The following statement is from Delta County prosecutor Lauren Wickman about the alleged abuse of animals of dozens of animals, which is being investigated by Michigan State Police.
State police say that the suspect in the case did not cooperate with law enforcement, and allegedly bit a trooper who was investigating the complaint.
She is identified as 22-year-old Brianna Makosky. Makosky has not been charged with any animal abuse charges yet, as the prosecutor explains below. Makosky has separately been charged with assaulting the trooper. Wickman’s statement is posted below.
Delta County Prosecutor’s Office is aware of the investigation by Michigan State Police in the Cornell, Michigan area on February 4, 2026, as the Prosecutor reviewed multiple search warrants for the property. The search warrants were requested by Michigan State Troopers based on concerns they received of deceased animals.
Currently, the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office is awaiting reports from the investigating agency in order to review the incident for possible charges. The Prosecutor’s Office cannot authorize charges without the proper facts and evidence from the investigating agency. A review of the case will be done as quickly as possible upon receiving the reports. However, please keep in mind charges are not absolute, as there are a multitude of factors that play a role in deciding if and what to charge.
The Delta County Prosecutor’s Office is also aware of concerns over a previously animal cruelty case involving a pony at the same property. The Prosecutor’s Office authorized the charges on this matter, with bond conditions to include a request for the individual not to possess any animals. This condition was later modified by request of the individual’s counsel due to the number of other individuals residing on the property. The pony has not been returned to the individual or the property at this time.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) was also involved with the matter involving the treatment of animals at the property, as recently as October 2025. During their investigation, MDARD recommended some corrective action at the property. Those corrective actions were taken at the property, and documented by MDARD, resulting in no further involvement by MDARD. This involvement hampered the ability of the Prosecutor’s Office to pursue criminal charges due to the corrective measures and outcome documented in the MDARD report.
Until the most recent incident on February 4, 2026, the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office had not received any reports from area agencies involving additional concerns of the welfare of the animals since October 2025. The Prosecutor’s Office is very aware of the concerns involving the condition of the property as well, and is working with the Health Department to find resolution, but there are limited options under state law and county ordinances to address the blight concerns.
The Delta County Prosecutor’s Office takes these matters seriously, and has and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the citizens of Delta County.
Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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