From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 2/6/2026

• We had our Annual MDOC (Michigan Department of Corrections) Jail Inspection this past week. We were in compliance with everything and the inspector gave us high reviews on how the facility operates, the job the staff does, policies and procedures in place, etc. Shout out to the Corrections Division for the job they do every day. This is a prime example of the professionalism they bring to the table 24/7. Thank you.
• Our Snowmobile Patrol has been active during the winter months. They’ll continue to do patrols throughout the winter months.
• Dispatch received calls about an individual going door to door in Columbia Township due to his vehicle being stuck. Deputies found the vehicle and individual that was going to residences looking for assistance. It was found that the driver was intoxicated and that is what caused the incident. The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol.
• Deputies investigated a Contractor Fraud Complaint that occurred on Lake Brownwood by Paw Paw. The contractor took nearly $9,000 for the construction of a seawall to which he never done. The Prosecutors Office issued a 4-count warrant on the suspect for Larceny by Conversions $1,000 or more/less than $20,000, Computer Used to Commit Crime, Contractor Fraud-Use of Building Contingency Fund, and Unlicensed Residential Builder.
• The Two Kalamazoo County Residents that Stole the Vehicle from Bloomingdale Township were bought over from the Kalamazoo County Jail and Arraigned on the Charges.
• Utility Scams are Going Around. Text messages are being sent out about power outages that are coming up with an outage map. They are wanting you to click on the link and enter your information so cybercriminals can get your information. Remember, if you have questions about your power, visit your utility provider’s website or mobile app. Scammers often use fear tactics to trick you into selecting a link or acting impulsively. Utility companies will not send you a text with a clickable link.
• Our Computer Forensic Detective in Coordination with the Michigan State Police Cyber Crimes Unit executed Multiple Search Warrants for a Child Sexually Abuse Material (CSAM) Investigation. The warrants were executed in Porter Township and the Village of Lawton. Detectives located the suspect, seized a large quantity of electronic devices which will now be in evidence as well as forensically examen. Lawton PD assisted with the warrant execution in the village. Once the case is complete, warrants will be issued for the suspect/suspects involved.
• Our Computer Forensic Detective in Coordination with the Michigan State Police Cyber Crimes Unit executed a Search Warrant in Antwerp Township which involved Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM). Multiple electronic devises were seized in this case just like the other one. Once the case is complete, warrants will be issued.
• Just a friendly reminder to monitor what your kids are doing online. The two cases above are a grim reminder of the predators that do unthinkable things online and those same predators are the ones that groom kids to do things they should not.