A jury in Detroit awarded nearly $60 million to a man who alleged that a former Michigan prosecutor and a state police officer violated his civil rights while pursuing unfounded sexual abuse charges. Sean MacMaster’s case was ultimately dismissed by the state attorney general, but the trial revealed troubling misconduct by those in power.
The verdict included $33 million for lost wages, emotional distress, and damage to his reputation, along with $25 million in punitive damages for actions deemed malicious and reckless. MacMaster’s attorney, Josh Blanchard, expressed relief, stating that the jury recognized the pain and suffering inflicted by those with significant authority.
Brian Kolodziej, the former assistant attorney general involved, faced a downfall in 2019 after a romantic relationship was exposed with a woman linked to a sexual assault case he was managing. Following this revelation, Kolodziej pleaded no contest to willful neglect of duty and voluntarily relinquished his law license. A judge also noted that he had altered court documents, prompting strong condemnation from then Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The charges against MacMaster arose amidst a contentious child custody dispute, with his attorneys arguing that Kolodziej pursued the allegations in an attempt to impress a relative of MacMaster’s ex-wife. MacMaster, a high-ranking police officer in Duval County, Florida, was charged in Michigan with sexual abuse—a claim he vehemently denied. Previous investigations by Oakland County found no credible basis for the accusations.
After spending months in solitary confinement, the case against MacMaster was dropped by Nessel, who cited severe violations of prosecutorial standards. Outside the federal courtroom in Detroit, an emotional MacMaster shared the jury’s verdict with supporters by phone, noting the devastating impact of the charges on his family life and friendships.
“The amount of money and destruction it’s caused my family—it’s been devastating,” he said, reflecting on his estrangement from his daughter. He added that the verdict somewhat restored his reputation, asserting that the jury’s decision supported his long-standing claims of innocence.
During the trial, Kolodziej represented himself and expressed embarrassment over his previous resignation as a state prosecutor. He contended that his past conduct had no bearing on the legal justification for pursuing MacMaster’s case. Meanwhile, the defense for Lt. David Busacca emphasized that his actions were directed by supervisors, illustrating the dynamic between a trooper and the prosecutor.
Busacca’s attorney remarked that the trooper was not motivated by personal interest but was simply following the instructions he received while on duty.
This case highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls inherent in criminal prosecution, particularly regarding the accountability of those in law enforcement. As the public scrutinizes the actions of officials, the ruling sends a powerful message about the consequences of legal malpractice.
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