MI County Commissioner Pleads Guilty In Trying To Hire A Prostitute

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A Grand Traverse County commissioner has pleaded guilty to trying to hire a prostitute, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Brad Jewett, 55, of Traverse City, was initially charged with engaging services of prostitution (93-day misdemeanor) and using a computer to commit a crime (one-year misdemeanor), according to the office.

In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors dropped the using a computer to commit a crime charge against him, according to the office.

Officials have not yet set a sentencing date.

"As this conviction demonstrates, no one is above the law," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "My department will continue to hold accountable those who engage in criminal activity, no matter their position."

In June, officials said Jewett tried to set up a meeting with a prostitute through a fake ad that was created by police and posted on a website known for advertising sexual services.

Jewett showed up at a Grand Traverse County hotel, where police were waiting for him, according to the office.

Since Jewett serves as the Grand Traverse County commissioner, the county prosecutor turned over the investigation to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Jewett, a Republican, ran unopposed in the August primary for the commission's 4th District seat. He went on to lose the seat to Democrat Fern Spence of Traverse City in the Nov. 5 general election. Spence received 3,423 votes to Jewett's 2,969, according to unofficial vote totals.