A Michigan state representative, Neil Friske, may face felony-level sexual assault and weapons charges after an incident involving an exotic dancer. Friske, a 62-year-old Republican, was released from the Lansing police lockup following the alleged incident.
The situation unfolded when police responded to reports of possible shots fired around 2:45 a.m. on Thursday. Friske was arrested near a condo he owns in Lansing after allegedly chasing an adult dancer following a disagreement.
Law enforcement discovered a possible sexual assault of an adult female at the scene. The Ingham County prosecutor's office has requested the continuation of the investigation, with potential charges including sexual assault, assault, and a weapons-related offense.
While Friske has not been charged or arraigned yet, his attorney stated that they are fully focused on proving his innocence. The attorney's office plans to conduct a thorough investigation and provide their findings to prosecutors for consideration.
Following the arrest, Friske's campaign released a statement on Facebook questioning the timing of the incident, hinting at potential political motivations. Friske is currently facing a primary election challenge and is seeking his second term in the Michigan House.
His opponent in the upcoming primary, Parker Fairbairn, acknowledged the presumption of innocence but criticized Friske's voting record. Fairbairn highlighted Friske's past votes on various issues and emphasized the need for accountability.
Friske, known for his conservative stance and affiliation with the House's Freedom Caucus, has expressed confidence in proving his innocence against the charges. The case is under investigation, and further developments are expected as the legal process unfolds.
