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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*

November 23, 2022




*Media Contact:
*AG Press <[email protected]>






Alpena Man Charged for Bringing False Claims Against MSP Troopers Bound Over to Circuit Court 





*LANSING* – An Alpena man accused of making false claims against Michigan State Police troopers during the execution of a search warrant has been bound over to circuit court, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.  

Thomas VanDuinen, 70, of Alpena is charged with the following: 


* Three counts of false report of a felony, a four-year felony offense; 
* One count of providing a false statement to a police officer, a two-year high misdemeanor, and; 

* One count of use of a computer to commit a crime, a seven-year felony 

In February 2021, Michigan State Police (MSP) executed search warrants on VanDuinen’s home and on a pole barn he was renting for his business in Alpena. Two days after the execution of the search warrants, VanDuinen began filing demands for the return of his property, and then filed lawsuits against MSP. In his demands and lawsuits VanDuinen made numerous allegations against the MSP troopers who searched his home and business accusing them of stealing money and hydrocodone pills, and forging signatures on the search warrants that were used to search his properties. 

VanDuinen reported these allegations to the MSP Professional Standards Section and a criminal investigation was initiated in June 2021. The Michigan Solicitor General authorized the close of the investigation against the troopers in January 2022. 

“Law enforcement officers who uphold their duty to serve and protect deserve to be vigorously defended against false accusations,” said Nessel.  “I take seriously accusations of misconduct and am committed to thoroughly investigating such claims to ensure the public trust.  In this case, Michigan State Police were falsely accused, and the offender will be held accountable.” 

The preliminary examination for VanDuinen was held November 21 in the 88th District Court in Alpena before Judge Alan Curtis. After hearing from six witnesses at the preliminary examination, Judge Curtis bound VanDuinen over to the 26th Circuit Court on all five charges finding there was sufficient evidence against him to proceed to trial.  An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled by the court. 

### 

*"Please note: "*" A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  The Department does not provide booking photos." 

 






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