LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is hailing decisions the Michigan Supreme Court issued today regarding Covid-19 emergency orders and a former Shelby Township clergyman’s conviction. 

Michigan Supreme Court Declines to Hear Appeals Regarding Pandemic Emergency Orders 

Today, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear appeals in Gym 24/7 Fitness, LLC v State of Michigan and Mount Clemens Recreational Bowl, Inc v Director of the Department of Health & Human Services. The Plaintiffs, businesses impacted by the State of Michigan’s lifesaving Covid-19 orders, alleged that these orders constituted a “taking” of their property, entitling them to compensation for lost income. The Court of Appeals, however, held that the orders were intended to forestall a grave threat to citizens’ lives and did not amount to a “taking.” Because the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear the appeals, the Court of Appeals’ decisions remain in place. 

“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State acted decisively to save countless lives by implementing critical public health measures,” Nessel said. “As we move forward, today’s decisions will help us in our collective efforts to maintain a strong and healthy Michigan.” 

Michigan Supreme Court Denies Appeal of Former Clergyman’s Sexual Abuse Convictions  

The Michigan Supreme Court denied an application for appeal today from Neil Kalina, 69, a former priest at St. Kiernan Catholic Church in Shelby Township, upholding his two Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct convictions. Kalina, who served at the church from 1982-1985, sought to appeal an opinion from the Michigan Court of Appeals that affirmed the convictions but ordered a resentencing hearing. A Macomb County jury found Kalina guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old child in 1984.  

“I am grateful the Michigan Supreme Court has denied this appeal from Mr. Kalina, ensuring his convictions remain intact,” Nessel said. “I hope this decision brings much-needed closure to his victim. My office will continue reviewing cases of sexual abuse and pursuing justice for survivors.”