(WWJ) Hundreds of businesses in Wayne County that got in trouble with the law for alleged violations of governor's COVID-19 executive order are getting a break.
The Wayne County Prospector's Office announced Monday that every one of those cases would be dismissed.
In April of last year, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the Emergency Management Act (EMA) did not authorize Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue or renew any COVID-19 state of emergency orders after April 30, 2020. Prior to the ruling, WCPO and law enforcement agencies issued ordinance violations and misdemeanors to those who allegedly violated the EMA.
As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, however, prosecutors conducted a review of the cases and it was determined that there is not a legal basis to proceed with them.
WCPO will be dismissing all adjudicated cases and all pending cases in 12 courts in the county, as follows:
Specifics of the cases were not released.
WCPO said it is important to note that the dismissal of these cases is not a reflection upon the conduct of any law enforcement agency, since the law was followed at the time of the alleged offenses.
“Governor Whitmer’s leadership has prevented many of our citizens from contracting COVID-19,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy., in a statement. “However, considering the Supreme Court’s decision, WCPO will no longer use criminal prosecution to enforce the Governor’s Executive Order."
Worthy added: "It is my earnest hope that people will continue to wear face masks, social distance, quarantine when warranted.”
Also important to note: There are current health guidelines in place, enacted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, that were ordered under a law that was not affected by the Supreme Court Ruling.
Get the latest about epidemic orders currently in place in Michigan, HERE.