LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Michigan State Police are investigating Republican State Rep. Steve Marino after a Democratic colleague alleged domestic abuse and said he made threats against her.
Many details about the situation remain unclear, but state police tell WWJ the complaint against Marino R-Harrison Township came in Tuesday night and the investigation is in its early stages.
Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth, R-Farwell, on Tuesday removed Marino from his post as chairman of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee.
Rep. Mari Manoogian, a Democrat from Birmingham, along with House Democratic Leafer Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township, released a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding Marino’s removal from his committee assignments.
“The unfortunate reality is that many people in our society have experienced domestic abuse, which often comes from someone we would never expect,” Manoogian said. “None of us are immune to a volatile relationship, regardless of our career. It can happen right here in our legislature, where abuse of power and threats to ruin a colleague’s reputation, as well as threats of public shaming, can be used to intimidate fellow members of the legislature.”
Manoogian asked for privacy as she takes steps “to ensure my safety while I continue to represent my district and do the work of the people.”
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Wentworth also addressed Marino’s removal from comittee assignements in a statement Wednesday, saying he “will always prioritize the safety of state legislators and those who are serving their community at the state Capitol.”
“Once I learned of this situation, I took immediate action. Going forward, the House is honoring Rep. Manoogian's request for privacy while others look into the allegations,” Wentworth’s statement said.
Wentworth says the House will continue to assist MSP with the investigation and take every precaution to protect Manoogian’s safety. He says further updates on the situation will be provided “at the appropriate time.”