The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office and the Fair Michigan Foundation have expanded the Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP) into Washtenaw County. FMJP is a program designed to assist Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons. Established in 2016, FMJP has been successfully operating in Wayne County and Ingham County in partnership with their County Prosecutor’s offices. To date, FMJP has secured nearly 30 convictions and maintains a 100% conviction rate.
“Partnering with Fair Michigan and bringing the Justice Project to Washtenaw County has been a goal of mine because I am committed to ensuring justice for everyone in our community. It is my hope that our partnership will enhance the trust between the LGBTQ community and law enforcement,” said Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit.
Prosecutor Savit announced that his office will designate Washtenaw County First Assistant Prosecutor Christina Hines to work in conjunction with the Fair Michigan Justice Project to prosecute criminal offenses committed against the LGBTQ community. Fair Michigan Trustee & Legal Services Director Victoria Shackelford and Director of Transgender Outreach and Advocacy Julisa Abad will conduct a law enforcement training with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to advise the office on issues related to dealing with LGBTQ crime victims and witnesses.
Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire welcomed the new partnership. “Expanding the Fair Michigan Justice Project into Washtenaw County will provide greater avenues for justice for Michigan’s LGBTQ residents. We are grateful for Prosecutor Savit’s leadership, and I am honored to call him a friend.”
Fair Michigan is a non-profit corporation seeking to end discrimination against persons based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.