MUSKEGON, MI – Mitchell Pierce, 45, will spend the next 15 years behind bars after a federal judge handed down a harsh sentence for a chilling campaign of terror against his ex-wife. Pierce was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to stalking and being a felon in possession of firearms. The case, described by U.S. Attorney Mark Totten as one of the worst stalking incidents seen in years, reveals a disturbing pattern of threats, harassment, and a terrifying escalation towards violence.
The nightmare began even after a court-ordered no-contact rule was put in place following a prior assault conviction in August 2021. Pierce relentlessly bombarded his ex-wife with calls, texts, emails, and video messages, threatening to kill her, her children, and even her friends and family. The threats weren’t empty boasts; Pierce sent images of weapons, culminating in a chilling April 23, 2022 email stating, “OK I got my f—ing body armor together I got my guns ready.” Just a week later, he sent texts reading, “Your dead b—-” and “so r your kids.”
The situation reached a terrifying climax on May 2, 2022. Pierce began following his ex-wife, ultimately cornering her in a parking lot. She was forced to defend herself, striking him with her minivan before fleeing. Police responded and a search of Pierce’s rented Jeep yielded a frightening arsenal: a loaded pistol, two rifles, seven magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet-proof vest. The Jeep wasn’t just a vehicle for stalking; it was a mobile command post for planned violence.
During questioning, Pierce admitted his intent wasn’t just to scare his ex-wife into reconciliation. He confessed to planning “suicide by cop” – deliberately provoking police into a fatal confrontation if she didn’t give him another chance. This callous disregard for human life, combined with his illegal possession of firearms as a convicted felon, sealed his fate. U.S. Attorney Totten emphasized the severity of gender-based violence, calling it a societal ill that his office is committed to combating.
“As this prosecution demonstrates… my office is fully committed to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, especially abusers who illegally possess firearms,” Totten stated. Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the ATF added, “Everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe in their relationships with others…The women and men at ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent felons who terrorize our community members accountable.” Following his prison term, Pierce will face three years of supervised release.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats seriously. Resources are available for victims of stalking and domestic abuse, including the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventing Stalking. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey – 2016/2017 Report on Stalking offers further insight into the prevalence and impact of stalking.
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