Great Lakes Wire

Leslie Buck, a 26-year-old resident of Lansing, has admitted guilt to eight felony charges related to fraudulent grant applications. The Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, made the announcement following Buck's guilty plea. Charged in December by the Department of Attorney General, Buck pleaded guilty to seven counts of Perjury – Other Than Court Proceeding and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Each perjury count carries a potential sentence of 15 years, while the computer-related charge is punishable by up to 10 years.

In exchange for his guilty pleas on all charges, the Fourth Habitual Felony Offender Notice was dismissed. Buck's fraudulent activities involved submitting false Growing MI Business Grant applications via computer to the Michigan Department of Treasury. This misconduct was brought to light by the Lansing Police Department.

Nessel commented on the situation: “Grant programs are designed to support Michigan residents striving to grow their businesses and should not be exploited for someone’s own personal gain.” She expressed gratitude towards both the Department of Treasury and Lansing Police Department for their efforts in uncovering this fraud. "My office will continue to prosecute those who abuse public resources," she added.

Buck is set for sentencing on July 23, 2025, with Judge Wanda Stokes presiding over the case at the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County.