Waterford Today

State Representative Matt Maddock of Michigan's 51st District has raised concerns over what he describes as a public safety crisis in the state, attributing it to lenient judicial policies. Maddock said on X that there are currently over 30,000 felony fugitives wanted in Michigan.

"Michigan has over 30,000 wanted felony fugitives," said Maddock, State Representative from Michigan. "Mostly because Michigan leftist criminal-coddling judges release criminals with zero bail. Half of them skip court."

In May 2025, Maddock highlighted this issue, pointing to zero-bail releases and what he termed "leftist criminal-coddling judges" as contributing factors. This statement, reported by the Pontiac Times, has reignited discussions surrounding bail reform and judicial accountability within Michigan's criminal justice system.

According to the City of Detroit’s 2024 Year-End Statistics, the Detroit Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Surveillance Team (FAST) has apprehended more than 1,060 individuals with active felony warrants. The team's efforts primarily target those involved in gun crimes as part of a broader initiative to reduce violent crime and address the backlog of wanted individuals across the state.

A report from U.S. Courts indicates that Michigan’s Eastern District consistently maintains one of the highest pretrial release rates in the nation. This trend reflects a judicial culture that prioritizes non-detention while balancing defendant rights with public safety concerns. These findings highlight Michigan's ongoing engagement with bail system reform.

Maddock has served as a representative for Michigan’s 51st House District since 2019, which includes parts of Oakland County such as Highland Township and White Lake. According to Ballotpedia, he is known for his conservative Republican stance advocating for lower taxes and public safety while opposing bail reform policies. Maddock frequently uses social media platforms to communicate his legislative priorities and critique opposing views.