FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski
Phone: (989) 269-9255
HURON COUNTY, MI — Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski announced that on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, a Huron County jury of six women and six men found Ronald Francis Grady, 62, of Bad Axe, guilty as charged of Retaliating Against a Witness, a felony offense. The case was tried in Huron County Circuit Court before the Honorable Gerald M. Prill. The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before returning a unanimous guilty verdict.
Witness Retaliation
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on December 27, 2024, at Bottom’s Up Bar in Bad Axe. During the evening, Grady encountered a woman, who was protected by a valid Personal Protection Order (PPO) prohibiting him from any contact with her. Testimony during the trial revealed that Grady initially left the bar after seeing her but later returned and became confrontational with the woman’s fiancé, who was there with her.
Witnesses testified that Grady became angry, approached the fiancé, and made threatening remarks—telling him that he was a “dead man”—while attempting to provoke a fight outside the bar. Bar staff intervened and ordered Grady to leave the premises. The Bad Axe Police Department, led by Officer Eic Hessling, investigated the matter and confirmed that Grady’s actions may have violated the PPO and were intended to intimidate and retaliate against individuals involved in the criminal justice process.
When interviewed by police, Grady admitted to making a threatening statement toward the fiancé, saying there would be “a reckoning” for him because of his prior testimony in the PPO hearing. Following the investigation, a warrant was issued, and Grady was charged and arrested.
The Jury Trial
The one-day jury trial was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alexander Pahany, who presented multiple witnesses and body-worn camera evidence to establish Grady’s intent and actions. The jury found Grady guilty as charged of Retaliating Against a Witness under MCL 750.122(8). Grady will be sentenced as a Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense, which allows for enhanced penalties.
Grady’s bond was continued pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Gerald Prill in the Huron County Circuit Court.
“This conviction reinforces the principle that threats and intimidation toward witnesses or participants in the justice system will not be tolerated,” said Prosecutor Rutkowski. “Every person who cooperates with law enforcement or the courts deserves to do so without fear. Protecting those who come forward is essential to ensuring justice for victims and accountability for offenders.”
Community Safety
Prosecutor Rutkowski commended Assistant Prosecutor Pahany for his professional handling of the trial and praised the Bad Axe Police Department for their swift and thorough investigation.
“The justice system depends on the courage of those who speak the truth and uphold the law,” Rutkowski added. “Our office will continue to stand with those individuals and work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the justice process and the safety of everyone in Huron County.”
The Huron County Prosecutor’s Office remains dedicated to protecting the community and ensuring that those who threaten or retaliate against witnesses are held fully accountable under Michigan law.
