Public Media from Michigan State University

Schuette: MSU Prosecutor Is “Independent”

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State Attorney General Bill Schuette says the special prosecutor looking into MSU’s handling of abuse allegations is independent of his office. But, as Capital Bureau Chief Rick Pluta explains, that’s not what the contract says.

The agreement with special prosecutor William Forsyth says he reports directly to and must clear major decisions with Schuette.

Schuette says that’s just standard contract language for special attorneys retained by his office. Schuette says the highly respected former Kent County prosecutor has no specific orders from his office.

“He’s the boss. He’s running the show.”

Schuette’s office also says the inquiry is focused on how MSU handled Larry Nassar, and not on other campus sexual assault complaints. But he says the prosecutor is allowed to pursue any leads he turns up.  

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.