LANSING, Mich. — Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Minority Vice Chair Jim Runestad announced Friday that he will introduce legislation to penalize individuals who send unsolicited and sexually explicit videos or photos by text or electronic message in the wake of a recent lawsuit against a Michigan State Police detective.
“Recent events have brought to light a disturbing breach of trust within our esteemed Michigan State Police force,” Runestad said. “In the state of Michigan, it is not a crime to send unsolicited nude photos to others, but I will soon be introducing a bill that will change that. This bill will penalize the act of sending explicit images and videos without consent and will allow victims an avenue for justice. This legislation is long overdue.”
Runestad’s announcement comes after a Southeast Michigan woman filed a lawsuit against an MSP detective alleging that he sent her unsolicited nude photos and videos after being assigned to interview her after her husband’s suicide in 2020. The woman says she was too afraid to speak out for years in fear that the detective may somehow retaliate, and her attorney says four other women have reached out with similar stories.
The detective remains on duty. MSP First District Headquarters Public Information Officer Lt. Rene Gonzalez has told media, “We will not comment on pending litigation. We can confirm that this matter was fully investigated when it was initially brought to our attention and the employee was disciplined.”
Runestad said his legislation will give agencies like the MSP a necessary tool to better resolve these kinds of internal investigations and disciplinary procedures.
“We cannot allow the actions of a few bad actors to tarnish the reputation of the many outstanding officers who serve within the Michigan State Police with honor and a profound sense of duty,” Runestad said. “By enacting measures to promote accountability, and by demanding answers and transparency, we can uphold the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and maintaining the trust of the communities in which they serve.”
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