MI County Official Tries Hiring Prostitute Through Fake Ad: Officials

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A northern Michigan county official is facing charges after trying to hire a prostitute, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Brad Jewett, 55, of Traverse City, was charged with engaging services of prostitution (93-day misdemeanor) and using a computer to commit a crime (one-year misdemeanor), according to the office.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 26.

In June, officials said Jewett tried to set up a meeting with a prostitute through a fake ad that was created by police and posted on a website known for advertising sexual services.

Jewett showed up at a Grand Traverse County hotel, where police were waiting for him, according to the office.

Since Jewett serves as the Grand Traverse County commissioner, the county prosecutor turned over the investigation to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

"Public officials should be held to a higher standard, but when they stoop to committing crimes that harm their communities, my department will seek full enforcement of the law," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. "We remain committed to holding accountable anyone who engages in criminal conduct, regardless of their position or status."

Jewett, a Republican, ran unopposed in the August primary for the commission's 4th District seat. He faces Democrat Fern Spence of Traverse City in the Nov. 5 general election.