By FAFO Justice Editorial Staff
March 30, 2026
Calhoun County officials are facing mounting pressure after a series of direct communications from a local independent journalist raised serious questions about the continued non-prosecution of former Michigan State Police Detective Kris Douponce.
Autumn Smith, founder of FAFO Justice, has formally contacted Calhoun County Prosecutor Dave Gilbert, Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke, and State Representative Steve Frisbie, demanding answers regarding what she describes as a pattern of inaction despite “numerous serious and credible allegations” against Douponce.
Direct Appeal to Prosecutor
In an email sent to Prosecutor Gilbert, Smith called for “a full explanation” as to why Douponce has not been charged, citing allegations that include systemic abuse, sexual exploitation, and manipulation of the court system. Smith also pointed to court records indicating Douponce is behind on child support while actively pursuing custody of his daughter—raising questions about how family court proceedings intersect with broader allegations of misconduct.
More serious claims referenced in the email include:
- Alleged involvement in the deaths of two individuals under unclear circumstances
- Video evidence purportedly showing Douponce placing an unknown substance into a coffee pot belonging to his wife
- A laboratory document analyzing the substance in question
“These are not minor accusations,” Smith wrote. “The repeated non-prosecution… undermines public trust and raises serious questions about the protection of Calhoun County residents.”
As of publication, the Prosecutor’s Office has not issued a public response.
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City Response: “Will Need to Check This Out”
Smith also contacted Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke, urging the city to issue a public safety alert regarding Douponce. In her message, Smith questioned why local law enforcement had not warned residents, particularly given what she described as an ongoing Michigan State Police investigation.
“I thought public safety was the one job of the police?” she wrote. Mayor Behnke responded briefly, stating: “I will need to check this out first. Thanks for bringing [it] to my attention.”
No further statement or community alert has been issued
Escalation to State Level
The matter has also been brought to the attention of State Representative Steve Frisbie. In that communication, Smith claimed to have spoken with multiple sources, witnesses, and to have reviewed documentation, photos, and video evidence related to the allegations. She asked what actions could be taken at the state level to prompt intervention, including potential involvement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
As of publication no response or acknowledgement from Steve Frisbie.
Pattern of Concern
The situation highlights a broader and recurring concern in cases involving former law enforcement officers: whether professional relationships or institutional dynamics may influence prosecutorial decisions. While no official explanation has been provided for the lack of charges against Douponce, the absence of public action—despite the volume and severity of allegations—has fueled community concern and speculation.
Key Questions Remain
Several critical questions remain unanswered:
Has the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office formally reviewed all available evidence?
Are there active investigations underway that have not been disclosed?
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What threshold must be met before public safety warnings are issued?
Why has no public statement been made addressing community concerns?
Until those questions are addressed, pressure from independent journalists and community members is likely to continue.
Smith has indicated she will continue publishing updates and encouraging public officials to respond. She also ended her email to the Calhoun County Prosecutors office by saying this:
“The severity of these allegations demands urgent and decisive action. I expect a thorough response outlining why Mr. Douponce has been allowed to remain free despite these credible threats to public safety. If your office spent a fraction of the time and effort you did to prosecute me for exposing crap like this we would have a hell of a lot less victims to worry about with this man.”
If you have been victimized by Kris Douponce, Please Contact the Michigan State Police at: 269.781.0880