Manifesto sparks FBI investigation

BENONA TOWNSHIP — An over 20-page manifesto recently sent to nearly 200 people connected with the Cobmoosa Shores Association, which is a private subdivision along the Lake Michigan shoreline, sparked an investigation by the FBI, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast.

“The letter contained some concerning language that some could feel are threats,” said Sheriff Mast. “The sender sent out almost 200 of these manifestos that are over 20 pages of his ramblings.”

The letters contained a “reference to shootings,” said Mast. They were sent via US mail to people who live in the subdivision or have summer residences there. The letters were sent to the the seasonal residents’ permanent homes.

The suspect, who is a 69-year-old Grand Rapids man, was interviewed by the FBI, said Mast.

“There are some jurisdictional concerns, because he has a residence in Grand Rapids. The FBI became involved and has been actively reviewing this case. The Michigan State Attorney General’s Office also reviewed it and didn’t feel there was enough of a direct threat to proceed with an arrest.” The FBI also determined there was not enough of a direct threat, he said.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation, and at this point we don’t feel the threats are credible. There were some veiled threats of violence and some comments made that the association would be better off without these people.”

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