TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Grand Traverse County Commissioner Brad Jewett, 55, is facing legal trouble after being arraigned on Tuesday in the 86th District Court in Traverse City for allegedly engaging in prostitution services. The charges, announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, include one count of Engaging Services of Prostitution, a 93-day misdemeanor, and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year.

Sting operation snags local official.

Jewett’s legal woes began in June when a multi-agency law enforcement task force, including the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Traverse City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST), conducted an undercover operation at a local hotel. The task force used online advertisements on a website notorious for promoting sexual services, which led to Jewett’s alleged solicitation.

MORE NEWS: Michigan’s Public Schools’ Enrollment Decline Spans Six Decades

The website, called “Skip the Games,” calls itself the “world’s largest listing of independent escorts, agency escorts, and other adult service providers.”

Two other men, Scott Barrett and Clayton Hall, were also nabbed in the sting operation. Barrett and Hall, who pleaded not guilty, were arrested for allegedly attempting to meet minors at a hotel for sex. There is no indication, however, that Jewett’s charges have anything to do with minor children.

Because the investigation involved an elected official, the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office referred the case to the Attorney General’s office for further review. The investigation, conducted by the Michigan State Police and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, wrapped up in August.

Democratic Attorney General Nessel: “no one is above the law.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel commended the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved saying, “Sting operations conducted by law enforcement are crucial to enforcing our human trafficking laws. I’m grateful these resources are available throughout the State and commend the work of the Sheriff’s Departments of Grand Traverse and Genesee Counties, the GHOST team, the Traverse City Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.”

As vice chairperson of the Grand Traverse County Commission, Jewett’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Nessel, who stressed that public officials should be held to a higher standard. “When they stoop to committing crimes that harm their own communities, my department will seek full enforcement of the law,” she stated. “We remain committed to holding accountable anyone who engages in criminal conduct, regardless of their position or status.”

County business continues.

Jewett, a Republican, was present at the county commissioner’s meeting this morning. Jewett is up for re-election this fall against Democratic candidate, 56-year-old Fern Spence. The other eight commissioners are also up for re-election in November with only Republican Scott Sieffert in District 8 running unopposed.

Background on Jewett.

MORE NEWS: The Eagle Township Megasite is Kaput – Or Is it?

Jewett, according to the Grand Traverse County Commission website, was first elected to the commission in 2018 and is currently in his third term, serving the county’s fourth district. He is appointed to the BATA Board, Emergency Management Committee, Grand Traverse Central Dispatch Policy Board, Local Planning Committee, and the Traverse Transportation Coordination Initiative.

Jewett grew up in Mesick, is a graduate of trade school, and has lived in the county for 33 years. Brad and his wife, Trina, own Culver Meadows Senior Living where they provide 24 hr. care for elderly alzheimer’s, dementia, and hospice residents. They have an 21-year-old son who works with them at Culver Meadows and a 16-year-old daughter.

Next court date set.

Jewett is due back in court on September 26 th at 11:30 a.m., where he will face the charges leveled against him in a pre-trial hearing. He is represented by attorney Paul Jarboe. Jewett pleaded not guilty to the charges and 86th District Court Chief Magistrate Tammi Rodgers issued a $1,000 personal recognizance bond for him.