On Tuesday, Grand Traverse County Commissioner Brad Jewett pleaded guilty to one count of Prostitution - Engaging Services, a 93-day misdemeanor.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said an additional charge of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime was dismissed as part of Jewett’s plea agreement.
Jewett represents the fourth district, which makes up most of Garfield Township and some of Blair Township. He lost his re-election bid to Democrat Fern Spence last Tuesday. Jewett was looking to serve for a fourth term.
In June, a joint law enforcement task force involving 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 sting operation in a Grand Traverse County hotel. The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s office referred this matter to the Department of Attorney General for review, as the investigation centered on a local elected official. Michigan State Police and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, which concluded in August.
“As this conviction demonstrates, no one is above the law,” Nessel said. “I commend the joint law enforcement task force for conducting their operation with integrity. My department will continue to hold accountable those who engage in criminal activity, no matter their position.”
Brad Jewett is an elected county commissioner in Grand Traverse County, and currently serves the commission as its vice chairperson. Due to his position as an elected official, the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor requested the Department of Attorney General review the case. Attorney General Nessel charged Jewett in September.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.