Grayling, Mich., man is arraigned in campground pipe theft case

Gaylord, Mich. — A Grayling man faces two felony charges, including safe breaking and possession of burglary tools, following arraignment May 23 in Crawford County’s 87-C District Court.

Andrew William Michalak, 54, was arraigned for his involvement in a series of state forest campground thefts targeting payment collection sites – known as pay pipes – where campers deposit cash.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, with assistance from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Michalak May 22 following a long-term investigation spanning several years.

The investigation focused on thefts from pay pipes at multiple state forest campground locations, particularly during high-traffic periods.

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Conservation officers were able to identify a suspect who was removing items from pay pipes; they also identified the suspect’s vehicle.

COs coordinated a traffic stop during which they recovered stolen cash and burglary tools from Michalak’s vehicle. Michalak admitted to using a specialized tool and an electronic device to extract cash from two pay pipes at state forest campgrounds.

He also confessed to committing similar thefts across the region earlier this year.

Michalak was arrested during the traffic stop and lodged in the Crawford County Jail.

The case is being reviewed by the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office. A future court date will be determined.