An assistant attorney general who prosecuted a former Central Michigan University Student on sexual assault charges has resigned from his position after he had an inappropriate relationship with one of the victims in the case, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Assistant Michigan Attorney General Brian Kolodziej handed in his resignation on Friday, the office’s spokesperson, Kelly Rossman-McKinney, revealed earlier today, confirming media reports that Kolodziej had relations with a victim of the Ian D. Elliot case.
Kolodziej, 41, presided over the prosecution of former student government president Elliott, 24, in which former classmates Rachel Wilson and Landrea Blackmore claimed Elliott had sexually assaulted them.
Though which of the victims Kolodziej was involved with hasn’t been specified, the relations allegedly lasted from April through August of this year – before, during and after Elliott’s trial took place.
‘To say I’m horrified and disgusted is really an understatement,’ Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press conference. ‘In over 25 years of practice, I have never before even heard of a situation like this.’
Assistant Michigan Attorney General Brian Kolodziej handed in his resignation on Friday, the office’s spokesperson, Kelly Rossman-McKinney, revealed earlier today, confirming media reports that Kolodziej’s resignation came as a result of having relations with a victim in the Ian D. Elliot case. Previous to his law career, Kolodziej had attempted to pursue a career as an actor, appearing as Derek in the 2004 comedy, The Girl Next Door (pictured at the premier right)
Kolodziej presided over the prosecution of former student government president Elliott (above), 24, in which former classmates Rachel Wilson and Landrea Blackmore accused Elliott of sexually assaulting them
Though which of the victims Kolodziej was involved with hasn’t been specified, the relations allegedly lasted from April through August of this year – before, during and after Elliott’s trial took place (Wilson, left, Blackmore, right)
‘I want to make certain that each and every one of the defendants on his cases was provided due process and nothing that Mr. Kolodziej did tainted that,’ Nessel continued.
The Attorney General’s office will now review all of Kolodziej’s past cases to determine whether any other instances of inappropriate relations with victims or accusers occurred.
‘It’s a sad day for prosecutor’s everywhere,’ Joe Barberi, Elliott’s defense attorney told the Morning Sun. ‘Throughout the nation, throughout the state.’
Barberi added that he’d had a brief conversation with Elliot and his family on Monday night, and will be having another talk with him soon about what may happen next.
Elliott pleaded no contest to one count of third-degree criminal sexual misconduct in June, after striking a deal with prosecutors, receiving a sentence of one year and 15 days in prison.
He faced two trials, one in which he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct. That trial, taking place in July, involved Rachel Wilson as his accuser, claiming to have been assaulted by Elliot on August 31, 2016.
The second trial involved Landy Blackmore, also formerly a student at CMU, who accused him of once count of criminal sexual misconduct in the third degree.
Elliott pleaded no contest to one count of third-degree criminal sexual misconduct in June, after striking a deal with prosecutors, receiving a sentence of one year and 15 days in prison
He faced two trials, one in which he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct. That trial, taking place in July, involved Rachel Wilson as his accuser, claiming to have been assaulted by Elliot on August 31, 2016
Both of the victims issued impassioned statements at Elliott’s sentencing. Kolodziej stood by them both throughout, lauding them as ‘brave, heroic survivors’.
Kolodziej said the treatment they endured makes it clear why so few sexual assault victims come forward, offering particular emphasis on the defense’s line of questioning when Wilson and Blackmore were witnesses in prior court hearings.
‘Rachel Wilson provided the blueprint for rape survivors going forward: Fight until your voice is heard, demand fairness,’ Kolodziej said, according to Michigan Live.
Elliott’s plea deal included the dismissal of Blackmore’s case with no chance of revisiting it, while also reducing Wilson’s case to just one third-degree count.
His plea of no-contest allowed him to accept punishment without admitting guilt. He was also ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs.
Kolodziej said the treatment they endured makes it clear why so few sexual assault victims come forward, offering particular emphasis on the defense’s line of questioning when Wilson and Blackmore were witnesses in prior court hearings
Now, the Attorney General’s office will review all of Kolodziej’s past cases to determine whether any other instances of inappropriate relations with victims or accusers occurred (Pictured: Kolodziej, left, on the set of ‘Monster’, 2002)
The Attorney General’s Office filed its first three charges against Elliott in December after the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed their case.
A February preliminary examination ended with Elliott being bound over for trial.
The Attorney General’s Office said witness testimony in that hearing led to the issuing of another third-degree criminal sexual conduct count in March – the charge involving Blackmore.
Kolodziej joined the office of the attorney general in late 2018, having prosecuted sex crimes in Macomb County since his graduation from law school in 2013.
Previous to his law career, Kolodziej had attempted to pursue a career as an actor, appearing as Derek in the 2004 comedy, The Girl Next Door.
The other cases Kolodziej prosecuted for the state and Macomb County will now be reviewed.