Michigan Man Fights Back After County Seizes His Car and $2,280, Leading Prosecutor to Face Justice in Court

The Michigan Court of Appeals has determined that a county prosecutor must confront a federal lawsuit from a man whose legal representation claims he was wrongfully charged with criminal offenses twice after contesting a civil forfeiture. Robert Reeves, a 32-year-old construction worker and mechanic, has partnered with the Institute of Justice to address allegations against Wayne County prosecutor Dennis Doherty and counsel Davidde Stella. As per the lawsuit details, in July 2019, Reeves was stopped by police after visiting a job site and then a gas station, where he was questioned about stolen rental equipment from Home Depot. Officers seized his belongings, including $2,280 in cash, yet he faced no charges. Month-long attempts to reclaim his property were futile until he joined a federal class action against Wayne County in early 2020. Subsequently, he received a forfeiture complaint and check, but faced renewed charges a month later. His claims assert prosecutorial misconduct in retaliation for his activism. After a series of judicial dismissals, the Court of Appeals upheld the lawsuit against Doherty, indicating he lacks prosecutorial immunity.