Special Independent Counsel Bill Forsyth announced March 27 that he has charged former Dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine William Strampel with a felony charge of misconduct in office, a misdemeanor of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree and two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty.
Each charge is related to his duties while he held the position of Dean of the College of Osteo pathic Medicine, a position outlined in state statute. Strampel is charged with the following:
As Dean of the College, Strampel is alleged to have used his office to harass, discriminate, demean, sexually proposition, and sexually assault female students in violation of his statutory duty as a public officer. See MCL 390.661; Const 1963, art VIII, Section 1.
As Dean of the College, Strampel is alleged to have abused the authority of his public office, through threats and manipulation, to solicit, receive, and possess pornographic images of women who appear to be MSU students in violation of his statutory duty as a public officer. See MCL 390.661; Const 1963, art VIII, Section 1.
Attorney General Bill Schuette has assigned his Chief Deputy, Laura Moody, and Criminal Division Lead Trial Attorney Bill Rollstin to prosecute Strampel.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Department of Attorney General has set up a tip hotline as well as an online form that allows those with information to come forward. Both the hotline and website accept anonymous submissions. Forsyth is encouraging anyone with tips related to William Strampel and his alleged criminal behavior or other incidents to report their information as soon as possible. The Hotline number is: 844-324-3374.
The investigation is being led by Special Independent Counsel and retired Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth, with assistance from the Michigan State Police. Assistant Attorney General Christina Grossi is the project manager.
The Michigan State Police is providing investigative support and resources. Detective/1st/Lt. Ryan Pennell is the lead investigator.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Laura Moody, Chief Legal Counsel Eric Restuccia, Criminal Division Chief Rick Cunningham and Chief Investigator David Dwyre are part of the leadership team for the investigation, with Assistant Attorneys General from multiple divisions providing expertise.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This investigation is ongoing.
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