Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents on April 13 about the dangers and legal consequences of swatting, following a recent incident in Marine City. Swatting involves making prank calls to emergency services with the intent to dispatch law enforcement to a specific location under false pretenses.
Nessel said that swatting is not a harmless act and can have severe outcomes for both the public and those responsible. “Swatting is not harmless,” Nessel said. “It is a serious crime that can lead to dangerous situations and divert law enforcement away from someone facing an actual emergency. What callers may believe to be a ‘joke’ actually risks the public safety of our communities and can carry lifelong consequences for those responsible.”
The attorney general outlined several potential charges related to threats or false reports, including communicating a threat of terrorism (a felony punishable by up to 20 years), calling in bomb threats (up to four years), malicious use of telecommunications devices (six months), as well as misdemeanors or felonies for false reports that result in injury, serious impairment, or death—with penalties ranging from 93 days up to 15 years in prison. Convictions may also include fines up to $20,000.
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations. The department also focuses on serving Michigan residents through initiatives in public service and protection according to its official website. Nessel has served as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website.
The department exercises authority throughout Michigan with the goal of safeguarding residents statewide according to its official website. In addition, it has influenced policy by drafting laws such as Clean Slate in 2019, which expanded expungement opportunities according to its official site.
Residents are encouraged by officials who operate with statewide authority according to the department’s site—to report any known threats against their community directly to local law enforcement.