When you call law enforcement for help, you expect protection, not excuses.
But for Lois, a resident of Ionia County, Michigan, that expectation has turned into a nightmare.
Casey Wagner, a Michigan Department of Corrections training officer, continues to set off explosions near Lois Laroe’s home. The blasts have done thousands of dollars in property damage, terrorized her for months, and left her with PTSD. Lois has even lost her hearing because of the constant explosions and shooting.
Despite repeated calls for help, Ionia County officials refuse to act, citing their status as a so-called “Second Amendment Sanctuary.” In other words, they claim a political slogan allows them to look the other way while a neighbor’s safety and sanity are shattered.
Neither Sheriff Charlie Noll or Prosecutor Kyle Butler have actually read the township ordinances and are refusing to uphold them:
Michigan Representative Gina Johnsen remains unhelpful.
Ionia Township’s ordinances should protect her, but the Sheriff, Prosecutor, township officials outright refuse to uphold them as well as the law.
Interestingly, Michigan DOC’s Heidi Washington has NRA Connections; likely another reason that no one has the genital fortitude to stand up and address the situation.
Collectively, they have demonstrated that they care more about an irresponsible gun owner who could kill someone rather than enforce the law.
There is absolutely no way any of them would tolerate this behavior from their neighbors, but they’re perfectly ok with it happening to the people they’re supposed to serve.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about Lois.
This is about what happens when local officials pick and choose who deserves protection under the law and who gets to break it.
No one should have to live in fear because of a neighbor’s reckless behavior, especially when that neighbor is a corrections officer trusted to uphold the law on the job.
When local government refuses to enforce basic public safety laws, they put the entire community at risk.
How You Can Help
Lois is fighting back. She’s in touch with both ACLU of Michigan as well as Disability Rights Michigan.
And now, a petition is live on Change.org to demand that Ionia County and the Michigan Department of Corrections do their jobs.
- Demand an investigation and prosecution of Casey Wagner for reckless endangerment and harassment.
- Stop using “Second Amendment Sanctuary” as an excuse for inaction.
- Hold public employees to the same standard as everyone else.
- Provide support for victims like Lois who’ve suffered too long without help.
Sign the Petition, Stand With Lois
Your voice matters. By signing this petition, you’re telling Ionia County officials that we will not accept a system where your safety depends on your neighbor’s job title or political slogans.
Add your name, share Lois’s story, and help hold these officials accountable.
Let’s Make Sure No One Has to Fight This Alone
Injustice thrives when it’s ignored. Let’s make sure Lois knows she isn’t alone and that Ionia County officials know the world is watching.
