MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMAIL NEWSLETTER | | |
Dear Macomb County Residents, | |
I’m honored to share the latest updates from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, where we remain committed to justice, safety, and community engagement. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the Macomb County School Board Association meeting, hosted by the Macomb Intermediate School District, along with Hate Crime Unit Chief Patrick Coletta, Juvenile Unit Chief Tonya Goetz, and Chief Investigator Kevin Reese. As part of our 2025 initiative to reduce juvenile recidivism and address hate crimes, we are prioritizing efforts to combat bullying, violence, weapons, and school threats.
| | Macomb County Prosecutor
Peter J. Lucido | | |
In addition, we recognize the importance of addressing multicultural issues in our schools. Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion are essential in preventing discrimination, bias-related incidents, and cultural misunderstandings that can lead to conflict. Our team is working directly with educators to promote cultural awareness and ensure that all students—regardless of background—feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning journey.
In this issue, you’ll find exciting updates on our efforts, including the third annual “Knocking Violence Out of My School” video competition, an initiative that empowers students to take a stand against violence. We’re also sharing highlights from our Domestic Violence Unit’s participation in a national conference, our Family Division’s presentation on felony non-support at a state conference, details on an upcoming crime victim resource symposium, and important information about protecting seniors from scams.
We are also saying goodbye to our Communications Director, Dawn Fraylick, who has made our office one of the most transparent prosecutor's offices in Michigan. Our staff continues to prosecute cases to keep our community safe. We all work tirelessly to serve and protect the people of Macomb County. I encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance.
Sincerely,
| | Prosecutor Lucido and Staff Speak at Macomb County School Board Association Meeting on Initiative to Reduce Juvenile Recidivism | | Pictured: Hate Crimes Unit Chief Patrick Coletta, Chief Investigator Kevin Reese, Juvenile Unit Chief Tonya Goetz, and Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. | | |
Prosecutor Lucido had the honor of speaking at the Macomb County School Board Association meeting, hosted by the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD). His address was part of the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office 2025 initiative, which aims to reduce juvenile recidivism by tackling bullying, violence, weapons, and school threats in Macomb County schools.
Alongside Chief Investigator Kevin Reese, Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit Patrick Coletta, and Chief of the Juvenile Unit Tonya Goetz, Prosecutor Lucido shared how our team works directly with schools to tackle these issues head-on. Together, we’re committed to making our schools safer for everyone!
| | "Knocking Violence Out of My School" High School Video Competition Deadline is March 31, 2025 | | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to addressing school threats, violence, weapons, and bullying in Macomb County schools. The office is excited to announce the third annual “Knocking Violence Out of My School” Macomb County high school student video competition. This initiative empowers students to engage with their peers to create safer, more supportive school environments.
The 2025 “Knocking Violence Out of My School” video competition invites Macomb County high school students to create videos that address themes of anti-threats, anti-violence, anti-weapons, and anti-bullying. Videos should be no longer than two minutes and will be judged by assistant prosecutors and staff from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Unit.
Important Dates:
- Submission Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM
- Winners Announced: Monday, April 14, 2025
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,000 + a Hero Award for the school
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $500
For inspiration, students can visit the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office website to view ideas and videos from previous winners.
Submission Guidelines:
Additionally, you can access the “Stopping Violence in Schools: What Parents and Students Need to Know” guide here: Stopping Violence in Schools Guide.
If you're interested in scheduling a free presentation at your school on preventing school threats, bullying, and weapons, please contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or via email at heather.esposito@macombgov.org.
We encourage all students and teachers to participate in this meaningful opportunity to make a difference. With initiatives like the “Knocking Violence Out of My School" video competition, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to eliminating school threats, violence, weapons, and bullying—once and for all.
| | Macomb County Prosecutor Thanks Communications Director as She Departs After Leading Transparency Efforts | | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is bidding farewell to its Communications Director, Dawn Fraylick, who is departing after three years to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector aerospace industry. Before joining the Prosecutor’s Office, Dawn dedicated 20 years to the Macomb County Bar Association as the Associate Executive and Communications Director, marking a remarkable 23-year career in law within Macomb County.
