Access Gogebic County Released Inmates
Gogebic County released inmates records are managed by the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office in Bessemer, located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With a population around 14,000, this is one of the state's smaller and more remote counties. The jail does not have a large online system for inmate lookups. To find out about released inmates from the Gogebic County Jail, you will need to call the sheriff office or use statewide databases like OTIS and VINELink for broader searches.
Gogebic County Overview
Gogebic County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Gogebic County Sheriff's Office handles all jail operations in the county. The office is in Bessemer, the county seat. This is a small rural facility. The jail does not have a high daily population, which means records requests tend to be straightforward. You can call to ask about someone's custody status and whether they have been released.
Gogebic County sits along the Wisconsin border in the western Upper Peninsula. It is geographically isolated compared to most Michigan counties. The nearest major population centers are hours away. Because of this, the sheriff office serves as the main law enforcement hub for a wide area. Under MCL 791.230a, basic booking and release information for Gogebic County inmates is public, though some personal and medical records stay protected. Staff can provide release dates and charges over the phone for routine inquiries.
| Office | Gogebic County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 W. Iron Street, Bessemer, MI 49911 |
| Phone | (906) 667-0203 |
| County Seat | Bessemer |
Note: Gogebic County is in the western Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border, so nearby counties include Iron and Ontonagon.
Search Gogebic County Released Inmates
Finding released inmates records for Gogebic County starts with knowing where the person was held. County jail records are with the sheriff. State prison records go through MDOC. The steps differ for each.
For county jail records, call the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office at (906) 667-0203. Provide the person's name and any dates you have. Staff can check their system for booking and release information. If you need a formal written record, you will need to file a FOIA request. Send it by mail to 100 W. Iron Street, Bessemer, MI 49911. Include a clear description of what records you need along with your name and contact information.
For state prison records, OTIS is the go-to search tool. It is free and covers current inmates, parolees, and anyone discharged from MDOC within the past three years. You can search by name or MDOC number. If someone from Gogebic County served time in a state facility and was released, OTIS will have that data.
VINELink lets you check the custody status of anyone held in Gogebic County or elsewhere in Michigan. You can register for alerts and get a notification when an inmate is released or moved. This is a helpful tool for people who want real-time updates on custody status changes at the Gogebic County Jail.
The OTIS search page shown above is the main tool for looking up released inmates who served time in Michigan state prisons, including those from the Gogebic County area.
FOIA Requests for Gogebic County Inmates
Under MCL 15.231, Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, you have the right to request jail records from the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office. This includes booking logs, release records, and other documents. Put your request in writing. Be specific about the records you need.
The office has five business days to respond. Extensions of up to ten days are allowed for more involved requests. Copies run about $0.10 per page. If a records search takes significant staff time, labor charges may apply at the rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work. You can mail, fax, or hand deliver your request to the sheriff office in Bessemer.
Medical records and certain personal details about inmates are exempt from public disclosure. The basics are generally available, though. Offense type, booking date, charges, and release date can all be obtained through a standard FOIA request for Gogebic County released inmates records.
State Resources for Gogebic County Released Inmates
State databases help fill gaps in local records for Gogebic County. The Michigan Department of Corrections runs OTIS for state prison records. The ICHAT system from the Michigan State Police costs $10 and gives a broader criminal history check. ICHAT covers arrests and convictions statewide, which is useful when you need more than just prison records.
The MiCOURT case search lets you look up court cases by name or case number. This can tie a Gogebic County arrest to court outcomes and sentencing. It is free to start, though some detailed records may require a subscription. For a rural county like Gogebic, state-level tools often provide the most complete picture.
Historical records are available through the Michigan State Archives, which holds prison records from 1839 to 1987. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry tracks registered offenders under MCL 28.721. Search by name, zip code, or county to check released inmates in Gogebic County.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Gogebic County in the western Upper Peninsula. Check with them if you need to track down where an arrest occurred.