Jewett Pleads Guilty to Prostitution Charge

Grand Traverse County Commissioner Brad Jewett pled guilty Tuesday to engaging the services of a prostitute, a potential 93-day misdemeanor charge in Michigan. As part of a plea agreement in the case, an additional charge against Jewett of using a computer to commit a crime was dismissed.

Jewett, 55, was among three individuals arrested in June in a multi-entity undercover operation involving the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Traverse City Police Department, and Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Jewett's case is not reported to have included a minor. Authorities placed ads online using a website known for advertising sexual services, and Jewett is accused of soliciting prostitution through that advertisement.

The case was referred by Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, which agreed in July to review it for possible charges against Jewett. Jewett was later charged with two misdemeanor offenses and was arraigned in September. He initially pled not guilty to both charges, but Tuesday pled guilty to engaging the services of a prostitute in exchange for the charge of using a computer to commit a crime being dropped.

"As this conviction demonstrates, no one is above the law," Nessel said in a statement. "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."

A sentencing date in the case has not yet been set. Jewett currently serves as vice chair of the county commission, but lost his reelection bid to Democratic challenger Fern Spence in last week's election. Spence will join the board at the start of the new year, when all elected and reelected commissioners will be sworn in.