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The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Warrant Unit is processing warrant requests for adult suspects more efficiently than ever, with the number of pending requests awaiting review reduced to unprecedented lows, despite an upward trend in the number of warrant requests made by police.
As of September 23, 2024, the office had only two pending out-of-custody warrant requests for adults to be reviewed in the general Warrant Unit, a significant improvement compared to the years before Lucido took office when warrant requests seeking charges for out-of-custody defendants could accumulate.
Lucido credited his Warrant Unit for the progress in handling warrant requests faster than ever before, which focuses on cases involving charges that range from misdemeanors such as driving on a suspended license, to felonies such as carrying a concealed weapon, arson, assault with intent to murder, or armed robbery.
"Our team is reviewing and processing warrant requests more quickly than this office ever has. This helps crime victims, the public and the accused get justice more effectively. Our Warrant Unit embraced new technology and remains committed to upholding public safety and maintaining transparency," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Warrant Unit, composed of three assistant prosecuting attorneys and three support staff, handles warrant requests for adult cases not assigned to a specialty unit ranging from misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail to felony life offenses such as assault with intent to murder and armed robbery. The Warrant Unit’s assistant prosecutors also assist specialty units in reviewing domestic violence warrants and drug unit warrants when needed.
New technology implemented by Lucido includes a warrant portal and digital evidence platform that has enabled the Warrant Unit to process warrant requests paperlessly, quickly review body camera footage and other digital evidence, and provide timely information to crime victims with greater efficiency. Lucido made the warrant review process much more efficient and transparent.
From January through August 2024, law enforcement agencies referred 10,256 warrant requests to the Macomb County Prosecutor, of which 8,540 cases were charged, and 1,656 cases were denied. The 2024 numbers are on track to meet or exceed last year. There has been an upward trend in warrant requests. In 2023, the office received 13,427 warrant request referrals from police agencies, 12,101 in 2022, 10,998 in 2021, 10,094 in 2020, and 12,509 referrals in 2019.
"Our success in speeding warrant reviews is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our Warrant Unit Chief and staff. Their commitment to processing cases efficiently, while maintaining the highest standards of justice, has been extraordinary. I’m proud of our entire team for their tireless efforts to ensure we continue to serve our community with speed, transparency, and fairness," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The record speed for warrant review is even more remarkable considering that the prosecutor’s office has handled a skyrocketing volume of digital evidence as a result of more police body-worn cameras, cell phone video, video security systems and more. This flood of digital evidence makes each warrant request take more time and resources to review.
After taking office, Prosecutor Lucido also became the first Michigan county prosecutor to establish a Warrant Appeals Unit to give crime victims a second chance when warrant requests are denied, addressing an overlooked aspect of legal proceedings. With 7% - 18% of warrant requests denied annually, often due to more evidence being required or victim reluctance, this unit reviews warrant denials independently upon the request of crime victims to ensure transparency and prioritize victims' rights.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Digital Evidence Management System No Exceeds 820,000 Items | |
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In 2022, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido launched a digital evidence management platform, which now holds over 823,000 pieces of digital evidence—an impressive 64% increase since October 2023. The surge in digital evidence, driven by the widespread use of police body cameras, cell phone videos, and security footage, has made managing this information a complex task. Thanks to the technology implemented by the Prosecutor's Office, they’ve been able to handle this growing volume efficiently and effectively fulfill discovery requests the same day in most cases.
"This technology has been a game-changer in our pursuit of justice. It revolutionized how we handle crucial data, streamlining the process of collecting, organizing, and sharing digital evidence. We now wield the power of technology to build strong cases and ultimately secure more successful convictions, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "We have made the discovery process, making it more efficient and transparent than ever before. Defense attorneys now have faster, easier access to evidence, which strengthens the integrity of our legal system and ensures justice is served in a timely manner."
Prosecutors are legally required to share evidence with the defense, a process known as “discovery.” The Prosecutor’s Discovery Unit typically fulfills discovery requests within one business day, a notable improvement in speed and consistency despite the sharp rise in digital evidence. The discovery processing status is available at https://macombgov.org/prosecutor.
Defense attorneys can request discovery online through the Prosecutor's website, even from court, or by texting the word “discovery” to 586-250-4090. The platform, called Evidence.com, has eliminated the need for defense attorneys to physically visit the Prosecutor’s Office to collect evidence. Instead, evidence is shared securely through a download link, ensuring it remains protected. This innovative system has streamlined the discovery process, offering a clear audit trail that tracks when detectives provide evidence to prosecutors, and who receives the evidence and when.
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Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors (SCAMS) | |
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. | |
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. | |
Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Resources | |
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 | | | | |
