Despite public outcry and international media attention, the silence from Ionia County officials continues.
On July 16, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office seeking critical records related to Lois Laroe, a woman who bravely reported months of excessive explosions, bombs, and other activity happening in her rural neighborhood.
Even while suffering from devastating hearing loss and PTSD from the close proximity blasts, she’s put her safety on the line to protect others.
The request asked for three specific things:
- Any reports from mandatory reporters about suspected elder abuse of Lois Laroe since 2022.
- Any interviews conducted with mental health providers in connection with Lois Laroe.
- Any investigative findings tied to those inquiries.
Why? Because elder abuse is a crime that health care providers are mandated by Michigan law to investigate.
A week later, on July 23, the Sheriff’s Office formally responded:
“No public records exist within the department that meet the criteria of this request.”
Translation? No one reported it or followed up. Not once.
No interviews. No reports. No documented concern for Lois’s safety, even after she testified publicly, filed multiple complaints, and was featured in international news coverage.
Ionia County law enforcement and county health care providers not only failed to act they’re now confirming in writing that they never even tried.
What Should Have Happened
At a minimum, a public safety official should have followed up on her concerns. At a minimum, a mandated reporter or investigator should have looked into whether this elderly woman faced retaliation or danger. But instead, it appears they chose the same route as township officials: deny, deflect, disappear.
Lois Laroe asked for help. The response? Bureaucratic indifference.
We have the receipts now. You can read the full denial letter here:
The Ionia County system has officially failed Lois every step of the way.
How You Can Help
- Share this with people in the community. Help them understand how their rights and safety may be at stake.
- Encourage people to attend a Board of Commissioners meeting and ask why they continue dropping the ball.
