MI Barber Who Reopened During Shutdown Has Charges Dropped

OWOSSO, MI — Misdemeanor charges are being dropped against a Michigan barber who defied executive orders requiring him to close his business amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the state is still aiming to revoke barber's license.

David Kallman, the attorney for the Owosso, Michigan, barber Karl Manke, told The Associated Press Monday that the case against his client ended after the Michigan Supreme Court on Oct. 2 ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used an unconstitutional law as the foundation for emergency orders to control the virus.

Whitmer had issued an executive order requiring nonessential businesses to close until June 15, during the crux of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Manke, a 77-year-old author in addition to small town barber, reopened in early May.

People visited Manke from all over the country, and the barber's actions prompted questions regarding who would enforce Whitmer's executive orders.

Related: MI Barber Stays Open Amid Pandemic: Who Enforces Stay-Home Order?

Kallman told The Associated Press that the Shiawassee County prosecutor’s office is dropping the case against Manke. He had been charged with violation of a local health department order and executive order violations — two misdemeanors.

Kallman added that state regulators are still trying to revoke the barber's license. A hearing is set for Nov. 19.

Information and reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this report.