Political Election Brawl Case Closed-But Dispute May Not Be Over

Although the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has decided not to criminally charge anyone involved in a brawl captured on tape in front of a polling location on Aug. 7, it may not be the last you hear.

The video of an election day scuffle between , her husband Joe Manzella, Jean Leman (the wife of supervisor candidate Bob Leman), and Shelby Township political blogger Matt Guarnieri, went viral and was shown on TV news channels across the state to demonstrate the rising tensions on primary election day.

No arrestes were made at the scene. However, the Shelby Townhip Police Deparment conducted an invesigation based off witness accounts and the video captured exclusively by Patch.com. The police forwared two warrants to the Macomb County Prosecutor: One against Guarnieri for assault and battery, and the other against the other three for tresspassing and approaching Guarnieri on his private property.

Both were denied by the prosecutor's office. Shelby Township Police Chief Roland Wolkers said the prosecutor's office did not clarify why they didn't want to bring the case to court. However, he speculated that the partied involved displayed bad behavior rather than criminal intent.

Once the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office closes the case, no more action can be take criminally.

“They can go after each other civilly but the criminal part is complete and prosecutor has made his decision,” said Woelkers.

Guarnieri told Patch.com he does not plan to pursue a civil case against anyone involved. However, he would like to have the Michigan State Police look into Shelby Township’s investigation because he beleives he didn't have a fair shake, since Jean Leman is married to the former Shelby Township Police Chief, Bob Leman, and a politican was involved. 

"Because I am not a connected politician, their word is taken as gospel and mine is nothing," he said. "There are two sets of laws in Shelby, one for the politicians and one for everyone else. If you’re not connected you don’t court."

Lisa Manzella, who did not win re-election, told Patch.com she too will not pursue the case any further.

“I am just glad to be done with Shelby and people like Matt. That’s one thing I am absolutely not going to miss and hopefully he’s done with me,” said Manzella, who claims that Guarnieri has been cyber bulling her for years.