Aurelius Township Sued for Repeated Warrantless Searches of Private Property

For Immediate Release | August 02, 2025
https://olcplc.com/public/media?1754098550

Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of John and Betty Argersinger against Aurelius Township and its code enforcement officer, Michael Lam, alleging repeated warrantless and unlawful searches of their private property in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (Case No. 1:25-cv-879), asserts that Mr. Lam, acting in his official and individual capacities, entered and inspected the Argersinger’s rural Ingham County property without a warrant, consent, or lawful authority. These inspections allegedly included photographing and documenting the property, despite no evidence of any zoning or ordinance violation.

“Constitutional rights don’t stop at the end of a driveway,” said attorney Philip Ellison of Outside Legal Counsel PLC. “This case challenges a troubling practice by township officials who believe they can enter private land whenever they choose, without a warrant or permission. The Constitution says otherwise.”

The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt any further warrantless inspections and to require the destruction of information unlawfully gathered. The plaintiffs are also pursuing nominal and punitive damages under federal civil rights law, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

According to the complaint, the township’s actions not only violate federal law but also demonstrate a larger pattern of unannounced and unconstitutional searches by local officials.

The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial.

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Based in Hemlock, Michigan, Outside Legal Counsel PLC focuses on constitutional, property rights, and governmental accountability litigation across the state. More information can be found at www.olcplc.com.

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