On Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges against Michigan Department of Corrections inmates Vincent Smothers, 44, and Shannon Anderson, 46, for allegedly conspiring to present false testimony to a court. Smothers and Anderson are each charged in the 41B District Court in Macomb County with one count of Obstruction of Justice, a 5-year felony. Smothers has also been charged in the 60th District Court in Muskegon County with one count of Possession of a Cell Phone in a Correctional Facility, a 5-year felony. Both men have been charged as fourth-offense habitual offenders.
Anderson allegedly recruited Smothers to provide false testimony regarding a 2007 shooting in which Anderson was convicted. Smothers then reportedly agreed to sign a false affidavit in May 2019, attesting to details of the shooting. In February 2020, Anderson’s attorney filed a motion seeking a new trial based on Smothers’ false affidavit. The motion was ultimately denied by the 16th Circuit Court.
“Fabricating testimony or evidence in order to defraud the courts drives a stake into the heart of our criminal justice system,” Nessel said. “Exposing such conduct and ensuring that false evidence is not submitted to or accepted by our courts is vital to the safety and wellbeing of Michigan residents.”
In May 2025, it is alleged a contraband cell phone was discovered in Smothers’ possession, which led to further search of his prison cell, wherein written communications were discovered that support Thursday’s charges.
The charges were announced at a press conference today in Detroit. The attorney general was joined by Michigan Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Director Shawn Brewer.
This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation. Smothers and Anderson will be arraigned in the respective district courts where charges have been filed. Arraignment dates have not yet been set.
Anderson allegedly recruited Smothers to provide false testimony regarding a 2007 shooting in which Anderson was convicted. Smothers then reportedly agreed to sign a false affidavit in May 2019, attesting to details of the shooting. In February 2020, Anderson’s attorney filed a motion seeking a new trial based on Smothers’ false affidavit. The motion was ultimately denied by the 16th Circuit Court.
“Fabricating testimony or evidence in order to defraud the courts drives a stake into the heart of our criminal justice system,” Nessel said. “Exposing such conduct and ensuring that false evidence is not submitted to or accepted by our courts is vital to the safety and wellbeing of Michigan residents.”
In May 2025, it is alleged a contraband cell phone was discovered in Smothers’ possession, which led to further search of his prison cell, wherein written communications were discovered that support Thursday’s charges.
The charges were announced at a press conference today in Detroit. The attorney general was joined by Michigan Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Director Shawn Brewer.
This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation. Smothers and Anderson will be arraigned in the respective district courts where charges have been filed. Arraignment dates have not yet been set.
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