REASONABLE DOUBT

“We are unable to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.” So said Sarah Pulda, Ingham County Prosecutor, when announcing that their office would not be charging Macomb County Rep. Steve Marino (R-Harrison Township) of domestic abuse against state Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township). The two had a romantic relationship in 2019 and after they broke up, Manoogian filed a complaint with Michigan State Police in 2021 that Marino threatened and harassed her for months, sending her threatening texts, berating her, using profanity and intimidating her. She was issued a personal protection order against him, and state House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) stripped Marino of all of his committee appointments, and he is only allowed to vote on the house floor as long as he is supervised by sergeants at arms. Pulda confirmed that the state police submitted a case to their office, but after an investigation, determined charges were not warranted because they would not be able to prove the case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Manoogian has declined to comment.