LANSING (WWJ) -- A Michigan state representative will not be charged after being accused of sending threatening messages to another lawmaker.
The head of Ingham County’s domestic violence unit reviewed an investigative report into Rep. Steve Marino, which was submitted by State Police to the prosecutor’s office in late September.
Scott Hughes, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, says prosecution was denied and the case is considered closed, unless additional information or evidence is submitted.
Michigan State Police began investigating Marino in October after Rep. Mari Manoogian told House leadership that Marino had sent her threatening texts.
In a series of messages Marino reportedly wrote that he hoped Manoogian’s “car explodes on the way in,” and warned that she should “hide on the House floor.”
Marino, a 32-year-old Macomb County Republican, and Manoogian, a 29-year-old Oakland County Democrat, briefly dated and ended their relationship in 2019.
Manoogian obtained a protection order last month after domestic abuse allegations were filed against Marino.
"After trying to ignore Steve’s threats and harassment for 21 months, and begging him to stop texting me in this harassing manner countless times, I had no choice but to report his abuse to my Democratic leader," Manoogian said in the court filing.
Marino, who has denied the allegations and said he is the victim of “character assassination,” was removed from House committees as State Police investigated the situation.
Related