Fraylick was the first person to hold the position of Communications Director for the Prosecutor’s Office, which was established to make the office more transparent by Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. After the Macomb County Commission approved the role’s creation in 2022, the transparency efforts faced opposition from the Macomb County Executive, who attempted to block it by failing to follow the county budget ordinance and state budget laws. In a unanimous decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that County Executive Mark Hackel exceeded his authority to impound funds, paving the way for Lucido to make the hire.
| | Dawn Fraylick, Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Communications Director | | |
During her tenure, Fraylick played a pivotal role in making the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office one of the most transparent in Michigan. She helped develop policies and procedures that improved public communication, drafted over 500 press releases to inform the community about criminal cases and office initiatives, significantly increased the office’s social media presence, and oversaw the office’s transition to a new countywide web service provider. She also maintained the Prosecutor’s Office website, ensuring the public had access to accurate and timely information. Additionally, Fraylick produced the public television show "Need to Know with Peter J. Lucido," which provided residents with essential insights into legal matters and the justice system.
Fraylick spearheaded the creation of AI-generated videos to assist crime victims and produce multilingual content to reach diverse communities, making her a pioneer in using artificial intelligence for public outreach. Her efforts contributed to a nationally award-winning transformation of the prosecutor’s office.
“We are grateful for the dedication and innovation Communications Director Dawn Fraylick brought to this office,” Lucido said. “Her work has had a lasting impact, ensuring transparency and strengthening public trust in our justice system. We wish her nothing but success."
Reflecting on her time in the office, Fraylick credited Lucido’s leadership for helping her excel and secure the private-sector role.
“Thanks to Prosecutor Lucido’s leadership, I was able to develop skills and take on challenges that prepared me for this next step—an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up,” she said. “It has been an honor to serve in this role and help build a transparent and effective communication strategy for the office. I look forward to supporting Prosecutor Lucido in his future endeavors and remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Macomb County.”
Despite a state and national shortage of assistant prosecutors, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, which employs 140 full-time equivalents, has no vacant assistant prosecutor positions. Fraylick attributed this to a strong workplace culture.
Although the county prosecutor has no unfilled assistant prosecutor positions, Macomb County government currently has 192 vacant full-time positions across all departments, according to the Macomb County Finance Department Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Report 12/31/2024, and a “vacant position turnover factor” totaling over $3.5 million, according to the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Some departments have experienced higher turnover rates relative to their size, such as the Macomb County Executive’s Office, which has a vacant Public Information Officer position, according to the report, and currently has a vacant Administrative Assistant posting.
The County Prosecutor notified the Human Resources and Labor Relations Department of the open Communications Director position on Monday, March 17, 2025, to enable the online job application and recruitment process, but it has not yet been posted.
| | Felony Domestic Violence Unit Takes Training | | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Felony Domestic Violence Unit was represented at the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys' 6th Annual National Domestic Violence Prosecutors' Conference in Brooklyn, New York. They learned so much about how to continue fighting the fight against intimate partner violence.
The Unit expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to receive specialized training, gain new insights, stay updated on legal developments, explore innovative tools, and connect with domestic violence prosecutors, community partners, and survivors from across the country.
| | Pictured: Domestic Violence Unit Assistant Prosecutor Maria Panchenko. Not pictured: Domestic Violence Unit Chief Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Abbo and Deputy Chief Carrie Seward. | | Family Division Presents at Conference on Child Support | | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Family Division presented at the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council (PACC) Establishment of Support Conference in March. Family Division Unit Chief Kym Shinneman, Unit Deputy Chief Jevona Fudge, and Child Support Investigators Laura Manzella and Chris O'Branovic presented on felony non-support to the attendees from across the state.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Family Division intensified efforts to collect child support from parents owing $5,000 or more in 2023 and has successfully collected over $2.0 million for Macomb County children under this initiative, with most collections done while avoiding criminal prosecution.
| | Pictured: Family Division Investigator Laura Manzella, Division Chief Kym Shinneman, Division Deputy Chief Jevona Fudge, and Division Investigator Chris O'Branovic. Not pictured but attended: Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy Fischer, Assistant Prosecutor Andrea Irons, and Administrator Coordinator Theresa Clarke. | | Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido Featured as
Face of Macomb County | | |
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is honored and humbled to be featured in Hour Detroit Magazine’s Faces of Macomb County!
