LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The release of an affidavit at the center of a controversy involving a resigned Clinton County Commissioner is under criminal investigation in St Johns, the city confirmed Thursday.
Multiple sources contacted 6 News Investigates in the past weeks tipping the team off that a criminal investigation into the release of the nonpublic affidavit involving a juvenile was underway, but officials would not confirm the investigation.
6 News filed a public records request on Aug. 24 seeking multiple documents, including any criminal complaints “stemming from the improper release and publication” of the affidavit.
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On Sept. 10, the city denied the release of those reports under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. The city denied the request under a provision in the law that prevents release of police reports if such a release would interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
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St Johns officials said the release of witness statements and facts may interfere and influence ongoing interviews. The city emphasized the response “should not be interpreted as an acknowledgement, admission, or determination by the city that any ‘improper release or publication’ occurred.”…