Grand Traverse County Commissioner Brad Jewett, 55, of Traverse City, was arraigned today before Magistrate Tammi Rogers in the 86th District Court in Traverse City. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Jewett faces charges of engaging services of prostitution and using a computer to commit a crime.
In June, a joint law enforcement task force involving multiple agencies conducted an undercover sting operation at a Grand Traverse County hotel. The task force placed ads online on a website known for advertising sexual services. Jewett is accused of soliciting prostitution through this advertisement. The investigation, which concluded in August, was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s office due to Jewett's status as an elected official.
“Sting operations conducted by law enforcement are crucial to enforcing our human trafficking laws,” said Nessel. “I’m grateful these resources are available throughout the State and commend the work of the Sheriff’s Departments of Grand Traverse and Genesee Counties, the GHOST team, the Traverse City Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.”
Jewett serves as vice chairperson on the Grand Traverse County commission. The case was reviewed and is being prosecuted by the Department of Attorney General upon request from the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor.
“Public officials should be held to a higher standard, but when they stoop to committing crimes that harm their own communities, my department will seek full enforcement of the law,” Nessel continued. “We remain committed to holding accountable anyone who engages in criminal conduct, regardless of their position or status.”
Jewett is scheduled for his next court appearance on September 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.
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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.