Nessel hasn’t charged 2nd in command of Michigan State Police accused of misconduct 250 days after report

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is mum on why she hasn’t filed criminal charges for alleged fraud within the Michigan State Police more than 250 days ago.

Michigan State Police Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe, the second in command, stands accused of the following misconduct, according to an October 2024 letter from retired MSP Captain Michael Caldwell:

• abuse of authority and obstruction of justice

• conflict of interest in a nearly $1 million settlement

• abuse of a taxpayer-funded vehicle. She allegedly drove about 10,000 miles in her work car on a personal vacation.

MIAG PIU Letter Signed by mcclallen on Scribd

Brimacombe received a punishment of a five-day suspension, which was enforced by forfeiting five vacation days, Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, wrote in a June 22 letter to Nessel.

"I have been informed by sources within the Michigan State Police that you were asked to investigate this matter but declined, citing that the incident did not meet a high enough financial threshold. Those same sources reported that you also declined to investigate because no one had formally requested it. Please consider this letter a formal request for an investigation.”

Sen. Runestad Letter to AG Nessel - MSP by mcclallen on Scribd

“This type of double standard for political favorites is disgusting and unacceptable,” Runestad wrote. “With the current cries for accountability of the state police leadership, a responsible administration should be taking every step possible to crack down on these types of internal criminal offenses.”

Nessel’s office hasn’t responded to a request for comment.

CapCon has filed a records request seeking disciplinary reports filed against Brimacombe. Brimacombe allegedly helped her friend’s brother pocket a $999,999 taxpayer-funded settlement. She even testified in court, according to a lawsuit filed in February.

The agency investigated and disciplined Brimacombe for alleged misconduct, Shanon Banner, the director of communications and outreach of the Michigan State Police, told CapCon in an email.

“The Michigan State Police holds its members to the highest possible standards of professional conduct. An internal investigation into the allegations of misconduct alleged in the lawsuit by Troopers Lukas and Simpson against Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe were fully investigated. After conducting over 21 interviews and reviewing email and other correspondence related to this matter, the investigation found all allegations to be unfounded. A finding of unfounded means the alleged acts did not take place.”

“The allegation that Lt. Colonel Brimacombe misused a state vehicle was also fully investigated in July 2021. A full and complete internal affairs investigation was conducted, which resulted in discipline.”