In the spirit of radical transparency, I am laying my past bare. I believe the biggest threat to our nation is a lack of honesty from our leaders, and I am committed to being the change I want to see.

I am sharing this for two reasons. First, so that my past cannot be used to distract from my commitment to serving the people of Michigan today. Second, and more importantly, because you deserve the truth. The list below represents the lowest points of my life—a series of mistakes I own completely. I have learned and grown from every one of these experiences, and I will always take responsibility for my actions.

I make this public commitment: I will never lie to you. If any other past issues come to light, I will address them directly.
While I will not entertain false accusations, I will always own my mistakes.
I am not a politician; I am a citizen who believes in being direct and honest.

 

  • 2002 (Minor) – Burglary of a Habitation
    A misunderstanding while feeding a neighbor's dog led to my arrest for burglary. Although the District Attorney declined to prosecute the case, the experience of being arrested at school showed me how profoundly an accusation alone can impact a young person's life.

  • 2006 – Possession of Marijuana
    I was charged with possession after marijuana, which was not mine, was found in my vehicle. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but the situation taught me a hard lesson about personal accountability and the company I chose to keep.

  • 2006 – DWI
    I made the irresponsible and dangerous decision to drink and drive. I was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to probation. While this conviction was eventually overturned and the case dismissed, that does not excuse the gravity of my mistake. My actions could have harmed others, and for that, I am truly sorry.

  • 2006 & 2007 – Theft of Property by Check
    During a difficult period of desperation, I was twice convicted of theft for writing bad checks to buy food. I was young, scared, and hungry. I am not proud of my actions, but I am not ashamed to admit the struggles that led to them.

  • 2007 – Driving & Court Violations
    As a result of the DWI, my license was suspended. I compounded this issue by driving with an invalid license, which led to a subsequent charge for failure to appear in court. I also received a citation for not wearing a seat belt. I take full responsibility for these infractions.

  • 2010 – Assault Family/Household Member
    My last legal issue was a serious charge in 2010. To accept responsibility, I agreed to a deferred adjudication. This required a two-year period of good conduct, after which the charge was dismissed, which I completed successfully. That difficult experience solidified my resolve to live a responsible and productive life, which I have done ever since.