Neal Wilds Secures Summary Judgment for City of Escanaba and Public Safety Officials in Civil Rights Lawsuit

CMDA Law attorney Neal Wilds secured summary judgment for the City of Escanaba and two public safety officials in a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation, malicious prosecution, and conspiracy.

On September 23, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan entered judgment for the defendants in Hyken v. Van Ginhoven, et al., resolving the plaintiff’s claims without trial.

The case arose from a local political dispute involving a candidate’s residency qualifications. The plaintiff alleged that a stalking investigation and subsequent prosecution were undertaken in retaliation for his political opposition and efforts to investigate the candidate’s residency. Although the criminal charge was later dismissed, the Court found that the investigation and the evidence established probable cause to support the charge.

In granting summary judgment, the Court determined that the public safety officials, Rob LaMarche and Sam Pouliot, were entitled to qualified immunity and that their investigation had not violated the plaintiff’s constitutional rights. The Court also found that the record did not support the plaintiff’s claims of unlawful retaliation, malicious prosecution, or conspiracy. The related municipal liability claim against the City likewise failed.

The ruling highlights the importance of a thorough and documented investigation, along with an effective presentation of the evidence, when defending public entities and law enforcement professionals against civil rights claims.

Neal practices in CMDA Law’s Traverse City office, focusing on law enforcement defense and litigation, municipal law, and insurance defense.

For more information, contact Neal at nwilds@cmdalaw.com or (231) 922-1888.