Lansing police investigating alleged sexual assault in Friske case as investigation continues

Lansing police are investigating a possible sexual assault in connection with the arrest of state Rep. Neil Friske on Thursday, the Ingham County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Friday.

According to a Michigan State Police online search function, Lansing police filed an arrest warrant with Ingham County District Attorney John Dewane’s office on Thursday, seeking charges of sexual assault, assault and a weapons offense.

Dewane said Friday he had reviewed the initial investigation and asked police to continue their investigation. He said his office would continue to work with police.

“During the initial investigation, police officers learned of a possible sexual assault of an adult female and subsequently arrested a 62-year-old man, Kornelius Friske,” Dewane said in a statement.

No charges have been filed. Friske was released from jail Friday, Lansing police spokesman Jordan Gulkis said.

Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Forest Road early Thursday morning after receiving a report of a man with a gun and possible shots fired, Lansing police said Thursday. Friske, 62, owns a condo nearby, records show.

Gulkis said Thursday that Friske was arrested at the scene on Thursday “for a serious crime.”

Friske is a Republican from Charlevoix. His campaign posted a statement on Facebook Thursday afternoon about the arrest, noting that a firearm was involved. The campaign thanked people for their concern and support and asked for prayers.

Friske is one of the most conservative members of the House and is a member of the Michigan House Freedom Caucus. According to Friske’s biography, he and his brother operate Friske Orchards in Ellsworth. Neil Friske is the owner of Friske & Sons Property Management, A Harbor Springs business he founded in 1998, according to state records.

The congressman’s biography states that Friske is the father of four children and five grandchildren, “is involved in the local church where he worships” and is a member of Right to Life, Farm Bureau, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the National Rifle Association.

Friske is not married and, according to Hoadley, previously rented a home in Lansing with Republican state Rep. Mike Hoadley (Au Gres) until he bought a condo in December.

“Because he was single, he never brought women home or got up to any mischief,” Hoadley told The Detroit News on Thursday. “I thought he always seemed to be on the straight and narrow. As far as I know, he doesn’t drink.”

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