Mitchell Pierce was sentenced by the U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker after Pierce pleaded guilty to stalking and being a felon in possession of firearms. Jonker also ordered Pierce to 3 years of supervision following his release.
According to court documents, Pierce, who has a history of domestic violence, disregarded a no-contact order while on probation for assaulting his then wife. The assault occurred in August 2021.
After their divorce, Pierce repeatedly called, texted, messaged, FaceTime’d, and emailed his now ex-wife, threatening to harm and kill her, her children and her friends and family.
The messages contained disturbing details with one email stating “OK I got my f---ing body armor together I got my guns ready.”
In May 2022, fearing for her safety, Pierce’s ex-wife struck him with her minivan in a parking lot after she noticed him following her in a Jeep. A police search of Pierce’s vehicle found a loaded pistol, two rifles, seven magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition and a bulletproof vest.
At a June 6 press conference U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said it's one of the worst stalking cases his office has seen in years. He said his office is pleased the court agreed to sentence Pierce above the recommended sentencing guidelines to protect the public and the victim.
“Today’s sentencing and that our acts in prosecuting this case, will send a strong message to victims that we’re willing to listen to them, that we will protect them and that we will hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
Criminal Chief and lead prosecutor in the case Alexis Sanford said women in society are more likely to be subject to physical, psychological, and sexual violence but they should feel empowered to speak up.
“Law enforcement will listen and believe you and help you, prosecutors will listen, and believe you and support you, and when it feels hopeless there is a way through this, there is hope, there is life on the other side,” she said.
Prosecutors encouraged anyone experiencing any form of gender-based violence to reach out for help.
Those who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 9-1-1.
- Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or
- text START to 88788)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
