BREAKING NEWS: TWO MUSKEGON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES — ONE FELONY, ONE MISDEMEANOR

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI — Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson has announced criminal charges against two sitting Muskegon Heights City Council members following an extensive investigation into city government.

🔴 COUNCIL MEMBER DERRICK COLLINS — FELONY CHARGE

Collins has been charged with violating MCL 15.324(2), involving the purchase of public land while serving as an elected official and allegedly failing to disclose his interest or recuse himself from voting in favor of the land transfer.

Potential penalty: One year of imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000, according to the prosecutor’s memorandum.

🔴 COUNCIL MEMBER LASHAE SIMMONS — MISDEMEANOR CHARGE

Simmons has been charged with violating MCL 750.478, willful neglect of duty by a public officer.

Potential penalty: Up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,000.

The investigation began July 23, 2026, when law enforcement executed several search warrants, including at Muskegon Heights City Hall.

⚠️ THE INVESTIGATION IS FAR FROM OVER!

Prosecutor Hilson confirmed that investigators continue reviewing evidence and that the announcement of these charges does not conclude the investigation.

The investigation involved the Michigan State Police, with assistance from the FBI.

Both council members are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

📄 WE ARE SHARING THE OFFICIAL ONE-PAGE STATEMENT FROM PROSECUTOR DJ HILSON BELOW.

We will publish the prosecutor’s extensive 16-page investigative memorandum separately, including findings involving other city officials and city-owned property transactions.

103.7 The Beat — Keeping Our Community Informed.

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