State Representative Neil Friske, a Republican from northern Michigan, was arrested by Lansing Police early Thursday morning and released the following day without formal charges.
According to state police records, prosecutors have been asked to consider three felony charges against Friske: sexual assault, non-sexual felony assault, and a weapons offense. The Lansing Police Department responded to reports of a man with a gun and possible shots fired in the 2100 block of Forest Road, where Friske owns a condo.
Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane’s office stated,
“During the course of the initial investigation, law enforcement officers learned of a possible sexual assault of an adult female and they arrested a 62-year old male, Kornelius Friske,” using the lawmaker’s full first name.
However, on Friday, Neil Friske’s campaign released a defiant statement on Facebook. They wrote:
“As an investigation continues, we are confident that he and his legal team will be able to show his innocence against any trumped up charges.”
The statement also suggested political motivations behind the arrest, claiming,
“We anticipate the full-wrath of the establishment-machine pouring every resource they have into this race in order to take-down Rep. Friske, and install their pawn.”
The incident has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Parker Fairbairn, Friske’s Republican primary challenger, stated, “Neil deserves his time in court, and the people of the 107th deserve better than Neil.” Meanwhile, Democratic State Rep. Phil Skaggs called for Friske’s resignation if the allegations prove true.
As a member of the Michigan House Freedom Caucus, Neil Friske has been known for his conservative stance on issues such as immigration and abortion. The ongoing investigation and potential charges could significantly impact his re-election campaign for the August 6th primary.