This prestigious recognition highlights Prosecutor Lucido's unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and service to the community. From protecting victims to ensuring fairness in our legal system, he remains dedicated to serving the people of Macomb County with transparency and accountability.
Thank you to Hour Detroit Magazine for this honor, and to our incredible team and community for your trust and support! View the Faces of Macomb at https://issuu.com/hour_media/docs/faces_of_macomb_2025
| | Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to Host Crime Victim Resource Symposium | | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Victim Rights Unit is proud to present "Kinship, Connecting, and Healing for Crime Victims: A Community Resource Symposium,” a special event designed to provide essential support and resources to crime survivors. This free symposium will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Mount Clemens Public Library, located at 150 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.
The symposium aims to empower crime survivors by providing insight into the criminal justice system and the various support services available to them. This event will serve as a vital resource for survivors and their loved ones and will also important information to all members of the community.
"We recognize the challenges faced by crime survivors and the importance of providing them with comprehensive support," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "Through this event, we aim to shed light on the court system and services available and instill hope in those affected by crime."
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Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, including a crime victim advocate and an assistant prosecuting attorney. Representatives from local support organizations such as Turning Point and CareHouse will also be present to provide guidance on navigating the aftermath of crime.
The event will feature informative discussions on crucial topics, including:
- Victims' rights and available support services
- Understanding the legal process
- Strategies for coping and healing after victimization
- How loved ones can provide support to crime survivors
A complimentary lunch will be provided, fostering a supportive environment where attendees can connect with professionals and peers. No registration is required to attend.
For more information about "Kinship, Connecting, and Healing for Crime Victims: A Community Resource Symposium,” please contact Crime Victim Advocate Unit Chief Heather J. Morman at (586) 469-5675.
Event Details:
Title: Kinship, Connecting and Healing for Crime Victims: A Community Resource Symposium
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Agenda: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Pictures with Peanut the Therapy Dog
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, Chief Crime Victim Advocate Heather J. Morman
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Presentations with Q & A
12:45pm - 2:00 pm: Lunch and Vendors
Location: Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Contact: Heather J. Morman, (586) 469-5675
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, access crucial resources, and connect with a community committed to supporting crime survivors on their journey toward healing and justice.
| | The Power of Compassion:
A Life Forever Changed by One Act of Kindness | | |
February 27, 2025, was an emotional day for Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. A special visitor walked through the doors of his office, a man whose life had been forever changed by a simple yet extraordinary act of kindness nearly two decades earlier.
The visitor was Samuel Mada, and he came to personally thank Lucido for something done in 2007—something that saved his life.
In late November 2007, Lucido was still in private practice when he noticed a familiar face in the Macomb County Circuit Court building—Elaine Maki, a court reporter for the now-retired Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Antonio Viviano, and she was looking somber. Lucido stopped in to check on her, and Elaine shared the devastating news—her son, Samuel (29), had been diagnosed with a rare heart condition, and the surgery would be traumatic and life-threatening.
To make matters worse, Samuel was living in California with a nine-month-pregnant wife, preparing for the birth of their first child. The future he had envisioned for his family was now filled with uncertainty.
Lucido listened intently, but he didn’t just offer words of comfort—he took action. As a member of the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Board, Lucido used his connections in the medical field, and he immediately began making calls determined to find help for Samuel. That’s when something remarkable happened.
Through his efforts, Lucido connected Samuel with a world-renowned heart surgeon in Southern California, one of the few specialists capable of performing advanced robotic open-heart surgery.
The robotic surgery allowed access to Samuel’s heart without cracking open his chest. The procedure, which was very rare at the time, successfully repaired Samuel’s heart valve, allowing him to keep his valve and, most importantly, save his life.
