In the world of investigative journalism, the goal is simple: shine a light where others want darkness. But when that light falls on law enforcement, the “Blue Wall of Silence” doesn’t just block information—it can sometimes push back.
My recent investigation into former Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper Kris Douponce has crossed a line, it seems. Rather than addressing the findings of my work through official channels or legal rebuttals, the response has shifted into a chilling pattern of personal surveillance and peer-to-peer intimidation.
The “Request” and the Reality
It started with a seemingly innocuous request from another law enforcement figure, Gerald. However, a deep dive into Gerald’s background reveals he isn’t just a random officer; he’s a Detective Sergeant with the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) unit of the MSP, currently stationed at the Michigan Air National Guard Base.
Gerald’s career path—from his initial post in Battle Creek to a temporary assignment in Coldwater—is a matter of public record, but his sudden interest in my personal life feels like anything but routine police work.
Surveillance as a Weapon.
The messages exchanged (viewable in the provided screenshots) highlight a disturbing trend: law enforcement officers using their investigative skills not to solve crimes, but to “do homework” on journalists. The intent appears clear:
* Intimidation: Let the journalist know that the police are watching them as closely as the journalist watches the police.
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* Spying by Proxy: Acting as a conduit for Douponce to gather intelligence outside of official discovery or legal proceedings.
* Personal Targeting: Digging into private lives to find leverage or cause emotional distress.
Hi Gerald, Nice to meet you.
I am sorry I can’t accept your request since I know all this is an attempt by you to spy on my for your friend Kris Douponce.
I know that Battle Creek has been your first and only post you have worked at since you got out of the academy. Except when you were temporarily assigned to the Coldwater post.
I am well aware of your background being a Det Sgt with ICAC with the MSP and are currently placed at The Michigan Air National Guard Base
I’m aware you are divorced with kids.
I am also aware of your past dating relationships with women at Sexual Assault Services..women who were married. And I would like to thank you for the nice try of doing your homework on me to spy for Kris Doupance.
Where infact I know more about you, than you me.
Please send your best regards to Kris Douponce. Tell him I’ll be extremely happy to see him in court when he is ready.
Sincerely
Autumn Smith
Investigator of Corrupt Cops
PS. Would you like me to forward this to your office of professional standards?
Fighting Back with Transparency
As an investigator of “corrupt cops,” I have a message for those attempting to use their badges to silence reporting: It won’t work. The irony is thick. While these “cop buddies” are busy looking into my life, they are creating a paper trail of their own professional misconduct. Is using state-funded time and resources to assist a former colleague in a personal vendetta consistent with the MSP’s “Office of Professional Standards”?
The Road to Court
Kris Douponce may think that siccing his friends on a journalist will deter the truth from coming out. On the contrary, it only reinforces the necessity of the investigation. If a former officer feels the need to use active-duty detectives to “spy” on a reporter, it suggests there is something much deeper and darker they are trying to hide.
To Mr. Douponce: I look forward to seeing you in court. To Gerald: Perhaps your office of professional standards would like to see how you spend your time.
The truth isn’t afraid of the light, and neither am I.
Autumn Smith
Investigative Journalist