LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt on Tuesday renewed his call for the immediate termination of embattled Michigan State Police Deputy Director Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe ahead of her planned retirement this week, following a new report alleging she committed perjury in an ongoing civil rights lawsuit filed by a trooper.
“Lt. Col. Brimacombe should not be allowed to ride off into the sunset of retirement on the taxpayer’s dime with no accountability for her failed leadership,” said Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. “It’s beyond appalling that the governor has allowed her and Director Grady to remain in their positions for so long, eroding public trust in one of Michigan’s most respected institutions. It’s unacceptable. It’s wrong. The people of Michigan and our distinguished troopers deserve better.”
Nesbitt has demanded action from the governor since more than 98% of MSP troopers voted no confidence in the leadership of Director Col. James Grady and Brimacombe, his second-in-command, last summer. He also led a group of Senate Republicans urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to request the resignation of Grady and Brimacombe or relieve them of their duties.
The MSP has been marred by turmoil fueled by questionable promotions and a wave of departures that have included lawsuits brought by a retired MSP inspector and a former chief diversity officer alleging gross patterns of workplace harassment, as well as two sergeants alleging rigged promotions continue at the Flint post.
Other scandals have included reports of exam rigging in 2023, the director’s controversial response to a fatal chase in 2024 and Brimacombe’s “insubordinate” disciplinary record that includes misuse of her state vehicle.
Brimacombe announced her retirement from the force earlier this year, and the Detroit Free Press later reported that her last day will be May 1 following a Freedom of Information Act request.