“I owe Prosecutor Lucido a debt of gratitude,” Samuel said. “Because of him, I received the best medical care and was able to keep my original heart valve. I feel incredibly blessed for everything he has done for me and my family." “It’s been (17) years, and not a day goes by without thinking how blessed I am to be here."
Samuel not only survived—he is thriving. Today, he enjoys a full life with his wife and their four children, a future he once feared he might never see.
For Lucido, it was about doing the right thing—someone in pain and stepping up to help without being asked. He knew he could do something, and he did.
This moment in 2007 is just one example of Lucido’s lifelong commitment to compassion, service, and making a difference in the lives of our families in our community.
Sometimes, a simple act of caring and taking action can change an entire family’s outcome for a lifetime.
| | Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Initiative to Collect Back Child Support | | The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office seeks compliance from those who owe back child support. If you have employment or medical issues or need to get on a payment plan, call our Family Division at (586) 493-4488. Avoid prosecution and make the call. | | Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors (SCAMS) | | Upcoming SCAMS Presentations | | |
Thursday, March 27, 2025
11:00 am
Oakmont Manor
41255 Pondview
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Thursday, March 27, 2025
2:00 pm
Lockwood of Clinton Senior Living
24500 Metro Parkway
Clinton Township, MI 48035
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1:00 pm
Church of Christ Senior Housing
23561 15 Mile Rd.
Clinton Township, MI 48035
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
11:00 am
Mt. Clemens Public Library
150 Cass Ave.
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1:30 pm
Shorehaven Manor
14560 Lakeside Circle
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Friday, April 25, 2025
10:00 am
Rose Senior Living Facility
44003 Partridge Creek Blvd.
Clinton Twp., MI 48038
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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
2:00 pm
The Village at Orchard Grove Independent Living Apartments
71150 Orchard Crossing Ln.
Romeo, MI 48065
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
1:00 pm
Fraser Woods Senior Apartments
17195 Fraser Woods Dr.
Fraser, MI 48026
Monday, May 5, 2025
10:30 am
Sterling Heights Public Library
40255 Dodge Park Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
1:00 pm
Zion United Church of Christ
69 New Street
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Sunday, June 1, 2025
11:15 am
New Hope Christian Church
52226 Van Dyke Ave.
Shelby Township, MI 48316
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March is Reading Month. Prosecutor Lucido and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys visit Macomb County Schools to read to students. Not reading is a "crime!"
Additionally, as part of our commitment to supporting our young learners, the Prosecutor's Office has delivered bookmarks to all 4th-grade students in schools throughout Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD).
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has developed coloring books for children. One is on Happy, Healthy, & Drug Free, and the other is Staying Safe. Download them below.
Download the Staying Safe Coloring Book.
Download the Happy, Healthy, and Drug-Free Coloring Book.
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Peanut the Prosecutor, a therapy dog from the Canine Advocacy Program (CAP) in partnership with CARE House, supports trauma survivors navigating the criminal justice system. CAP helps child survivors of trauma and abuse by easing the anxiety, depression, and stress often associated with legal proceedings. Thanks to a generous donation from Leader Dogs for the Blind and specialized training funded by the Canine Advocacy Program, no tax dollars are used to support this initiative.
View pictures of Peanut on Instagram
| | 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. | | Progress Under Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido | | |
- 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 Aggressively Reduced Warrants - The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Child Protection Unit has reduced pending warrant requests to 15, the lowest in 2024, despite a rise in sexual assault cases. This unit’s efficiency and dedication ensure quicker case resolutions for victims while holding offenders accountable.
- Child Support Collections Increased - Intensified efforts to collect child support from parents who owe $5,000 or more, successfully collecting over $2.0 million for Macomb County children since 2023 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 Doubled - More Macomb County crime victims get more help. The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office doubled the number and percentage of crime victims receiving crucial support services compared to 2019, before Lucido took office. More victims now receive victim rights services, including but not limited to assigned victim advocates, help to get 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 are the highest (record) number of awards the organization has ever presented in one year. Under Lucido’s tenure, the office has earned 26 national awards for good governance, the most for any Michigan prosecutor, which reflects a commitment to transparency, innovation, and results.
| | 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? 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 | | | | |
