Sgt. Leathers faces charges

Prosecutor says Chief Selby never under investigation

IMLAY CITY — Following months of investigation, Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller has announced criminal charges have been authorized against a former officer and a current Imlay City police officer.

The charges stem from their alleged actions involving a 17-year-old male who had been taken into custody for public intoxication at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds on July 26, 2025.

According to a press release from the Prosecutor’s Office, Sergeant Sean Leathers of the Imlay City Police Department was charged with one misdemeanor count of Assault and Battery that occurred after the 17 year old was taken into custody.

If convicted, the penalty is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.

The press release went on to say, “Former Imlay City Police Officer, Terry Priest, was charged with one felony count of Unlawful Use of a Taser Against Another after the same 17 year old was taken into custody. If convicted, the penalty is punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine up to $2,000.”

The 17-year old male was issued a civil infraction for Minor in Possession of Alcohol by a different Imlay
City officer on the night in question.

A press release on City of Imlay City stationary stated, “The city has been made aware of criminal charges against former part-time Officer Terry Priest and a misdemeanor charge against Sergeant Sean Leathers, issued by the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office. This follows an investigation by the Michigan State Police.”

According to the press release, “The city has not seen that investigation and will carefully monitor the criminal proceedings as they move forward.”

The city’s press release said “each of the individuals involved are entitled to the presumption of innocence.”

It was not clear if the press release came from the police department or from city officials. No one from the city signed off on the content of the statement.

Interim Chief Charles Rushton told the Tri-City Times, “We became aware of the charges over the weekend. I placed Sgt. Leathers on modified assignment as of Monday. He will be working in the office.”

Chief of the Imlay City Police Department, Brett Selby, requested the Michigan State Police to investigate the events involving the arrest of the 17 year old on July 26 after learning of the excessive force used, which was disclosed days later.

The investigation was commenced by Detective/Sergeant Benjamin Rowell of the Michigan State Police Third District Special Investigation Unit on August 20, 2025.

Prosecutor Miller told the Tri-City Times Tuesday morning, “Chief Selby was at no time under investigation for this incident.”

The investigation was completed and referred to Lapeer County Prosecuting Attorney, John D. Miller on December 19, 2025 for criminal charges.

The investigation included the review of multiple officer worn body cameras, Imlay City Police Department policies and forensic examination of the taser that was deployed.

The 17-year old taken into custody on the night in question was not charged with Resisting, Obstructing or Assaulting a Police Officer.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until found guilty by a judge or jury.