TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A county official is accused of showing up at a Michigan hotel after seeing an advertisement for prostitution.
In June, members of a task force set up fake online ads on a website known for advertising sexual services.
Brad Jewett, 55, of Traverse City, is accused of setting up a meeting with a prostitute through this fake ad. He showed up at a Grand Traverse County hotel, where officials were waiting, they said.
Jewett is the Grand Traverse County commissioner.
He was arraigned Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in 86th district Court in Traverse City on misdemeanor charges of engaging services of prostitution and using a computer to commit a crime.
The first count carries a 93-day penalty, and the second count carries a one-year penalty.
The county prosecutor asked the attorney general to review the case since Jewett is an elected official.
“Sting operations conducted by law enforcement are crucial to enforcing our human trafficking laws,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “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.”
The next court hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sept. 26.
