AG: Friske Investigation Ongoing With No Updates, Timeline For Decision On Charges

Michigan Advance

July 15, 2025

The Michigan Department of Attorney General is still investigating the incident that saw former Republican Rep. Neil Friske of Charlevoix arrested but not charged for a potential firearm offense and allegations of sexual assault.

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office said the case was still ongoing and that the department could not speculate on a timeline for further updates or a decision on charges.

The case has been pending for nearly a year, and Friske has disappeared from public life after he lost his 2024 primary against current Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs).

Lansing police arrested Friske around 2:45 a.m. on June 20, 2024, on a report of a male with a gun and shots fired. A Michigan Department of State Police database showed felony warrants requested for Friske the next day on Friday, June 21, 2024.

It was unclear initially whether Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane would press charges, and Friske was released from jail the afternoon following his arrest.

His attorney, Edward Zeineh, said then that the facts would vindicate his client. Friske also issued a public statement on June 24, 2024, and denied any wrongdoing.

It was later revealed that Lansing police had requested Dewane to issue warrants charging Friske for felony sexual assault, felony assault and a felony weapons offense.

Dewane asked police to continue its investigation before he made a decision, and in September 2024, Dewane forwarded the investigation, and the decision on whether to charge Friske, to the attorney general’s office.

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