BENZIE COUNTY — Grand Traverse County Commissioner Rob Hentschel, who was accused of sexual assault in a police report back in October, will not face charges.
Northern Michigan’s news leader chose not to report on the investigation until now because there was no arrest or initial charges. The case was handled by Benzie County Prosecutor Sara Swanson.
Grand Traverse County Commissioner Rob Hentschel was accused of criminal sexual conduct in a report was sent from Munson Medical Center after a woman given a rape kit.
Hentschel’s case was filed in October at the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg identified a conflict in the case and asked Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to reassign the case, which was given to Benzie County Prosecutor Sara Swanson.
“I don’t get to choose the facts of the case. I don’t get to really even — I can’t make something from if it’s not there,” Hentschel said. “I have an obligation to the people of Grand Traverse County. People have been to the county in the state of Michigan. So, when I reviewed all the evidence that we had, there just was not enough evidence sufficient to take this to trial.”
Hentschel sent 9&10 News his statement saying, in part:
“I appreciate the thorough investigation by the Michigan State Police, the professionalism of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Office, and the thoughtful consideration given by both Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg and Benzie County Prosecutor Sara Swanson.”
Swanson said she exhausted every piece of evidence that was provided.
“I initially got the police report, and it was just the real basic police report,” she said. “Then once I was assigned to the case, I contacted the Michigan State Police and asked them to send us everything they had. I want every recording. I went through all that. After going through that, I identified some areas where I thought we could get more information... And then had to weigh it and review it and make the tough decision.”
Swanson said this case was treated no differently, even with Hentschel sitting on a county commission.
“I’ve heard this statement that he’s a public official. He’s a commissioner. He’s not the president of the United States. Although I respect their work, he has no authority over me in any way. And for every person who’s involved in the criminal justice system, whether it’s a suspect or a victim, that’s the most important case to them.”