Flame Out: Twin Flames cult leaders raided in Northern Michigan

FBI Twin Flames Raid in Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun

FBI Twin Flames Raid in Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun

The Glen Arbor Sun shares that yesterday morning (July 1) federal, state and local law enforcement officers raided the Leelanau County home of Jeff and Shaleia Divine, leaders of the Twin Flames Universe organization, which critics and multiple documentaries have described as a cult that manipulates its online followers:

Early in the afternoon on July 1, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a press release that announced an ongoing investigation into the Twin Flames Universe as well as a second raid against people associated with the coercive group. According to Nessel’s office, the search warrants were carried out by special agents from the Department of Attorney General, along with the U.S. Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, and law enforcement officers from Michigan State Police, the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.

A blue Michigan State Police vehicle was seen outside the Divine residence, as well as several unmarked vehicles. A Leelanau County Sheriff’s vehicle was seen leaving the neighborhood on M-22 following the raid.

“Today, my office executed multiple search warrants upon individuals atop the Twin Flames Universe (TFU) organization and its associated properties, under the authority of a judge finding probable cause that crimes have been committed by TFU and their leadership,” said Nessel in her statement. “Anyone with information about potential criminal conduct regarding Twin Flames Universe, or their members, are encouraged to contact my office, and may do so anonymously.”

In a YouTube video announcing the investigation, Nessel added that Christine and Jason Emerick were also targets of the investigation. Emerick has been listed as the TFU’s chief operations officer and has a mailing address outside of Traverse City.

You can read lots more in the Sun and also check out other stories including this in-depth story of the uproar around the Twin Flames cult published after the release of the Netflix documentary.

If you have information about Twin Flames Universe that you think would aid the Attorney General’s investigation, please email the investigative team (AG-TFUinfo@michigan.gov) or visit their online TFU tip form (mi.gov/agtfu).

Twin Flames Cult Leaders Jeff and Shaleia Ayan in downtown Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun
Twin Flames Cult Leaders Jeff and Shaleia Ayan in downtown Suttons Bay via Instagram
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Walking on Water, Michigan Style

Walking on Water, Michigan Style by Andrew McFarlane

Here’s a shot I took while standing on the amazingly clear ice on Lake Michigan’s Suttons Bay on last Saturday with my sweetheart! mLive liked it enough to share in their article about Grand Traverse Bay freezing over (Suttons Bay is a “sub-bay” of GT Bay – here’s a map):

“Back in the early to mid-1900s the bay froze 80-90% of the time,” said Heather Smith, Grand Traverse baykeeper for the center. “Around 1990, ice cover dropped to 20-30%.”

This winter is the eighth time Grand Traverse Bay has frozen over since 1990.

The frozen conditions likely extend far beyond Power Island, at least close to shore. Last weekend, ice boaters, ice fishermen and people walking their dogs flocked to the frozen surface of Suttons Bay for some winter fun.

Grand Traverse Bay is divided neatly by Old Mission Peninsula into its East Arm and its West Arm. Its East Arm runs north of Elk Rapids, while its West Arm includes the popular Power Island and extends to Suttons Bay.  From there, the bay curves around the Leelanau Peninsula where it merges with Lake Michigan.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!

Memorial Day in Michigan: 1907 Edition

via leelanau.com

Suttons Bay May 27th 1907

Scene in Suttons Bay, May 27th. 1907, photo courtesy Leelanau Historical Society

Here’s the scene 110 years ago on Memorial Day in the village of Suttons Bay. Yikes!!

Hoping you have a safe and fun holiday weekend with the absolute minimum of snow!!

View the photo bigger, follow the Leelanau Historical Society on Facebook for more great photos, and check out their online photo archive for fun stuff like this search of Suttons Bay.