House GOP ramps up attacks over AG investigation of Nessel associate

Michigan House Republicans criticize Attorney General Dana Nessel's office over its handling of an elder abuse investigation involving a conservator with political ties.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:07pm

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House Republicans presented subpoenaed records that include concerns reportedly expressed by a special assistant attorney general that moving quickly on the case was not advisable because the case was sensitive and the conservator, Traci Kornak, had connections with government officials. Kornak, a former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party who was a member of Nessel's transition team, is under investigation in Kent County for her handling of the finances of an elderly woman who died in 2025.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of political connections in investigations of alleged elder abuse and financial misconduct by a conservator with ties to the state's attorney general.

The details

The Michigan AG's office closed an investigation into Kornak in 2022, despite a forensic audit identifying more than $400,000 in questionable transactions and a probate court judge ordering an expanded investigation due to significant financial discrepancies. House Republicans allege the AG's office was slow to act on the case due to Kornak's political connections.

  • In early 2025, an Adult Protective Services worker noted concerns about financial abuse were credible and they were considering whether to appoint a guardian or modify Kornak's conservatorship.
  • In September 2022, the AG's office established a 'conflict wall' to shield Nessel from the investigation due to a 'personal relationship' with Kornak.
  • In December 2022, the AG's financial crimes division recommended closing the investigation into Kornak.

The players

Dana Nessel

The Michigan Attorney General whose office handled the investigation into Kornak.

Traci Kornak

A Belmont attorney and former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party who was a member of Nessel's transition team, and is under investigation for her handling of an elderly woman's finances as her conservator.

Amanda Van Essen Wirth

A special assistant attorney general who expressed concerns about moving quickly on the case due to Kornak's connections with government officials.

Jay DeBoyer

The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the AG's handling of the Kornak case.

Christopher Becker

The Kent County prosecutor who has a criminal investigation involving Kornak in progress.

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What they’re saying

“This is obviously a huge case of elder abuse at the hands of a so-called conservator.”

— Jay DeBoyer, House Oversight Chair

“The Attorney General's Office is one of two things. It is either wholly incompetent, or it is corrupt. It is one or the other.”

— Jay DeBoyer, House Oversight Chair

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee plans to continue investigating the AG's handling of the Kornak case, and the Kent County prosecutor's criminal investigation into Kornak is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of political connections in investigations of alleged elder abuse and financial misconduct, underscoring the need for robust oversight and accountability in the attorney general's office.