LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After Lake County’s prosecuting attorney resigned in early June, Dana Nessel, the state’s attorney general, announced her department has started managing prosecutorial functions June 11.

The Department of Attorney General has been assisting with cases in Lake County Houghton, Luce, and Ontonagon counties during similar vacancies, as per state law. According to a press release, the Department’s goal is to provide assistance and resources to help local prosecutor’s offices manage their caseloads during vacancies.

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“Our top priority is public safety and the protection of crime victims. In the absence of a local prosecuting attorney, my office is uniquely equipped to ensure justice is not delayed or denied. While we are proud to offer our resources and personnel in times of need, it’s important to recognize the significant costs these efforts represent to the Department,” Nessel said.

She continued, “Our ability to respond to local prosecutorial crises may be severely compromised if proposed budget reductions are enacted by the state Legislature. We remain committed to upholding justice in every Michigan community, and that commitment requires meaningful investment in the people and resources in our agency that make it possible.”

Nessel’s office said it will continue to support prosecutorial functions in Lake County until the prosecuting attorney vacancy is filled.