Capitol News

Former Lincoln Township Police Department Detective Lieutenant Johnathan Chase, age 54, from Stevensville, was arraigned on October 22 in St. Joseph's 5th District Court on several felony charges related to alleged falsification of salvage vehicle inspections. The announcement came from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Chase faces eight counts of false certification, each carrying a possible sentence of one to five years; two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, which is a seven-year felony; and one count of misconduct in office, a five-year felony.

"Salvage vehicle inspections are vital to protecting residents from stolen or unsafe vehicles on our roads," Nessel stated. "When law enforcement officers abuse their authority and compromise that process, they not only betray public trust but also put innocent owners at risk. I appreciate the Michigan State Police for bringing this matter to our attention, and we will continue to hold those who misuse their positions accountable."

Salvage vehicle inspections are required to confirm that vehicles with significant damage or reconstructed parts are safe and that none of the components come from stolen vehicles. Officers conducting these checks must verify the source of all parts used in such vehicles. According to the Attorney General's office, Chase was responsible for these certifications within the Lincoln Township Police Department and is accused of submitting multiple falsified inspection forms to the Michigan Department of State.

The investigation was carried out by the Michigan State Police Southwest Commercial Auto Recovery Team (SCAR), which then referred the case to the Department of Attorney General’s Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team.

Chase is scheduled for another court appearance before the 5th District Court on October 31.

The FORCE Team was created by the Attorney General in January 2023 to address organized retail crime involving theft and resale of goods. This unit includes two assistant attorneys general working alongside special agents from both the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives. The FORCE team also works with federal partners like the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force and the Postal Inspection Service. It is notable as the first such unit in any state with embedded staff from an attorney general’s office.

The FORCE Team collaborates with retailers and local law enforcement agencies on investigations into organized retail crime, including partnerships with companies such as Sam’s Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, and Lowe’s.

For all criminal proceedings mentioned here, it should be noted that criminal charges are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Department does not release booking photos.