Gogebic County Criminal Records
Gogebic County criminal records are held by the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office in Bessemer and through the Gogebic County Circuit Court Clerk. Located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, Gogebic County has a full-service Sheriff's Office with specialized units including SWAT, a narcotics team, and a K9 program. This page explains how to find and access criminal records in Gogebic County through online tools, FOIA requests, and direct contact with local offices.
Gogebic County Overview
Gogebic County Sheriff and Circuit Court
Sheriff Jorge H. Cruz leads the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office at 100 West Iron Street in Bessemer. Undersheriff Jessie L. Yesney also serves. The main phone is (906) 667-0203 and fax is (906) 663-4090. The Sheriff's Office offers a wide range of specialized services, including a Detective and Investigation unit, a SWAT team, the G.I.A.N.T. narcotics team (Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team), crime scene and evidence technicians, an accident investigator, search and rescue, and a K9 program. It also runs Project Lifesaver and victim services, as well as ORV patrol, snowmobile patrol, and marine patrol for the county's lakes and trails.
The Gogebic County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases. Filings go through the County Clerk's office at 200 North Moore Street in Bessemer. County Clerk (also Clerk of Court and Register of Deeds) Erin Bunt leads that office. Chief Deputy Clerk Donna Frello and Deputy Clerk Julie Meinke also work there. The office phone is (906) 663-4518, fax is (906) 663-4660, and email is efile@gogebic.gov. Court records are available through the clerk and through the state MiCOURT system.
| Sheriff | Jorge H. Cruz |
|---|---|
| Sheriff Address | 100 W. Iron St., Bessemer, MI 49911 |
| Sheriff Phone | (906) 667-0203 |
| Sheriff Website | gogebiccountymi.gov |
| County Clerk | Erin Bunt |
| Clerk Address | 200 N. Moore St., Bessemer, MI 49911 |
| Clerk Phone | (906) 663-4518 |
| Clerk Email | efile@gogebic.gov |
| Clerk Website | gogebiccountymi.gov/clerks-office |
The Gogebic County Sheriff's Office website lists all specialized units and services, including the G.I.A.N.T. narcotics team and K9 program relevant to criminal case investigations in the county.
The Gogebic County Clerk's office is where circuit court criminal records are filed and maintained. Court documents, case filings, and judgment copies are available through this office in Bessemer.
How to Search Gogebic County Criminal Records
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the primary online tool for criminal record searches in Gogebic County. ICHAT collects criminal history data from courts and law enforcement agencies statewide, including the Gogebic County Circuit Court. Search at apps.michigan.gov/ichat by name to find felony and misdemeanor convictions. There is a small fee per search, paid online. Results are updated regularly and reflect records held across all Michigan courts and agencies.
MiCOURT Case Search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov lets you look up specific court cases in Gogebic County's circuit and district courts. Search by party name or case number. The system shows docket entries, charges, case status, and hearing history. It does not display document images. If you find the case you need, contact the County Clerk at (906) 663-4518 to request copies. Gogebic County does not maintain its own separate online database for criminal records.
The Sheriff's Office also offers victim-of-crime notification services and crash reports online. Under MCL 15.231, most county records are public and can be requested by anyone. Exemptions that may apply include records tied to active investigations under MCL 15.243.
The Gogebic County Government website provides links to all county departments including the Sheriff, Clerk, and court services available in Bessemer.
The Michigan Sheriffs' Association lists all 83 Michigan county sheriffs. The Gogebic County listing confirms current contact details for the Sheriff's Office.
FOIA Requests for Gogebic County Records
To request records from the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office or County Clerk, submit a written FOIA request to the appropriate office. Standard Michigan FOIA rules under MCL 15.231 apply. The office has five business days to respond. For court records, contact the County Clerk at 200 North Moore Street or call (906) 663-4518. For law enforcement records, contact the Sheriff's Office at 100 West Iron Street or call (906) 667-0203. Both offices accept written requests by mail, fax, or in person.
For Michigan State Police records from state-level investigations, use the MSP FOIA portal. State police records are separate from county records and must be requested through the state process. If an investigation involved both the county and MSP, you may need to submit requests to both. The G.I.A.N.T. narcotics team may work cases with other agencies, so check with the Sheriff's Office for guidance on where to direct your request in those situations.
Record Fees in Gogebic County
Gogebic County FOIA fees follow Michigan state law. Copying is charged per sheet. Labor is billed in 15-minute increments at the rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work. Large requests may require a deposit. Contact the Sheriff's Office or Clerk for current pricing before you submit. For vital records held by the County Clerk, such as birth certificates, the fee is $10 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy. Marriage licenses cost $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents.
Court copy fees for criminal case records are set by the state and may differ from the county's FOIA fee schedule. Call the County Clerk at (906) 663-4518 for current certified copy costs. ICHAT searches are paid online at the time of the search at a fee set by the Michigan State Police.
Note: The Gogebic County Clerk's office also serves as the Register of Deeds, so one office handles both court filings and property records in Bessemer.
Michigan State Resources for Gogebic County
The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system is available free at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2. It shows anyone currently serving time in a Michigan state prison or on parole, including people from Gogebic County. Search by name or MDOC number. Results include offense, facility name, and projected release date. This is a reliable free tool for finding out whether someone is currently under state corrections supervision.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor lists registered sex offenders statewide. Gogebic County residents required to register appear here. Search by name, address, or zip code. The registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police and is publicly accessible with no login required. Under MCL 28.241, certain offenders must register for life.
For court records and legal information, the Michigan Courts portal at courts.michigan.gov links to MiCOURT and provides forms for expungement petitions and other processes. Criminal record expungement in Michigan is governed by MCL 780.621. Gogebic County residents can petition the Gogebic County Circuit Court to have eligible records set aside.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry covers all 83 counties. Search by Bessemer or Ironwood zip code to find registered offenders in Gogebic County.
Communities in Gogebic County
Bessemer is the county seat of Gogebic County. Ironwood is the largest city in the county. Other communities include Wakefield, Marenisco, and Watersmeet Township. None of these communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All felony criminal cases for Gogebic County residents go through the Gogebic County Circuit Court, with filings through the Clerk at 200 North Moore Street in Bessemer.
Nearby Counties
Gogebic County is in Michigan's far western Upper Peninsula. These neighboring counties each have their own courts and criminal record offices.