A Michigan State Police (MSP) detective is under investigation after a woman accused him of sending her unsolicited nude photos and videos. The ordeal occurred in 2020 after the tragic suicide of her husband.
The detective assigned to the case allegedly abused his position to harass the victim. His alleged actions have traumatized the woman, while also drawing attention to the need for legislative efforts to prevent this type of digital misconduct.
It all began in 2020 when her husband tragically took his own life with a gun in front of her. The ordeal traumatized her, but as with any death, Michigan State Police investigated.
“I was interrogated because I was the only one home with him,” the woman said.
She was assigned a detective, a detective who allegedly started calling and texting her on his off time. Then just months after the death of her husband, she says he sent her a nude photo of himself, followed by multiple other photos and videos of his private parts.
The woman, who remained unnamed in the reports, described how it felt to be victimized by the very official who was assigned to help with her situation. “I was in total shock. I just froze,” she told reporters.
The officer’s unsolicited advances did not stop with a single photo. He continued sending them for at least two years before she found the gumption to report him. “I was disgusted. I was disgusted and speechless,” she said.
The woman did not speak up right away because she feared retaliation, which is not uncommon in cases like these.
Further complicating the matter is that there are no laws in the state of Michigan prohibiting people from sending unsolicited nude or sexual images to others. This story has prompted lawmakers to push for legislation that would outlaw this behavior.
We spoke to the woman anonymously after concerns she had that the detective may retaliate. She filed a lawsuit seeking damages, but criminal charges couldn’t be sought since the act itself is not illegal. MSP claims the detective was investigated internally, was disciplined, but remains on the force.
“What’s happening here at the Michigan State Police,” Michigan Republican State Senator Jim Runestad asked.
Runestad called a press conference Friday with the attorney who represents the anonymous woman to call for the detective’s removal from the force and announce new legislation he plans on introducing that would criminalize the act of sending unsolicited nude images and videos electronically.
“This bill will not only penalize the act of sending explicit images or videos by text or electronic message without consent but it would also allow victims to recoup damages for emotional stress,” he said.
Not surprisingly, the attorney representing the woman said four additional women reached out to him after the original report was published, claiming the same detective sent them inappropriate images as well.
It is interesting that Michigan does not already have laws prohibiting this type of harassment. But this case shows why they might be necessary. Moreover, the fact that an officer of the law could engage in this behavior and still keep his job is alarming.
In most cases, if a civilian dared to behave in this manner, they would likely be fired. Nevertheless, while the detective’s actions might not violate the law, they certainly show the need for more protections for civilians against the authorities.
