Eastpointe man admits to computer crime for using state rep's identity

An Eastpointe man pleaded guilty to a computer crime in connection with using a state lawmaker's names to try to commit auto insurance fraud.

Christopher Still entered the guilty plea to using a computer to commit a crime Wednesday in front of Judge Diane Druzinski in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.

The sentencing term was not provided, but Still will be fined up to $2,000 and pay $471 in restitution to Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.

Still, who was 24 when charged last year, is seeking status under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act in which the conviction will be erased from his record if he complies with conditions.

"I am pleased with the outcome of this proceeding and want to thank law enforcement and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services for the work that went into the case," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Wednesday in a written statement. "Having your identity compromised and used for illegal activity is a painful experience, and our Financial Crimes Division remains committed to holding accountable people who exploit personal information and private data."

In spring 2021, Still obtained three insurance policies under the name of state Rep. Tyrone Carter, a Detroit Democrat. When Carter, a former lieutenant in the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, received the bill he reportedly filed a complaint to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which investigated the case with the Attorney General's Office.

Carter was representing the Sixth District, which ran along the Detroit River in Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge, and currently represents the First District, which is composed of River Rouge and southwest Detroit, following the redrawing of boundaries.

Charges were initially filed in January 2022 and Still was bound over to circuit court last July.

Carter and Attorney General officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday.