James Itani has been sentenced to 25 years to 40 years in prison following his convictions for terrorism, assault with intent to murder, and arson arising from a violent attack on the Michigan State Police Post in Sault Ste. Marie.
On September 6, 2023, Itani deliberately traveled to the Michigan State Police Post during the early morning hours equipped with gasoline and firearms.
He ignited multiple marked patrol vehicles, destroying four police vehicles and causing nearly $190,000 in damage. After setting the fires, Itani fired multiple rounds from a rifle in the vicinity of the burning vehicles and towards the Post building, creating a grave risk to any responding officers. Itani fled the scene, causing a manhunt for his capture. The next day, after discovering his whereabouts based on a tip from a community member and corroborating surveillance, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. Upon demanding him exit the residence via a loudspeaker, Itani again used deadly force, firing multiple rounds at members of the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team before being taken into custody. Officers reported that rounds came within feet of striking law enforcement personnel on the perimeter.
“This was not impulsive vandalism; it was a planned, targeted attack on law enforcement infrastructure, designed to draw officers into a position where they could be killed.” said Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin M. Giommi during the Sentencing hearing while asking the Court to sentence the Defendant above the sentencing guidelines. “The combination of arson, firearm use, and ambush-style targeting of law enforcement poses an extraordinary risk to public safety, which the guidelines do not adequately address.” In handing out the sentence of 25 years, the Honorable James P. Lambros reasoned, “This case is more than a standard act of terrorism. It involves deliberate, premeditated targeting of law enforcement, sustained use of deadly force, extreme risk to multiple individuals, and substantial destruction of critical public safety resources. The combination of these factors places this offense far outside the ordinary guideline, justifying a substantial upward departure.”
“The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of that conduct and the need to protect our community, warranting the Judge to go above the guideline range and was why my office argued for at least a 25-year minimum sentence.” Said Prosecutor Robert L. Stratton, following the hearing. Itani’s advisory sentencing guideline range was 11 years and 3 months to 18 years and 9 months. The Michigan sentencing guidelines, established by the Legislature, take into account both the defendant’s criminal history and the nature of the offense.
The Michigan Department of Corrections recommended a sentence at the upper end of that range, specifically 18 to 40 years’ imprisonment. After considering the circumstances of the case, my office successfully argued that a sentence above the guideline range was warranted. The Court agreed and imposed a sentence of 25 to 40 years’ imprisonment. Itani will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 25 years.
The case was investigated by the Michigan State Police with assistance from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies. The Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office extends its appreciation to the law enforcement officers who responded to this incident and ensured that no lives were lost.
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